§ Dr. HampsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations he has received from United Kingdom generic manufacturers(a) not in favour of any supplementary patent provision for medicinal products and (b) in support of the principle of supplementary protection but with a shorter period than that proposed by the European Commission, since 12 June.
§ Mr. LeighThe only representation we have had from United Kingdom generic manufacturers since 12 June was when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for370W Industry and Technology met representatives of the European Generics Forum on 27 June. The representatives were not in favour of any supplementary patent protection for medicinal products.
§ Dr. HampsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the generic manufacturers who belong to the Standard Formulary Medicines Register of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, expressing support for the EC proposal on patent term restoration for medicinal products; and what proportion these manufacturers represent of generic sales to the national health service.
§ Mr. LeighThe Standard Formulary Medicines Register of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has expressed support for the EC proposal subject to changes to make it easier for generics manufacturers to carry out development work before expiry of protection. I do not have information on the proportion of generic sales to the national health service represented by the companies on the register.