4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on COVID-19

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:02 pm on 11 January 2022.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 5:02, 11 January 2022

Thanks very much, Mark. I'll take up your point about the facilities for deaf people. I want to make sure that those are addressed, so I'll certainly take that away and see if our officials are able to give some clearer advice on that.

In relation to the lateral flow tests, I think that it is important, where we can—. You know, we're party that believes in the United Kingdom, and there are times when we'll be asking for support from the United Kingdom Government, and on this occasion, they were asking for our support.

There's a huge difference, Mark, between supply and distribution. So, there's not a problem with supply—there's plenty of supply—the issue has been with distribution. Now, when it comes to pharmacies, the responsibility for distribution to the pharmacies is with the UK Government. So, I would suggest, Mark, that you have a word with your colleagues in Westminster and tell them to pull their finger out and to make sure that we can get access to those lateral flow tests in our pharmacies. We're putting pressure on, but it would be very helpful, Mark, if you could speak to your counterparts in your party and ask them to put pressure on the Tory Government to make sure that there is a better system of distribution. The supply in Wales is fine. The distribution is the problem, and when it comes to pharmacy distribution, that is the responsibility of the UK Government.