I will fight to protect chemists, says MP

Earlier this year, the Office of Fair Trading recommended abolishing pharmacy "entry controls" -- restrictions on where chemists can be set up.

Such a move would effectively allow chemists to set up next door to each other.

The OFT says the change will result in more pharmacies, improved services and more price competition.

But many MPs -- including Mr Crausby -- feel the abolition of the controls would be a "radical step" and fear it would lead to an increase in "out-of-town" supermarket pharmacies. They fear that some pharmacies would leave unprofitable areas, causing gaps in service provision.

A report to the OFT by ministers read: "Neighbourhood pharmacies would be squeezed by these developments.

"Pharmacies are principally a front-line part of the NHS and should not be regarded simply as part of the retail sector.

"Stability enhances patient care, in that a pharmacist providing continuity of care is able to build a strong and positive relationship with patients.

"Constant change would disrupt this." Campaigners in Bolton also feel the changes may force pharmacists to prioritise location over the care of their patients.

Mr Crausby said he had received an "enormous" number of letters from constituents across Bolton, including three petitions signed by hundreds of people, calling for the Government to think again over the plans to de-regulate the industry.

He has forwarded them all to the ministers responsible for the plans at the Department of Health and Trade.

Mr Crausby, a member of the Parliamentary All Party Pharmacy Group, said: "I share the objectives of the OFT in its proposals to increase access, choice and competition, but we are not convinced that outright de-regulation would achieve this.

"As part of the collaborative process, problems caused by the current control of entry arrangements need to be identified and proposals developed for resolving them."