Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress he has made on negotiations for a new pharmacy contract; and what the timetable is for the interim arrangements published in the Drug Tariff to remain in place.

We have agreed interim arrangements for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework whilst Ministers consider further their substantive proposals for 2018/19 and beyond. These arrangements published in the Drug Tariff will remain in place until any revised arrangements are determined. Ministers expect negotiations with the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee to discuss a substantive settlement for community pharmacy will commence shortly.