Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of greater partnerships between the NHS and medical researchers on developing non-animal methods for scientific testing.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises the important role that collaboration between the NHS, researchers and industry can play in accelerating the development of life sciences innovations. Through the Replacing Animals in Science strategy, we are supporting partnerships that bring together expertise, data and human biological samples to develop more human-relevant approaches to research and testing. For example, the new Pre-clinical Translational Models Hub will support the development of models using cells donated by NHS patients, helping researchers better understand how people may respond to new treatments and supporting innovation in medicines development.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the wider availability of organoid testing as a replacement to methods involving animals.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is supporting the wider availability of organoid testing through the Replacing Animals in Science strategy. As announced on 12 August 2026, the new £20 million Pre-clinical Translational Models Hub will lead work to build and share models of human tissue, including organoids, using cells donated by NHS patients. The Hub will accelerate the development of these human-relevant approaches and make them available to researchers in universities and industry. Through UKCVAM and other strategy commitments, the Government is also supporting the validation and uptake of alternative methods where scientifically appropriate.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to improve access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts for (a) people with cystic fibrosis and (b) other vulnerable groups.

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

Defra provides the public with access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts, as well as associated health advice, through the Check Air Quality webservice. This information is available to everyone, and specific advice is provided for people with lung or heart conditions.

Defra is continuing to improve the way air quality information is communicated to ensure information reaches the people that need it the most. Last week Government launched a new air quality alert service which allows people to select an area relevant to them, and receive an alert by SMS or email when air pollution is measured or forecast to be high. This will help people who are more susceptible to harm from air pollution, and those who care for them, make informed decisions about reducing exposure during periods of poor air quality.

The Department also works with a range of partners including local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency and health charities to support clearer public messaging on air pollution and health. This includes establishing the Air Pollution Awareness Coalition (APAC); a cross-sector coalition to improve public understanding of air pollution and support action to reduce harm.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the report entitled Bovine TB Control Strategy for England, published in June 2026, what specific criteria her Department intends the proposed framework for determining when the evidence threshold for permitting lethal badger control will apply; who will develop the framework; which body will adjudicate whether the threshold has been met in any given case; and whether the criteria, and each future determination made under them, will be published before any lethal control is authorised.

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

This Government is currently considering the proposals set out in the recommended bovine TB control strategy for England. As a result, no decisions have yet been taken on the evidence threshold for permitting lethal badger control, including the criteria that might apply or governance arrangements for developing and applying any framework.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the policy paper entitled Bovine tuberculosis Godfray evidence review update 2025, updated on 26 September 2025.

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

This Government is currently considering the proposals set out in the recommended Bovine TB Control Strategy for England, which drew on the findings of the Godfray evidence review, commissioned by this Government in December 2024. Decisions on bovine TB policy will be taken in light of that process. No separate assessment of the policy implications of the review has therefore been completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of rehabilitation staffing for enabling the return of injured service personnel to duty in the event of a large scale conflict in Europe within a) his Department, b) the armed forces and c) the NHS.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

Defence is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces personnel receive the best possible treatment, care and rehabilitation so they are fit to fight and can fight back to fitness. Physiotherapy is a core component of Defence healthcare, directly supporting operational readiness, recovery from injury, and return to duty.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), it is critical the national health ecosystem—Defence, the NHS, and the private sector—has the capacity and capability to meet the Nation's needs in peacetime and during conflict.

Defence Medical Command is working closely with the NHS to strengthen medical capability, including rehabilitation and recovery services. Future workforce requirements will be informed by ongoing Defence workforce planning; no decisions have been taken on specific increases to the number of civilian physiotherapists, Regular military physiotherapists, Reserve military physiotherapists, or rehabilitation support staff.

Further, the department is working with Allies, through the NATO Medical Action Plan, focused on addressing priority challenges in workforce; including Allied Health Professionals, such as physiotherapists, and the wider Defence medical workforce.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to increase the numbers of a) civilian physiotherapists, b) regular military physiotherapists, c) reservist military physiotherapists and d) rehabilitation support staff.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

Defence is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces personnel receive the best possible treatment, care and rehabilitation so they are fit to fight and can fight back to fitness. Physiotherapy is a core component of Defence healthcare, directly supporting operational readiness, recovery from injury, and return to duty.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), it is critical the national health ecosystem—Defence, the NHS, and the private sector—has the capacity and capability to meet the Nation's needs in peacetime and during conflict.

Defence Medical Command is working closely with the NHS to strengthen medical capability, including rehabilitation and recovery services. Future workforce requirements will be informed by ongoing Defence workforce planning; no decisions have been taken on specific increases to the number of civilian physiotherapists, Regular military physiotherapists, Reserve military physiotherapists, or rehabilitation support staff.

Further, the department is working with Allies, through the NATO Medical Action Plan, focused on addressing priority challenges in workforce; including Allied Health Professionals, such as physiotherapists, and the wider Defence medical workforce.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, when his Department plans to publish the delivery update on implementation of the Replacing Animals in Science Strategy.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 30 June 2026 to Question UIN 14084 Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that public health advice on air pollution is (a) accessible and (b) clinically relevant for (i) people with cystic fibrosis and (ii) other vulnerable groups.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the Government’s information on air pollution, available at the links below, which examine these and other issues in detail. For further information on the impacts of poor air quality on health, see the following three links:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-summary-chapter-4-outdoor-air-pollution-and-health

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/respiratory-conditions-caused-by-airborne-allergens

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chief-medical-officers-annual-report-2022-air-pollution

And for further information on the public health advice on air pollution, see the following two links:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/research/aq-system-review/publications

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/19/what-the-evidence-says-about-interventions-to-reduce-pollution-and-improve-lives/

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Cleaner Air Programme supports research and evidence gathering on the health impacts of air pollution and works alongside the independent Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, which advises the Government on these issues. Further information can be found at the following two links:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1083447/CHaPR_AQ_Special_Edition_2206116.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/comeap-long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-and-chronic-bronchitis

The UKHSA submitted written evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, reference AIR005, on an inquiry about outdoor and indoor air quality targets, with further information available at the following link:

https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/121559/pdf/

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of poor air quality on clinical outcomes for people with (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other chronic respiratory conditions.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the Government’s information on air pollution, available at the links below, which examine these and other issues in detail. For further information on the impacts of poor air quality on health, see the following three links:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-summary-chapter-4-outdoor-air-pollution-and-health

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/respiratory-conditions-caused-by-airborne-allergens

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chief-medical-officers-annual-report-2022-air-pollution

And for further information on the public health advice on air pollution, see the following two links:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/research/aq-system-review/publications

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/19/what-the-evidence-says-about-interventions-to-reduce-pollution-and-improve-lives/

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Cleaner Air Programme supports research and evidence gathering on the health impacts of air pollution and works alongside the independent Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, which advises the Government on these issues. Further information can be found at the following two links:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1083447/CHaPR_AQ_Special_Edition_2206116.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/comeap-long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-and-chronic-bronchitis

The UKHSA submitted written evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, reference AIR005, on an inquiry about outdoor and indoor air quality targets, with further information available at the following link:

https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/121559/pdf/

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to support research into interventions to protect people with (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other respiratory conditions from the effects of poor air quality.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the Government’s information on air pollution, available at the links below, which examine these and other issues in detail. For further information on the impacts of poor air quality on health, see the following three links:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/heat-summary-chapter-4-outdoor-air-pollution-and-health

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/respiratory-conditions-caused-by-airborne-allergens

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chief-medical-officers-annual-report-2022-air-pollution

And for further information on the public health advice on air pollution, see the following two links:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/research/aq-system-review/publications

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/19/what-the-evidence-says-about-interventions-to-reduce-pollution-and-improve-lives/

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Cleaner Air Programme supports research and evidence gathering on the health impacts of air pollution and works alongside the independent Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, which advises the Government on these issues. Further information can be found at the following two links:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1083447/CHaPR_AQ_Special_Edition_2206116.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/comeap-long-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-and-chronic-bronchitis

The UKHSA submitted written evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee, reference AIR005, on an inquiry about outdoor and indoor air quality targets, with further information available at the following link:

https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/121559/pdf/

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Project 4 entitled Image Guided Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease in the Non-technical summaries for project licences granted April – June 2026 that require a retrospective assessment, published in June 2026, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the information provided by the applicant on the expected severity of procedures in informing the licensing decision; and what is meant by the classification of mice and rats as under severe in that project.

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

The Home Office keeps the quality and consistency of non-technical summaries published under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) under review. In May 2026, the Government accepted recommendations from the Animals in Science Committee to improve the transparency, clarity and consistency of non-technical summaries and retrospective assessments. The Government response and delivery plan are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-technical-summaries-and-retrospective-assessments-response-from-lord-hanson.

For Project 4, Image Guided Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease, the Home Office Regulator was satisfied that the application contained sufficient information to undertake the statutory harm-benefit analysis and inform the licensing decision. This assessment considered not only the prospective severity classification, but also the nature, duration and likelihood of the potential harms, the numbers and proportion of animals likely to be affected, the expected benefits, and the measures in place to minimise suffering.

The expected severity classifications indicate the maximum level of harm that an animal could reasonably be expected to experience under the authorised procedures; it does not mean that every mouse or rat in the procedures will experience suffering at that level. The application also sets out refinements, monitoring arrangements and humane end-points intended to prevent or minimise such harms.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that future Non-technical Summaries for project licences granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 provide consistent information on expected severity; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of detail published on expected severity to explain the harms considered during the harm-benefit analysis.

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

The Home Office keeps the quality and consistency of non-technical summaries published under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) under review. In May 2026, the Government accepted recommendations from the Animals in Science Committee to improve the transparency, clarity and consistency of non-technical summaries and retrospective assessments. The Government response and delivery plan are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-technical-summaries-and-retrospective-assessments-response-from-lord-hanson.

For Project 4, Image Guided Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease, the Home Office Regulator was satisfied that the application contained sufficient information to undertake the statutory harm-benefit analysis and inform the licensing decision. This assessment considered not only the prospective severity classification, but also the nature, duration and likelihood of the potential harms, the numbers and proportion of animals likely to be affected, the expected benefits, and the measures in place to minimise suffering.

The expected severity classifications indicate the maximum level of harm that an animal could reasonably be expected to experience under the authorised procedures; it does not mean that every mouse or rat in the procedures will experience suffering at that level. The application also sets out refinements, monitoring arrangements and humane end-points intended to prevent or minimise such harms.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a presumption of transparency in favour of routinely publishing farmed animal welfare inspection reports across all species, including terrestrial farmed animals.

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

The Government understands the importance of transparency in relation to the welfare of farmed animals. Multi Annual National Control Plan (MANCP) reports include national data on the number of farm inspections completed by APHA, the welfare scores from those inspections and any subsequent enforcement action are reported at a national level. From 2026 Local Authority inspections will also be included in this report. The government considers that this provides sufficient overview of animal welfare enforcement data.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has she made of the adequacy of parliamentary oversight of the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and whether she has considered the potential merits of holding parliamentary inquiry into the operation of the Act.

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

The Government considers that there are established and proportionate arrangements for oversight of the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Animals in Science Committee provides independent, statutory advice to Ministers on matters relating to the Act, including the protection of animals and the sharing of good practice. Parliamentary oversight is exercised through Parliamentary Questions, debates, ministerial correspondence and scrutiny by relevant parliamentary committees, supported by the publication of annual statistics and reports from the Animals in Science Regulation Unit.

These arrangements have been strengthened through the establishment of the Animals in Science Regulation Governance Board. Operational later this year, the Board will provide external scrutiny, advice and challenge to the Home Office on the Regulator’s performance, strategy and risk. Its role is distinct from that of the Animals in Science Committee: the Committee provides independent advice on policy and the operation of the Act, while the Governance Board supports effective regulatory delivery.

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 merits of improving building standards to (a) improve indoor air quality and (b) reduce exposure to damp and mould for people with respiratory conditions, including cystic fibrosis.

Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Effective ventilation plays an important role in maintaining good indoor air quality. The Government sets standards for this mainly through Part F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations, which applies primarily to new buildings. Approved Document F provides guidance on meeting minimum ventilation requirements, to provide fresh air for occupant health and reduce risks from pollutants, moisture, condensation and mould.

The Government has recently published updates to Approved Document F. These changes include improvements to commissioning, testing and installer competence, and revisions made in response to concerns about design flexibility, ensuring systems work as intended once homes are occupied. The changes will come into force in March 2027 for non-Higher Risk Building Work.

Indoor air quality in existing properties is addressed separately. Awaab’s Law requires social landlords to investigate and remedy damp and mould hazards within set timescales. Private landlords are already required to provide homes that are fit for human habitation, and local authorities must take enforcement action where the most dangerous hazards, including damp and mould, are identified.

From 2035, the Government is strengthening these protections by applying the new Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the level of Government funding provided for (a) animal-based research and (b) research using human-specific methods in the latest year for which figures are available.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government has not made an estimate of the level of funding provided for (a) animal-based research and (b) research using human-specific methods in the latest year for which figures are available. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) invests in a wide range of research, including animal research and research that supports human-specific approaches such as organ-on-a-chip technologies, cell-based assays, functional genomics and computer modelling. These activities are generally categorised within broader research programmes, and funding is not separately identified on this basis across Government.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how much funding was provided for projects involving human-specific research methods each year between 2020-2025; and if he will publish a breakdown by funding body.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government has not made an estimate of how much funding was provided for projects involving human-specific research methods in each year between 2020 and 2025, and does not hold a breakdown by funding body. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) invests in a range of research that supports human-specific approaches, including organ-on-a-chip technologies, cell-based assays, functional genomics and computer modelling. These activities are generally categorised within broader research programmes, and funding for human-specific research methods is not separately identified across Government.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Code of Practice for the Care and Accommodation of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes, published in March 2026, whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of the minimum separation age for non-human primates set out in that Code.

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

The minimum separation ages for non-human primates were not reassessed as part of the 2026 Code update. The Code clarified and consolidated the legal minimum standards in force since 2017; it did not change them. Licensed establishments must meet those standards and should also consider current evidence-based advice and leading practice.

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Jones (Chair); Ann Davies; Simon Hoare; Gerald Jones; Ben Lake

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Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Jones (Chair); Ann Davies; Simon Hoare; Gerald Jones; Llinos

Found: Yours sincerely, Ruth Jones MP Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee

Found: urther to your email of the 10 th July 2026, attaching further questions from Committee Chair Ruth Jones

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Found: Offices Second Floor Block C Government Buildings Picton Terrace Carmarthen SA31 3BT Ruth Jones

Found: Chair, Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Patricia Ferguson MP Chair, Scottish Affairs Committee Ruth Jones

Found: Ruth Jones MP Chair, Welsh Affairs Committee House of Commons

Found: operational name of Powys Teaching Local Health Board PH/W elsh Affairs Committee 29 July 2026 Ruth Jones

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On 17 August 2026, the BBC aired a documentary titled 'Buried with Michael Sheen'. This two-part documentary raises concerns regarding the presence of PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’ in Wales and parts of England. The documentary covered several themes which have previously been explored in the committee’s inquiry into ‘The Economic and Environmental legacy of Wales industrial past’. The Committee will take evidence on some of the issues raised in the documentary, including contaminated land, resources to remediate sites, the impact of contaminants on the environment, human health and support for affected communities.