§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health by what percentage the average net profit per prescription dispensed by chemists under the National Health Service exceeded the 1956 agreed figure in each year since 1956; and what was the estimated percentage figure for 1961 if no alteration had been made on 1st November, 1961, in the system of remuneration.
§ Mr. PowellThe 1956 settlement was not in terms of an agreed net profit. On my estimates, the average net profit per prescription produced in 1956 by the settlement of that year was exceeded by 30 per cent. in 1957, 40 per cent. in 1958, 50 per cent. in 1959, 80 per cent. in 1960, and would have been exceeded by about 100 per cent. in 1961 if no alteration had been made.