Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the scientific evidence is that underpins the decision that people with underlying respiratory conditions should be exempt from wearing a face mask.

United Kingdom advice on face covering follows advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. The Government is committed to following the evidence and will keep reviewing evidence from around the world and update our position as and when we need to.

Everyone must wear a face covering when they are in a shop or other place where the regulations apply, but we recognise reasonable adjustments are necessary for some people. We have included exemptions for those who may be unable to wear a face covering due to health, disability and other reasons.