Ann McKechin – 2014 Parliamentary Question to the Prime Minister

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ann McKechin on 2014-05-01.

To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions either orally or in writing he or his Ministers or officials have had with (a) Pfizer and (b) AstraZeneca in the last two months regarding any bid for AstraZeneca.

Mr David Cameron

We are committed to ensuring that the life sciences sector in this country continues to flourish and grow, with the UK at the forefront of life sciences R&D, and retaining our role as a leading manufacturing base. While ultimately the potential takeover bid is a matter for the respective boards and shareholders of the two companies, Ministers and officials across Government have engaged with both companies to ensure that the outcome is positive for the long-term future of this sector in the UK.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave at Prime Minister’s Questions today.