MERCK AND CO AND VIOXX DRUG

That this House notes that pain killing drug Vioxx was withdrawn from the worldwide market on 30th September 2004 given the increased risk of heart attack and stroke for users; further notes that the manufacturer of the drug, Merck & Co, have announced plans to pay more than $2 billion to American victims of Vioxx who suffered heart attack or stroke yet has refused to extend compensation to non-US victims; believes that this leaves thousands of people with no recourse for compensation and is totally unjust; and calls on the Government to work on behalf of UK sufferers to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.