§ Linda Perham (Ilford, North)I wish to present a petition signed by 237 residents of Ilford, North, entitled "Save Our Pharmacy Services". My constituents feel very strongly about the Office of Fair Trading recommendations, which they believe could jeopardise the future of local pharmacies, which provide an excellent service to the community in Redbridge.
The petition states that the undersigned urge
the Government to reject the proposals that would allow unrestricted opening of pharmacies able to dispense NHS prescriptionsand
to preserve local pharmacies and safeguard their continued services to local communities.And the Petitioners remain, etc.To lie upon the Table.
§ Mr. John Greenway (Ryedale)I wish to present a petition on behalf of my constituents in Ryedale, who are also very concerned about proposals from the Office of Fair Trading to change the rules with regard to pharmacies and the dispensing of NHS prescriptions. Throughout my constituency, whether in the suburbs of York or the remote rural villages and market towns, people value highly their local pharmacies and are very worried that this vital local service may be lost. The petition has been signed by almost 1,000 residents in the Kirby Moorside area—a significant proportion of the local population of that small market town.
The petition states:
The Petition of electors within the Parliamentary Constituency of Ryedale
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.
584 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