Community Pharmacy in 2016-17 and Beyond Debate

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Department: Department of Health and Social Care

Community Pharmacy in 2016-17 and Beyond

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Excerpts
1st reading: House of Commons
Thursday 20th October 2016

(7 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Housing Standards (Preparation and Storage of Food by Tenants in Receipt of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit) Bill 2016-17 Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
David Mowat Portrait David Mowat
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The right hon. Gentleman makes an extremely good point. They are not yet in place, but they will be by 1 December.

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Edward Vaizey (Wantage) (Con)
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I congratulate the Minister on his statement. It is worth reminding the House that many urban pharmacies are located in clusters and are very close to one another. It is therefore quite right that we should look at how they are subsidised. I am pleased that, as a result of these savings, he will be looking out for rural pharmacies, which are more dispersed. They are the ones that really need the help.

David Mowat Portrait David Mowat
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The access scheme to which I referred will apply to rural and urban pharmacies. Indeed, there is more urban than rural in it, but it will protect rural pharmacies in the way my right hon. Friend mentions.