To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the stockpile of oseltamivir for use in the event of an influenza pandemic is complete. (103207)

We have purchased 14.6 million treatment courses of oseltamivir, which is enough to treat 25 per cent. of the population. Our stockpile was completed in September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether her Department has any plans to stockpile the drug Relenza. (103143)

Consideration is being given to increasing our antiviral stockpile, including purchasing alternative antivirals. In particular, we are looking at Relenza as a possible back up to Tamiflu.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to stockpile (a) Relenza and (b) alternative antivirals for use in the event of an influenza pandemic. (103212)

We are currently looking at Relenza as a possible back up to Tamiflu.

The only other antiviral available is amantadine. We are not currently planning to purchase this, but our antiviral strategy remains under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what preparations her Department is making against the possibility of an influenza pandemic. (103963)

The current version of the Department’s United Kingdom influenza pandemic contingency plan was published in October 2005. The plan describes the likely impact of an influenza pandemic for the UK and outlines the actions the Government and other authorities are taking to prepare for a possible pandemic, to slow down the spread of infection, minimise the health impact and minimise disruption to society.

The plan is currently being revised. The new version will have a broader scope than just the health response and cover wider areas of national planning. It is due to be published for comment on the Department’s website in early January.

The plan and further detailed information regarding our preparedness are available in the Library and on the Department's website at:

www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu.