§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary r f State for Social Services what proportion of practice expenses is paid to dispensing doctors in rural areas by means of direct payment by the Department of Health and Social Security; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Dr. OwenPrecise information relating to dispensing doctors in rural areas is not available but my Department estimates that on average a little under two-thirds of dispensing doctors' practice expenses is directly reimbursed through payments in respect of drugs, rent and rates and ancillary staff.