§ Mr. Eric Pickles (Brentwood and Ongar)I present a petition on behalf of my constituents who are concerned about proposals from the Office of Fair Trading to change the rules with regard to pharmacies. I am blessed with a large number of local pharmacists within my constituency, who have been particularly struck by the worries and concerns among the public, and particularly among elderly people who are at risk of losing valuable community facilities. The petition is signed by 2,430 petitioners.
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The petition states:
To the House of Commons.
The Petition of electors within the Parliamentary Constituency of Brentwood and Ongar.
Declares that they are concerned about proposals that would allow unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions, and to preserve local pharmacies and safeguard their continued services to local communities.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons reject the proposals from the Office of Fair Trading on local pharmacies.
And the Petitioners remain etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.