Draft Prevention of Trade Diversion (Key Medicines) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

Matt Western Excerpts

Monday 28th September 2020 General Committees

[Graham Stuart]

I congratulate the hon. Member for Harrow West on his speech, which did two things. First, it thoroughly examined the SI and, secondly, having built that base and confidence with you, Mr Hollobone, it included issues that would adorn any general debate in the House of Commons on health, perhaps straying somewhat beyond the highly technical and specific elements of the regulations. I will respond only to the bits that have some relevance to the SI that we are discussing, notwithstanding the fact that it was an excellent speech and touched on important matters that should, as the hon. Gentleman rightly said, be debated elsewhere.

The hon. Gentleman raised the lack of specialists. We recognise that; he is entirely right. That is why we will work closely with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to assess any medicinal information provided by manufacturers or exporters, to ensure that all considerations are given appropriate weight. He will be aware that the Government not only are the first ever—if we are stretching beyond the immediate remit—to meet the 0.7% target for aid spending, but are generously and fully funding the WHO. We will consult as appropriate across the piece.

The hon. Gentleman mentioned roll-over agreements in Africa. I am not aware that there are any practical implications, but if there are any, on further consideration following this debate, I will write to not only the hon. Gentleman but all Committee members so that they are aware of them.

As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, the Secretary of State can make regulations under the SI. On the issue of labelling, the only thing that we are removing is the EU logo. Manufacturers will be able, as now, to work with the appropriate authorities to ensure that their product is suitably differentiated. They have every interest in doing so. Whatever mark they may find best to do so will continue to be supported. As I say, we will have the power to make regulations if further action were to be appropriate, but at the moment we do not think it will be.

[Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab)]

How frequently will labelling be reviewed by the Secretary of State, and on what products?

[Graham Stuart]

I think I can suggest that it will never be reviewed, unless or until someone raises it as an issue, which is most likely to be the companies whose interests we are seeking to protect. We will keep an open mind. We have the power to do these things, and if any problem arises, we will swiftly seek to make changes to ensure that the regime continues to work as successfully as the hon. Member for Harrow West made clear it has to date.

I think “Fire in the Blood”, the Government’s broader role in procurement, tiered pricing and covid go way beyond this SI, which I hope, as has been made clear, everyone in the Committee is happy to support. I am grateful to all hon. Members for attending today and to the hon. Gentleman for, as I knew he would, giving the regulations a characteristically thorough examination.

Question put and agreed to.