Private letters

Aug 2 Jeremy Hunt writes to Theresa May, saying: “There is a risk that some pharmacies may close as a result of changes.”

Aug 11 Philip Hammond, writes to Mrs May, saying: “I would like the community pharmacy market to follow trends we have witnessed in other retail markets. This might include a shift away from the traditional bricks-andmortar business model towards scaled-up, innovative supply solutions employing digital technology.”

Oct 17 Pharmacy minister David Mowat tells MPs: “We do not believe that community pharmacies will necessarily close as a result of these cuts.”

Oct 20 Mr Mowat to MPs: “It is possible none will close.”

Oct 20 Health department impact study says: “It is not Government’s intention to reduce the number of community pharmacies.”