§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy concerning community pharmacists in North East Wales. [57445]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe Government recognise the contribution made by community pharmacists to the health of the people of Wales. We will seek to maintain an appropriate level of service. The Welsh Office has funded 18 projects under "Delivering Care, Meeting Need"—6 in North Wales—for developing the range of services that can be provided by pharmacists in the community.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the impact of the opening of pharmacies in supermarkets upon community pharmacies; and if he will make a statement. [57446]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe number of community pharmacies in Wales rose slightly from 702 in 1989 to 712 at 31 March 1998. Although the numbers do fluctuate, changes of ownership over this period appear to have had very little effect on the overall numbers of establishments.