Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) service delivery and (b) patient care standards are maintained in community pharmacies following the dissolution of NHS England.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises that pharmacies are an integral part of the fabric of our communities, as an easily accessible ‘front door’ to the NHS, staffed by highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals.

All services delivered within a community pharmacy are delivered under the supervision of a pharmacist who are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The GPhC is the independent regulator of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacy premises in Great Britain, and will remain unaffected by any changes to NHS England. GPhC sets standards for the education and training of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support staff, inspects pharmacies to ensure standards are met and acts if there are concerns about a registered pharmacy or pharmacy professional.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to integrate (a) e-scooter and (b) e-bike infrastructure with rural bus services.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government aims to deliver an integrated transport system that reduces emissions, improves journeys, and gives people choice over how they travel, and we are carefully considering how shared micromobility and active travel schemes can help to deliver these objectives right across the country.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of rolling stock age on (a) reliability and (b) service quality on Great Western Railway routes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The average age of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) rolling stock is 15 years, as published on the Office of Rail and Road website as at 31 March 2024.

My officials receive regular updates on GWR’s train fleet. Detailed maintenance arrangements are a matter for GWR, its maintenance providers and the rolling stock owning companies. GWR works closely with its maintainers and the supply chain to source parts to maintain the trains as required.

The age of rolling stock is one of the factors that can impact on reliability and service quality. GWR and Network Rail have been working together to develop plans to replace ageing rolling stock with trains that will better meet the needs of passengers in the future. Any specific proposals are subject to both business case approval and funding being available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the availability of spare parts for ageing rolling stock operated by Great Western Railway.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The average age of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) rolling stock is 15 years, as published on the Office of Rail and Road website as at 31 March 2024.

My officials receive regular updates on GWR’s train fleet. Detailed maintenance arrangements are a matter for GWR, its maintenance providers and the rolling stock owning companies. GWR works closely with its maintainers and the supply chain to source parts to maintain the trains as required.

The age of rolling stock is one of the factors that can impact on reliability and service quality. GWR and Network Rail have been working together to develop plans to replace ageing rolling stock with trains that will better meet the needs of passengers in the future. Any specific proposals are subject to both business case approval and funding being available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average age is of Great Western Railway's current fleet of rolling stock.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The average age of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) rolling stock is 15 years, as published on the Office of Rail and Road website as at 31 March 2024.

My officials receive regular updates on GWR’s train fleet. Detailed maintenance arrangements are a matter for GWR, its maintenance providers and the rolling stock owning companies. GWR works closely with its maintainers and the supply chain to source parts to maintain the trains as required.

The age of rolling stock is one of the factors that can impact on reliability and service quality. GWR and Network Rail have been working together to develop plans to replace ageing rolling stock with trains that will better meet the needs of passengers in the future. Any specific proposals are subject to both business case approval and funding being available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department provides funding for safe cycling routes to schools in rural areas.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government recently announced £222.5 million for local authorities outside London for the delivery of walking and cycling schemes. It is for local authorities to decide on local priorities for investment in local transport networks, including walking and cycling routes to schools.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with Great Western Railway on the (a) maintenance and (b) servicing of older rolling stock.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The average age of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) rolling stock is 15 years, as published on the Office of Rail and Road website as at 31 March 2024.

My officials receive regular updates on GWR’s train fleet. Detailed maintenance arrangements are a matter for GWR, its maintenance providers and the rolling stock owning companies. GWR works closely with its maintainers and the supply chain to source parts to maintain the trains as required.

The age of rolling stock is one of the factors that can impact on reliability and service quality. GWR and Network Rail have been working together to develop plans to replace ageing rolling stock with trains that will better meet the needs of passengers in the future. Any specific proposals are subject to both business case approval and funding being available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she has taken to prevent the loss of driving licence entitlements during DVLA system updates, and how frequently these measures are reviewed for effectiveness.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Updates to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) systems are rigorously planned and assessed so that impacts and risks are understood.

The DVLA has recorded 176 instances where drivers claimed they were missing entitlement between 2020 and 2024. These mainly relate back to when the DVLA was established and driving records were computerised. The DVLA undertakes a full investigation in each case including a search of existing and archived records. If no information is held, the driver will be asked to supply any information they may have to evidence previous entitlement.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many instances of missing driving licence entitlements have been reported to the DVLA in the last five years; and what steps she has taken to help tackle these cases.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Updates to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) systems are rigorously planned and assessed so that impacts and risks are understood.

The DVLA has recorded 176 instances where drivers claimed they were missing entitlement between 2020 and 2024. These mainly relate back to when the DVLA was established and driving records were computerised. The DVLA undertakes a full investigation in each case including a search of existing and archived records. If no information is held, the driver will be asked to supply any information they may have to evidence previous entitlement.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department will provide funding to Dorset Council to improve parking facilities at Dorchester South station.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This Government recognises the importance of sufficient parking provision at railway stations. Decisions on specific projects are a matter for the relevant local authority. However, we have recently announced that Dorset Council will receive nearly £2 million as part of the Integrated Transport Block which can be used to support a wide variety of schemes and make transport more accessible. In addition, the Council has been allocated over £3.8 million to make improvements to their local bus services. This funding gives Local Authorities an opportunity to consider whether it would be viable to integrate public transport provision with local railway stations, offering an alternative mode of transport for people to travel to those locations.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions her Department has had with equestrian organisations on improving (a) infrastructure and (b) safety measures for horse riders on rural roads.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.

In 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.

THINK!, the Government's flagship road safety campaign, plays an important role in raising awareness of, and encouraging compliance with, new road safety legislation. This includes the recent changes to The Highway Code. THINK!, ran campaigns to alert road users of the changes as they came into effect, and broader behaviour campaigns to encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Results from the last campaign showed that by September 2023, 93% of drivers agreed it was their responsibility to give space to vulnerable road users. We will continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.

Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 puts a 'statutory duty' on local authorities to provide a safe local road network. This includes road construction, accident investigation and analysis, traffic calming and setting speed limits.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to issue (a) further guidance or (b) an awareness campaign to drivers on how to safely share the road with horse riders.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.

In 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.

THINK!, the Government's flagship road safety campaign, plays an important role in raising awareness of, and encouraging compliance with, new road safety legislation. This includes the recent changes to The Highway Code. THINK!, ran campaigns to alert road users of the changes as they came into effect, and broader behaviour campaigns to encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Results from the last campaign showed that by September 2023, 93% of drivers agreed it was their responsibility to give space to vulnerable road users. We will continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.

Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 puts a 'statutory duty' on local authorities to provide a safe local road network. This includes road construction, accident investigation and analysis, traffic calming and setting speed limits.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of recent changes to the Highway Code at improving safety outcomes for horse riders.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads and my Department works with a broad range of stakeholders, including the British Horse Society, to help us achieve our aim.

In 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve the safety of all road users, particularly the most vulnerable. Key changes included the introduction of a Hierarchy of Road Users, which ensures that those who do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat that they pose to others, along with the strengthening of guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse-riders.

THINK!, the Government's flagship road safety campaign, plays an important role in raising awareness of, and encouraging compliance with, new road safety legislation. This includes the recent changes to The Highway Code. THINK!, ran campaigns to alert road users of the changes as they came into effect, and broader behaviour campaigns to encourage understanding and uptake of the guidance. Results from the last campaign showed that by September 2023, 93% of drivers agreed it was their responsibility to give space to vulnerable road users. We will continue to promote The Highway Code changes on THINK! and DfT social media channels and via our partner organisations.

Local authorities are responsible for road safety on the local road network. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 puts a 'statutory duty' on local authorities to provide a safe local road network. This includes road construction, accident investigation and analysis, traffic calming and setting speed limits.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to improve the accessibility of (a) e-scooters, (b) e-bikes and (c) bicycles in rural areas.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government wants to make smaller, lighter vehicles an everyday transport option, including for those in rural areas where it works for their journeys.

On 28 March the Government announced to Parliament its intention to publish a third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) following the conclusion of the Spending Review. This will allow us to say more on the long-term ambition and funding for active travel as required by the legislation. The Government will consult on the strategy, with relevant stakeholders, ahead of its publication.

The Government recognises the benefits that rental schemes can bring, especially for those who otherwise could not afford to purchase a e-scooter, cycle or e-cycle. We are giving local leaders the powers to manage schemes in their areas, to give them the confidence they need that these schemes can work for whole communities, including through tackling anti-social behaviour and poor parking.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with Dorset Council on on-street parking around Dorchester South railway station.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not had discussions with Dorset Council on this matter. Responsibility for implementing parking restrictions rests with the appropriate local authority, as they are best placed to consider how to balance the needs of residents, emergency services, local business and those who work in and visit the area. Dorset Council has civil parking enforcement powers to deal with any contraventions of their parking restrictions.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to alleviate congestion caused by on-street parking around Dorchester South railway station.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This Government recognises the need to ensure people can travel to and from railway stations with minimal delays. The relevant local authority is responsible for dealing with traffic management issues and these include governing on-street parking provision and restrictions. They are in the best position to determine how to manage these so that congestion can be reduced for local people as much as possible.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the status is of the revised Harbour Revision Order relating to the Harbour managed by Dorset Council; and when she expects it to be approved.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department does not manage the process of Harbour orders, as this process is led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is unusually busy with Harbour orders at present but is working continuously to process all harbour orders.

For an accurate status update of the harbour order in question, we suggest the Council contacts the MMO directly.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the revised Lyme Regis and Bridport Harbour Order (revision of October 2022) for Dorset Council will include provisions to allow the granting of longer leases; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the revised order on potential leaseholders.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department does not manage the process of Harbour orders, as this process is led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is unusually busy with Harbour orders at present but is working continuously to process all harbour orders.

Whilst the department is a consultee of all HROs, the department does not comment on the content of orders unless it affects the position or powers of the department. As such, no assessment has been made on the impact of the order on leaseholders.

For an accurate status update of the harbour order in question and for an update as to its content, we suggest the Council contacts the MMO directly.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the time taken to consider the revised Lyme Regis and Bridport Harbour Order (revision of October 2022) on Dorset Council.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department does not manage the process of Harbour orders, as this process is led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is unusually busy with Harbour orders at present but is working continuously to process all harbour orders. While the Department is keen to work with the MMO to understand how we can support more sustainable efficiencies in the longer term, no assessment has been made of the impact of time taken for this order or any other.

For an accurate status update of the harbour order in question, we suggest the Council contacts the MMO directly.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take to ensure that GPs continue to receive (a) funding and (b) support following the dissolution of NHS England.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We inherited a broken National Health Service which penalises hard working staff by hampering them with layers of bureaucracy, unclear lines of accountability, and a fragmented, duplicative system. It is a bad use of taxpayers’ money to have two national organisations doing the same jobs. This has left patients worse off and staff unable to do their jobs properly.

Creating a more efficient, leaner centre will free up capacity and help deliver significant savings of hundreds of millions of pounds a year which will be reinvested in frontline services and cutting waiting lists.

We remain committed to fixing the front door of the NHS, building on the progress to date to deliver meaningful reform to establish a modern general practice (GP) at the heart of a neighbourhood health service.

We are investing an additional £889 million in GPs to reinforce the front door of the NHS, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This is the biggest increase in over a decade. The 7.2% boost to the GP Contract is faster than the 5.8% growth to the NHS budget as a whole, helping to reverse the decade-long trend of GPs receiving an ever-decreasing percentage of NHS funding.

GPs will continue to be a core element of the future of the NHS during and after the integration of NHS England into the Department.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase the provision of NHS ear wax removal services in West Dorset constituency.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission cost-effective healthcare to meet the needs of their local populations. This includes the arrangement of services for ear wax removal. When ICBs exercise their functions, including commissioning healthcare services such as ear wax removal, they have a duty to reduce inequalities between persons with respect to their ability to access health services, and to reduce inequalities between patients with respect to the outcomes achieved for them by the provision of health services.

Guidance for general practitioners (GPs) on ear wax removal is provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Manual ear syringing is no longer advised by the NICE due to the risks associated with it, such as trauma to their ear drum or infection, so GPs will often recommend home treatment remedies to alleviate ear wax build-up.

However, in line with the NICE’s guidance, a person may require ear wax removal treatment if the build-up of earwax is linked with hearing loss. A GP could then consider referring the patient into audiology services, which ICBs are responsible for commissioning.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department provides to general practitioners on the provision of ear wax removal services to patients in West Dorset constituency.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission cost-effective healthcare to meet the needs of their local populations. This includes the arrangement of services for ear wax removal. When ICBs exercise their functions, including commissioning healthcare services such as ear wax removal, they have a duty to reduce inequalities between persons with respect to their ability to access health services, and to reduce inequalities between patients with respect to the outcomes achieved for them by the provision of health services.

Guidance for general practitioners (GPs) on ear wax removal is provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Manual ear syringing is no longer advised by the NICE due to the risks associated with it, such as trauma to their ear drum or infection, so GPs will often recommend home treatment remedies to alleviate ear wax build-up.

However, in line with the NICE’s guidance, a person may require ear wax removal treatment if the build-up of earwax is linked with hearing loss. A GP could then consider referring the patient into audiology services, which ICBs are responsible for commissioning.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) service delivery and (b) patient care standards in dental practices are maintained following the dissolution of NHS England.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Ministers and senior Department officials will work with the new executive team at the top of NHS England, led by Sir Jim Mackey, to lead the formation of a new joint centre. As we work to bring the two organisations together, we will ensure that we continue to evaluate impacts of all kinds.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most.

The responsibility for commissioning primary care, including dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to all integrated care boards across England.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of moving to multi-year funding settlements for local authorities to support long-term transport infrastructure investment.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This government is committed to providing greater stability to local government by giving councils multi-year funding settlements and ending wasteful competitive bidding.

Funding to local authorities for transport in future years is being considered as part of the current Spending Review, the outcome of which will be confirmed in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the recent £2 million Bus Service Improvement Plan funding allocated to Dorset Council is effectively utilised to enhance bus services in underserved rural communities within West Dorset.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is committed to seeing better, more reliable bus services delivered right across England, including in West Dorset and other rural communities.

Local transport authorities are encouraged to use funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) on schemes that they, and local operators, believe will deliver the best overall outcomes in growing long term patronage, revenues and therefore maintaining service levels, whilst ensuring essential social and economic connectivity for local communities.

This will be different for each area. We believe local leaders know their areas best and so are best placed to make decisions about how to improve services to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with farming communities on the potential impact of rural road infrastructure on farming operations.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Local highway authorities are responsible for their local roads, in both rural and urban areas. It is up to them to engage as necessary with relevant stakeholders, including farming communities, on matters of this sort.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) support and (b) compensation for veterans who left the Armed Forces before 1987 and have since developed health conditions linked to their service.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The War Pension Scheme (WPS) provides no-fault compensation for all ex-service personnel where illness, injury or death is caused by Service before 6 April 2005.

Compensation is paid for injuries or illnesses that arise as a result of Service or are made worse by Service. The scheme awards a disablement percentage between 0% and 100%, with those awarded at 20% - 100% receiving an ongoing weekly war pension, and those awarded at 1% - 19% receiving a one-off gratuity payment.

The WPS is also open to Veterans diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their military service prior to 6 April 2005, offering either a lump sum or regular payments.

The Ministry of Defence delivers a range of services to Veterans and their families. This includes the administration and payment of Armed Forces pensions and compensation, the provision of tailored advice and assistance through the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and the Integrated Personal Commissioning for Veterans.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) support and (b) compensation for veterans who have suffered asbestos-related illnesses.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The War Pension Scheme (WPS) provides no-fault compensation for all ex-service personnel where illness, injury or death is caused by Service before 6 April 2005.

Compensation is paid for injuries or illnesses that arise as a result of Service or are made worse by Service. The scheme awards a disablement percentage between 0% and 100%, with those awarded at 20% - 100% receiving an ongoing weekly war pension, and those awarded at 1% - 19% receiving a one-off gratuity payment.

The WPS is also open to Veterans diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos during their military service prior to 6 April 2005, offering either a lump sum or regular payments.

The Ministry of Defence delivers a range of services to Veterans and their families. This includes the administration and payment of Armed Forces pensions and compensation, the provision of tailored advice and assistance through the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and the Integrated Personal Commissioning for Veterans.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the legislation enabling domestic firearms companies to sell firearms to Europe.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Exports of firearms are controlled by the Export Control Order 2008 and Regulation (EU) No 258/2012. Only once an export licence has been issued can the export proceed.

We rigorously assess every application on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). The SELC provide a thorough risk assessment framework for export licence applications and require us to carefully consider the impact of providing equipment and its capabilities. We will not license the export of equipment where to do so would be inconsistent with the SELC.

The SELC were announced to Parliament on 8 December 2021 by the then International Trade Secretary. The full written ministerial statement can be found at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-12-08/hcws449.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of multi-year funding settlements on (a) service improvements and (b) long-term planning by South Western Railway.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government is committed to delivering a unified and simplified governance structure for the railways, alongside passenger train services under public ownership. This will provide improved services for passengers, better value for money for taxpayers and ensure decisions across infrastructure and operations are aligned. A multi-year funding settlement will better enable delivery of these outcomes. This will include on South Western Railway, following its transition to public ownership on 25th May 2025.

Officials are also developing a financial framework under which Great British Railways will be expected to operate.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help provide (a) support and (b) resources to farmers to protect their livestock from dog attacks.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This government recognises the distress livestock worrying can cause animals and their keepers.

This Government is supporting a Private Members’ Bill which will amend and update the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. The Bill will modernise definitions and scope, strengthen police powers and increase the maximum penalty from a fine of £1,000 to an “unlimited” fine to act as a deterrent.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to introduce a statutory duty for fire and rescue services in England to respond to flooding.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Protecting communities from flooding is a key priority for this Government. In Autumn 2024, as the Minister previously responsible for fire, the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson asked officials to undertake further work alongside Defra and other relevant partners to understand in more detail if there are gaps in the fire and rescue services flooding response and resilience system.

Fire and Rescue Authorities have duties under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) to prepare for emergencies, including major flooding. Fire Rescue Authorities also have discretionary powers to respond to incidents under their core functions in the Fire and Rescue Services Act (2004) and in response to the risks set out in their Community Risk Management Plans prepared under the National Framework. At this time, a clear rationale for introducing a statutory duty has not been determined.

However, MHCLG officials and representatives of fire and rescue services will continue to work with Defra, as the lead government department for flooding, and its partners to understand the challenges that fire and rescue services face and consider how best to ensure that all partners involved in flood response have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to introduce additional fire safety-related grant funding for fire and rescue services to meet changes in regulatory requirements.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

We are providing £10 million Protection Uplift Grant to Fire and Rescue Services for 2025/26, with £5 million allocated for the first six months and a further £5 million to be confirmed later in the year. The Protection Uplift grant is ringfenced to fire protection and is used to bolster capability and capacity in protection departments.

Decisions on future funding to Fire and Rescue Services to support the work of the Building Safety Regulator are under consideration and yet to be confirmed.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to review funding for the (a) conservation and (b) management of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to increase their (i) environmental and (ii) recreational value.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

National Landscape teams are powerful delivery partners, bringing together outcomes for nature, climate and communities.

We understand resourcing remains a challenge and recognise that the Defra core grant is an essential foundation for National Landscapes’ work. We want to work closely with National Landscape teams to support their proven ability to innovate, drawing on their expertise, knowledge and partnerships with farmers, businesses and communities across England.

We are committed to working with National Landscape organisations to ensure they are sustainably resourced to fulfil their statutory role and we will shortly begin a wider discussion about how we fund these places and organisations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has had discussions with its counterparts in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, and (c) Northern Ireland on recommending abiraterone acetate for NHS patients with high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Decisions on the availability of medicines in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are a matter for the devolved administrations.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had discussions with his counterparts in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland on equitable access to abiraterone acetate for high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer patients.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Decisions on the availability of medicines in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are a matter for the devolved administrations.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to evaluate feedback from adoptive families on the effectiveness of Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund; and what steps she is taking to implement improvements to that Fund given that feedback.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The effectiveness of the therapies available within the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) is currently being assessed from multiple angles, including through feedback from adoptive families. The department started to collect data from outcomes measurement tools for ASGSF-funded therapies in December 2023. As therapy treatment comes to an end, this data will give an overall picture of the impact and adequacy of individual ASGSF-funded therapies. We are currently developing tools and methods for assessing this emerging information.

The department is always looking for ways to improve the support which the ASGSF provides for adoptive and kinship families, based on a number of factors, including feedback from adoptive families via our Adopter Reference Group and the annual Adoption UK Barometer survey report. We will also be reviewing the most effective and efficient way of managing the fund in future years.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to regulate water abstraction rates to sustainable levels in chalk stream catchment areas.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency takes action where water abstraction is adversely impacting the water environment.

Implementation of the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme between now and 2030 will result in an additional £170 million being invested by water companies to improve river flows in chalk streams.

In June, the Environment Agency will launch an update to the Water Resource National Framework. This update includes placing chalk streams environmental needs at the centre of long-term water resource planning decision making. Investment in national water resource infrastructure and water demand management will be needed to secure sustainable water abstraction in chalk streams.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of legislating for the retrospective application of the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

There are currently no plans to apply the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987 retrospectively. There is a route to compensation, outside of litigation, for Service personnel who served before May 1987, via the War Pensions Scheme.

The War Pensions Scheme is a no-fault scheme which provides compensation for Service personnel who are disabled or die due to injury caused or made worse by service in the UK Armed Forces before 6 April 2005. There are also a range of supplementary pensions and allowances payable, including for dependants.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the merits of potential locations for the establishment of new domestic weapons manufacturing facilities.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The strategic aim of this Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is to make sure the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. The Defence Industrial Strategy will signal to industry the areas we want to grow our onshore production capability, and where we will work with allies. This will ensure the UK has the industrial base needed to meet the potential threats of the future, as well as maximise economic benefits to the UK, ensuring UK suppliers get more value out of our procurement spend. In March this Government agreed a £1.6 billion deal provides thousands of air defence missiles for Ukraine, boosting UK jobs and growth through a trebling of Thales’s Belfast based production of lightweight multirole missiles. BAE Systems has announced that it will deliver a sixteen-fold increase in production capacity of 155mm artillery shells when its new explosive filling facility at Glascoed, South Wales, becomes operational this summer.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) help reduce pollution levels in England's chalk streams and (b) to monitor the effectiveness of these steps.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to the protection and restoration of our cherished chalk streams. We have taken immediate action to clean up our waterways, including a new Water (Special Measures) Act which will bring criminal charges against those who persistently break the law. In October last year we launched an independent commission into the water sector regulatory system to deliver transformative change to the water system.

We are investing in initiatives to improve chalk streams including 45 projects in 24/25 through the Water Environment Improvement Fund. As part of the Water Resources Chalk Partnership Fund, in 24/25 the Government will contribute £1 million for chalk stream projects with partners on 30 projects, aimed at safeguarding these rare and irreplaceable habitats.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help teach children about active travel to school.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Local authorities have a duty to promote the use of sustainable travel on journeys to and from places of education in their area. This includes children who are not eligible for free school travel provided by the local authority. Local authorities must publish a sustainable modes of travel strategy which sets out their vision for improving the infrastructure for sustainable travel and promoting sustainable travel to places of education. It should aim to provide health benefits for children and their families through active journeys and environmental improvements through reduced congestion and improved air quality. Further information is available in the department's statutory guidance for local authorities, which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-to-school-travel-and-transport-guidance.

Active Travel England is the government’s executive agency responsible for promoting walking, wheeling and cycling as the preferred choice of travel in England. They support local authorities with grant funding for the development and construction of walking, wheeling and cycling facilities and schemes and are responsible for a number of schemes which promote active travel to school. Further information can be found at: https://www.activetravelengland.gov.uk/.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to encourage children to cycle to school.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Local authorities have a duty to promote the use of sustainable travel on journeys to and from places of education in their area. This includes children who are not eligible for free school travel provided by the local authority. Local authorities must publish a sustainable modes of travel strategy which sets out their vision for improving the infrastructure for sustainable travel and promoting sustainable travel to places of education. It should aim to provide health benefits for children and their families through active journeys and environmental improvements through reduced congestion and improved air quality. Further information is available in the department's statutory guidance for local authorities, which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-to-school-travel-and-transport-guidance.

Active Travel England is the government’s executive agency responsible for promoting walking, wheeling and cycling as the preferred choice of travel in England. They support local authorities with grant funding for the development and construction of walking, wheeling and cycling facilities and schemes and are responsible for a number of schemes which promote active travel to school. Further information can be found at: https://www.activetravelengland.gov.uk/.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take to help improve (a) the delivery and (b) standards of patient care in dental practices following the dissolution of NHS England in 2027.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 April 2025 to Question 46592.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase the domestic manufacturing of firearms.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The strategic aim of this Government's Defence Industrial Strategy is to make sure the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. The Defence Industrial Strategy will signal to industry the areas we want to grow our onshore production capability, and where we will work with allies. This will ensure the UK has the industrial base needed to meet the potential threats of the future, as well as maximise economic benefits to the UK, ensuring UK suppliers get more value out of our procurement spend. All Ministry of Defence procurement decisions are carefully considered, taking into account not only the capabilities of the equipment but also the wider economic impact and the need to maintain operational sovereignty.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of current domestic firearms production in meeting the needs of the UK's armed forces.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The strategic aim of this Government's Defence Industrial Strategy is to make sure the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. The Defence Industrial Strategy will signal to industry the areas we want to grow our onshore production capability, and where we will work with allies. This will ensure the UK has the industrial base needed to meet the potential threats of the future, as well as maximise economic benefits to the UK, ensuring UK suppliers get more value out of our procurement spend. All Ministry of Defence procurement decisions are carefully considered, taking into account not only the capabilities of the equipment but also the wider economic impact and the need to maintain operational sovereignty.

Climate and Nature Bill

Improving equestrian road safety awareness

Court transcript costs

UK-EU Summit

Community Energy Pathways and the King’s Award for Sustainable Enterprise

Safe sleep standards in early years settings

Treatment of Israeli hostages

Gaza occupation proposals

Blockade of aid to Gaza

Sewage discharge

Fibrenest and Persimmon homes

Public Hearts defibrillator campaign

Congratulating Prime Minister Mark Carney

LED headlights

Sanctioning of UK Parliamentarians by Russia

UK parliamentarians sanctioned by the Russian Federation

Chalk stream river protection

Use of swift bricks

Protecting children from data exploitation

Found: Questions 1-24 Representations made I: Jim Shannon II: Edward Morello, Sarah Champion, Monica Harding

Found: Aphra Brandreth; Dan Carden; Richard Foord; Uma Kumaran; Blair McDougall; Abtisam Mohamed; Edward Morello

Found: Aphra Brandreth; Dan Carden; Richard Foord; Uma Kumaran; Blair McDougall; Abtisam Mohamed; Edward Morello

Found: Aphra Brandreth; Dan Carden; Richard Foord; Uma Kumaran; Blair McDougall; Abtisam Mohamed; Edward Morello

Found: Sarah Olney Liz Jarvis Pippa Heylings Caroline Voaden Tessa Munt Charlotte Cane Clive Jones Edward Morello

Found: Sarah Olney Liz Jarvis Pippa Heylings Caroline Voaden Tessa Munt Charlotte Cane Clive Jones Edward Morello

Found: Sarah Olney Liz Jarvis Pippa Heylings Caroline Voaden Tessa Munt Charlotte Cane Clive Jones Edward Morello