§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health what was the total amount paid by the regional hospital boards in Selective Employment Tax last year; what time elapsed between the payment of tax by his Department and its reimbursement; what loss of interest occurred if this was reimbursed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThe total amount was £10.9 million in 1966–67, and an estimated £20.7 million in 1967–68, the first full year of operation. The weekly advances made to regional hospital boards from the Exchequer take account of the Selective Employment Tax payable in respect of staff, and no question of delay in reimbursement to my Department or to hospitals therefore arises.