Written question asked by Patrick Mercer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Pharmaceuticals

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the effect on (a) jobs and (b) the balance of payments if producers of oxycodone formulations move the manufacture of these formulations to the Republic of Ireland from the UK; whether it is his understanding that the Republic of Ireland would permit the import of oxycodone hydrochloride raw material from qualified producers in the US; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 9 October 2006]: No such estimates have been made. Importation practice in other territories is a matter for their authorities.

Secondary information