§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in view of the fact that pharmacies are closing at the rate of 250 a year, what plans he has for alleviating inconvenience and hardship to the sick, especially in rural areas; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleI am not aware of any widespread difficulties for people needing prescriptions dispensed, but if the hon. and gallant Member has any particular locality in mind perhaps he would send me the details. My Department is examining ways of identifying any exceptional situations in which special arrangements might be justified, and is considering carefully the proposals put forward by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee designed to give additional help to those small pharmacies which provide an essential service under the NHS.