§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures exist for community health councils to advise family health service authorities on the granting of a contract to a pharmacy for dispensing prescriptions(a) in respect of overall policy and (b) in particular cases.
§ Dr. MawhinneyFamily health service authorities are expected to consult community health councils on local applications to dispense national health service prescriptions. In considering any changes to those procedures the Department would consult widely.
§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans she has to abolish the application procedures for new pharmacies and all other restrictions on the provision of pharmacy services;
(2) what plans she has to streamline the procedures for family health service authorities accepting new pharmacies for dispensing NHS prescriptions.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Department is reviewing the impact of the pharmaceutical regulations on community pharmacists as part of the Government's wider initiative on deregulation. No decision has been made about the future of entry controls to pharmaceutical lists.
§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy on the number of pharmacies with which a family health service authority should have a contract for dispensing NHS prescriptions within inner-city areas; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAll patients should have access to a community pharmacy regardless of where they live. In considering applications for new pharmacies, family health service authorities are required to take account of the level of provision already in the area.