§ Mr. GallowayTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will introduce legislation to bar medical research scientists from holding shares in drugs companies whose products they are researching.
§ Mr. Robert JacksonNo. I can see no need to introduce legislation aimed specifically at medical research scientists. The Company Securities (Insider Dealing) Act 1985 already restricts improper share dealing by a company's employees or by public servants. The Criminal Justice Bill, which is progressing through the House and will replace the existing legislation, contains provisions with a similar effect. Holdings of shares may also be subject to further restrictions under a scientist's terms of employment or contract.