Good news for Goonhilly as last week we learned that Cornwall is to host the Satellite Centre of Excellence to explore how satellite and data technologies can help businesses generate new ideas and grow markets. Goonhilly, supported by the UK Space Agency, will be partnering the Met Office, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter to deliver this centre. The
space sector provides the potential for highly skilled, highly paidjobs and, with Goonhilly at the heart of the South West's space story, there is an opportunity for local people to benefit from these jobs.
I led a debate in Parliament regarding the role of community pharmacies.The Department of Health has written to Community Pharmacists setting out the plan to increase the role of community pharmacists as part of a more integrated local care model, including support for healthy living; support for self-care for minor ailments and long-term conditions; medication reviews in care homes. This is exactly the right direction as we work to
integrate health and social care. Community pharmacists are an essential playerin a new NHS, equipped to meet modern society's demands. However, funding for Community Pharmacies will reduce by £170 million. I know that WestCornwall's community pharmacists want to work with the Department of Health to improve services, engage in health and social careintegration, improve drug waste reduction and improve access torecords to support prescriptions. The future of independent community pharmacists is very important to me and I've asked the Government whatassurances it can give to independent community pharmacists in rural areas and what consultation has been conducted with Pharmacy patientsto see what their concerns would be if Community pharmacies where to
close.
Children from Parc Eglos Primary School visited the Houses of Parliament last week. I was able to escape my office unnoticed to meet them and learn from them about their ideas and experiences. They asked some excellent questions. I find a space in my diary to visit a school most Fridays, quite simply because the education of our young people is one of the highest priorities.
