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 HGV weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge on (a) haulers, (b) congestion and (c) businesses in (i) Forest of Dean constituency and (ii) surrounding areas; and what steps her Department is taking to (A) identify and (b) implement a solution to the weight restriction.

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

The weight restriction on the M48 Severn Bridge was introduced by National Highways as a safety measure following the identification of deterioration in the bridge’s main suspension cables. To keep the bridge open to the majority of traffic, vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, have been temporarily restricted.

National Highways carried out traffic modelling to understand potential impacts, including on hauliers, congestion and rerouting in areas such as the Forest of Dean and nearby junctions. The decision to impose a weight restriction followed a review of alternative options and was considered the most effective way to address safety concerns while limiting disruption.

National Highways has engaged with local authorities, industry bodies and operators to keep them informed. A dedicated team is progressing work on a medium-term traffic management solution, which is currently in the feasibility stage. The restriction is expected to remain in place for 12 to 18 months subject to further investigations, with updates provided to stakeholders as work progresses.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to help tackle pay disparities for disabled people.

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

Tackling pay disparities for disabled people is a priority for this government.

The King’s Speech announced our intention to legislate to introduce mandatory disability pay gap reporting for large employers and to make the right to equal pay effective for disabled people.

Our consultation on disability pay gap reporting closed on 10 June and we are now considering over 650 responses to this.

Our Call for Evidence on changes to equality law, launched in April, seeks views on making the right to equal pay effective for disabled people.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when he plans to publish research on the impact of (a) smartphones and (b) social media on young people.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is continuing to explore how the evidence base on the impact of social media on children can be improved.

This is why in December 2024, DSIT commissioned a feasibility study on methods and data to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children.

The Government is currently considering the findings of the feasibility study and will publish the results in due course.

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Andy Slaughter (Chair); Josh Babarinde; Matt Bishop; Pam Cox; Linsey

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Andy Slaughter (Chair); Josh Babarinde; Matt Bishop; Pam Cox; Linsey

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Andy Slaughter (Chair); Josh Babarinde; Matt Bishop; Pam Cox; Linsey

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Andy Slaughter (Chair); Josh Babarinde; Matt Bishop; Pam Cox; Linsey