Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of applications from (a) ministers to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments were processed with substantive advice within 15 working days and (b) all other crown servants at SCS3 or equivalent and above were processed with in 20 workings days of receipt of that application; and what steps he plans to take to ensure that future applications under the Business Appointments Rules are processed quickly.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The latest report from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments for its work between 2020 and 2024 sets out the proportion of cases completed within the 15 and 20 working day timelines, for ministers and crown servants, at page 6: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/669923de0808eaf43b50d22c/Advisory_Committee_on_Business_Appointments-21st_Report_-_April_2020_to_March_2024_PDF.pdf

The Government is determined to create a more efficient and responsive system, for example by streamlining the application process for roles where there is lower threat to the integrity of Government, such as journalism, media appearances, and academia.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025, HCWS870, on Government of service, whether he plans to amend the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 to implement the changes on Ministerial severance payments.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The government does not intend to amend the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 to implement changes on ministerial severance payments. These changes will be implemented via a waiver system.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his Department's planned timetable is for publishing details of the new arrangements for applications relating to Business Appointments Rules.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Information on the new Business Appointments Rules process will be published when it becomes operational on 13 October 2025.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether he plans to permit retrospective applications for business appointments to the (a) Civil Service Commission and (b) Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Business Appointment Rules state that retrospective applications will not normally be accepted. While the Rules rightly discourage retrospective applications in order to ensure initial compliance from applicants, the Government believes that, should someone acknowledge their error and agree to follow the process, there should be an opportunity for them to receive advice and be subject to conditions.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement on Government of service, HCWS870, of 21 July 2025, whether he plans to amend the Civil Service Management Code to reflect the transfer of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments' functions to the Civil Service Commission.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Civil Service Management Code will be updated in due course to reflect the transfer of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments' functions to provide independent advice on the application of the Business Appointment Rules in respect of the most senior civil servants and special advisers to the Civil Service Commission.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement on Government of service, HCWS870, of 21 July 2025, whether the new Business Appointment Rules administered by the Civil Service Commission will apply to (a) special advisers below SCS Pay Band 2, (b) special advisers at other pay bands and (c) special advisers previously covered by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The transfer of responsibility for the administration and advice on applications for the most senior civil servants and special advisers from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments to the Civil Service Commission, will only affect those at the SCS Pay Band 3 and equivalent, and above. Applications from those civil servants and special advisers at the SCS Pay Band 2 and equivalent, and below, will continue to be processed by their respective departments.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to ensure that people who are white British are eligible to apply for all (a) government and (b) (i) MI5 and (ii) MI6 summer internships.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

A range of internships exist across government, any decisions relating to eligibility are taken in line with the CS Commission rules and in accordance with UK Employment Law. Specifically relating to the CS Summer Internship Programme, as set out in August, it will be exclusively for undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds for 2026. White British people that meet the eligibility criteria for the Summer Internship Programme will be able to apply.

The intelligence agencies, as with any arm to the Civil Service, must take any decisions seeking to improve the diversity of their workforce in-line with UK law and in adherence with the relevant measures of the Equalities Act 2010. These measures permit employers to take specific actions to enable or encourage those with protected characteristics to apply for particular roles. Such action is considered lawful and includes both individuals from White minority backgrounds, those from socially or economically underrepresented groups and those from an ethnic minority background.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much has been spent on (a) signage, (b) furniture, (c) artwork and (d) stationery for the Deputy Prime Minister’s office in her Department.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

There was no expenditure on signage, furniture, artwork or stationary for former Deputy Prime Minister’s office in 70 Whitehall.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 25855 on Business Interests, what progress his Department has made on reviewing and updating the post-government employment rules.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the member to the written statement that was provided to the House by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 21 July 2025 (HCWS870).

Further information on the new Business Appointment Rules process will be published when it becomes operational on 13 October 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times the Defence Growth Board has met since March 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Growth Board met on 30 July 2025. Since then, His Majesty's Government (HMG) has acted on the 8 July recommendations of the UK Defence and Economic Growth Task Force to unleash the defence sector's potential. HMG published the Defence Industrial Strategy on 8 September to set out how Defence will act as an engine for economic growth, backing British jobs. Growth continues to be this Government’s priority, and defence is an engine for growth in every nation and region of the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published in June 2025, what his Department’s definition is of a sovereign warhead.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The requirements, design, manufacture and maintenance of our nuclear warheads are independent to the UK. We utilise certain U.S. non-nuclear components, including the aeroshell, to remain compatible with the Trident missile. This is consistent with our obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question HL7882 on Defence: Equality, for what reason the groups representing women were labelled gender networks.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence classified network groups representing women under the broader designation of gender networks reflecting an inclusive and integrated approach to equality, diversity and inclusion. This approach aligns with the Defence People Strategy’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all personnel.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance his Department issues to serving personnel who are oversees on utilising Virtual Private Networks on personal phones.

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

The Ministry of Defence provides all Serving personnel, military and civilian, with guidance on the utilisation of Virtual Private Networks on personal phones overseas. I am unable to share specific details of the guidance in order to protect operational security.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has commissioned (a) research and (b) policy work into compulsory Digital ID.

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

The Government is committed to making the state more efficient and easier to interact with through harnessing technology. We want to learn from countries who have digitised government services for the benefit of their citizens.

We are looking at whether a new digital ID could help tackle illegal immigration, transform public services, and bring benefits to people’s everyday lives. No firm decision, estimate or assessment has yet been made.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66657 on Civil Service: Resignations, if he will publish the responses from the Permanent Under-Secretaries.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The letter of the Permanent Under-Secretaries of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, dated 29 May, will be deposited in the Library.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of staff in his Department are assigned to work on the China strategy.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

China cuts across the work of all parts of government, from national security, to secure growth, to climate and clean energy, to science and technology, and teams across the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and in many other government departments are working together to deliver our strategic approach to China. As such, it is not possible to provide an exact figure for the number of staff working on the China Strategy. China is one of the UK's top foreign policy priorities. That is why this Government is investing in our China capabilities in the FCDO and beyond to effectively deliver the China Strategy and for our national interest.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has spent money on (a) digital and (b) social influencers since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's central communication team has not paid any social media influencers for promotion since July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, whether the (a) Defence Research and Evaluation organisation and (b) UK Defence Innovation will be public sector arm’s length bodies.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A decision on the delivery model for a Defence Research and Evaluation (DRE) organisation has not yet been made and will be aligned with the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group organisational design as part of Defence Reform. Details of which will be announced in due course. The Strategic Defence Review stated that in forming the DRE the Department may wish to keep the Dstl brand. Dstl is a widely respected brand internationally and nationally. Dstl has been part of the NAD Group since April, and Dstl’s CEO reports to the National Armaments Director. Dstl is an Arms Length Body (ALB), but its status is being reviewed as part of a review of ALBs and the work to form the NAD Group.

The UK Defence Innovation organisation will not be an ALB. It will report to the National Armaments Director as part of the wider NAD Group.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many staff by headcount are employed by HM Prison and Probation Service to work on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI); at what grades they are employed; and how many of these are standalone EDI roles.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

Our workforce data does not identify what proportion of each employee’s role involves working on equality, diversity and inclusion. It is therefore not possible to provide the requested information without incurring disproportionate cost.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 54790 on FCDO: Holidays, whether there is any further internal guidance to Ministers on this issue.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

No. The position remains the same as under previous governments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (a) ambassadors and (b) high commissioners are not (a) civil servants and (b) members of the Diplomatic Service.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

All those appointed to Ambassador or High Commissioner roles are appointed as civil servants.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Profile: GRU cyber and hybrid threat operations, published on 18 July 2025, whether the GRU has (a) engaged with and (b) targeted UK (i) trade unions, (ii) political parties and (iii) party political activists.

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

The Government does not comment on specific operational national security matters and cannot comment on individual cases of victims.

In July, the UK exposed Russia's persistent and increasing use of cyber and information operations for irresponsible, destructive and destabilising hybrid activity targeting the UK, Ukraine, and across the world. Our long-held position is that we respond to malicious cyber activity strategically, at a time of our choosing, and in a manner of our choosing but the UK and our allies will continue to expose those that aim to do us and our institutions harm. The UK is fully committed to combatting the full spectrum of malign activity emanating from Russia.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate she has made of the aggregate value of crypto-assets held by (a) her Department and (b) police forces.

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

The Government does not currently publish the amount of cryptocurrency restrained / recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The Home office is reviewing plans to publish new statistics on Crypto assets as part of future annual stats bulletins on asset recovery in response to the new powers that came into effect in April 2024.

Official statistics published by the Home Office are kept under review in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics, taking into account a number of factors including user needs, the resources required to compile the statistics, as well as quality and availability of data. These reviews allow us to balance the production of our regular statistics whilst developing new statistics for future release.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025, on Events at Orgreave, HCWS855, by what mechanism the panel of independent experts will be (a) selected and (b) appointed; whether they will be paid; and what steps she is taking to ensure transparency over declarations of interest.

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

As set out in the previous Home Secretary’s Written Ministerial Statement of 21 July 2025, the Orgreave Inquiry will be established as a statutory inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, with a small panel of independent experts to be appointed in due course.

The appointment of panel members will therefore be made in accordance with provisions in the Inquiries Act 2005. Those appointments and any related remuneration matters remain to be determined.

Details of panel members and the Inquiry’s terms of reference will be provided to both Houses at the earliest opportunity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) his Department and (b) the British Council has provided funding to Common Purpose since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not provided any direct funding to Common Purpose since 4 July 2024.

The British Council has provided £7,650 to Common Purpose since July 2024. This was to deliver three workshops under the Study UK GREAT Scholarships programme, which is part of the Government's Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GREAT) Campaign. The workshops were delivered as part of an event to support postgraduate scholars in their transition from academia to work.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 August 2025 to Question 69070 on Syria: Inter Mediate, for what reason his Department does not disclose details of the individual projects funded.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In circumstances where sharing details of projects would present personal risks to partners working in sensitive contexts, or prejudice national security, international relations or data protection rights, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not share this information publicly.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether changes to the Business Appointment Rules will be retrospective.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The changes to the way the Rules are administered will come into effect on 13 October. The changes announced in the 21 July Written Ministerial Statement will not be applied retrospectively.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which public body is responsible for investigating corruption in government procurement.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Tackling corruption wherever it persists is a foremost priority for this government. One key step has been appointing Tom Hayhoe as the Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, whose role includes a focus on the procurement of PPE during the Covid-19 pandemic. The government is also bringing forward the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill which, once implemented, will give the Public Sector Fraud Authority new robust powers to investigate fraud, including procurement fraud, across the public sector.

It is the responsibility of each contracting authority to investigate corruption in their own procurement processes; the Procurement Act 2023 places a duty on them to take all reasonable steps to identify and keep under review actual or potential conflicts of interest in their procurements.

The Procurement Review Unit within the Cabinet Office has responsibility for investigating contracting authorities’ compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and investigating suppliers where their behaviour or circumstances mean that, potentially, they should not be allowed to participate in procurements or be awarded public contracts, for example because they have been convicted of certain bribery or fraud offences.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 15 July 2025 to Question 66653 on Military Aircraft: Costs, what the annual operating costs are of the Airbus A321-Neo aircraft, registration G-GBNI.

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

The annual fixed operating cost of the Airbus A321neo registration G-GBNI is currently £10.7m.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the official statistics publication entitled UK Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness 2025: Technical Report, published on 23 July 2025, for what reason data on gender was collected instead of data on sex.

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

The question used by our data supplier is in line with Office for Statistics Regulation and Market Research Society guidance, and is appropriate and proportionate for the research being conducted. We will continue to keep the survey questions under review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if the Government will make it its policy to ensure that the former Deputy Prime Minister is not given a severance payment.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

This Government has introduced reforms to Ministerial severance pay to ensure severance payments are proportionate and fair. These changes will come into effect from 13 October.

In the interim, while this is implemented, decisions as to whether a Minister accepts a severance payment is for the outgoing Minister.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Ministers are asked by (a) his Department, (b) the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests and (c) their Department whether they have a criminal record prior to their Ministerial appointment.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There is an established process in place for the appointment of ministers. Any conversations held take place in confidence. All ministers are expected to adhere to the high standards of conduct set out in the Ministerial Code.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, if he will publish the audit findings by the Civil Service Commission on the application of Business Appointment Rules below senior levels.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Civil Service Commission is operationally independent of Government. The publication of information about the Commission’s audit activity in respect of the application of Business Appointment Rules below the most senior grades will be a matter for the Commission.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether he plans to reconstitute the Joint Operations Committee.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Framework Document between the Cabinet Office, the Civil Service Commission, the Advisory Committee for Business Appointments (ACOBA) and the Commissioner for Public Appointments sets out the broad governance framework for the Independent Offices, including the role of the Joint Operations Committee established by those organisations.

The Framework Document will be updated to reflect the changes announced in the Written Statement on 21 July and will set out the governance arrangements of the Civil Service Commission and Commissioner for Public Appointments, following the closure of ACOBA.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, who will be responsible for determining whether a former minister has seriously breached the (a) Ministerial Code and (b) Business Appointment Rules.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As set out in the Ministerial Code, the Prime Minister is the ultimate judge of the standards of behaviour expected of a minister and the appropriate consequences of a breach of those standards.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether he plans to increase the remuneration for the (a) First Civil Service Commissioner and (b) chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The remuneration of the First Civil Service Commissioner and the chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life will be set out in the annual reports and accounts for those organisations in the usual way.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the written statement of 21 July 2025 entitled Government of service, HCWS870, whether he plans to make any changes to the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Member to the written statement by the Prime Minister of 19 June 2025 (HCWS718), which sets out the Government's position on appointments to the House of Lords, including the role of the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 4 September 2025 to Question 70748 on Disinformation, what (a) outputs and (b) reports on disinformation have been produced by the Government Communication Service using the Storyzy service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Government Communication Service (GCS) has not produced any standalone reports on disinformation using Storyzy.

The tool is used to assess factually incorrect information during crises or threats to national security/public safety that may require a government communications response.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Office for National Statistics has made a recent assessment of the Office for Budget Responsibility's GDP deflator forecasts.

Answered by Josh Simons - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 29th August is attached.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54804 on Public Bodies: Statistics, whether the (a) UK Statistics Agency and (b) ONS have reviewed the use of Social Time Preference Rate discounting by the Government in the context of the cost of the Chagos Islands deal.

Answered by Josh Simons - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 29th August is attached.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 22 August 2025 to Question 69070 on Syria: Inter Mediate, what meetings the Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser has had with Inter Mediate.

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

I refer the member back to PQ 73311.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 46764 on Industrial Disputes: Trade Unions, if he will make it his policy to suspend (a) facility time and (b) check-off for NHS-recognised trade unions whilst they are on strike.

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

We have no plans to suspend facility time or check-off for National Health Service recognised trade unions whilst they are on strike.

It is for the local NHS employers and trade unions to agree on the approach to facility time during any period of industrial action. NHS trade union representatives would normally hold contracts with their individual NHS employer.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether trade union diversity networks in (a) his department and (b) NHS England are eligible for trade union facility time; and whether people can claim both diversity network time and facility time.

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

Neither the Department nor NHS England have specific trade union diversity networks.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 51154, if he will publish the declaration by the Ambassador to the United States of America.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

It has been the long-standing policy under successive governments to require ambassadors to declare personal or business interests and report gifts and hospitality. These declarations are reviewed internally on a regular basis.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 12 November 2024 to Question HL2064 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, how many letters were sent between the two governments on the draft treaty that have not been published alongside the treaty.

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

In line with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, the government published the treaty and documentation required to inform the ratification of the treaty, including the full costs of the deal, on the day of signature.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish guidance for civil servants on conduct in the pre-election period prior to (a) UK parliamentary and (b) devolved legislature by-elections.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are no plans to publish guidance for civil servants on conduct in respect of UK parliamentary by-elections or devolved legislature by-elections. The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants and civil servants are expected to adhere to these standards at all times.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the FOI Internal Review response IR2025/05101 of 29 May 2025, if he will make it his policy to reduce the size of the Government Communication Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government Communications Service (GCS) is in the process of completing its annual data collection of the Government Communications profession.

In GCS, we are constantly focused on providing value for money to the taxpayer. The Spending Review announced that all departments will reduce their administration budgets by at least 16% in real terms by 2029-30. Departmental comms teams are employed by their department who apply the Gov Comms standards and best practice to maintain the most efficient and effective operation.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Work Order for Project_7114 published on Contracts Finder on 9 July 2025, how value for money will be assessed in relation to (a) strategic storytelling, (b) coaching and (c) experimental design and evaluation referenced in the contract scope.

Answered by Josh Simons - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Test, Learn & Grow programme is modelling and scaling an approach to public service reform and mission delivery that closes gaps between policy, delivery and service users, and speeds up learning and improvement. Work is being delivered jointly by the Cabinet Office, MHCLG and local authority partners, complemented by a support partner, the Test, Learn & Grow Partnership. The value for money of the contract scope will be assessed both through comprehensive programme and place-level evaluations delivered by the Government Outcomes Lab at the University of Oxford, which is part of the Partnership, and through broader contract management and oversight by the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants in the (a) Cabinet Office and (b) Civil Service claim a London weighting on their salary, in the most recent period for which data is available.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office does not have a London Weighting Allowance. There are separate London and National pay ranges. An individual’s pay, paid as a salary, is determined by the location of their designated office, as set out in their contract.

Decisions on pay, including London weighting, are delegated to individual departments for grades below the Senior Civil Service (SCS); data on London weighting is not collected centrally. The SCS pay framework is managed centrally and only operates a national pay range.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his planned timetable is for the next audit of the Government Communication Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government Communications Service (GCS) is in the process of completing its annual data collection of the Government Communications profession.

In GCS, we are constantly focused on providing value for money to the taxpayer. The Spending Review announced that all departments will reduce their administration budgets by at least 16% in real terms by 2029-30. Departmental comms teams are employed by their department who apply the Gov Comms standards and best practice to maintain the most efficient and effective operation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference his Department's document entitled Conflict Resolution Department (CRD) Conflict Resolution Programme, Annual review (D0006064) 400035, published in October 2024, in which countries Inter Mediate has (a) organised strategy sessions with foreign governments and (b) undertaken backchannel engagement with non-state armed groups; and if he will publish a list of countries in which Inter Mediate is commissioned to operate.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds a number of different civil society and non-governmental organisations for its mediation and conflict resolution work. We have partnered with Inter Mediate for over 10 years to advance peace efforts in conflicts around the globe. We do not share details of the individual projects funded.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much his Department has paid to Inter Mediate since July 2024; and what (a) programmes and (b) purposes this funding was for.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

For over ten years, Inter Mediate and the UK Government have successfully partnered to advance peace efforts in conflicts around the globe. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds a number of different civil society and non-governmental organisations for its mediation and conflict resolution work. We do not share details of the individual projects funded.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the written statement of 21 July 2025 entitled Government of service, HCWS870, whether the Civil Service Commission will include political members nominated by the main political parties in the House of Commons.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As set out in the Written Statement of 21 July 2025, HCWS870, the Government has decided to close the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) and to transfer its function to provide independent advice on the application of the Business Appointment Rules (BARs) in respect of the most senior civil servants and special advisers to the Civil Service Commission (the Commission).

The requirements for membership of the Civil Service Commission and the appointment of Commissioners are set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and do not include political members nominated by the main political parties.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the written statement of 21 July 2025 entitled Government of service, HCWS870, whether the Ethics and Integrity Commission will consider complaints relating to alleged breaches of ethics and integrity.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Written Ministerial Statement "Government of Service", laid on 21 July 2025, outlines the role of the Ethics and Integrity Commission. Further detail on the Commission will be published when it becomes operational on 13 October 2025.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, what the line management structure of the (a) Ethics and Integrity Commission secretariat and (b) secretariat supporting the Independent Advisor on Ministers Interests will be; and whether those staff will report to a named senior civil servant in his Department.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the member to the answer provided by Baroness Anderson on 6 August 2025 (HL9881).

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the written statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether the new rules on repayment of Ministerial severance payments will come into effect on 13 October; and whether the Deputy Prime Minister has now signed a waiver.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The reforms to ministerial severance payments, including the use of waivers, will take effect from 13 October.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54761 on 9 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance, whether the OCS invoice for the No9 media room works has now been (a) received by the Cabinet Office and (b) paid.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 8 July 2025, Official Report, PQ 64569.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 6 January 2025 to Question 21256 on Government: Policy, what the total cost was for the Plan for Change event on 5 December 2024.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 6 January 2025, Official Report, PQ 21256.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an estimate of the total cost of the Civil Service paybill in the (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25 financial years.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Salary data for the Civil Service is published annually as part of Civil Service Statistics, an Accredited Official Statistics release, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/civil-service-statistics-2025

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance the Government has issued on diversity network events taking place during work hours.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office has issued an internal policy for Civil Service Staff Networks which includes information on the timing of diversity network events. The Policy states where possible events should be arranged outside of peak business activities and attendees would be expected to attend Network Events in their own time. Events that relate directly to a business outcome or to an individual’s learning & development could be attended in work time with the relevant approvals.