English chemists face Welsh competition

Prescriptions in Wales are cheaper than in England

Some chemists in the West of England say they face going out of business because people are travelling to Wales for cheaper prescriptions.

Medication is free for people under 25 in Wales, and up to 30p per prescription cheaper for everyone else.

Some pharmacists say it is unfair that people are expected to pay different charges in different areas.

Julian Barthram, a pharmacist in Sedbury, said he had lost more than 70% of his takings for paid prescriptions in the last 12 months.

It is one of the many anomalies of not-thought-out devolution Dr Liam Fox Shadow health secretary

"Its an unfair system. We should have a national set of rules for the NHS.

"Separate regulations for each side of the border create problems," he added.

'Students'

The situation could get worse for pharmacists in the West if the Welsh Assembly carries out its pledge to completely abolish prescription charges in the next few years.

Peter Merrick, a pharmacist in Chepstow, added: "We see a lot of people from Gloucestershire, and students coming from Birmingham."

Dr Liam Fox, shadow health secretary and former GP, told the BBC: "People will think it is unfair looking at it on the surface.

"It is one of the many anomalies of not-thought-out devolution."