Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has this week questioned the Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock MP, over the provision of a new Covid-19 testing site in North Wales.
James raised the matter when taking part in the first ever ‘virtual’ sitting of Parliament on Wednesday.
Speaking remotely from the constituency, he said:
“Would the Secretary of State kindly provide the House with an update on the Provision of a new Covid testing site in North Wales and the UK Government’s role in delivering this in the context of devolution.”
In his reply, the Secretary of State explained that testing is an area where the UK Government is taking a lead alongside the devolved administration, emphasised that drive-through testing sites are being provided right across the UK, and said that “making sure testing is available in North Wales is incredibly important.”
He also spoke of home testing kits which will be available to return through the post, which he said will be useful in constituencies such as the Vale of Clwyd where there are many rural areas.
James added:
“Testing is a key element of the battle against Covid-19 and developing a testing centre here in North Wales is vital. I therefore welcome the Health Secretary’s commitment to ensuring that North Wales is not left behind in this regard and for recognising that a central testing site will not be easily accessible for those living in rural areas.
“Increasing our testing capacity will be one way that can allow us to move forward and slowly and carefully reduce public health restrictions.”
