§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the cost of farm medicines; and if he will make a statement. [91993]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 21 July 19991: We have received representations about comparatively high prices of veterinary medicinal products in the UK and we are carefully considering the issues and whether further action is called for. However, the pricing of veterinary medicinal products is not controlled by either UK or European Community legislation. Decisions on the wholesale costs of veterinary medicines are matters for the companies manufacturing the products, taking into account commercial factors such as development and production costs and anticipated volume of sales in the member state concerned.
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§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the relative prices for farm medicines in the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic; and if will make a statement. [91994]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 21 July 1999]: There are no price controls on veterinary medicines in the EU. Prices generally reflect the market conditions and distribution practices in each member state. A comparison of wholesale prices in the UK and the Republic of Ireland shows that some products are cheaper in Ireland and others are cheaper in the UK.