UK Statement of Policy on Malaria Vaccines

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what agreements with the private sector he has reached since his announcement on 24 November 2004 on the advance purchases of malaria vaccines; and what deadline he has set for these agreements to be reached. [218144]Mr. Timms: The Chancellor announced last November that the UK Government, working with other Governments, was ready to enter into legally binding advance purchase contracts in order to speed up the development of malaria vaccines. The UK intends to take this forward during the course of its Presidency of the G7/8 and as a first step, at their meeting in London in February, G7 Finance Ministers agreed to explore the use of advance purchase commitments. The UK Government will also continue to consult stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, on the parameters of these contracts. 1 Mar 2005 : Column 1063W"