Covid-19: Test Results

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Excerpts

Tuesday 27th October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bethell (Con)]

My Lords, pool testing offers a huge opportunity to cover a large amount of ground very quickly, and there are some workplace testing champions for it, including Amazon. However, it has some restrictions, in particular not knowing the identity of the person who might have tested positive. That is why we are running a large number of pilots at the moment and investing heavily in trying to figure out this exciting but challenging technology. We will deploy it the moment we can find a model that works.

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP) [V]]

My Lords, there have been a lot of allegations of corruption in the tendering processes for various aspects during the pandemic. I am curious whether the Minister feels that that could have some impact on the efficiency of what is happening now. When will the Government work with the right people?

[Lord Bethell (Con)]

I acknowledge the presence of fraud and condemn all those involved, but I do not see the connection between fraud and inefficiency.