§ 14. Ms KeebleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Office of Fair Trading's proposals for local pharmacies. [123233]
§ Mr. SutcliffeThe Government made an interim response to the OFT's report on control of entry regulation for pharmacies on 26 March. In relation to England, the Government have said that they are still considering the report and its recommendation and will announce before the summer recess a balanced package of proposals, which we believe is the most effective means of promoting change to open up the market and improve quality and access without diminishing the crucial role that pharmacies play, especially in poorer and rural areas.