§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking(a) to develop adequate pharmacy provision in rural areas and (b) to ensure that there is satisfactory co-operation and co-ordination between rural pharmacies and general practitioners including dispensing general practitioners. [23576]
§ Mr. MaloneThe essential small pharmacy scheme helps to protect the income of small pharmacies in rural areas. I have recently met both the General Medical Services Committee and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee to discuss relationships between community pharmacists and general medical practitioners in rural areas.