§ 37. Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the speed with which individual chemists shops are closing, what is his estimate of the number which have closed in the last 12 months; whether he is concerned at the effect of this, particularly on elderly people; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EnnalsAccording to the records of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, there were 266 pharmacy closures and 135 openings in England in the 12 months ended 30th November 1977. However, the November 1977 figures showed, for the first time for several years, a surplus of openings to closures.
I am concerned about the effect on patients, particularly the elderly, if this annual rate of closures continues. I have therefore decided, with the agreement of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, to introduce from 1st January 1978 a new system of payment for National Health Service dispensing specifically designed to help the smaller pharmacies, which are most at risk of closure. As a result, whilst a lower percentage on cost will be paid to large pharmacies, many smaller and thus more vulnerable pharmacies will receive additional sums, in some cases exceeding £ 1,700 a year. 691W This will reduce their vulnerability and help to maintain an adequate network of pharmaceutical services. The Government are making available £5 million to help the introduction of the new scheme.