§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what research he has evaluated into the number of pharmacies in the United Kingdom per 10,000 population relative to those in other EU countries. [48223]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 30 June 1998]: I have been asked to reply.
None.
§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the advantages of regulating prices of over-the-counter medicines; and what research she has evaluated as to practice in other EU countries. [48222]
§ Ms Jowell[holding answer 30 June 1998]: I have been asked to reply.
We have not considered regulating the prices of over-the-counter medicines, nor have we carried out specific research into practice in other European Union countries. At the 18 May 1998 meeting of the EU Internal Market Council, held under the United Kingdom Presidency, member states agreed unanimously to further pursuit of the single market in over-the-counter medicines, including price liberalisation.