§ 4. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Health if he will introduce legislation to set up Government-owned factories, preferably in development districts, for the manufacture of drugs, pharmaceuticals and other commodities required by the National Health Service.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MilneIs my right hon. Friend aware that that is a very disappointing reply? Will he look more closely into the matter, as pharmaceutical costs will loom very large in our prices policy in the near future?
§ Mr. RobinsonOf course, I am concerned to get pharmaceutical products for the National Health Service at the most economical price, but the Sainsbury Committee examined the question of nationalisation and State participation in its Report and did not recommend nationalisation. It expressed doubt whether participation in a lesser form was called for.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanWhen considering Questions from his hon. Friends, would the Minister bear in mind the pharmaceutical industry's export record? Since 1948, it has increased its exports about five times and they are now running at a net export figure of about £75 million. Will he balance that against any question of costs?
§ Mr. RobinsonIf I were ever in any danger of forgetting the export record of the pharmaceutical industry, I could rely on hon. Members opposite, many of whom have interests in the industry, to remind me of it.