§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will take steps to provide pharmacists in 269W areas neglected by private commercial businesses;
(2) whether he will establish a committee of inquiry into the problems of areas lacking the services of a pharmacist; whether he will include Knutton and Bradwell in Newcastle-under-Lyme in such an inquiry; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonNo. There is no power to direct a pharmacist to a particular area. Where necessary, patients' relatives or neighbours are usually willing to take prescriptions to be dispensed and local organisations can help. If the hon. Member considers that there are difficulties in Knutton and Bradwell in Newcastle-under-Lyme, perhaps he will let me or the Staffordshire Executive Council have details.