§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Minister for Trade whether, in deciding Her Majesty's Government's policy towards European negotiations over product liability directives and regulations, he will pay special heed to the particular problems which will arise for the British pharmaceutical industry and its innovative base.
§ Dr. VaughanYes. As I told my hon. Friend on 29 June—[Vol. 26, c.253–54.]—we expect that when the Committee of Permanent Representatives has resolved certain questions, the Council working party will resume its detailed examination of the draft directive. We wish in 331W this context to discuss the question of pharmaceuticals taking account not only of the effects which the directive might have on the industry and victims but also those which it might have on the relationship between the health professions and patients.