Found: Letter from Lord Carlile of Berriew to Baroness Merron (Dept of Health and Social Care) re: Tobacco and

Found: Letter from Baroness Merron (Department of Health and Social Care) re Tobacco and Vapes Bill, 11 February

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 5 February (HL13750), what is the evidence base that there is a stigma around mental health in schools that requires intervention by the Government.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The importance of reducing the stigma around mental health is widely recognised, backed up by evidence such as the Lancet Commission on Ending Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health, published in 2022, and is frequently highlighted as a key issue by stakeholders and service users. The findings are available on the Lancet Commission’s website.

The initial Mental Health Support Team (MHST) evaluation, the Early evaluation of the Children and Young People's Mental Health Trailblazer programme from 2023, and the more recently published Findings from surveys of schools and colleges and Mental Health Support Teams from 2025, both found overwhelmingly positive support for MHSTs from education staff. This data is available on page 21 of the attached document.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the letter from Baroness Merron to Lord Kamall on 19 February (DEP2026-0132), by what date they expect to conclude negotiations with the British Medical Association resident doctors committee about helping doctors with the up-front cost of their training.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government remains committed to working constructively with trade unions and improving the working conditions for all our hardworking National Health Service staff. Since 8 January 2026, the Government has been engaging in intensive and constructive discussions with the British Medical Association’s Resident Doctors Committee, exploring various measures aimed at improving the working lives of resident doctors.

Given the nature of negotiations, we cannot at this time provide a specific date by which we expect talks to have concluded. We hope that these talks result in an agreement that works for everyone and avoids further unnecessary disruption for patients and NHS staff.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 16 February (HL14539), whether they will ensure that any new water regulations include a clear requirement for water companies to support, maintain and, where appropriate, expand fluoridation schemes in their areas.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The maintenance and expansion of water fluoridation schemes are set out in the Water Industry Act 1991 and associated regulations. These provide the requirements that apply to water companies where my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, proposes to enter, vary, or terminate arrangements for fluoridation of water.

There are no current plans to change these requirements through new regulations. However, the White Paper A New Vision for Water published in January 2026 confirms that, as long term reforms to the water industry are delivered, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will work in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care to support delivery of 10-Year Health Plan, which includes assessing further expansion of water fluoridation where oral health outcomes are poorest.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 26 January (HL13928), what consideration have they given to the risks of self-diagnosis of mental health conditions from online quizzes and other resources.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises that information about mental health is increasingly accessed online, including through quizzes and other digital resources. While such tools can play a role in helping people reflect on their wellbeing and can encourage them to seek support, they should not be used as a substitute for professional advice or diagnosis from appropriately trained clinicians.

We continue to signpost the public to trusted sources of information and support. For example, the National Health Service’s Every Mind Matters platform provides evidence-based advice, including a short quiz which offers tailored tips to support mental health and wellbeing.

The Government also recognises the broader risks that can arise from online environments. We have launched a national consultation on children’s online wellbeing to gather views on the next steps to build on the provisions in the Online Safety Act 2023. The three-month consultation will be evidence-led, with input from independent experts, and will explore options including strengthening age assurance, addressing harmful design features, and determining the appropriate minimum age for children to access social media. It will report in the summer.

We are also aware that more children and young people are using generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health advice and support. The Government is clear that AI chatbots must not replace advice and support from trained medical professionals. Publicly available AI applications that are not deployed by the NHS are not regulated as medical technologies, and users should exercise caution when using unregulated applications. The Government’s consultation will also explore the impact that chatbots may have on children’s wellbeing and whether further safeguards are required.

More broadly, we recognise that mental health is complex and that a range of factors may be contributing to rising demand for support. In December 2025, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, commissioned an independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. The review will examine the evidence on what is driving increased demand for support and diagnosis so that we can ensure people receive the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 26 January (HL13928), what assessment they have made of the use of labels for mental health conditions, and whether the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions will consider this.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

While no such specific assessment has been made, the terms of reference for the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism state that the review will look at evidence on the role of diagnosis for children, young people, and adults, including the value of diagnosis to individuals, and barriers to receiving a diagnosis, and its impact on receiving support. The terms of reference are available on the GOV.UK website.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 30 January (HL14009), what steps they are taking to understand the factors driving the increasing demand for mental health services, and whether increased spending will have any impact on reducing these factors.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government has launched an independent review into mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism to understand the rises in the prevalence and demand on services. The review will examine the evidence around what is driving this rising demand, including determining which trends reflect real increases in disorder, which reflect changes in awareness or access, and which are artefacts of measurement or definition. It will also consider wider factors beyond the National Health Service, such as education, employment, housing, and digital culture, to understand how these interact with people’s needs and where intervention may make the greatest difference.

We need a new approach to mental health that goes further than simply more funding, one that reduces waiting times, improves the quality of care, and promotes prevention and early intervention. Patients should have access to alternative models of support within and beyond the NHS, supplemented by clinical care. This will mean people get support earlier, avoid reaching crisis, and experience better mental health outcomes.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 29 January (HL13929), whether the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions will include any of the harms which follow from unnecessary diagnosis or treatment.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

As this is an independent review, it is for the chair, Professor Peter Fonagy, alongside the co-chairs, to determine the scope of their work, what conditions are covered, and the outputs and recommendations they choose to make, in line with the terms of reference set by the Government.

The review will examine the impact of clinical practice and explore the role that medicalisation of mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism plays, including the associated risks and benefits. The terms of reference are available at the GOV.UK website.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 16 February (HL14539), whether they will establish a statutory duty for water companies to follow the recommendations of the advisory group to the Independent Water Commission and work with the Secretary of State and relevant public health authorities on the implementation, operation, and maintenance of community water fluoridation schemes.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The White Paper A New Vision for Water published in January 2026 sets out the Government’s plans to implement the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission. This includes an integrated water regulator to deliver fair and effective regulation that protects and improves public health. A drinking water quality advisory group, including scientific and public health experts, will be given responsibility for making regular recommendations for updating drinking water regulations to ensure value for money whilst helping protect and improve public health.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the letter from Baroness Merron to Lord Kamall on 19 February (DEP2026-0132), when they plan to announce which medical specialties will receive new posts as part of the planned delivery of 1,000 new specialty training posts over the next three years.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We set out in the 10-Year Health Plan that over the next three years we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts, with a focus on specialties where there is greatest need.

The Government will set out next steps, including how these new posts will be distributed across specialties and regions, in due course.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the letter from Baroness Merron to Lord Kamall on 19 February (DEP2026-0132), when they plan to announce which regions will receive new posts as part of the planned delivery of 1,000 new specialty training posts over the next three years.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We set out in the 10-Year Health Plan that over the next three years we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts, with a focus on specialties where there is greatest need.

The Government will set out next steps, including how these new posts will be distributed across specialties and regions, in due course.

Found: Letter from Baroness Merron to Baroness Coffey regarding the role of independent advocates (Clause 22

Found: Letter from Baroness Merron to Earl Howe regarding amendment 581A - whether additional specific guidance