asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the fact that some opticians to whom he owes considerable sums under the National Health Service are being charged interest on overdue Income Tax, he will expedite payments of the sums owed.

I am unaware of any general difficulties, but if the hon. and gallant Member will give me the particulars of any cases he has in mind I will gladly look into the matter.

When I send him the case, will the Minister also inquire whether the tax which is being claimed is not in part due on the money which he has failed to pay?

As the hon. and gallant Member has not yet brought the incident to my notice, it is not good enough to say that I have failed to pay in a case which he has not proved.