§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many closures he estimates would result from the implementation of the new contract negotiated with pharmacists;
(2) what future discussions are planned with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee on the implementation of the new contract;
(3) if he will, in this Session of Parliament, introduce legislation to implement the new contract negotiated with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee.
§ Mr. HayhoeI shall let the right hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what annual savings he anticipates would flow from the implementation of the new contract negotiated with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee.
§ Mr. HayhoeIt is anticipated that there will be savings of £4 million per annum once the pharmacists' new contract is implemented. Any savings would by agreement be shared equally between the Government and the profession.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many pharmacies are at present applicants for a National Health Service contract; and what the figure was for each of the last six months.
§ Mr. HayhoeUnder existing arrangements, pharmacists wishing to be included in the pharmaceutical list apply for inclusion through the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and I regret that the information requested is not available centrally.