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Written question asked by Tulip Siddiq (Labour) on Thursday, 8 February 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 February 2018. It was answered by Steve Brine (Conservative) on Monday, 26 February 2018 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Molybdenum

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how the Government plans to supply molybdenum-9, used for the manufacture of technetium-99 generators after the UK leaves Euratom.

Answer

The Government is fully aware of the importance of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) supplies for the National Health Service. However, Euratom places no restrictions on the export of medical isotopes to countries outside the European Union. Therefore, the United Kingdom’s ability to import medical isotopes from Europe and the rest of the world, will not be affected by withdrawal from Euratom.

The Government recognises the concern that changes to customs and border processes as a result of withdrawal from the EU and the EU Customs Union could affect the timely supply of medical radioisotopes. It is in the interest of both the UK and EU to avoid disruption in the timely access of treatment to patients; and to ensure that cross-border trade with the EU is frictionless as possible. Continued access to these critical products remains a high priority topic for the Government in both our domestic preparations as well as in our negotiations on our future relationship with the EU.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127852
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Euratom Brexit Molybdenum Technetium
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk