PMQs: Boris Johnson takes MPs' questions - BBC News
Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clashed over the government's use of private contractors for public relations.
In response to a question about government contracts awarded to private firms for personal protective equipment (PPE) against coronavirus, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:“This government has secured and delivered 32 billion items of personal protective equipment.”

He added that the government has to work with the private sector and that some are more effective than others.

The 32 billion figure, which the PM quoted, refers to the number of PPE items which have been ordered, according to the government’s latest PPE strategy document from 28 September .

The National Audit Office (NAO) says it is looking into the government procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic as “concerns have been raised” about some of them “including around a lack of transparency”. The NAO will report its findings in late 2020.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says 4.6 billion PPE items have been distributed to GPs, social care providers, community pharmacists, dentists and hospices, from February to 1 November 2020.

The government worked with over 15,000 suppliers.

The PPE includes masks, gloves, eye protection, aprons and coveralls but also cleaning equipment, general purpose detergent and hand hygiene items.

You can read more here on PPE supply in the NHS.