Oral Answers to Questions

Martyn Day Excerpts

Tuesday 14th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We now come to the Scottish National party spokesperson, Martyn Day.

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

The lack of evidence on the quality, safety and efficiency of cannabis-based products for medical use is the main barrier to their being prescribed by NHS clinicians, which is why the SNP continues to support the development of clinical trials. Without proper funding, the UK Government are holding back potential successful health outcomes, so what steps are they taking to increase the priority of medicinal cannabis in research funding?

[Maria Caulfield]

I met the responsible Scottish Minister in April to discuss this issue. There is not a lack of funding. The National Institute for Health and Care Research has funding available but we are not seeing bids, so this is a plea to the clinicians, researchers and groups for those to come forward. The NHRA is also happy to meet any groups considering undertaking clinical research to ensure that it is the type of research that will provide the evidence they need to licence these products.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

I call the SNP spokesperson, Martyn Day.

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

The Government have noted that Sir Robert Francis will give evidence on his work on the infected blood inquiry on 11 and 12 July, and said that they will act after hearing his evidence. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact on victims’ mental health of the lengthy waiting times for compensation in relation to contaminated blood?

[Sajid Javid]

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important issue. The House is well aware of the Government’s work to bring justice to those who have been affected by contaminated blood, and we will continue to take that seriously.