HC Deb 04 May 1950 vol 474 cc213-4W
96: Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Minister of Health why the decision to reduce the rate of payments to chemists for National Health prescriptions from 1st May was taken without reference to the machinery of negotiation provided through the Whitley Council, in view of the fact that the contract between his Department and the Pharmaceutical Association provides that the fixing of profit margins should be negotiated through the Whitley Council.

Mr. Bevan

The matter was referred to the Whitley Council on 18th March and negotiations on the Council are still proceeding. I have undertaken to accept whatever percentage reduction is agreed by the Council or awarded by an arbitrator.

97. Mr. Deedes

asked the Minister of Health why chemists have not been given the two months' notice, formerly agreed between his Department and the chemists' representatives, of the proposed changes in their rates of remuneration.

Mr. Bevan

I approved the changes after consultation with the Chemists' Contractors' Committee, in accordance with the appropriate Regulations.