§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she discussed with the South African Government the legal action being pursued by GlaxoSmithKline concerning the amended South African Medicines Act during her recent visit to South Africa; and if she will make a statement. [152137]
§ Clare ShortI did not have the opportunity to discuss this legal action with the South African Government during my recent visit to South Africa. I believe that negotiations with pharmaceutical companies on price and licensing offers the best way of balancing the need for affordable access to drugs with the need for intellectual property protection to encourage future research. The legal action is regrettable, but it is a matter between the pharmaceutical companies and the Government of South Africa.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings she had during her recent visit to South Africa with the pharmaceutical companies pursuing a legal action against the amended South African Medicines Act; and if she will make a statement. [152138]
§ Clare ShortI did not have the opportunity to meet pharmaceutical companies during my recent visit to South Africa. I believe that negotiations with pharmaceutical companies on price and licensing offers the best way of balancing the need for affordable access to drugs with the need for intellectual property protection to encourage future research. The legal action is regrettable, but it is a matter between the pharmaceutical companies and the Government of South Africa.