HC Deb 01 March 2000 vol 345 cc270-1W
Mr. Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with pharmaceutical companies about ensuring that developing countries have access to affordable drugs. [111509]

Mr. Byers

The issue of healthcare in developing countries and access to medicines was raised at the recent WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle, and while there I met representatives of the pharmaceutical industry and NGOs. Since Seattle I have received representatives on this issue from pharmaceutical companies and NGOs.