CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERSHAM PLC

Early day motion 169, tabled 20 November 2002 by Dame Cheryl Gillan (Conservative). Signed by 13 members.

That this House congratulates Amersham plc on 20 years of success following the privatisation of the company in 1982; notes that in the intervening years Amersham International has evolved from being a leader in radioactive products valued at ú71 million into today's ú4 billion global company with two world-leading businesses Amersham Health and Amersham Biosciences and that the products from these companies are used by a doctor every second on his or her patient to make a crucial diagnosis; further notes that 20 years ago there were no biopharmaceutical medicines available and that today more than 100 are approved for use in the United States of America and that bioprocess technology from Amersham Biosciences is an instrumental part of the manufacturing process for more than 90 per cent. of those; and sends its best wishes to Amersham plc for a further 20 years of achievement and development.

Signatures by party: Conservative 12, Labour 1.