Health Bill

We are discussing the narrow focus of clause 32. When determining chemist applications to provide pharmaceutical services, current legislation means that PCTs cannot take into account additional services that the chemist might offer. When PCTs are looking at competing applications that relate to the same neighbourhood and which individually all pass the necessary or desirable tests, clause 32 will allow them to consider the improvements that each chemist would bring to the provision of over-the-counter medicines and other health care products, as well as associated advice. Our proposal aims to encourage applicants to offer improvements generally to the range and availability of medicines and services to support self-care; for example, through helping people to manage minor ailments and promoting healthier living through better advice and information about such products. The hon. Member for Romsey (Sandra Gidley) expressed concern that smaller businesses might not be able to fend off bigger competitors. She also argued that the clause was not sustainable or workable. I do not share the hon. Lady’s pessimism—or I would not be proposing the measure. The important point is that although the price of over-the-counter medicines must obviously be a factor, the clause is not simply about price; to a large degree, it is about support and advice to the patient in the management of such medicines.