§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of pharmaceutical graduates in the period to 2001. [52871]
§ Mr. MilburnThe pharmacy workforce is forecast to grow at a steady rate, with the exception of 2000 when there will be few newly qualified pharmacists because of the recent extension of the course from 3 to 4 years. National Health Service employers are adopting a range of strategies to recruit and retain pharmacists and make better use of pharmacy support staff.