To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to the Answer of 17 June 2008, Official Report, column 799, on cardiovascular incidents, what steps his Department (a) has taken since that Answer and (b) plans to take to ensure that the manufacturer of Vioxx fulfils its responsibilities to people in the UK who have been affected; and if he will make a statement. (241266)

The then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for Care Services, my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis) met with representatives of Merck Sharpe and Dohme UK Ltd on 10 July 2008 where he highlighted the concerns raised by hon. Members on behalf of their constituents. A representative from Merck and Co., Inc. was also present at that meeting.