Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry on the level of the voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access tax rebate.

I met with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and other relevant trade associations in advance of negotiations for the successor to the 2019 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access starting on 4 May 2023.

Negotiations are being overseen by Sir Hugh Taylor who brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. Government is seeking a deal that meets the three agreed objectives of supporting patient access to: innovative medicines; ensuring the affordability of National Health Service spend on medicines and; supporting the life sciences sector and the wider economy.