§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Health what approximate proportion of the accounts submitted by chemists to Executive Councils for drugs and appliances supplied during July have now been paid; what is the normal period taken to make such payments; and whether Executive Councils in arrears with the work of examining accounts have been instructed to make substantial payments on account.
§ Mr. BevanSo far as is known, at least 10 per cent. Payment should be made six weeks after the prescriptions have been submitted for pricing, but in several areas is in arrears owing to staff shortages. The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes."
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§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Health what is the present lag in time of chemists being paid their fees by the Government.
§ Mr. BevanIn some areas payments are up to date, in others in arrears to a varying extent owing to staff shortages. In cases of arrears a substantial payment on account is made.