Written questions by Evans.

What recent discussions he has had with (a) NHS England and (b) drug companies to secure supplies of ADHD medication.

The Department has been working hard with industry and NHS England to help resolve supply issues with some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicines, which are affecting the United Kingdom and other countries around the world. As a result of intensive work, some issues have been resolved. All strengths of lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine capsules, and guanfacine prolonged-release tablets are now available.We are continuing to work to resolve medicine supply issues, where they remain, for some strengths of methylphenidate. We are engaging with all suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets to assess the challenges faced, and their actions to address them. We are also directing suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to further build capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term. It is anticipated the methylphenidate supply issues will be resolved by October 2024.In parallel, the Department has worked with specialist clinicians, including those within the National Health Service, to develop management advice for NHS clinicians to consider prescribing available alternative brands of methylphenidate prolonged release tablets. We would expect ADHD service providers and specialists to follow our guidance to offer rapid response to primary care teams seeking urgent advice or opinion for the management of patients, including those known to be at a higher risk of adverse impact because of these shortages.To aid ADHD service providers and prescribers further, we have widely disseminated our communications and continually update a list of currently available and unavailable ADHD products on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website, helping ensure that those involved in the prescribing and dispensing of ADHD medications can make informed decisions with patients, which is available at the following link:https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/

If he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Education on encouraging young people to pursue careers in (a) hospitals and (b) community pharmacies.

It is the role of NHS England to work with National Health Service secondary care, community providers, and universities to ensure there is a supply of staff to take on the available roles providing NHS services in pharmacies, and to promote the vast array of careers available within the NHS. NHS England has developed a range of resources and interactive tools to encourage people of all ages to start a career in pharmacy. Wider NHS workforce plans aim to attract people across all generations, including those who have yet to join the workforce, to enter the pharmacy profession to train as a pharmacist and pharmacy technician.