§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has any plans to seek powers to tighten controls on the export of pharmaceutical products by British-based companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have been asked to reply.
Apart from certain biological products, there are no statutory controls over the export of pharmaceutical products by British-based companies. For those countries which require it the Government will certify the licensing status in the United Kingdom of exported medicinal products and their source of manufacture, in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines. We have no plans to alter these arrangements, but we shall continue to offer as much information as possible about the licensing and pricing of drugs in the United Kingdom to those overseas Governments who request it.