To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2009, Official Report, column 524W, on risk assessment of automatic generic drug substitution, what plans he has to undertake (a) a full risk benefit analysis and (b) other impact assessment evaluation in respect of each specific proposal; and if he will make a statement. (290156)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects his Department to publish proposals for the implementation of generic substitution; (291537)

The Department is currently refining its proposals for the implementation of generic substitution and plans to formally consult in the autumn. An impact assessment will be published alongside the consultation document.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the effects on levels of availability of pharmaceuticals in the UK of increases in exports of such pharmaceuticals consequent on the value of sterling. (291782)

We have had reports from pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacy contractors of problems with the supply of medicines attributed to increased exports of medicines with the decline in value of the sterling. The Department is watching the situation with care.