Anger as BBC stockpile drug.

BBC bosses came under fire yesterday for stockpiling 4000 doses of the swine flu drug Tamiflu. The corporation say they bought up supplies for staff who may come into contact with the virus in the course of their work. But it prompted an angry response from Conservatives who say the authorities have warned against buying up stocks of the drug. Scottish Tory public health spokesman Jackson Carlaw said:"It is nothing short of disgraceful that a licencepayer-funded body is government they one storing away an antiviral which is free on the NHS." About 4000 doses of the watch bulletins? Tamiflu drug have been bought by the corporation. It is not for general use and diagnosed will treatment can only be given to staff facing work-related risks - Tamiflu." not those coming into contact with the virus through friends or family. A BBC spokesman said: "We have a duty of care to protect staff who may come into contact with infection in ably will find an licence every required BBC shortage programming."

the course of their work, as far as reasonably practical." The BBC's supplies need be distributed all around the world to ensure rapid access. The spokesman added: "We are not competing with the NHS for scare vaccines - the UK has strong stocks of antiviral medicines." However, we would not expect the NHS to pay for our stocks of antiviral medicines in, for example, Hong Kong or South America." Carlaw plans to write to BBC bosses over the issue. He said: "As reported on BBC news, the Scottish advice is clear - do not encourage any-tstockpileTamiflu. "Do BBC executives not their own news Those who are as having H1N1 receive the appropriate on the NHS. "There is no shortage of People will understandbe very angry and I be writing to the BBC to out why it thinks this is acceptable use of the fee, which I and other TV owner is to pay when the is complaining about a of funds to sustain

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DUTY OF CARE: BBC will give drug to staff abroad