HC Deb 01 July 2003 vol 408 cc216-7W
Dr. Stoate

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what basis her Department is leading the Government's response to the OFT report and leading in the development of a package of measures to change regulations made under the National Health Service Act 1977; and if she will make a statement. [117412]

Mr. Sutcliffe

Ministers have agreed that the Department will coordinate the Government's responses to all market investigations by the OFT or the Competition Commission, which make regulatory recommendations and also monitor progress to follow up action. This reflects the Department's responsibility for consumer and competition matters. Any changes to regulations to be made under the National Health Service Act as a result of the Government's decisions on the merits of the recommendation on control of entry for pharmacies will be for the Department of Health to lead on.