REORGANISATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 300, 18 December 1937, Page 20

REORGANISATION.

PHARMACY INDUSTRY. APPROVAL GIVEN PLAN. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (By Telogrnpli—Press Aissodaitiom.) WELLINGTON, Friday The announcement that the provisional plan for the reorganisation of the pharmacy industry of the Dominion lias been approved by the retail pharmacists was made by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, this evening. He said further negotiation liad still to take place before the question of bringing the plan into operation under the provisions of the Industrial Efficiency Act was considered by the Government. "Out of a total of approximately 602 shops and principals operating in the industry, 568 shops recorded their vote, a return of 04 per cent," stated the Minister. "Of the votes recorded 544 were in favour of the plan, 10 against, and five informal." The Minister added that it was freely stated by pharmacists that the plan did not go so far as they would have wished to assist them as individuals, but on the other hand it was recognised that the bureau and the Government had to consider other interests concerned in the matter. "The provisional plan was issued for two main purposes —first to secure an expression of opinion from retail pharmacists as to whether the plan would be put into operation, and secondly, to enable any persons who may consider themselves materially affected by the provisions of the plan to make their representations to the Government. In this connection a number of discussions have already been held between the. bureau and representatives of certain interests who Were of opinion that they would be prejudicially affected. "It lias been found, however, that the main difficulty so far has been due to different interpretations placed upon certain provisions of 'the plan, and the bureau has been able to reach agreeJ ment upon these points. I understand further representations are to be made by other bodies, and if that is so I would ask that such organisations come forward as soon as possible, so that I discussions may be proceeded with."

The Minister concluded by stating that after all these representations had been made and discussions held accordingly with the bureau, the question of bringing the plan- into operation under the provisions of the Industrial Efficiency Act would be considered by the Government. He was hopeful in this connection that all interests affected would show their support to the plan, which, in his opinion, would provide the necessary means to reorganise the pharmacy industry on a more efficient basis, with resultant benefits to both consumers and those engaged in the industry itself.