§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to the recent case in which it was alleged in court that the bankruptcy of a chemist was due to failure of prompt payment by his Department; what similar cases have been brought to his notice; what is the average period of 123W payment to chemists now in arrears; and whether he will make a statement generally on delay in payment by his Department.
§ Mr. BevanI have seen a Press report of this case: the estimated outstanding balance owing to the firm is small. Cases thought to involve hardship are brought to my notice from time to time. The total outstanding balance owed to chemists at the end of any month represent roughly the value of one month's prescriptions.