Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Covid-19 PPE Procurement 2022-12-06

2022-12-06

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Allan Dorans
▸ Context
The MP questioned the adequacy of steps taken by his Department to secure value for money in procuring PPE during the pandemic.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the steps taken by his Department to secure value for money in procuring personal protective equipment during the covid-19 outbreak?
Steve Barclay
We procured personal protective equipment at pace so that we could protect the frontline and save lives. In a highly distorted market, we worked around the clock to secure the life-saving PPE that we needed.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide an assessment of value for money or specific steps taken.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Allan Dorans
▸ Context
The MP questioned the need for a full investigation into PPE procurement, especially regarding Baroness Mone's connection with Government Ministers.
Will he assure me—and more importantly the public—that a full and thorough investigation will take place into these matters and that, following that investigation, the report will be made public?
Steve Barclay
We have commissioned a full investigation and inquiry into the Government's handling of covid and, as part of that, I am sure that the inquiry will look at PPE. But it is important to put it into context. We secured 23.2 billion items of PPE.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids direct assurance of public disclosure and focuses on the total number of PPE items procured.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Steven Bonnar
▸ Context
The MP questioned the regulation against cronyism and committed to scrapping the UK Government's VIP lane for healthcare contracts.
How will the Secretary of State better regulate the cronyism of his colleagues? Will he commit now to scrapping the UK Government's VIP lane for healthcare contracts?
Steve Barclay
Again, that ignores both the pressure of time at the start of the pandemic and the fact that there was international competition, with companies competing for scarce resources. It is also the case that although more than 19,000 companies were offering PPE, only 2,600 passed initial due diligence checks.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids addressing the specific ask of regulation against cronyism and commitment to scrap VIP lane.
Response accuracy