Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance is available to clinicians for patients with a family history of diethylstilbestrol exposure.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government encourages all women, including those exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, to attend regular cervical screenings which test for human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers. Women who believe or know that they were exposed to DES in utero may also need regular colposcopy which falls outside the routine screening programme. We recommend that they should speak to their general practitioner about this as local arrangements should be made for the follow up of women who display evidence of DES exposure. Further information regarding individuals exposed to DES is contained within the cervical screening guidance for the National Health Service, at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked NHS England to work with local cancer alliances to ensure that providers are aware of this existing screening and follow up guidance for individuals exposed to DES, and that those who could benefit from additional screening have access to this.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the national body that develops authoritative, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on best practice in the care and treatment of patients with defined conditions. NICE has not issued any guidance on the diagnosis and management of patients potentially exposed to DES and it currently has no plans to do so. Decisions on the development of new topics for NICE guidance are taken by the NICE prioritisation board, chaired by its Chief Medical Officer, in line with its published prioritisation framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to issue updated clinical guidance on diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure to (a) general practitioners, (b) gynaecologists and (c) oncologists.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government encourages all women, including those exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, to attend regular cervical screenings which test for human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers. Women who believe or know that they were exposed to DES in utero may also need regular colposcopy which falls outside the routine screening programme. We recommend that they should speak to their general practitioner about this as local arrangements should be made for the follow up of women who display evidence of DES exposure. Further information regarding individuals exposed to DES is contained within the cervical screening guidance for the National Health Service, at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has asked NHS England to work with local cancer alliances to ensure that providers are aware of this existing screening and follow up guidance for individuals exposed to DES, and that those who could benefit from additional screening have access to this.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the national body that develops authoritative, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on best practice in the care and treatment of patients with defined conditions. NICE has not issued any guidance on the diagnosis and management of patients potentially exposed to DES and it currently has no plans to do so. Decisions on the development of new topics for NICE guidance are taken by the NICE prioritisation board, chaired by its Chief Medical Officer, in line with its published prioritisation framework.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to update NHS clinical reference materials or NICE guidelines to include information on the diagnosis, management, and screening of patients potentially exposed to Diethylstilbestrol.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the national body that develops authoritative, evidence-based guidance for the NHS on best practice in the care and treatment of patients with defined conditions. NICE has not issued any guidance on the diagnosis and management of patients potentially exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and it currently has no plans to do so. Decisions on the development of new topics for NICE guidance are taken by the NICE prioritisation board, chaired by its Chief Medical Officer, in line with its published prioritisation framework.

The current advice from the UK Health Security Agency, formerly Public Health England, is that routine cervical screening is appropriate for those who believed they were exposed to DES in utero. Further information on the UK Health Security Agency’s advice is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals#

Participation in the National Breast Screening Programme is also recommended. Pregnant women who know that they were exposed in utero to DES should inform their obstetrician and be aware of the increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential third-generation health impacts of Diethylstilbestrol exposure; and whether specific research has been commissioned to examine those impacts on fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and cancer risk.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government encourages all women, including those exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, to attend regular cervical screenings which test for human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers. Women who believe or know that they were exposed to DES in utero may also need regular colposcopy which falls outside the routine screening programme. We recommend that they should speak to their general practitioner about this as local arrangements should be made for the follow up of women who have the stigmata of DES exposure. Further information regarding individuals exposed to DES is contained within the cervical screening guidance for the National Health Service, at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has asked NHS England to work with local cancer alliances to ensure that providers are aware of this existing screening and follow up guidance for individuals exposed to DES.

Furthermore, where appropriate, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is considering how the Department may be able to share awareness of this issue with colleagues from across the Government who are responsible for related areas of chemical and environmental health policy, with a view to minimising future public health risks.

There are no plans by the Department to undertake an assessment of the potential impact of DES exposure on the long-term or intergenerational health of people in the United Kingdom.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). While no research has been commissioned into the health outcomes of people exposed to DES in utero, the NIHR would welcome high quality funding applications in this area. Further information on the scope of research funding calls is available on the NIHR website.

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 raise awareness among healthcare professionals of the long-term health risks associated with in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government encourages all women, including those exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, to attend regular cervical screenings which test for human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers. Women who believe or know that they were exposed to DES in utero may also need regular colposcopy which falls outside the routine screening programme. We recommend that they should speak to their general practitioner about this as local arrangements should be made for the follow up of women who have the stigmata of DES exposure. Further information regarding individuals exposed to DES is contained within the cervical screening guidance for the National Health Service, at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has asked NHS England to work with local cancer alliances to ensure that providers are aware of this existing screening and follow up guidance for individuals exposed to DES.

Furthermore, where appropriate, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is considering how the Department may be able to share awareness of this issue with colleagues from across the Government who are responsible for related areas of chemical and environmental health policy, with a view to minimising future public health risks.

There are no plans by the Department to undertake an assessment of the potential impact of DES exposure on the long-term or intergenerational health of people in the United Kingdom.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). While no research has been commissioned into the health outcomes of people exposed to DES in utero, the NIHR would welcome high quality funding applications in this area. Further information on the scope of research funding calls is available on the NIHR website.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of diethylstilbestrol exposure on the (a) long-term and (b) intergenerational health of people in the UK.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government encourages all women, including those exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, to attend regular cervical screenings which test for human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers. Women who believe or know that they were exposed to DES in utero may also need regular colposcopy which falls outside the routine screening programme. We recommend that they should speak to their general practitioner about this as local arrangements should be made for the follow up of women who have the stigmata of DES exposure. Further information regarding individuals exposed to DES is contained within the cervical screening guidance for the National Health Service, at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has asked NHS England to work with local cancer alliances to ensure that providers are aware of this existing screening and follow up guidance for individuals exposed to DES.

Furthermore, where appropriate, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is considering how the Department may be able to share awareness of this issue with colleagues from across the Government who are responsible for related areas of chemical and environmental health policy, with a view to minimising future public health risks.

There are no plans by the Department to undertake an assessment of the potential impact of DES exposure on the long-term or intergenerational health of people in the United Kingdom.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). While no research has been commissioned into the health outcomes of people exposed to DES in utero, the NIHR would welcome high quality funding applications in this area. Further information on the scope of research funding calls is available on the NIHR website.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the feasibility of using historic medical records to (a) identify and (b) contact people who may have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the consequences for those who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and offer our sincere sympathies to those who continue to be affected.

There have been no discussions between the Department and patient advocacy groups representing people affected by exposure to DES. However, we will consider what more can be done to improve the situation for these individuals.

The Department has not assessed the feasibility of using historic medical records to identify and contact people who may have been exposed to DES. In the 1970’s, medicines vigilance was only in its infancy and there were no electronic records or systematic monitoring of prescriptions. There has been a step change in reporting and record-keeping since this time, and today’s regulatory frameworks are significantly different with much stricter post-authorisation monitoring, allowing for earlier identification and action on emerging safety issues. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulates medicines supplied in the United Kingdom and its activity spans the whole of a medicine’s lifecycle.

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 patient advocacy groups representing people affected by diethylstilbestrol exposure.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the consequences for those who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and offer our sincere sympathies to those who continue to be affected.

There have been no discussions between the Department and patient advocacy groups representing people affected by exposure to DES. However, we will consider what more can be done to improve the situation for these individuals.

The Department has not assessed the feasibility of using historic medical records to identify and contact people who may have been exposed to DES. In the 1970’s, medicines vigilance was only in its infancy and there were no electronic records or systematic monitoring of prescriptions. There has been a step change in reporting and record-keeping since this time, and today’s regulatory frameworks are significantly different with much stricter post-authorisation monitoring, allowing for earlier identification and action on emerging safety issues. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulates medicines supplied in the United Kingdom and its activity spans the whole of a medicine’s lifecycle.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of launching a public information campaign to inform individuals born between 1940 and 1980 of the potential risks associated with in utero exposure to Diethylstilbestrol.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the consequences for those who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and are sorry that women and their families have suffered for far too long.

The Department has not made an assessment of the merits of launching a public information campaign relating to DES and has no plans to do so at this time.

The Government will keep listening to all those who are affected through exposure to DES and consider what more we can do to improve the situation for them.

The Government is committed to advancing patient safety and a learning culture within the National Health Service so that we can avoid harmful events happening to patients in the first place. This includes continued implementation of key measures under the NHS Patient Safety Strategy. The changes we are making as part of the 10-Year Health Plan and Dr Penny Dash’s report on the patient safety landscape will improve quality and safety by making it clear where responsibility and accountability sit at all levels of the system.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to issue a official apology to those affected by the historical prescription of diethylstilbestrol.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the consequences for those who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and are sorry that women and their families have suffered for far too long.

The Department has not made an assessment of the merits of launching a public information campaign relating to DES and has no plans to do so at this time.

The Government will keep listening to all those who are affected through exposure to DES and consider what more we can do to improve the situation for them.

The Government is committed to advancing patient safety and a learning culture within the National Health Service so that we can avoid harmful events happening to patients in the first place. This includes continued implementation of key measures under the NHS Patient Safety Strategy. The changes we are making as part of the 10-Year Health Plan and Dr Penny Dash’s report on the patient safety landscape will improve quality and safety by making it clear where responsibility and accountability sit at all levels of the system.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department holds data on the number of women prescribed diethylstilbestrol in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland between 1939 and 1978.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

This historical information is not held by the Department.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of protective security measures for (a) churches and (b) other places of worship which have experienced (i) vandalism and (ii) intimidation.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

This Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion at their chosen place of worship, and to making our streets and communities safer.

The Home Office continues to assess and respond to the security needs of places of worship through our protective security schemes for faith communities.

In 2025/26, up to £70.9 million is available to protect faith communities. This includes £18 million through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, £29.4 million through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and for security at Muslim faith schools, and £3.5 million for the places of worship and associated faith community centres of all other faiths.

Up to £10 million of additional emergency funding has also been made available for protective security for both Jewish and Muslim communities to further strengthen security measures at their places of worship and other community sites.

The Government remains in close contact with law enforcement partners to ensure that protective security measures remain effective and responsive to emerging threats.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) Christian, (b) Muslim, (c) Jewish and (d) other faith communities are able to access timely security support in instances where they are targeted by extremist or far-right activity.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

In 2025/26, up to £70.9 million is available to protect faith communities. This includes £18 million through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, £29.4 million through the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and for security at Muslim faith schools, and £3.5 million for the places of worship and associated faith community centres of all other faiths. In addition, up to £10 million of emergency funding has been made available for both Jewish and Muslim communities each to further strengthen security measures at their places of worship and other community sites.

In response to public disorder in August 2024, the Home Office introduced a rapid protective security response process as a temporary measure for places of worship at risk of imminent violent disorder or in the immediate aftermath of such an incident. We provided security to over 700 places of worship during this period.

This Government is committed to protecting the right of individuals to freely practise their religion at their chosen place of worship, and to making our streets and communities safer.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to support (a) police forces and (b) councils in responding to hate-motivated vandalism of places of worship.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government is determined to tackle all forms of hate crime wherever in the country it occurs, and whoever is responsible for committing it. We are actively seeking to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals and communities across England and Wales.

In 2025/26, up to £70.9 million is available to protect faith communities. This includes £18 million through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, £29.4 million through the Protective Security for Mosques scheme and for security at Muslim faith schools, and £3.5 million for the places of worship and associated faith community centres of all other faiths. In addition, up to £10 million of emergency funding has been made available for both Jewish and Muslim communities each to further strengthen security measures at their places of worship and other community sites.