Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition will review evidence published since 2017 on the relationship between folic acid and prostate cancer before mandatory fortification begins.
Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The issues raised by the Hon. Member for Surrey Heath have been dealt with in answers to previous written questions. Most recently, I refer him to the answers provided on 10 July in response to Question 15320 and on 15 July in response to Question 16699.
The mandatory addition of nutrients to flour is not a new concept, as non-wholemeal wheat flour is already required to be fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamin. Responsibility for enforcing the updated Bread and Flour Regulations remains with local authorities. UK-wide guidance for food businesses and enforcement authorities on compliance with the current requirements, including the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, was published in April 2025, and is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bread-and-flour-labelling-and-composition
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will take steps to ensure that people medically advised to avoid folic acid can access affordable unfortified flour.
Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The issues raised by the Hon. Member for Surrey Heath have been dealt with in answers to previous written questions. Most recently, I refer him to the answers provided on 10 July in response to Question 15320 and on 15 July in response to Question 16699.
The mandatory addition of nutrients to flour is not a new concept, as non-wholemeal wheat flour is already required to be fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamin. Responsibility for enforcing the updated Bread and Flour Regulations remains with local authorities. UK-wide guidance for food businesses and enforcement authorities on compliance with the current requirements, including the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, was published in April 2025, and is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bread-and-flour-labelling-and-composition
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the planned evaluation of mandatory folic acid fortification will monitor rates of prostate cancer and foetal death.
Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The issues raised by the Hon. Member for Surrey Heath have been dealt with in answers to previous written questions. Most recently, I refer him to the answers provided on 10 July in response to Question 15320 and on 15 July in response to Question 16699.
The mandatory addition of nutrients to flour is not a new concept, as non-wholemeal wheat flour is already required to be fortified with calcium, iron, niacin, and thiamin. Responsibility for enforcing the updated Bread and Flour Regulations remains with local authorities. UK-wide guidance for food businesses and enforcement authorities on compliance with the current requirements, including the mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid, was published in April 2025, and is available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bread-and-flour-labelling-and-composition
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Department will publish any direction or funding condition requiring Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust to open a replacement Frimley Park Hospital by 2035.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Department will publish its latest forecast of annual expenditure required to manage RAAC safely at Frimley Park Hospital until the replacement hospital opens.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment the Department has made of the residual structural risks at Frimley Park Hospital following completion of its planned RAAC remediation programme.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government’s 2035 RAAC eradication target imposes a binding requirement on Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust to open a replacement Frimley Park Hospital by that date.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment the Department has made of the potential for continued safe operation of Frimley Park Hospital’s RAAC-affected buildings beyond 2035 with appropriate mitigation measures.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government’s 2035 RAAC eradication target requires clinical use of RAAC-affected buildings at Frimley Park Hospital to cease by that date.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:
Asked by: Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat - Surrey Heath)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what contingency arrangements the Department requires to maintain continuity of clinical services if the replacement Frimley Park Hospital is not operational by 2035.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.
The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.
While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.
Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link: