§ Mr. Neil Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, as a result of the Franks report on pharmacists' remuneration, he has any statement to make on reviewing the basis of remuneration for pharmacists dispensing under the National Health Service.
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§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received in respect to the report of the independent panel on pharmacists' remuneration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received the report of the independent committee on pharmacists' remuneration; and what action he proposes to take in regard to the implementation of the recommendations in the report.
§ Dr. VaughanThe report of the independent panel under the chairmanship of Mr. John A. Franks has been submitted to the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee and to the Department. I am most grateful to the members of the panel for the time and effort they have devoted to their task and for producing such a clear report.
The panel has concluded that the rate of profit ought to be substantially increased, but that the extra sums that pharmacists are currently receiving by way of wholesale discounts may be more than sufficient to make up for the inadequacy of the present margin. I am urgently considering the panel's recommendations, and in response to a letter from the PSNC I am arranging for my officials to meet its representatives very soon.