HC Deb 02 July 1979 vol 969 cc501-2W
Mrs. René Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what direct action he intends taking to end the British pharmaceutical industry's poor innovative record in the research and development of new drugs.

Dr. Vaughan

The British pharmaceutical industry has an outstanding record of innovation. The pharmaceutical price regulation scheme not only ensures that safe and effective medicines are available to the NHS on reasonable terms but en- courages further research effort. My right hon. Friend is anxious to maintain the research effort by the industry in Britain.