§ Mr. Chris DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the value of high street pharmacies to the health of local communities; and if he will make a statement. [32943]
§ Mr. MaloneCommunity pharmacists have a very important role to play in a primary care led national health service. Community pharmacy's position in the high street offers a readily accessible NHS dispensing service to the community and an opportunity to provide other services which use pharmacists' professional skills for the benefit of patients.
§ Mr. DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of pharmacies in England by year since 1979. [33082]
347W
§ Mr. MaloneThe table shows the number of pharmacies in England by year since 1979. Figures for 1995–96 are not yet available.
Year Number of community pharmacies in England in contract to supply NHS prescriptions 1979 8,698 1980 8,704 1981 8,790 1982 8,935 1983 9,052 1984 9,203 1985 9,490 1986 9,741 1987 9,905 1988 9,753 1989 9,694 The figures then change to a financial year basis: 1990–91 9,714 1991–92 9,765 1992–93 9,763 1993–94 9,766 1994–95 9,771