HC Deb 08 November 1911 vol 30 c1633
Mr. KELLAWAY

asked whether the negotiations between the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and the Colonial representatives with a view to formulating a by-law providing for the admission to the Register of Chemists of persons holding Colonial certificates of qualification equivalent to the British qualification have now been in progress for about three years; if the right hon. Gentleman has any reason to suppose that these negotiations will be completed by the time the National Insurance Bill becomes operative; and, if not, how he proposes to prevent chemists holding Colonial certificates, and who are now in business in this country, being excluded from the lists of chemists qualified to dispense medicines under the Bill?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question. I am unable at present to say when the negotiations will be completed, or what alternative plan may be adopted in the event of their proving abortive, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the matter will not be lost sight of.

Mr. GLYN-JONES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that such a by-law has been passed at three meetings of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, and that at the last meeting, held a week ago, a by-law providing for the recognition of Colonial certificates was passed for the first time.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I have been informed on good authority that that is the case.