§ 32. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Overseas Development what is her policy in relation to aid given to developing countries which is used to increase their use of pharmaceutical products.
§ Mr. TomlinsonPharmaceuticals given in support of our aid programme are for the improvement of the health of the poorest, and are of NHS standards. The question of encouraging the use of pharmaceuticals as such does not therefore arise. We support, in principle, the WHO action programme on essential drugs and we are ready to help developing countries ensure that the drugs they use are appropriate.