It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. The Government are dedicated to improving asthma outcomes. Over the past decade, initiatives such as the 2011 outcome strategy for COPD and asthma have been rolled out to improve identification, diagnosis, intervention, proactive care, and management of the disease. In 2013, a guide was produced to support accurate diagnosis of respiratory conditions. The national review of asthma deaths in 2014 aimed to identify avoidable factors and make recommendations for improvement. Since then, NHS England has established 13 respiratory networks across the country focused on improving clinical pathways for asthma patients. The NHS long-term plan includes respiratory disease as a national priority with objectives such as early diagnosis and prevention of emergency admissions due to asthma. Pharmacists in primary care networks will educate patients about inhaler use and contribute to multidisciplinary work. Since 2019, the quality outcomes framework (QOF) has improved respiratory indicators and incorporated key elements for better patient outcomes. The Minister acknowledges the particular impact of asthma on children and young people, and highlights NHSEI's transformation programme promoting a systemic approach to asthma management. The national bundle of care will be published in spring next year and includes an environmental impact section addressing air pollution. A complete version of the bundle of care will identify asthma care by race, geography, age, and social deprivation. The Government also set out their clean air strategy in 2019, recognising the health impacts of air pollution on people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. NICE guidance provides advice for those facing these impacts, and ongoing efforts are made to tackle root causes of poor air quality. During the pandemic, specialist respiratory services for severe asthma continued to run, although some centres' ability to commence patients on biologics may have been impacted at the peak of surges. Prescription and access to biologics is coordinated through severe asthma centre multidisciplinary teams, ensuring all treatments are considered based on clinical judgment. The use of remote consultations and biologic medication taken at home has supported most people with severe asthma during the pandemic. NICE's updated guidance aims to streamline processes for moving patients onto biologic therapies. Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) will diagnose a number of conditions, including respiratory symptoms, enhancing capacity for earlier diagnosis. There are currently no plans to review or extend NHS prescription charge exemptions for asthma due to the need for balance with proportionate charges and contributions to the drugs budget. Approximately 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge already, with arrangements in place to help those most in need.