§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential cost to the National Health Service of trends in closures of community pharmacies. [48233]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 1 July 1998]: The overall number of community pharmacies in England and Wales has remained virtually unchanged over the last three years. It is difficult to estimate the cost, if any, to the National Health Service of any particular closures that have occurred during this period.