Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the study from the University of Cambridge The costs of switching to low global-warming potential inhalers. An economic and carbon footprint analysis of NHS prescription data in England, published on 30 October 2019, which found that switching to more environmentally friendly asthma inhalers could achieve large cabon saving and reduce drug costs.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are aware of and have considered the study referenced. The findings are being taken into account alongside other evidence in understanding the impact on patient care, the environmental impact and the costs involved in a change in the mix of inhalers to lower carbon alternatives.

As set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, the National Health Service restated its commitment to the carbon targets in the UK Government Climate Change Act 2008, reducing carbon emissions, on a 1990 baseline, by:

- 34% by 2020; and

- 51% by 2025

In particular, the NHS Long Term Plan commits that a substantial reduction in the carbon impact of inhalers and anaesthetics over 10 years, will contribute to the overall NHS carbon reduction targets. The propellants used in pressurised inhalers are potent greenhouse gases.