§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the proportion of people who feel ill who make the local pharmacy their first point of contact with a professional health carer. [48238]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 3 July 1998]: We have made no such estimate. We understand that research has shown that from whom people seek help and advice depends on the nature of their symptoms and a range of other factors.
§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many closures of independent pharmacies there have been in the last five years. [48240]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 3 July 1998]: In the five years to 30 September 1997, 264 National Health Service community pharmacies in England closed. In the same period 284 opened. The Department does not hold separate information for independent pharmacies.
§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has evaluated into the(a) actual and (b) potential savings to the NHS of healthcare advice provision by community pharmacists; and if he will make a statement. [48242]
§ Mr. MilburnWe have made no such assessment. We propose to publish a policy document in the autumn setting out proposals for the future role of community pharmacy within the National Health Service.
§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the numbers of people without access to public transport who use community pharmacies. [48243]
§ Mr. MilburnNone.