Health: Medicines Shortage

Lord Roberts of Llandudno Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd January 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Manzoor]

I thank my noble friend for that question. From a personal perspective, the answer must of course be yes, and the noble Lord will know that better than I. But I am afraid I do not have that answer, and so I cannot confirm it at this point. I will have to write to my noble friend.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD)]

Can the Minister tell us exactly what new steps are being taken by the Government to face any shortage of drugs?

[Baroness Manzoor]

The Government are taking a number of steps. We have introduced the six-week stockpiling, which I have already mentioned. We are also looking at transportation issues and addressing whether there are shortages. We are working with supply chains and manufacturers to get an early indication of where these shortages may arise. I reassure the noble Lord that shortages of various drugs happen throughout the year. This is not a new phenomenon, and we are not clear that it is Brexit related.