Oral Answers to Questions

Selaine Saxby Excerpts

Tuesday 1st September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

What recent assessment his Department has made of the reach of NHS Test and Trace.

[Selaine Saxby (North Devon) (Con)]

What recent assessment his Department has made of the reach of NHS Test and Trace.

[Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) (Lab)]

What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of NHS Test and Trace.

--- Later in debate ---

[Matt Hancock]

Of course we learn the lessons, and I talk to my international counterparts, including those in Germany and South Korea. Compared with international systems, with the figures that I just read out, we are absolutely in the top tranche, and we are constantly looking all around the world to see how we can improve the operation of test and trace.

[Selaine Saxby]

Devon’s director of public health has confirmed that we in North Devon have had no statistically significant increase in cases as a result of the return of tourism. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that test and trace will ensure that that remains the case?

[Matt Hancock]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for everything she has done to stick up for North Devon at this difficult time. I am really pleased that there is no evident increase in covid in Devon as a result of tourism. So many people go to Devon, during the summer especially, because it is such a wonderful place. We must ensure that, through test and trace and through social distancing, which is the first line of defence against this virus, that remains the case.