§ Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Health what is the estimated amount owing to doctors, dentists, chemists, opticians, manufacturers of equipment and others under the National Health Service up to the latest convenient date.
§ Mr. BevanThe greater part of the remuneration of general medical practitioners is paid quarterly so that the amount due to them at any particular time varies between a full quarter's payment and practically nothing. The bills of dentists and opticians are met monthly but at varying dates. Chemists' bills are similarly paid monthly but only to the extent of 90 per cent. of the balance for that and previous months being paid as and when pricing is completed. A quarter's payment to general medical practitioners in England and Wales is about £10½ million. The monthly bills of dentists, opticians and chemists average about £3½ million, 127W £2 million and £2/ million respectively. Payment to manufacturers of equipment is made on delivery of the goods ordered so that the amount due to them at any given date is negligible.