Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Departmental Contingent Liability Notification (Human Challenge Project)

26 November 2020 · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Proposed by Alok Sharma Con Reading West

Science & Technology

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The government is committing 33.6 million for the Human Challenge Project.
  • The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is providing an excess relief claim of up to 15,000 per volunteer.
  • The project involves up to 90 volunteers with Imperial College London's own insurance coverage of 10m.

Issue summary

The statement discusses a contingent liability related to the Human Challenge Project contract between the Government and Imperial College London.

Action requested

The government is committing £33.6 million for the Human Challenge Project, with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy providing an excess relief claim of up to £15,000 per volunteer (up to 90 volunteers) beyond Imperial's own insurance coverage of £10m.

Key facts

  • The project was announced on 20 October.
  • A £33.6 million investment will support the Human Challenge Project.
  • Imperial College London, hVIVO, and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust are involved in the project.
  • Virus Characterisation Study will start in January 2021.
  • Imperial has taken out its own insurance up to £10m for 36 months after completion of the study.
  • The Department is providing an excess relief claim of up to £15,000 per volunteer (up to 90 volunteers) beyond Imperial's coverage.
  • Unlimited indemnity will be provided by the Department beyond the £10 million limit.
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