Debates between Earl of Devon and Baroness Merron during the 2024 Parliament

Pharmacies: Rural Areas

Debate between Earl of Devon and Baroness Merron
Tuesday 10th September 2024

(2 months, 2 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Merron Portrait Baroness Merron (Lab)
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I know that the noble Baroness understands that there are some services which cannot be provided—for example, online services do an excellent job, as do dispensing doctors, but although I regard the online option as a very creative one that I would like to see expanded further, there are some things that require in-person attention and that will not be possible. We of course take account of situations across the country, in all the discussions, and that includes rural areas.

Earl of Devon Portrait The Earl of Devon (CB)
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My Lords, I am chair of the Plunkett Foundation’s inquiry into the state of rural retail, in particular the loss of wholesale supply chains essential to the survival of rural communities. Will the Government please undertake to review this highly discriminatory circumstance, which hits the rural poor the hardest?

Baroness Merron Portrait Baroness Merron (Lab)
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I will be very happy to look at the work that the noble Earl refers to. If he would like to meet me to discuss it, I am sure that would be of great assistance as we look to the future.