HC Deb 19 February 1953 vol 511 cc158-9W
95. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Health what sum was paid by his Department to pharmacists for National Health Service prescriptions for the last available month; and how this compares with that for the corresponding month a year ago.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The amount paid from National Health Service funds in England and Wales to chemists in January, 1953, was about £3,520,000. The amount paid in January, 1952 (which was before charges for prescriptions had been introduced) was £3,172,360. The payments made to chemists each month represent about 90 per cent. of the value of the prescriptions dispensed in the previous month, together with balances due in respect of earlier months