§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received with regard to the future of the professional allowance for small pharmacies dispensing between 1,000 and 1,500 prescriptions per month; and what assessment she has made of the importance of such pharmacies in rural areas and the effect of changes following the representations being made to her on these matters.
§ Mr. MaloneThree recent representations have been received, one of which is a pay claim for 1995–96 from the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee. The claim refers to the threshold for payment of the professional allowance. The Department extended the essential small pharmacy scheme in 1993 specifically because it remains committed to maintaining good access for patients to dispensing services in both rural and urban areas.