Drugs: Supply and Availability Debate

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Lord Allan of Hallam

Main Page: Lord Allan of Hallam (Non-affiliated - Life peer)

Drugs: Supply and Availability

Lord Allan of Hallam Excerpts
Wednesday 14th June 2023

(1 year, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
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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 Portrait Lord Allan of Hallam (LD)
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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 Portrait Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)
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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—