PRESCRIPTION CHARGES

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 May 1936, Page 5

PRESCRIPTION CHARGES

“CHAIN” STORES OPPOSED. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. May 7. The first ’of the evidence for and against the system of chain pharmacies, recently started in New Zealand, was to-day heard by the Industries and Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives. There 'are about 12 witnesses to be called, and the inquiry into the position, as it affects both sides, is expected to occupy two or three sittings of the Committee.

Mr W. J. Jordan, M.P.. Chairman of the Committee, presided, and the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, was present. Evidence on the petitions presented to Parliament was given, and it was urged that no new companies be allowed to commence business as pharmaceutical chemists, either solely or in conjunction with other businesses. After hearing the witnesses, the committee adjourned until next Wednesday.

Mr F. C. Spratt, for the Pharmaceutical Society, said the question the Committee had to face was whether the modern system of chain store distribution was applicable to the phar[rhacy business. The majority of chemists could not economically dispense prescriptions at the rates charged by Boots. The Society stood for the principle of a fair reward foi> honest service. Herbert James Stanley Rickard, president of the Pharmacy Board, said the opinion of the profession had always been that the business of pharmacy should be conducted by natural ! persons, duly qualified, and not by Companies or artificial persons. All the profession asked was to be allowed to dispense prescriptions at rem enable charges, am’ that the Board bo given additional powers to enable it to regulate prices, and deal witli anv complaints about overcharging. In asking for protection, the chemists referred only to that part of their business consisting of prescription work. They raised no objection to competition in the sale of proprietary articles or general merchandise. Walter Kingsford Hounsell, manager of the Friendly Societies’ Dispensarv, Auckland, said a recent survey of Auckland, showed that seventeen assistants’ positions were in jeopardy if .Boots commenced business in that city.