§ Bob Russell (Colchester)The Government speak much of sustainable communities, but they have embarked on a programme of mass closure of our neighbourhood post offices, with a third of those in the urban network due for closure. Not content with that policy, they have before them proposals that would lead to an attack on and the closure of many of our neighbourhood pharmacies. I have a petition signed by 2,881 residents of Colchester and district.
The petition states:
To the House of CommonsThe petition of Mr. Ramanlal Patel, of Mile End Pharmacy, Nayland Road, Colchester, and othersDeclares that the recommendations of the Office of Fair Trading Report on UK Pharmacies are not in the best interests of the wider community;That the Report threatens the viability of neighbourhood pharmacies which play an important role in the Government's objectives for sustainable communities and social inclusion, particularly for those without transport, the elderly and people with disabilities;That the important role which neighbourhood pharmacists play, notably free professional advice, to a comprehensive National Health Service should be valued.The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to maintain the present framework of pharmacy provision by rejecting proposals which would lead to the closure of community pharmacies.And the Petitioners remain, etc.To lie upon the Table.