BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is enlisting local chemists to help fight off Asda's attempt to cut the price of some proprietary over-the-counter medicines.

The supermarket chain wants to end the system of a guaranteed price for a range of products from cold cures to slimming aids. But this could put many local chemist shops in jeopardy.

Now Mr Pike is circulating a petition to all local pharmacists demanding that the law is not changed to allow the cut-price sales.

He said: "The current position ensures a steady income to local chemists who rely heavily on the sale of non-prescription products or medicines to remain viable. "Many non-life-saving items are sold at an agreed price, which helps to subsidise the other activities of local chemists.

"However, supermarkets are threatening to break the law which sets the price of these over-the-counter medicines. This could have a devastating effect on local chemists. The present system of Resale Prime Maintenance must not be tampered with, unless the Government has a policy which will make up the income of chemists."

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