Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for the 25 per cent of covid-19 nationally which originates from the North West region of that region having access to 15 per cent of national covid-19 testing capacity.

Our approach to testing is guided by the latest scientific advice. We are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, and prioritising at-risk groups. Where there is an outbreak, we are working intensively to curb the spread, giving local areas dedicated ring-fenced teams from the national NHS Test and Trace service.