Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of shortages in prescription drugs (a) Atorvastatin and (b) Bumetanide on patients who are regularly prescribed those drugs; and if he will make a statement.

We are aware of recent supply constraints affecting atorvastatin tablets, although supplies have now improved. We continue to work with wholesalers and all suppliers to understand what steps can be taken to further improve the situation. Deliveries are continuing to be made and we are closely monitoring the situation.

We are aware of supply constraints affecting bumetanide tablets, although alternative products remain available. We have issued communications to the National Health Service to advise healthcare professionals on management of patients during this time. We continue to work closely with the respective manufacturers to resolve the issues as soon as possible and to ensure patients have access to the medicines they need.