asked the Minister for Health if he has received complaints about the unsatisfactory position of medical supplies to dispensaries during the past three years; and, further, if he will say if the tenders for medical supplies for this year have yet been accepted and requisitions issued to the medical officers.

Complaints have been received in my Department from time to time regarding delays in the delivery of medical supplies to dispensaries. Such complaints have been investigated on receipt, and where possible appropriate steps have been taken with a view to securing an improvement in deliveries generally. I am informed, however, that the supply position with regard to certain items has been very difficult in the period mentioned, and following consultation with the combined purchasing section, Department of Local Government, special steps have been taken to ensure that improved supplies of these items will be available to dispensary medical officers in the current year.

Contracts for medical supplies in the current year have been placed, and copies of the revised lists of medicines and drugs, and medical and surgical appliances have been issued recently to the local authorities concerned.