Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Government Contracts: Randox Laboratories

10 February 2022 · 13 other contributors

Opened by Maggie Throup Con Nottingham South

TaxationStandards & EthicsNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Maggie Throup raised concerns about government contracts: randox laboratories in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Government engaged with various businesses and organisations to build testing infrastructure during the pandemic.
  • Documents were laid before Parliament on February 3rd detailing efforts and reviewing 11,000 records for transparency.
  • Robust procurement regulations were followed when awarding contracts, including a 133 million contract to Randox Laboratories.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Maggie Throup

In response to the unprecedented public health emergency caused by the pandemic, the Government engaged with various businesses and organisations. On February 3rd, they laid documents before Parliament that detailed their efforts in building a substantial testing infrastructure, which included reviewing approximately 11,000 records for transparency purposes. The minister emphasises that robust procurement regulations were followed when awarding contracts, such as the £133 million contract to Randox Laboratories without competition due to extreme urgency. The statement acknowledges criticisms but maintains that these actions were essential in safeguarding public health during a time of crisis.

Other contributors (13)
  • Anneliese Dodds Lab Co-op Oxford East

    Question

    The Randox files reveal a Government that played fast and loose with public money. They handed Randox a £133 million contract without competition, leading to recalled tests and warnings about overpricing. Why was the warning ignored? Did they introduce a competitive tender process by March 2021? What about the lack of transparency in crucial meetings?

    Minister reply

    The Government's actions were necessary during an unprecedented crisis. The Randox contract, despite initial issues, contributed to building a robust testing infrastructure. Precautionary measures were taken when recalls occurred. While there was a delay in responding to Parliament due to the omicron surge, all rules and processes were followed strictly for awarding contracts.

  • Alberto Costa Con South Leicestershire

    Question

    Can I put on record my appreciation of the enormous work that the Government did during the pandemic to protect lives? Had it not been for their work, we would not have been able to protect and save so many people.

    Minister reply

    I appreciate my hon. Friend's recognition of the hard work done by the Government in establishing a test and trace programme, vaccination efforts, and therapeutic research, which were all vital in protecting public health during such unprecedented times.

  • Martyn Day SNP Lincoln

    Question

    These secret communications reveal that Paterson corresponded directly with the then Health Secretary, and contracts were issued to Randox without competition. Can the Minister explain how this is not institutional corruption?

    Minister reply

    The Department looked at every opportunity to ensure mechanisms were in place for safety during the pandemic. Randox was a recognised company; all documents have been released and are available in the House of Commons Library.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North

    Question

    Did a meeting take place between the former Member for North Shropshire and the former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care?

    Minister reply

    The evidence has been put in the Library; the Department went through as much evidence as it could. We were at the start of a pandemic.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Question

    When did the Minister know about all these issues?

    Minister reply

    The code of conduct for MPs remains a matter for Parliament. The situation with Mr Paterson will be learned from to ensure it does not happen again.

  • Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton

    Question

    How can the Minister defend the Government's procurement practices during the pandemic?

    Minister reply

    We followed Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and used emergency procurement rules due to the nature of the situation.

  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Question

    Did a meeting take place in the Lobby on 5 February?

    Minister reply

    The evidence produced in response to the Humble Address has been laid in the Library.

  • Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

    Question

    Did competitive tendering return by March 2021? How many contracts were issued without tender after that date?

    Minister reply

    I will write to the hon. Lady with answers.

  • Lyn Brown

    Question

    Has the Minister read what has been laid in the Library regarding the meeting in the Lobby?

    Minister reply

    Yes, I did read the documents before they were laid in the Library.

  • Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

    Question

    Should tax on UK covid contracts be paid in the UK?

    Minister reply

    That is for the Treasury to look at; Randox was an established company in diagnostic testing.

  • Clive Efford Lab Eltham

    Question

    Did unregistered meetings with Health Ministers and Randox breach the ministerial code?

    Minister reply

    I register all my meetings as I should do.

  • Anum Qaisar

    Question

    Does this scandal further prove that the Government are only interested in helping their friends get richer?

    Minister reply

    Ministers are not involved in the assessment and evaluation process for contracts; we have robust rules and processes.

Shadow Comment

Anneliese Dodds

The shadow minister criticises the Conservative Government for mishandling public funds and awarding contracts without competition. She highlights issues with Randox Laboratories, including attempts to requisition equipment from universities and recalled tests. The Labour Party questions why warnings about overpricing were ignored and whether a competitive tender process was introduced by March 2021. Dodds also raises concerns about the lack of transparency regarding crucial meetings and secret interactions between former MP Owen Paterson and Health Ministers, calling into question the management of commercial interests.

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