Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Covid-19 Update

31 March 2022 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

NHS

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The government is implementing measures to manage surplus PPE through sales, repurposing, recycling, and disposal.
  • The Department is working to recover costs from suppliers through dispute resolution processes.
  • Measures to reduce excess PPE aim to ensure responsible management of surplus stock.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the government's handling of PPE procurement and surplus management during the pandemic.

Action requested

The minister announces measures to reduce excess PPE, including sales, repurposing, recycling, and disposal. The Department is also pursuing dispute resolution to recover costs from suppliers where necessary.

Key facts

  • Over 19.1 billion items of PPE were delivered.
  • Surplus stock has been sold, reused, donated both domestically and internationally, recycled, or recovered through original suppliers.
  • Investigations into 176 contracts due to dissatisfaction with quality control or breaches are ongoing.
  • Contracts for 1.21 billion items have been cancelled or varied, saving £572 million.
  • Masks worth 330 million have been sold and more sales are in pipeline.
  • Donations include 207 million masks to schools and 38 million to transport operators.
  • 23 million visors recycled into plastic food trays.
  • Every pallet of PPE sold, repurposed, donated, or recycled saves taxpayers £2.75 a week.
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