§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the professional fees paid to pharmacists in each of the years 1975 to 1978.
§ Dr. VaughanThe following were the total amounts paid to retail pharmacists 827W in England and Wales in respect of professional fees in each of the years specified:
£ 1975 71,029,302 1976 76,766,726 1977 77,508,790 1978 80,388,000
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pharmacies where prescriptions were dispensed were closed in the years 1975 to 1978.
§ Dr. VaughanThe net reduction from 1 January 1975 to 31 December 1978 in the number of pharmacies on NHS pharmaceutical lists in England was 571.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the new prescription charge is being imposed on 16 July and not at the end of, or the commencement of a month in view of the enormous work which this specific date will cause to already overworked pharmacists.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Government wished to introduce the new charge from the earliest possible date, but the necessary administrative arrangements could not be made in time for 1 July.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations took place with the negotiating body of the pharmaceutical contractors on the operating dates for the recording and imposition of the new prescription charges and the new level of value added tax.
§ Dr. VaughanNone on the prescription charge till after the Budget announcement: there have since been discussions about how to limit the effect of the higher charge on pharmacists' remuneration. VAT is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.