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Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT

My Lords, I thank the Minister for accepting this Urgent Question repeat. Life science companies have warned that the decision to charge VAT on early access and the innovative medicines that they provide free of charge could lead to them ending providing these free treatments to patients before routine NHS funding is available. The second fact is that recently released government papers reveal that the Cabinet is being asked to look at who they can tax to pay more in benefits. I have three quick questions. First, can the Minister unequivocally state that these two issues are not linked? Secondly, what discussions have the Government had with life science companies, especially those that have raised concerns over charging VAT on free medicines? Thirdly, have the Government looked at whether they could spend that revenue from VAT on improving access to innovative medicines?