The value of retail sales for May, 2000, under the classification of pharmaceutical sales, was up five points at 115.
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.