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PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Coronavirus: Screening (24 January 2022)

Question Asked

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps are the Government taking to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of lateral flow tests manufactured in the UK.

Asked by:
Fleur Anderson (Labour)

Answer

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

Over 100 million tests have been produced for UK Health Security Agency deployment and UK production capacity of lateral flow antigen test has increased by 3,500%. The first UK-made self-test lateral flow device has been deployed in January 2022. The Make UK programme has also increased capacity and resilience for current and future public health challenges​.


Answered by:
Maggie Throup (Conservative)
28 January 2022

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