§ Jim DowdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to ensure that the prices paid in the UK for branded prescription medicines are comparable with those in other countries in Europe; and if he will make a statement. [183666]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Department, on behalf of the United Kingdom Government, is currently negotiating with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) on a new Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme. It is seeking to negotiate another voluntary agreement that delivers prices that represent value for money for the taxpayer and the national health service as well as reasonable returns for the research-based pharmaceutical industry.