asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many closures he estimates would result from the implementation of the new contract negotiated with pharmacists.

[pursuant to his reply, 27 November 1985, c. 606]: We have no target in view for the number of closures of pharmacies under the proposed new contract. It is recognised that there would be pressures on some small contractors, but the decision whether or not to withdraw from National Health Service contract is a matter for their own commercial judgment.