Mary Henry (Independent)

With regard to Senator Browne's final point I did not think an economic link would exist between the doctor and the pharmacist. I want to know why such generosity is shown by selling the suites at 20% of the market value. Somehow the other 80% will be paid. I support the Minister with regard to generic drugs. Senator Ryan is correct to state this may reduce competition enormously. From what the Minister stated, I feel she is not in a position to stop a pharmacy opening in the same building as a medical centre so that is that and there is nothing we can do about it.

I am also concerned about the fact that many medical centres are built on the fringes of towns because property is not so expensive there. We will have a situation whereby a pharmacy within a desirable medical centre will receive far more business due to convenience. The matter of allowing key money is very important.