Drugs: Supply and Availability

Lord Allan of Hallam Excerpts

Wednesday 14th June 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

The Government recognise the valuable role that medicines manufacturing plays in the UK economy. It enables us to capitalise on our world-class research and development, create jobs and, significantly, create growth. Life science pharmaceutical manufacturing was responsible for more than £20 billion of exports in 2021. Our Life Sciences Vision set out the Government’s ambition to create a globally competitive environment for manufacturing investment. Last March, we launched the £60 million life sciences innovative manufacturing fund to encourage manufacturing investment in the UK. We will announce the fund’s winners later this year.

[Lord Allan of Hallam (LD)]

My Lords, for people to be able to access the drugs they need it is essential that there is a well-staffed network of local community pharmacies. Can the Minister confirm that there will be increased training of pharmacists in the Government’s long-awaited NHS workforce plan? When can we expect to see it?

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

I thank the noble Lord for that question. I assure him that, earlier this morning, before I came to this Dispatch Box, I asked for an update on the workforce plan. It is going to be released shortly—