§ Miss Ann Widdecombe (Maidstone and The Weald)The petition "Save our Pharmacy Services", which I have the honour to present, is signed by 2,000 petitioners.
The petition declares:
That the proposals made by the Office of Fair Trading allowing the unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptions will precipitate chaotic changes to the distribution of pharmaceutical services; lead to less convenient access for many patients, particular the elderly and those without transport and have a detrimental impact on the contribution made to primary care services by community pharmacies.The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to reject the proposals made by the OFT for the unrestricted opening of pharmacies.And the petitioners remain, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.