asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the report by the independent profit assessment panel into payment for retail chemists; if he will set up an inquiry into wholesale discounts for retail chemists; and if he will make a statement.

As to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Cant) on 20 November. The panel has recommended that an inquiry should be held into the discounts obtained by retail pharmacists and I will bear this in mind in my discussions with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee. [Vol. 974, c. 135.]