§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to review resale price maintenance on over-the-counter medicine prices. [41578]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 12 May 1998]: None. This is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading, who has already brought proceedings before the Restrictive Practices Court asking it to review the matter.
§ Mr. WareingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she had received in respect of the future of resale price maintenance in the field of over-the-counter medicines; what proposals she has to safeguard the position of local pharmacies and to protect the supply of such medicines to consumers; and if she will make a statement. [42108]
§ Mrs. BeckettI have received a number of representations from right hon. and hon. Members and from pharmacists and their representatives about resale price maintenance on over-the-counter medicines. Proceedings before the Restrictive Practices Court have been initiated by the Director General of Fair Trading and I would expect the Court to examine fully all the issues which might arise from the retention or abolition of resale price maintenance in this sector, including the effect on local communities of the possible closure of pharmacies.