HC Deb 26 March 1942 vol 378 c2132
20. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the great increase in the sale of pre-packed drugs by chain-stores; and whether, in the interest of safeguarding the health of the people, he will consider taking steps to restrict the sale of drugs except by qualified pharmacists?

21. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Health, whether his attention has been drawn to the competition to qualified pharmaceutical chemists resulting from the rapid increase in the sale of drugs by shopkeepers who do not employ a trained pharmacist; and whether he proposes to take any steps to stop this type of competition?

Mr. E. Brown

The Pharmacy and Medicines Act of last year restricts the retail sale of some kinds of medicine to certain classes of persons, including pharmacists. I should not feel justified at the present time in proposing further legislation to extend the privilege granted to pharmacists. My attention has, however, been drawn to the increase which is mentioned, and I shall continue to watch the situation.

Mr. A. Edwards

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider fixing a fair price for these things, based on cost, which would be about one tenth of the present price?

Mr. Brown

That is another issue.