David Lammy Esq, MP
Parliamentary under Secretary of State
Department of Health
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NS
12th March 2003

Dear Mr Lammy,

I am sure like me you recognise the important role that pharmacies play in delivering health care. Pharmacists are probably the most under-used resource in primary care, in my opinion our healthcare system invariably fails to make the best use of their considerable skills. More diagnosis could be carried out in the community rather than in hospitals, and pharmacists should play a key role in these arrangements.

I have had a large correspondence on this subject and received a substantial petition from Ms S Vora of TH Dolman Chemist, Linkfield Corner, Redhill, Surrey. I am now passing this petition on to you as it is addressed to the Government. You will see from the petition from 552 of my Reigate constituents served by one pharmacy the enormous concern felt over the future of local pharmacies.

I hope in considering the OFT recommendations you will pay careful attention to the impact on local communities. An independent pharmacy is often a source of valuable advice and reassurance to people for whom a longer journey may be difficult.

I look forward to your earliest response and the opportunity to re assure the large number of my constituents who are genuinely concerned by the proposals on the future of pharmacies.

Crispin Blunt