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Government Contracts: Randox Laboratories
10 February 2022
Lead MP
Maggie Throup
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
TaxationStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 13
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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