Campaigners fighting proposals to let supermarkets dispense NHS prescriptions have been given a boost.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has signalled she is unlikely to accept recommendations by the Office of Fair Trading to scrap restrictions on the numbers of pharmacists allowed to deal with prescriptions.
Ms Hewitt acknowledged the benefits greater competition could bring but was doubtful that deregulating the sector would enhance the wider role envisaged for local chemists in the NHS Plan.
Thousands of people across Sussex have signed petitions calling for the recommendation to be thrown out.
Pharmacists in Brighton and Hove said the changes would signal the end of the community pharmacy.
They feared lots of chemists would open up close to GP surgeries and supermarkets while those in more remote areas would be forced to close.
Ms Hewitt said the Government was still considering its response to the report and letters had been sent to all MPs seeking their views.
Monday March 24 2003
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