HL Deb 07 May 2002 vol 634 c167WA
Baroness Noakes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they had decided to purchase the Lister strain of smallpox vaccine before they discussed their purchasing needs with potential suppliers. [HL3921]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Government's preferred timing, delivery and strain of smallpox vaccine manufacture was made clear to each of the potential suppliers who were then given time to submit their responses.

Baroness Noakes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will be meeting the costs of clinical trials for smallpox vaccine to be supplied by PowderJect Pharmaceuticals; and, if so, how much these are expected to cost. [HL3925]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Government are not meeting any direct costs for clinical trials for smallpox vaccine supplied by PowderJect Pharmaceuticals. The contract price is for the supply of goods only and any direct costs of clinical trials or tests undertaken by the company are to be met by the company.