HC Deb 03 April 2003 vol 402 c826W
Mr. Archy Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive on whether the recommendations of the Office of Fair Trading on control entry requirements for community pharmacies can be introduced within one country of the UK but not another. [106649]

Mrs. McGuire

The Scotland Office has kept closely in touch with the Scottish Executive on this issue. In terms of the devolution settlement, the Executive are free to take their own decisions on devolved matters. The Government and the Executive will continue to work together when dealing with responses to reports by the Office of Fair Trading, including their recent examination of the private dentistry market.