To ask the Secretary of State for Health

(1) what steps his Department is taking to reduce the over-prescription of antibiotics;

(2) what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and (b) other regulatory bodies on promoting the synthesis of new antibiotics;

(3) with reference to the Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report, what steps his Department is taking to tackle antimicrobial resistance;

(4) when he intends to publish the UK Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy.

As set out in the Chief Medical Officer's report, we aim to take a cross-sectoral approach to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance and spread of infection. This will include good practice, prescribing decisions and encourage innovative approaches to new therapies.

To support the need for new drugs, we are working collaboratively nationally and internationally to stimulate drug development in good time. For example, on an international basis we are exploring how to use the forthcoming World Health Organization Assembly and other routes, such as the G8 to promote international activity to stimulate, the antibiotic pipeline. Nationally, regulatory bodies, such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will be involved in these discussions.

We aim to publish the antimicrobial resistance plan in early summer.

A copy of the Chief Medical Officer's report has been placed in the library and can be accessed at:

https://www.wp.dh.gov.uk/publications/files/2013/03/CMO-Annual-Report-Volume-2-20111.pdf