CHAIN PHARMACIES

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12866, 21 May 1936, Page 6

CHAIN PHARMACIES

ATTITUDE OF B.M.A. neutral policy. EVIDENCE FOR BOOTS LTD. EXPERIENCE IN ENGLAND. * Press Association) , WELLINGTON, May 20. Evidence on behalf of Boots Limited was given to-day at; the resumed hearing, by (ho .Industries and Commerce Commit.tee of the House of Representatives, of evidence on the. petitions tor tho exclusion from the Dominion of chain store pharmacies. Mr. G. L. Saul produced a letter from Dr. Anson, chairman of the British Aledicnl Association of New Zealand. in which Dr. Anson, referring to a letter previously written by him. arid which was the basis of a statement on behalf of the pharmaceutical chemists that they had the support of the association, said that it was merely intended to convey the fact, that the executive of tho association had no complaints from its members as to tho efficiency of tin- present pharmaceutical service of the Dominion to the medical profession, and was definitely not intended to suggest that the. British Medical Association was giving any support, one way or the other, in the present, controversy. “The matter is not one within our province and. as such, has not come before our members.” stated the letter. “You have my authority in produce this letter at the committee ul inquiry.” Tlie witness said lie had been employed hv Boots Limited for Hi years. No parallel could be drawn between the company’s shops in England ami (ho drug stores of America. It would bo definitely shown that it was the company's intention to stock only tho normal chemist’s merchandise in New Zealand.

His company took the view that (lie lower prices brought the commodities within the reach of an increased number of customers, thereby enlarging the turnover of chemist's 'commodities generally to the advantage of the public and of tin* trade itself.

There, he suggested, was the reason, that private chemists of Great Britain were prospering in spite of the competition from Boots Limited, while private chemists in New Zealand wore in the unenviable position revealed by Air. Hoslop’s figures. Frivate chemists in England had been compelled to keep prices at a reasonable level and profited by the increased turnover.

The witness also indicated that his board’s policy would he one nf gradual and net sudden development on tlm basis of suitable businesses being offered to tlm board for purchase. IK* was authorised by Lord Trent to sav that, when the company was in a

ncsitkn to justify. by actual trading figures, anv invitation to capital subscription, it, would give favourable consideration to an issue open to the New Zealand public.

PROPOSED FACTORY IN N.Z. Henry Snclson Hibhins, manufacturing manager for Boots Pure Drug Company, Nottingham, said he was sent to New Zealand by the company to investigate resources for tho production of pharmaceutical specialties and drugs, and to report on the question of erecting and operating a factory in New Zealand . He was instructed to investigate the possibility of producing lino chemicals in Now Zealand, particularly insulin. He was satisfied that, it would he in the best interests of the company to operate a factory in Now Zealand, and he was authorised hv Lord Trent to state that; in the event of no restrictions being placed on the activities of Boots New Zealand Ltd., the company would commence the erection ol a factory in New Zealand in twelve months. A considerable* supply of raw material existed in the country. The staff would include a factory manager, a research chemist and an analytical chemist, Imt it was hoped

that; tho rest of the labour would bo recruited in New Zealand. This concluded the evidence for Boots. 'PRIVATE PROTEST AGAINST . EXCLUSION. E- AY. Nicolaus, of Wellington, said that as a member of the general consuming public he challenged the right of any special interests to petition tho Government, to restrict open fair competition in its particular commodities, which was the only sa log nan I against profiteering, and ho protested as a taxpayer against any individual or company of individuals, seeking material and legal aid from the Government; for the benefit of its private interests. ' - Tho committee adjourned until tomorrow.