The value of retail sales for December, 1999, under the classification of pharmaceutical sales, was up one point at 155. Sales for the fourth quarter of 1999 were up two points at 132, giving an overall value for pharmaceutical retail sales at current prices for the year of 116, up three points on 1998. The base for the index is January, 1995 = 100.
The classification of the retail sale of pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic and toilet goods excludes National Health Service receipts. The figures are based on returns made by a number of large retail pharmacy chains, but exclude Boots the Chemists Ltd, which is classified under non-specialised retail stores. The figures are compiled by the Office for National Statistics.