§ Tony WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking with respect to Africa to prevent global patent rules having a negative effect on health. [16070]
§ Clare ShortThe Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement includes flexibilities which should enable developing countries in Africa and elsewhere to protect their public health in situations of crisis or national emergency. Until now, a lack of clarity around these flexibilities had been a source of concern.
The Government, with the European Commission, worked hard to ensure that the Doha Ministerial produced a meaningful declaration on TRIPS and public health. We welcome and fully support the proposals in the Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health and the World Trade Organisation's (WTO's) efforts to ensure the TRIPS Agreement can and should be interpreted and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO members' rights to protect public health.
The Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, which I established earlier this year, is looking at how international intellectual property rules might need to develop in future best to take account of the interests of developing countries. It is due to report in June 2002.
There is of course more to improving access to medicines in developing countries than global patent rules. The World Health Organisation recognises four key factors. These include sustainable financing, affordable pricing, reliable health and supply systems, and the rational selection and use of existing drugs. My Department remains committed to working with our developing country partners and other international organisations to address all these issues, which are particularly pertinent in Africa. To this end we have pledged US$200 million to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria; set up a Working Group on Access to Medicines to look at options on differential pricing and increasing research and development; and committed over £1 billion since 1997 to help developing countries put in place effective health care systems.
Rates (Weekly rates unless otherwise shown) 2001 2002 Attendance Allowance higher rate 55.30 56.25 lower rate 37.00 37.65 Child Benefit —only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (couple) 15.50 15.75 —only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (loneparent) 17.55 17.55 —each subsequent child 10.35 10.55 Child's Special Allowance see note on Child Dependency Increase 11.35 11.35 Council Tax Benefit Personal allowances single 18 to 24 42.00 42.70 25 or over 53.05 53.95