Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he is putting in place to help (a) businesses and (b) customers manage (i) short- and (ii) medium-term supply chain disruption in the event of the widespread outbreak of coronavirus.

The Government is well prepared for this type of outbreak. We will continue to take all necessary precautions, such as engaging with key industry partners to discuss their preparedness planning.

We are closely monitoring the potential impacts on the UK economy, including on individual businesses, supply chains and consumers.

We are also working with Her Majesty’s Treasury to actively look at ways to support businesses, especially small-and medium-sized businesses, through this temporary period of disruption. This includes unlocking up to £1 billion of attractive working capital loans to support small businesses, with more as needed.