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Written question asked by Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 20 April 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 April 2022. It was answered by Maggie Throup (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Coronavirus: Screening

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support manufacturing of covid-19 lateral flow tests in the UK.

Answer

In October 2020, the Government commissioned work to support the United Kingdom’s diagnostic industry, to secure a supply of lateral flow device antigen tests and increase domestic production capacity. The Make UK programme delivered two clinically evaluated and regulatory approved antigen tests​ and provided investment in capital equipment and facilities expansion at three manufacturing companies in the UK​.

The UK Health Security Agency has procured 125 million tests from UK companies and has contracts in place to procure further supplies. This represents an increase in production capacity of 3,500%. The Make UK programme has also increased capacity and resilience for current and future public health challenges​.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
156595
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Government assistance Manufacturing industries Screening Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk