Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Prior of Brampton on 14 July (HL1009), what reports the Department of Health has received in the last twelve months from the pharmaceutical industry about interruptions in the supply of drugs to United Kingdom pharmacies.

Reports from pharmaceutical companies about potential or impending medicines shortages are provided to the Department in confidence, as required by the joint Departmental/pharmaceutical industry guidance, Notification and management of medicines shortages. A copy of this document is attached. When advanced warning is received, we work with companies and others in the supply chain to explore the options for continued supply and many potential interruptions in the supply of medicines to United Kingdom pharmacies are avoided. When a shortage does occur, the Department expects companies to communicate with its customers and others as appropriate.