§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that there is an adequate service for dispensing prescriptions in Scotland and in the villages of Aberdeenshire, East, in particular, in view of the closures which are being forced upon qualified pharmacists due to the loss of profit on pharmaceutical goods and the unsatisfactory fee structure for dispensing.
§ Mr. FairgrieveI have been asked to reply.
I am broadly satisfied with the dispensing service in Scotland, but certain changes in the remuneration structure have been suggested by my Department to help small rural pharmacies.
In the two areas of East Aberdeenshire where there have been closures of pharmacies since 1976 patients are now served by " collection and delivery " services from pharmacies three or so miles away. The Grampian health board is not aware of any complaints from the public about the service.