Intellectual Property Rights: Affordable Drugs

Debate between Lord McColl of Dulwich and Lord Grimstone of Boscobel

Monday 30th November 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Con)]

As the noble Lord knows, nobody is a greater supporter of free trade than my department and me, but short-term considerations occasionally arise, particularly relating to public health emergencies, when those important general principles have to be put aside for very short periods of time to ensure that the NHS has access to the drugs it needs. I am sure most noble Lords would welcome this.

[Lord McColl of Dulwich (Con) [V]]

My Lords, how much of the overseas aid has been reserved to help to pay for accessible drugs for developing countries?

[Lord Grimstone of Boscobel (Con)]

My noble friend asks a good question. I do not have those detailed figures at my fingertips; I undertake to write to him.