HC Deb 19 July 1979 vol 970 cc826-7W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the professional fees paid to pharmacists in each of the years 1975 to 1978.

Dr. Vaughan

The following were the total amounts paid to retail pharmacists 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. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pharmacies where prescriptions were dispensed were closed in the years 1975 to 1978.

Dr. Vaughan

The net reduction from 1 January 1975 to 31 December 1978 in the number of pharmacies on NHS pharmaceutical lists in England was 571.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked 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. Vaughan

The 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. McQuarrie

asked 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. Vaughan

None 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.