§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with drug companies to ensure that their products are made available to third world countries cheaply. [52145]
§ Hilary BennThe Working Group on Access to Medicines, which I chair, brings together UK Government, the pharmaceuticals industry and others to look at options for bringing about widespread, sustainable and predictable differential pricing of medicines at reduced prices for the poor in third world countries. The Group has met twice and made good progress in identifying the best ways to address under-investment in research and development for diseases affecting the poor. The third meeting will discuss donations, pricing and affordability issues. The Group is scheduled to complete its work and report back to the Prime Minister in July.
In addition we have committed over £1 billion since 1997 to strengthening developing countries' health systems, building their capacity both to deliver medicines to the poor and to make effective choices about the selection and use of drugs.