Local MP's Hand in Pharmacy Petitions

3.45.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 2nd Apr 2003

On Wednesday 2nd April, Jenny Tonge MP, Ed Davey MP and Vince Cable MP joined Liberal Democrat colleagues in presenting to the Department of Trade and Industry petitions from local pharmacists and constituents calling for their local pharmacies to be saved.

Many local people have been concerned about the future of their local pharmacy in the light of recommendations put forward by the Office of Fair Trading in January to deregulate the pharmacy market.

Commenting on the petitions Jenny Tonge MP said, "As a former doctor in the NHS I am appalled by the OFT proposals. The unrestricted opening of pharmacies will result in unfair competition for local pharmacies. "

"One pharmacy in Ham has already sent me in excess of 600 signatures from concerned customers regarding the proposals. Over the next couple of weeks I will be writing to all other pharmacies in my Constituency to voice my concerns about these proposals. "

"It is not too late to object and I will continue to collect more signatures over the next couple of months so please contact my office if you would like to sign the petition."

Contact details for people wishing to sign the petition:

Richmond Liberal Democrats

The Old Station Works,

119 -123 Sandycombe Road,

Richmond TW9 2ER

020 8332 7919