§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she will make an interim report to the House prior to publishing the Government's proposals in response to the OFT's report on the control of entry regulations and the retail pharmacy market. [117409]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Government announced on 26 March 2003 that they will come forward with proposals to respond to the OFT's study on retail pharmacies before the summer recess and will publish a progress report at the end of June.
§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the competing factors that have to be balanced by her Department in order to produce the balanced package of measures in response to the OFT's report on the control of entry regulations and the retail pharmacy. [117410]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe Government said on 26 March that while we favour change to open up the market and improve quality and access this needs to be achieved without diminishing the crucial role that pharmacies play, especially in poorer and rural areas. We have also made clear that we are considering all the issues raised with us by stakeholders.