§ 5. Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that additional funds are made available to the pharmaceutical Whitley council so that adequate payments at a figure no less than that paid to other professions in the National Health Service can be paid to pharmacists for providing emergency cover.
§ Mr. HoyleWill the Minister ensure that more funds are available so that proper payment can be made to this deserving group of workers instead of the mere pittance that is on offer at the moment? Does it not show the strength of feeling on this matter that both sides of the Whitley council are asking to see the Secretary of Slate to urge him to do just that?
§ Mr. FinsbergA sum of money was made available specifically for this purpose. The sensible thing would have been for the Whitley council to accept this sum in order to build for the future upon the new long-term arrangements that we are ready to discuss.