59_60: Yes that's correct,they did buy minus 'x' amount ,by the way I have no idea of how much is really needed to buy for a really eventful pandemic? Lets just give numbers from 1 to 10. What is needed is 10 ,full house. But the Government bought just 5,and then over the years allowed it to drop down to 3 ,(it was being reduced at a steady slow pace,(no pandemic at all) so, all's well!) Why did that Government at the time not replenish, not buy? ......The cost involved, which was not at all compulsory ! (wink).Yes Minister!

The wealth of a nation is in the hands of private ownership,all Governments are struggling to keep afloat.