§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether application was made to him on behalf of the Pharmacists Society to receive a deputation in regard to the Shops Bill; and, if so, whether such application was granted or refused.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)Application was made to me in November last to receive a deputation from the Pharmaceutical Society, but before arrangements could be made to see them, the dissolution took place and the Bill dropped. The views of the society are now represented in the House and on the Committee by my hon. Friend the Member for Stepney, with whom I have had some consultation as regards the Bill, and who has moved amendments on the Chemists' Clause which the Government have accepted.
§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that an opportunity was offered for an interview with the National Union of Assistant Pharmacists which represents only a few hundreds, while no opportunity for an interview has been given to the Pharmacists Society, which represents about 10,000 persons?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have received a good many deputations—more than sixty, I think—on the subject of this Bill. If there is any difficulty in reaching a satisfactory solution with regard to the Pharmacists Society I shall certainly ask them to send a deputation. I think I shall be able to reach a satisfactory solution in consultation with the hon. Member for Stepney (Mr. Glyn-Jones), who is cognisant of their views.