16. To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect on the NHS of the recent decision by Pfizer to make Alliance-Boots the sole UK distributor of its products. (95975)

The Department has obtained an assurance from Pfizer that the new arrangements will guarantee an appropriate and continued supply of Pfizer prescription medicines to pharmacists, hospitals and dispensing doctors. My Officials will monitor the new arrangements to ensure that Pfizer honour this commitment and, if necessary, will require the company to swiftly resolve any problems that may occur.