§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the amounts spent on research by the pharmaceutical industry in each year since 1954; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe information most readily available is given in the table. Figures relate to companies with sales to the National Health Service of over £2 million per annum (£1 million for years 1970–77); several also had significant export sales. The figures are for revenue costs of research and development on medicines in both home and export markets. Capital expenditure is excluded. Of the £1.3 billion spent on research and development in the years 1970–82 inclusive, £881 million was effectively reimbursed to companies in the price of medicines supplied to the NHS.
United Kingdom research and development costs £ million 1970 25 1971 28 1972 33 1973 35 1974 44 1975 59 1976 73 1977 97 1978 107 1979 146 1980 177 1981 218 1982 261