To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive Department of Health on their announcement that they were not to accept the report from the Office of Fair Trading on the entry regulations for pharmacies; and what the outcome of the discussions was. [109189]

[holding answer 14 April 2003]: Discussions were held at ministerial and official level between the Scottish Executive and DTI on this matter. The regulations determining control of entry restrictions are devolved in Scotland and a matter for their Ministers. Scottish Executive Ministers announced their intentions in relation to the OFT report on pharmacies recommendations on 26 March.