Pharmacies have been boosted following the Government's announcement it was unlikely to accept recommendations to further open up the market to larger companies.
Local chemists, especially those in rural areas, had feared they could be at risk of closure if ministers accepted proposals from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
The plans would have scrapped rules restricting the number of pharmacies.
The current rules restrict the number of licences granted to chemists and new pharmacies have to prove they could provide a "necessary or desirable" service to the local community.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said she was unlikely to take on board the recommendations.
Wednesday March 26 2003
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