Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to decarbonise schools in order to meet the emission reduction targets by 2035.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department is committed to supporting the UK net-zero carbon targets. Since 2021, the department’s own building standards require that all new school buildings delivered by the department are net-zero carbon in operation and are adapted to climate change.

Additionally, the department recently announced the £80 million Great British Energy Solar Accelerator Programme, in partnership with GB Energy, that will install solar and other technologies, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers, in 200 targeted schools and colleges, prioritising those in areas of deprivation, to start in 2025/26.

The department is providing support for all schools and colleges to start on their journey towards net zero via our new online sustainability support for education platform and our climate ambassador programme. Where schools are considering options to become more sustainable, including considering decarbonisation of their energy supply, our ‘Get help for buying’ service provides support to ensure that schemes procured are of high-quality and value to the sector. More information can be found at: https://gethelpbuyingforschools.campaign.gov.uk/.

Details of other government funding available to public bodies for sustainability, prepared by the Crown Commercial Service can be found at: https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/social-value/carbon-net-zero/funding-and-grants.

Capital funding allocated to the school sector each year can also be used for projects that improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of school buildings, as well as improving the condition of the estate to keep schools safe and operational.

The department has allocated £2.1 billion in condition funding for the 2025/26 financial year, which is £300 million more than the previous year.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to provide clarity on levels of funding for (a) children’s and (b) adult hospices.

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

Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing services within the National Health Service. The amount of funding each charitable hospice receives varies both within and between integrated care board (ICB) areas. This will vary depending on demand in that ICB area but will also be dependent on the totality and type of palliative and end of life care provision from both NHS and non-NHS services, including charitable hospices, within each ICB area.

We are, however, at a national level, also supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. The Government has released the first £25 million tranche of the £100 million capital funding, with Hospice UK kindly allocating and distributing the money to hospices throughout England. An additional £75 million will be allocated in the coming weeks for use in 2025/26.

Additionally, we are providing £26 million revenue funding to support children and young people’s hospices for 2025/26. This is a continuation of the funding which until recently was known as the children and young people’s hospice grant. NHS England has now communicated the details of the 2025/26 funding allocation and dissemination to individual hospices.

In February 2025, I met with key palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, and long-term sector sustainability, within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan, was discussed at length.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has to (a) bring forward legislative and (b) amend existing legislation to tackle noise pollution caused by (i) motorcycles and (ii) modified vehicle exhaust systems.

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

The Department does not have plans to amend existing vehicle noise legislation.

The Department takes the impact of noise pollution on health, wellbeing and the natural environment seriously. Strict noise regulations for motorcycles are harmonised at an international level and require vehicles to demonstrate compliance before being placed on the market. Replacement exhaust systems that are to be used on the road must also meet strict noise limits that are aligned with those of the original vehicle.

The police have powers to deal with noisy vehicles on an ongoing basis. Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 they can take action if they suspect a vehicle is being driven in a manner that makes excessive noise which is avoidable through reasonable driver care. In the same Regulations, vehicle exhaust systems are required to be maintained in good working order and not altered so as to increase noise.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to her Department's reports entitled Roadside Vehicle Noise Measurement - Phase 2 Final Report, published August 2021, and Work Order T0218 Roadside Vehicle Noise Measurement – Phase 3 Parts A to C, published March 2024, what assessment she has made of noise camera trials in (a) controlled and (b) real-world conditions in (i) detecting and (ii) identifying excessively noisy vehicles.

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

The Department conducted controlled and real-world trials of noise camera technology between April 2022 and February 2023. Reports of these trials, including detailed assessment of the technology’s performance and potential merits, were published on 17 March 2024.

Overall, the trials demonstrated that noise cameras currently have the potential to detect and identify excessively noisy vehicles, but only when accompanied by human review of the recorded evidence, which is likely to lower the cost effectiveness of deploying the technology in many circumstances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with UK-based private lenders on debt cancellation for lower-income countries.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Supporting developing countries to tackle unsustainable debt is a key development priority of this government.

The UK government is working closely with borrowers, official and private creditors, and the IMF and World Bank, to strengthen the wider debt architecture and provide timely and coordinated restructurings for countries where needed, to support holistic debt sustainability for low-income countries.

The Paris Club, and now the G20 as part of its commitment to coordinate on debt treatments under the Common Framework, are clear on our collective expectation that private creditors must participate in restructurings on terms at least as favourable as those provided by sovereign creditors.

In working with the private sector, the government has focussed on enhancing a market-based approach. This includes working with private sector creditors to strengthen contracts underpinning debt issuance to ensure private sector participation in debt restructuring, building on IMF evidence that suggests this approach is working well.

Recognising the importance of the private sector in debt discussions and drawing on the expertise of the City of London, we have set up the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt, which I will co-chair and which will consider non-bonded debt issues among others. The Coalition will leverage London’s role as a financial services hub by bringing together government and private sector stakeholders to drive solutions for more sustainable sovereign debt financing in developing economies.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support to the victims of the Safe Hands Funeral Plan.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the honorable member to my response to UIN 39592.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of working with (a) Building Digital UK and (b) Openreach to expedite the rollout of broadband through Project Gigabit in Moor Park, Farnham.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Openreach is delivering a Project Gigabit contract for Surrey (and surrounding areas) in which premises in the area of Moor Park, Farnham are included.

Project Gigabit contracts are typically delivered in stages, enabling suppliers to build out to rural and harder-to-reach areas from the central network in a quick and efficient way. The delivery timeframe of the Project Gigabit rollout in Moor Park is highly dependent on the placement of Openreach’s existing network and is therefore at Openreach’s discretion.

Build on this contract has already commenced and is scheduled to complete by 2030.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she plans to take through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to require (a) developers and (b) housing associations to have robust warranties in place which include cover for (i) incomplete and (ii) inadequate work.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government’s plans to ensure new build homes are of sufficient quality are being taken forward outside of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. This includes reforms set out in the answer to Question UIN 37745 on 19 March 2025.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress her Department has made on the school-rebuilding programme.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government has committed £1.4 billion to continue the current School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) in 2025/26, reconfirming the department’s commitment to rebuild or refurbish 518 schools and sixth form colleges across England, prioritising delivery based on need. All schools within the programme are prioritised for delivery according to the condition of their buildings, readiness to proceed, and efficiency of delivery. Expected delivery timeframes have been communicated to all responsible bodies.

Just over half of SRP projects have started various stages of delivery activity and, so far, the department has handed over 28 projects, including refurbished or rebuilt schools. We plan to increase the number of existing school rebuilding projects that we will start delivery on in this financial year to 100, so work can start more quickly, and more children and teachers will ultimately benefit from new school buildings sooner.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions his Department has had with Integrated Care Boards and hospital trusts to prevent falls inside hospitals.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We are informed by NHS England that there have been no recent discussions or directives to hospitals or integrated care boards on the prevention of falls inside hospitals, although we are aware of wider work to support fall prevention, including NHS England’s public health initiative, Harnessing the benefits of physical activity, and the ongoing National Audit of Inpatient Falls that NHS England commissions via the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership. Further information on Harnessing the benefits of physical activity and the National Audit of Inpatient Falls is available, respectively, at the following two links:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/public-health/harnessing-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/

https://www.rcp.ac.uk/improving-care/national-clinical-audits/falls-and-fragility-fracture-audit-programme-fffap/national-audit-of-inpatient-falls-naif/

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Hongkongers who (a) arrived in the UK on British National (Overseas) visas and (b) have subsequently become UK citizens receive consular protection in (i) Hong Kong and (ii) mainland China.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides consular assistance to British nationals abroad. This includes BN(O)s who, under the Memoranda to the Joint Declaration, are eligible for consular assistance in third countries, but not in Hong Kong, Macao or mainland China. If individuals have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, it's advised that they carry clear evidence they have done so. We advise seeking legal advice where appropriate for individual cases. Individuals should also familiarise themselves with the FCDO's Travel Advice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to not provide Official Development Assistance to countries that have higher (a) gross domestic product and (b) purchasing parity power than the UK.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review. We plan to publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

All UK ODA spending is consistent with the international rules agreed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Development Assistance Committee. Under these rules, ODA can only be provided to countries with a per capita Gross National Income of less than US$13,845 in 2022.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of recent legislative changes at enhancing private sector participation in sovereign debt relief for low-income countries; and whether she plans to introduce further initiatives to help ensure (a) timely and (b) equitable debt restructuring.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is not currently pursuing legislative changes to enhance private sector participation in debt restructurings for low-income countries. The UK, alongside the G20 and Paris Club, expects private creditors to participate in debt restructurings on comparable terms and we have seen private creditors’ willingness to engage and provide debt treatments where needed, including for Zambia and Ghana. We work closely with the private sector on several aspects of their participation in debt treatments – including to help ensure timely and comparable treatments – through bilateral meetings, engagement with representative institutions, and the Paris Club’s regular discussions with the private sector.

The government is focused on enhancing a market-based approach to private sector participation – including through working to strengthen the contracts underpinning debt issuance, and to increase transparency. The Chancellor recently announced the launch of the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt, which will promote the uptake of UK-led contractual innovations – namely, Climate Resilient Debt Clauses and Majority Voting Provisions – in private lending.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to encourage Forestry England to introduce disabled parking spaces in the Bourne Woods car park, Surrey.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 11 November 2024, UIN 12353.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how revenues from the sale of NHS Property Services assets are re-allocated.

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

Where integrated care boards (ICBs) declare NHS Property Service (NHSPS) owned assets surplus to their future clinical requirements, the NHSPS markets these properties for sale with the net proceeds, after the cost of sale, being reinvested into operational healthcare facilities. All sales follow the process set out in Managing Public Money, to maximise value for the taxpayer.

All net proceeds from the sale of surplus NHSPS assets are split equally between local and national capital investment projects, with half of the proceeds being invested in local priority capital investment schemes agreed with the local ICB, and the remainder being reinvested in NHSPS owned properties, to ensure that all NHSPS properties continue to meet statutory requirements. Running cost and rental savings associated with the rationalisation of the estate and the disposal of surplus sites accrue to the National Health Service. NHSPS is a not-for-profit company wholly owned by My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what long-term investment her Department is making in cycling and walking infrastructure within the Comprehensive Spending Review.

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

Future government investment in cycling and walking is being considered alongside all other transport priorities as part of the Spending Review. On 28 March, I informed Parliament of my intention to publish a third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy following the conclusion of the Spending Review. This will allow us to say more on the long-term funding for active travel, as required by the 2015 Infrastructure Act.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will consider the adoption of new formal partnership mechanisms with Town and Parish Councils in new unitary authorities formed through Local Government reorganisation in England.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government values the role currently played by town and parish councils in local government. We strongly encourage all local authorities to involve their town and parish councils in their plans to ensure that their contribution to local public services is recognised in future arrangements.

Whether or not an area has town and parish arrangements in place, they will be expected to imbed neighbourhood working into new unitary councils empowering frontline councillors to be the community convenors they were elected to be.

Local authorities operate independently of central government. The government believes that individual local authorities are best placed to determine how they can most effectively collaborate to support the wellbeing of their citizens.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of ground rent costs on the ability of long-term leaseholders to sell their leased properties.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government remains firmly committed to its manifesto commitment to tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rents, and we will deliver this in legislation.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the qualification requirements are for Personal Independence Payment assessors.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set clear requirements on the professions, skills, experience, and training of health professionals (HPs) that assessment suppliers use to carry out assessments. The Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide (PIPAG) states all HPs recruited for the delivery of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments (or any parts of these) must meet the following requirements:

• Be an occupational therapist, nurse, physiotherapist, paramedic, doctor, pharmacist or by exception, another registered healthcare professional, providing the requirements set out within the PIPAG are met, the individual continues to satisfy quality and probation processes, and only by individual, prior, written agreement with the DWP.
• Be fully registered with the relevant licensing body
• Have no sanctions attached to registration unless: they relate to disability, or the HP is a doctor who has an approved practice setting (APS) (as defined by the General Medical Council from time to time) requirement on the grounds that they have not had their first revalidation post qualification as a doctor
• In individual cases, the requirement for HPs not to have any sanction attached to registration may be waived subject to prior written agreement with DWP (no waiver is required in relation to any sanction relating to disability or an APS requirement)
• Have at least 1 year’s post full registration experience (this refers to either UK registration or equivalent overseas registration for non-UK HPs) or less than 1 year’s post full registration experience by individual, prior, written agreement with the DWP.
• Have passed a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 32890 on Homes for Ukraine Scheme, whether her Department plans to publish eligibility criteria for Ukrainian nationals resident in the UK wishing to transition to alternative routes to settlement after the expiry of the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the absence of a bespoke long-term route on Ukrainians in the UK.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.

This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application.

Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so. The link to the page providing further guidance for Ukrainian nationals who are in the UK with a visa is here: Ukrainian nationals in the UK: visa support - GOV.UK.

We keep the Ukraine schemes under continuous review in line with the ongoing conflict.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many applications have been received from commercial laying hen and pullet keepers for the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant in England.

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

The deadline for online applications was the 18 September 2024. The Rural Payments Agency received 103 applications. The deadline for full applications is 28 April 2026. As of 22 April 25, one full application has been received. Checks to confirm eligibility against the requirements of the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant will be completed as part of full application process.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) banning the use of Bovaer and (b) allowing the use of Kelp.

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

The Food Standards Agency has advised milk from cows given Bovaer is safe to drink. Bovaer has undergone a rigorous safety assessment and is approved for use in Great Britain.

Regulation of feed additives and materials, such as Kelp, is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency. Both synthetic and natural feed products must be demonstrated as safe for use to be added to the GB Register of Feed Materials.

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 improve cross communication between NHS organisations.

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

The Government is committed to harnessing technology and modernising the health system by shifting from analogue to digital, including through streamlined data sharing to improve communication across National Health Service organisations.

Regulations have been introduced in Parliament to establish the process for preparing and publishing information standards which will be mandatory for public and private health and adult social care providers. Information standards allow for interoperability between systems, and for information to be shared easily between the systems in different organisations, to improve outcomes for patients.

We have also announced the development of a single patient record which will give professionals in different services access to patient information they need to make the best-informed decisions when delivering care and treatment.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) improve alternative provision arrangements for children with SEND during the process of waiting for a tribunal.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Alternative provision (AP) schools contribute to a more inclusive whole-school system by working with mainstream schools to identify children’s special educational needs at the earliest stage. They can help devise interventions and provide additional support, enabling children to remain in a mainstream classroom or successfully transition into specialist provision.

In future, the department’s focus will be on providing early intervention and support to mainstream schools to equip all their children with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in education and reduce the need for AP placements. This early intervention will help children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) awaiting their Tribunal hearing, to get back on track quickly and have the skills to achieve and thrive.

If a local authority has issued an education, health and care plan naming a school or college, the plan carries statutory force until it is reviewed and amended, including when a plan is being appealed at the First Tier SEND Tribunal. This means the local authority must secure the specific special educational provision set out in the plan and that the setting must admit the child or young person, including those in AP, even whilst an appeal is ongoing.

The department monitors and holds local authorities to account for delivery of their SEND services through joint inspections by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. These inspections place greater emphasis on the outcomes being achieved by children and young people and are the primary tool to maintain a focus on high standards in the SEND system across all partners.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of supporting local authorities to fund (a) education, health and care plans and (b) specialist school placements for children with additional needs.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

To achieve that ambition, we expect mainstream schools to welcome pupils from across the whole community, including pupils who may need additional support. We are working with Ofsted to ensure that schools are held accountable for their approach to inclusion, so that all children are given the high-quality support they need to achieve and thrive. This government has created an Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion, led by Tom Rees, that consists of experts across the SEND sector to advise on how to drive inclusive education practice and improve mainstream education outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND, whether or not they have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

The department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year, following the Autumn Budget 2024. This brings total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to over £12 billion. This funding makes a significant contribution to the costs of mainstream school pupils with EHC plans and funds the placement of pupils in special schools.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to review the (a) subsidies and (b) tax reliefs available to (i) Rosebank, (ii) Jackdaw and (iii) other new oil and gas developments.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The OBR’s most recent forecast of tax revenues from the oil and gas sector is available at the following link: https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-march-2025/.

Similarly, where data is available, estimates of the cost of tax reliefs applicable to the oil and gas sector are at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tax-relief-statistics. This publication contains non-disclosive estimates of the number of claimants for each relief. The UK does not give any subsidies to fossil fuel companies in line with the International Energy Agency’s definition of a fossil fuel subsidy.

A predictable and stable fiscal regime is essential to create the right conditions for investment and to protect jobs in the North Sea. On 5 March 2025, the government published a consultation https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/oil-and-gas-price-mechanism-consultation setting out options for the design of a new permanent oil and gas price mechanism to respond to future oil and gas price shocks, which will replace the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) when that ends in 2030 or earlier if the EPL’s price floor is triggered.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the cost of extended producer responsibility fees in (a) the UK and (b) other European countries.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 4^th April 2025, UIN 42346.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Stroke Association's report entitled Unlocking Potential: A Bold Vision for Stroke Care in England, what steps his Department is taking to (a) reduce disability and death from stroke, (b) improve access to stroke care in the community and (c) help tackle social inequalities in stroke outcomes.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Stroke Association’s report, Unlocking Potential: A Bold Vision for Stroke Care in England, provides comprehensive plan to improve stroke care in England over the next decade highlighting several key areas for improvement, including prevention, digital innovation, and community support. These areas align with the Department's commitment to the 10-Year Health Plan’s three transformative shifts in healthcare: moving more care from hospitals into homes, prioritising prevention over treatment, and advancing from analogue to digital solutions. These strategic shifts are the building blocks to our health mission, namely reducing time spent in poor health, tackling health inequalities and reducing the lives lost from the biggest killers, which includes stroke.

NHS England is prioritising implementation of the National Service Model for an Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS model) with delivery of specialist stroke rehabilitation at home and in care homes, as well as improving life after stroke support and six-month follow-up reviews by working closely with the voluntary sector. The ICSS model is vital to support physical, cognitive and psychological recovery, return to work and quality of life. More information on the model is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-service-model-for-an-integrated-community-stroke-service/

The ICSS model includes provision of tailored and patient centred reablement care, through joint working between the National Health Service and social care. Provision of peer support and reviews every six months, information, and longer-term support in the community is also achieved through integrated and collaborative working with the voluntary sector.

The National Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation (SQuIRe) programme is driving implementation of the integrated community stroke services model in England. NHS England funds SQuIRe posts in each NHS region to work with integrated care boards (ICBs) to improve provision of community-based stroke rehabilitation, promote recovery from stroke and improve patient outcomes. ICBs also receive a separate funding allocation to support prevention services which include stroke rehabilitation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority on unpaid compensation payments for (a) British Airways and (b) Norse Atlantic passengers.

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

The Department expects all airlines to ensure passengers receive the best possible service, including timely payment of compensation where it is due.

The Department regularly engages with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on a range of matters. As the independent regulator for aviation, the CAA is responsible for ensuring airlines comply with their legal obligations towards passengers, including those relating to compensation.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of Estradot hormone replacement therapy patches; and what steps he is taking to ensure consistent supply for patients.

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

There are over 70 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products, and the vast majority are in good supply. Previously there has been issues with the supply of a limited number of these products, primarily driven by very sharp increases in demand. Following the Department’s intensive engagement with industry, the supply position has improved considerably. As part of this we have previously met with suppliers on a very regular basis and have held nine HRT supply roundtables since April 2022, with the most recent in September 2024, with suppliers, wholesalers, and community pharmacists, to provide updates on the supply position and the actions being taken to address them, to share data, and to discuss relevant policy developments and potential impacts.

Currently, there are limited supplies of Estradot (estradiol) 37.5, 50, 75, and 100 microgram/24 hour patches, which may be available to local pharmacies to order. We are working with the sole supplier of Estradot to expedite further resupplies where possible. Further deliveries of all patches are expected in late April 2025, except for the 37.5 microgram/24 hour patches, which will be resupplied in July 2025.

We have issued comprehensive management guidance to the National Health Service, including Serious Shortage Protocols for some, allowing community pharmacists to supply the equivalent strength patch of an alternative brand without the need for a new prescription.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has issued guidance to Integrated Care Boards on the (a) retention of and (b) commissioning of new (i) community urgent eyecare services, (ii) glaucoma monitoring and (iii) other community-based eyecare services.

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

Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning both primary and secondary eye care services in their areas to meet local needs.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring airlines operating in UK airports to be members of the Civil Aviation Authority approved alternative dispute resolution scheme.

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

Air passenger rights remain a priority, and the Department will continue to consider opportunities to ensure passengers are provided with the highest level of protection possible.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to include measures to support palliative and end of life care in the 10 Year Health Plan.

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

We want a society where every person receives high-quality, compassionate care from diagnosis through to the end of life. The Government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients and families receive the care they need when and where they need it, including those who need palliative and end of life care.

As part of the work to develop a 10-Year Health Plan, we have been carefully considering policies, including those that impact people with palliative and end of life care needs, with input from the public, patients, health staff, and our partners, including the hospice sector.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the use of the Transformation Fund to reform palliative and end of life care services.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Spending Review is underway and details will be announced on 11^th June.

As part of the Spring Statement, Government announced a £3.25bn Transformation Fund to drive efficiencies across government and save money later in the Parliament and set out how this would be allocated over the Spending Review process.

Government is determined to make sure that everyone has access to high-quality end of life care. In December 2024 we announced a £100 million boost for adult and children’s hospices to ensure they have the best physical environment for care, and £26 million revenue to support children and young people’s hospices.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to improving care pathways for all those with cancer, including pancreatic cancer. This threshold is key to improving outcomes and survival rates, including for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose due to its unspecific symptoms. The National Health Service is implementing non-specific symptom pathways for patients who present with vague and non-site-specific symptoms which do not clearly align to a tumour type. This includes symptoms of pancreatic cancer.

NHS England is providing a route into pancreatic cancer surveillance for those at inherited high-risk to identify lesions before they develop into cancer. NHS England is additionally creating pathways to support faster referral routes for people with non-specific symptoms and is increasing direct access for general practitioners to diagnostic tests. We have submitted an expression of interest to be a part of the upcoming national case finding pilot, which aims to improve earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancers.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the UK Border Force has taken to tackle Channel crossings by irregular migrants since 1 April 2025.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes the number of Channel crossings on a daily basis. Since 1 April, the UK Border Force has continued to work with their French counterparts and other partners around the world to take action against the organised immigration crime groups responsible for the cross-Channel trade, disrupting their supply chains and dismantling their networks.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Channel crossings by irregular migrants have taken place since 1 January 2025.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes the number of Channel crossings on a daily basis. Since 1 April, the UK Border Force has continued to work with their French counterparts and other partners around the world to take action against the organised immigration crime groups responsible for the cross-Channel trade, disrupting their supply chains and dismantling their networks.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the cost of rolling stock contract renegotiations on the nationalisation of South Western Railways.

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

South Western Railways services will transfer into public ownership on 25 May 2025, as its National Rail Contract with the Department expires. New rolling stock leases will be in place prior to the date of transfer. The expected cost of renewing leases were already recognised in the expected future budget requirements.

Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the Welsh government, (b) Natural Resources Wales and (c) the Canal and River Trust on the extraction of water during drier periods to supply the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.

Answered by Jo Stevens - Secretary of State for Wales

I have regular discussions with Welsh Government Ministers and stakeholder organisations in Wales on a wide range of matters, including the environment. Whilst water management is devolved to the Welsh Government, the UK Government recognises the environmental and economic value of canals in Wales and is investing £13.9m in restoring the Montgomery canal.