§ 7. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Minister of Aviation what progress has been made in his negotiations on behalf of the Minister of Health with drug manufacturers regarding the payment of royalties.
§ Mr. RipponNegotiations have not yet started and cannot start until my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health purchases patented drugs from non-licensed sources. Negotiations would then be with the patentees.
§ Dr. MabonWhy is the Minister of Aviation acting as deputy for the Minister of Health in this regard? Is it an admission that the Minister of Health cannot do everything, or that this is one subject he does not know about? Is it that drug manufacturers are getting benevolence from the Minister of Aviation as distinct from the hardheartedness of the Minister of Health?
§ Mr. RipponWe are regarded as having special knowledge of these matters.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWhen the Minister of Aviation has finished pill peddling and pushing the Common Market, will he take time to deal with aviation? Has he been called in because the cost of these drugs is astronomical?
§ Mr. RipponWe are concerned only about negotiations for patent rights and any claims Which may be made after contracts have been entered into.