COMMUNITY SERVICES

Early day motion 602, tabled 28 January 2003 by Kerry Pollard (Labour). Signed by 96 members.

That this House commends the dedication of community pharmacists and sub-post office owners in providing essential services to local communities; notes that both these services are under threat by recommendations made by the Office of Fair Trading, and by a programme of sub-post office closures based on early retirements rather than a strategic plan; further notes that some community pharmacies are already offering post office counter services; believes that this is the best way forward in ensuring that rural and deprived urban communities have access to both pharmacy and post office services; and calls on the Government to encourage this practice, and to take steps to ensure that no community will be left without either a pharmacy or a post office.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 34, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 2.