Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House
Thursday 10th October 2024

(1 month, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend.

Lee Dillon Portrait Mr Lee Dillon (Newbury) (LD)
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I extend my warm wishes to the Leader of the House on her special birthday.

With one pharmacist per 7,200 residents, West Berkshire has the lowest provision of pharmacists in the country—the national average is one pharmacist per 4,600 residents. Will the Leader of the House allocate Government time to debate how the current NHS pharmacy contract restricts the availability of pharmacists, particularly in west Berkshire?

Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. Rolling out the availability of pharmacy services is vital for the Government’s agenda on prevention and on providing services—be they GPs or pharmacies—in every community. Those are important matters. I know that the Health Secretary will continue to update the House. Health questions are next week should the hon. Gentleman wish to raise the matter then.