Tuesday 24th March 2020

(4 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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Yes, both are important points that we have in hand.

Ed Davey Portrait Sir Edward Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD)
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It is good to see the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire (Ms Dorries), back in her place—I am not sure whether the Secretary of State still needs to have 2 metres distance.

May I press the Secretary of State on personal protective equipment? I hear what he says, and it is good that the military are being involved in the distribution, but is there enough PPE available for all healthcare workers and social care workers? If not, what is happening with manufacturing and the procurement from around the world, because we are told there is some available from around the world?

Matt Hancock Portrait Matt Hancock
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Yes, we have a huge quantity that we hold ready for an eventuality such as this. That was, in fact, enhanced in our no-deal preparations, but of course we are also using that up, so we are buying to make sure that those stocks are replenished.