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Thu 11 Nov 2002Inquiry on pharmaceutical firms likelyThe Government is likely to launch an inquiry into the actions of US-based multinational pharmaceutical companies whose products were implicated in the infection of haemophiliacs with HIV and hepatitis C.This was revealed by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, last night at the conclusion of the debate on the Lindsay tribunal report. He said that he had already been advised by Mr Paul Gardiner SC on the issue, "and, subject to further discussion with the Attorney General, I reiterate my belief that it would be possible to mount a useful investigation which would allow access to publicly available material and to persons and bodies willing to co-operate."