March 30 (Reuters) - The United Kingdom should agree to

regular increases in NHS drug prices and phase out a

multibillion-pound rebate scheme if Eli Lilly ( LLY ) is to

resume investment in the country, Patrik Jonsson, president of

Lilly's international businesses told FT on Monday.

Jonsson told FT that he was in talks with ministers in the

UK and feeling "optimistic" about reaching an agreement by the

summer for Britain to pay more for its medicines.