Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to review (a) tax and (b) energy cost burdens facing small quarrying businesses in rural constituencies.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government keeps all tax under review as part of the policy making process.

The government is bearing down on business energy prices more widely by reducing Great Britain’s reliance on volatile international gas prices, and through a new framework to scrutinise energy levies, ensuring they are affordable and value-for-money.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the continued availability of British natural stone for heritage restoration projects.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Business and Trade does not offer any specific support for British natural stone for heritage restoration projects.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport supports heritage restoration projects with several grant schemes, including those covering VAT for repairs through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the Memorial Grant Scheme. Additional funds, such as the Heritage At Risk Capital Fund and the Heritage Revival Fund, provide financial support in England for repairing endangered heritage sites and repurposing neglected historic buildings for community and economic benefit.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps is his Department is taking to ensure brain tumour patients have timely access to whole genome sequencing.

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

Genomic testing is delivered through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service via seven regional NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (NHS GLHs). Testing follows the National Genomic Test Directory, which includes whole genome sequencing (WGS) for neurological tumours, including primary brain cancers. NHS England has produced national sample handling guidance for WGS of solid tumours, including brain tumours, to maintain DNA quality and improve access to WGS by standardising the collection, processing, and transport of samples. Approaches to the handling of fresh tissue have also been reviewed to speed up processes. In 2025/26, NHS England is continuing its Cancer Genomics Improvement Programme to deliver quality improvement initiatives, education, local engagement, and the establishment of Cellular Pathology Genomic Centres to streamline cancer genomics pathways and accelerate genomic testing. These approaches are addressing variability and ensuring equitable regional access to WGS for brain tumour patients. NHS England monitors performance through Patient Level Contract Monitoring data and works with NHS GLHs to address variation and drive improvements.

Found: the meeting Members present: Simon Hoare (Chair); Richard Baker; Sam Carling; Lauren Edwards; John Lamont

Found: Bridgend) Kirith Entwistle (Labour; Bolton North East) Paulette Hamilton (Labour; Birmingham Erdington)John Lamont

Found: ) Kirith Entwistle (Labour; Bolton North East) Paulette Hamilton (Labour; Birmingham Erdington) John Lamont

Found: present: Cat Smith (Chair); James Asser; Bambos Charalambous; Sir Christopher Chope; Mary Kelly Foy; John Lamont

Found: Hoare (Chair); Richard Baker; Markus Campbell- Savours; Sam Carling; Lauren Edwards; Peter Lamb; John Lamont

Found: Asser; Bambos Charalambous; Mr Lee Dillon; Mary Kelly Foy; Tracy Gilbert; Gurinder Singh Josan; John Lamont

Found: Asser; Bambos Charalambous; Mr Lee Dillon; Mary Kelly Foy; Tracy Gilbert; Gurinder Singh Josan; John Lamont

Found: Members present: Simon Hoare (Chair); Richard Baker; Sam Carling; Lauren Edwards; Peter Lamb; John Lamont

The report from the Infected Blood Inquiry includes recommendations for Parliament on two key areas: how to respond to calls for public inquiries and how to scrutinise the implementation of recommendations resulting from future inquiries.