§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether, as part of his proposed reforms of the National Health Service, he envisages changing the present arrangements relating to rural dispensing by doctors or rural pharmacies contained in the Clothier regulations; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe proposed reforms of the NHS set out in the Government's White Paper 'Working for Patients' do not alter the principles underlying the regulations for determining the arrangements for NHS dispensing in rural areas. As a result of the changed composition and responsibilities of family practitioner comittees, however, some changes to the regulations will be necessary. We shall be putting forward detailed proposals later in the year.