PHARMACY PLAN

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 72, 18 December 1937, Page 10

PHARMACY PLAN

Approval Of Retail Chemists RESULT OF BALLOT Further Representations Jet To Be Heard An announcement that the provisional plan for the reorganisation of the pharmacy industry of the Dominion had been approved by Hie retail pharmacists was made by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, in an interview last evening. Ho said that further negotiations had still to talie place before the question of bringing the plan into operation under the provisions of ' the Industrial Efficiency Act was considered by the Government. 1

“I am pleased to announce,” said Mr. Sullivan, “that the provisional plan issued by the Bureau of Industry under the terms of the Industrial Efficiency Act. has been approved of in no uncertain manner by retail pharmacists throughout the country. Out of a total of approximately 602 shops, principals operating 568 shops recorded their vote, a return of 94 per cent. Of the votes recorded, 544 were in favour of the plan, 19 against, and five informal. This gives a favourable vote equal to 96 per cent, of the votes returned, and 00 per cent, of all principals engaged in the industry. , “I think this is a remarkable result/ continued Mr. Sullivan, “not so inuca in regard to the large majority of pharmacists who have recorded their votes in favour of the plan, but especially as to the total vote polled. Such a total speaks volumes for the organisation of the whole matter, arranged by members of the Pharmacy Board and by the Bureau of Industry. > Many Meetings Held.

“Many meetings were held throughout the Dominion, at which members of the special committee, accompanied by representatives of the Pharmacy Board, attended, and explained the provisions of the plan. After attending these meetings, and hearing the plan explained and discussed, chemists generally were of opinion that the plan, if put into operation, would result in material benefit to, and the reorganisation of, the industry. 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 ininterests 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 should 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 the opinion that they would be prejudicially affected by the plan.

Different Interpretations.

“It has 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 agreement 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 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.