HC Deb 07 November 1979 vol 973 c210W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the service for dispensing prescriptions in the main rural areas of the eight Welsh counties, in view of the continuing tendency for rural pharmacies to close.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

In recent years there has been a steady reduction in the net annual rate of pharmacy closures in Wales, and during the first six months of 1979 there was no net loss of pharmacies. I have received no complaints from patients unable to get their prescriptions dispensed.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether there is an increase in the numbers of medical practitioners and family doctors taking on the added responsibilities of dispensing; and, if this is so, whether it is affecting the viability of rural and semi-rural pharmacies.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

The latest available figures show no increase in Wales in the number of general medical practitioners taking on the added responsibility of dispensing.