Covid-19 Lateral Flow Tests 2022-03-01
2022-03-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions about the continuation of free lateral flow tests and their impact on different regions in the UK. It specifically mentions that devolved administrations are involved in these decisions.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with the devolved Administrations on ending free-of-charge covid-19 lateral flow tests?
In advance of the living with covid announcement on 21 February, ministerial colleagues discussed our living with covid strategy with the devolved Administrations. Officials were also in regular touch to understand the approach being taken by each Administration and any implementation issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses concerns about the impact on public health if people are required to pay for lateral flow tests. It highlights the benefits of asymptomatic testing and references advice from UK chief medical officers.
What assessment has the Minister made of the likely reduction in the number of daily tests being taken if people have to pay for them, and how does that compare with the advice from all the UK's chief medical officers on the level of background asymptomatic testing?
As the Prime Minister announced last week, free tests will continue until April. He also stated that if the SNP in Scotland wished to continue to offer free tests after that date, it is certainly at liberty to do so. I am proud that, because of the amazing success of the vaccination programme, covid rates are coming down, hospitalisations are coming down and deaths are coming down.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment requested on test reduction and comparison with medical advice was not provided.
Covid Success
Vaccination Programme
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the fiscal impact of providing free lateral flow tests and suggests that Scotland needs more borrowing powers to manage these expenses.
Scottish taxpayers paid their contribution towards the provision of free lateral flow tests. Now we see the UK Government making a decision that directly affects Scotland because we have a fixed budget. Is it not the case that Scotland needs its own borrowing powers so that it has much more fiscal responsibility and the proper levers of power?
As far as I am aware, and I am pretty sure I am right, the Scottish Government already have tax-raising powers, so perhaps they could use them in this instance.
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Assessment & feedback
The need for Scotland to have borrowing powers was not directly addressed.
Tax-Raising Powers
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights a discrepancy in the allocation of funds, with £5 billion requested for continued testing and £4.3 billion lost to fraud during the pandemic.
The Department of Health and Social Care asked the Treasury for £5 billion to continue testing, which was refused, yet it has been revealed that the UK Treasury has effectively written off £4.3 billion given to fraudsters during the pandemic. Does the Minister think it is wrong to write off losses that have enriched fraudsters while refusing to support the continuation of free testing?
I assure the House that the Treasury has not written off anything.
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Assessment & feedback
The comparison between fraud write-offs and testing funding was avoided.
Treasury Has Not Written Off Anything
Response accuracy