theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is planning to take to protect responsibilities for musculoskeletal conditions that currently sit within NHS England. \p Ashley Dalton: Over 17 million people in England live with a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition and improving their health and work outcomes will help deliver this government's missions to build a National Health Service fit for the future and kickstart economic growth. On 13 March 2025, it was announced that NHS England will be brought into the Department to form a new joint centre. We are assessing the full range of current functions across both organisations and options for future allocation. At this stage, it is too early to say what precise changes in personnel and organisational design will be. As we progress due process will be followed, including a comprehensive assessment of any impacts and risks associated with the reforms. We will ensure our decisions are guided by evidence, and above all, focused on improving care for all patients including those with a MSK condition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost of hiring new staff due to changes in employer National Insurance contributions for GP practices in Hampshire. \p Stephen Kinnock: We have made the necessary decisions to fix the foundations of the public finances in the Autumn Budget. Resource spending for the Department will be £22.6 billion more in 2025/26 than in 2023/24, as part of the Spending Review settlement. The employers’ National Insurance rise was implemented in April 2025.

General practices (GPs) are valued independent contractors who provide over £13 billion worth of National Health Services. Every year we consult with the profession about what services GPs provide, and the money providers are entitled to in return under their contract, taking account of the cost of delivering services.

We are investing an additional £889 million in GPs to reinforce the front door of the NHS, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This is the biggest increase in over a decade, and we are pleased that the General Practitioners Committee England is supportive of the contract changes.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, how she plans to monitor the effectiveness of the health and justice strategy advisory group. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, when she plans to provide an update on the work of the health and justice strategic advisory group. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, what the remit of the health and justice strategic advisory group is. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, who the (a) chair and (b) members of the health and justice strategic advisory group are. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice of 31 March 2025 in the debate on the Report Stage of the Mental Health Bill, Official Report, House of Lords, col 103, how many times the health and justice strategy advisory group has met. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has approved a national redundancy scheme for the 50% integrated care board cost reduction target; and whether he has allocated funds allocated to meet exit costs. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of phlebotomy services to perform blood tests for children in (a) Oxfordshire and (b) nationally. \p Karin Smyth: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take through (a) dietary guidelines, (b) public health policy and (c) food strategies to (i) promote and (ii) help improve public access to (A) whole and (B) minimally processed foods. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the capacity of local health committees to respond promptly to local clinical trial requests. \p Ashley Dalton: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure access to omaveloxolone for adults with Friedreich’s ataxia. \p Karin Smyth: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon Member for East Antrim on 21 May 2025, to Question 52613.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps NHS England is taking to ensure that NHS trusts are prepared to deliver (a) timely and (b) equitable access to emerging treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in the context of (i) challenges highlighted through recent early access programmes and (ii) the likelihood of these therapies entering routine commissioning. \p Karin Smyth: The Department understands the impact that Duchenne muscular dystrophy has on those living with it and their families, and the urgent need for new treatment options. If new therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), then appropriate commissioning plans will be put in place to enable equitable access to treatment through Specialised Neurology Services.

The delivery of timely and equitable access to new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy under company-sponsored early access schemes is not the responsibility of NHS England. Individual pharmaceutical companies may put in place Early Access Programmes (EAPs) to allow early access to new medicines that do not yet have a marketing authorisation. Participation in EAPs is decided at an individual National Health Service trust level, and under these programmes, the cost of the drug is free to both patients taking part in it, and to the National Health Service, although NHS trusts must still cover administration costs and provide clinical resources to deliver the EAP.

There are no common clinical, data, or regulatory standards for company-sponsored EAPs, meaning each one demands a new protocol to be devised and delivered by each participating trust, which can create significant pressures on clinical and financial resources. Companies providing a sponsored EAP also reserve the right to limit or to close registration of new patients at any time, meaning that any financial and clinical investment made by trusts to establish an EAP could be undermined by a commercial decision that would most likely happen in the event of the treatment not being recommended following an appraisal by NICE.

NHS England has published guidance for integrated care systems (ICS) on free of charge (FoC) medicine schemes, including EAPs, providing advice on potential financial, resourcing, and clinical risks.

ICSs should use the guidance to help determine whether to implement any FoC scheme, including assessing suitability and any risks in the short, medium, and long term. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/free-of-charge-foc-medicines-schemes-national-policy-recommendations-for-local-systems/
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Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to fund a review to explore the extent to which surgical intervention can alleviate the symptoms experienced by individuals with pineal cysts. \p Karin Smyth: The Department has no plans to fund such a review. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing evidence-based guidance for the health and care system on best practice. NICE's interventional procedures programme assesses the efficacy and safety of interventional procedures used for treatment or diagnosis to determine whether they work well enough and are safe enough for use in the National Health Service.

NICE’s interventional procedures programme has not been notified of any procedure for the treatment of pineal cysts. If NICE receives a notification, any such procedure would be considered as part of established appraisal processes.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of nursing apprenticeships in Lincolnshire. \p Karin Smyth: We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again. This will include how we ensure we train healthcare staff, through all training routes, including nursing apprenticeships, to support patients in all of our communities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will provide a response to Early Day Motion 1076 on Stepping Hill Hospital, tabled on 8 April 2025. \p Karin Smyth: The Government inherited a crumbling National Health Service estate after years of historic underinvestment and neglect. We recognise that hospitals across the country, including Stepping Hill, have challenging and poor-quality infrastructure, and that is why repairing and rebuilding our hospitals is a key part of our ambition to create a health service that is fit for the future.

It will take time, but we are beginning to rebuild the health service. The £750 million Estates Safety Fund for 2025/26 is an essential first step towards addressing the poorest quality estates across the NHS and ensuring a safe, sustainable environment for healthcare delivery. The Stockport NHS Foundation Trust will be issued £2.8 million from this fund to deliver vital safety improvements, enhance patient and staff environments, and support NHS productivity at Stepping Hill Hospital.

This investment is in addition to the operational capital the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board will receive in 2025/26, to allocate to local priorities, including investment at Stepping Hill Hospital, and capital investment to support constitutional standards recovery.

The current Spending Review, concluding in June 2025, will determine capital funding levels for future years and will consider the needs of the NHS estate.
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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Patients and pupils to benefit from school and hospital repairs, published on 30 May 2025, how that funding will be delivered to the NHS; and how much funding each Integrated Care Board will receive. \p Karin Smyth: The £750 million Estates Safety Fund is part of the overall 2025/26 capital allocation announced by my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Autumn Budget last year, and is an essential first step towards addressing the poorest quality estates across the National Health Service.

Integrated care systems have prioritised this funding between their organisations to deliver maximum safety benefits. Funding will be issued to NHS trusts on the basis of individual schemes. Descriptions of the planned works and funding allocations, grouped by integrated care board, are available at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68398c46c99c4f37ab4e86ef/estates-safety-fund-2025-to-2026.csv/preview.
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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to monitor the potential impact of the award of the contract for adult and community services to HCRG Care Group on patient care. \p Karin Smyth: The Department has received requests asking my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to use the powers under Schedule 10A of the National Health Service Act 2006 to call-in the award of the contract for adult and community services to the Health Care Resourcing Group Care Group. Departmental officials have been asked to look into the issues raised and to provide advice on whether my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care should call-in the decision.

The Department will assess the call-in request against the considerations published in the statutory guidance in January 2024 and the merits of the case.

The responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioner, who are accountable to NHS England. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients.
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Alison Hume:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to consult with people who have rare conditions on the integration of NHS England functions into his  Department. \p Ashley Dalton: Working under the UK Rare Diseases Framework, the Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases.

Through our public consultation on the 10 Year Plan, the Government has shown that we are committed to engaging with the public, patients, and clinicians. We are currently in the initial phases of scoping and designing a new integrated Department that aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our healthcare system. Ministers and senior Department officials will work with the new executive team at the top of NHS England, led by Sir Jim Mackey, to lead the formation of a new joint centre. As we work to bring the two organisations together, we will ensure that we continue to evaluate impacts of all kinds.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of using private partnerships to build NHS hospitals on public finances. \p Karin Smyth: There has been no formal assessment on the potential impact of using private partnerships to build National Health Service hospitals. Current HM Treasury policy is that private finance cannot be used. As part of the NHS capital strategy, we are considering how best to address capital funding issues in the NHS estate, and all investments will be subject to value for money and strategic assessments.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on whether the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence plans to improve the (a) transparency and (b) consistency of its guidance on the application of carer health-related quality of life in its single technology appraisal process. \p Karin Smyth: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) technology appraisal process allows its independent committees to take societal benefits, such as health-related quality-of-life for carers and the impact on personal social services, into account. NICE’s methods are set out in its published health technology evaluations manual, which is available at the following link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/process/pmg36

Evaluations should consider all health effects for patients, and, when relevant, carers. When presenting health effects for carers, evidence should show when the condition is associated with a substantial effect on a carer’s health-related quality of life and how the technology affects carers. This applies for all therapies, including therapies for rare diseases. NICE appraisals specifically consider health-related quality of life, for both patients and carers, rather than quality of life as a whole.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has made a comparative assessment of the proportion of work that broadband providers have been able to carry out by laying (a) ducting and (b) overhead cables. \p Chris Bryant: The Government does not undertake formal assessments of the delivery methods employed by broadband operators. Where and how operators deploy their networks is a commercial matter.

Existing regulations require operators to use underground lines where reasonably practicable, with certain exceptions.

In its Connected Nations 2024 report, Ofcom states that “providers have ordered around 176,000 km of duct routes (101,000 km of which has been delivered) and approximately 1.2 million attachments to poles (750,000 of which have been delivered) to deploy networks.”
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David Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many newly upgraded mobile masts will be in North Northumberland constituency; and what plans he has to develop the shared rural network in North Northumberland constituency. \p Chris Bryant: In North Northumberland, there are four government funded Home Office masts that are due to be upgraded as part of the Shared Rural Network. The first of these upgrades at Herdlaw Farm should be activated in July and we will write to you with the details once the mast is delivering new coverage. The remaining masts in Mindrum, Bell Hill and The Ladyship Field will be activated no later than by the end of next year in line with the overall programme’s delivery timescales.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of complaints received about different broadband providers alleged to have breached the voluntary code of conduct within the Revised Cabinet and Pole Siting Code of Practice, published in November 2016. \p Chris Bryant: It is for the independent regulator, Ofcom, to investigate any complaints about telegraph poles sited in a way which is not consistent with the requirements and guidelines in place. Local Planning Authorities are best placed to refer any complaints to Ofcom.

I am aware of public concerns about the deployment of new broadband infrastructure. I have met both with individual operators and industry trade bodies to voice my concerns. In response, the industry has recently published the Telecommunications Poles Working Group Best Practice Recommendations, which are available on the Internet Services Providers’ Association website.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what role (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) Ofcom play in ensuring the cyber-security of telecommunication exchanges (i) at Wapping in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and (ii) in the City of London. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce and prepare for security and resilience risks. We have also included data centres as parts of Critical National Infrastructure.

DSIT is responsible for developing policies to help ensure the security of the UK’s public telecoms networks and services. DSIT works with the National Cyber Security Centre as the technical authority providing advice on cyber-security threats and vulnerabilities, the National Protective Security Authority as the technical authority for physical and personnel security, and Ofcom as regulator for the framework.

The Government does not comment on the security of specific sites; however, we work with our agencies to respond to specific security incidents or vulnerabilities identified.
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John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) farmers and (b) rural communities have access to improved (i) broadband and (ii) mobile signal. \p Chris Bryant: Project Gigabit is the government’s programme to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to homes and businesses that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans. This includes farms and other types of premises in rural communities.

We will also continue to work with mobile network operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network to boost 4G mobile coverage to rural communities, including farms, enabling them to thrive.

Our ambition is for all populated areas, including rural communities, to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. We are committed to having the right policy and regulatory framework to support this. We continue to work with industry to deliver this.
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John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help speed up the roll out of digital infrastructure in national parks. \p Chris Bryant: The rollout of broadband infrastructure in national parks is led by commercial suppliers, in discussion with the relevant National Park Authority.

Reforms to the Electronic Communications Code in 2017, alongside the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, have created a framework which encourages network deployment.

We will continue to work with the industry to improve 4G coverage in areas of natural beauty and national parks via the Shared Rural Network (SRN). On 28 May we announced that over 50 existing mobile masts had been upgraded for the SRN, with over half of them providing new coverage to areas of outstanding natural beauty or national parks.

Alongside the SRN, our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. We are committed to having the right policy and regulatory framework to support this and we continue to work with industry to deliver this.
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Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is for his Department's examination of the digital age of consent. \p Chris Bryant: We have added measures to the Data (Use and Access) Bill to strengthen data protection standards for children. Any changes to the age of digital consent would require public consultation.

We continue to consider further options for protecting children online and commissioned a feasibility study to further explore the impact of smartphones and social media use on children’s wellbeing to help inform our next steps. We do not have a timetable for completing this work.
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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to help support Ukraine’s (a) reconstruction and (b) economic recovery. \p Gareth Thomas: Through the 100-Year Partnership Agreement, the UK is committed to supporting Ukraine’s long-term stability and growth, driving its recovery as a modernised and resilient economy. We work closely with the Government of Ukraine to understand their immediate and long-term reconstruction priorities.

By promoting UK expertise, my department ensures UK companies contribute effectively to Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic recovery while advancing UK economic growth.

Initiatives include the UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce, developing war risk insurance solutions, extending the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, fostering tech collaboration via the UK-Ukraine TechBridge, and leading trade missions to strengthen economic ties.
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Gregor Poynton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of e-invoicing for small businesses on reducing payment times. \p Gareth Thomas: The Government is committed to tackling late payments, which can be a major obstacle for small businesses. In September 2024 we announced new measures including a new Fair Payment Code (launched in December 2024), legislation requiring large companies to report headline payment performance data in their annual reports, and a public consultation on further measures.

Business adoption of e-invoicing can also help improve payment times by reducing administrative burdens and streamlining invoicing processes. DBT and HMRC recently ran a consultation to gather views on promoting e-invoicing in the UK and will be publishing a summary of responses in due course.
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Gregor Poynton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of e-invoicing for small businesses on productivity. \p Gareth Thomas: This Government is committed to driving business productivity and economic growth in the UK. Adoption of digital technologies, such as e-invoicing, can significantly improve firm-level productivity by streamlining business processes and reducing administrative work and errors.

However, few small businesses use e-invoicing in the UK. Adoption of e-invoicing by SMEs in the UK is behind countries like France and Germany. This is why, as announced at Budget 2024, DBT and HMRC recently ran a 12 week consultation on promoting e-invoicing in the UK. We will be publishing a summary of responses and updating on next steps in due course.
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Marsha De Cordova:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of steps taken by his Department to (a) track the final destination of F-35 components and (b) ensure F-35 components are not used by the Israeli military. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Once parts are exported from the UK to the global F-35 programme, the UK does not have access to information about the movement of individual components, and does not have control over whether components in the global spares pool or aircraft assembly facilities are used for specific customer nations or not. However, the UK has suspended the export of F-35 components directly to Israel, where these are for use by Israel.

The only way to prevent UK-produced parts reaching Israel would therefore be for the UK Government to stop the export of parts to the entire F-35 programme, which would prejudice the security of the UK and our allies.
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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what revenues (a) the Government and (b) manufacturers have received from selling components into the F35 global spare parts pool in each of the last three years. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The UK Government does not sell F-35 components directly, but licences the export of components to the F-35 global programme from a number of UK suppliers.

The Department for Business and Trade does not hold information on the revenue of companies generated from sales to the F-35 global spares pool.
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Lincoln Jopp:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the average time was for an export license to be granted to a defence business from first application to approval in the latest period for which data is available. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: During 2024, the median processing time in SPIRE for all completed Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) applications was 16 working days. On average, completed SIEL applications account for around 95% of all completed licence applications. We do not gather the median processing time per sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_148

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of halting arms licences for export to foreign governments for which there is a demonstrable risk of complicity in international law violations. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: All export licence applications are reviewed against the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). These state that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

We also keep all our extant licences (which typically last for two years) under continual review on this basis.

This government will take whatever action is appropriate in the specific circumstances, including amending, suspending or revoking export licences.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_149

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on how exports made by UAV Tactical Systems Ltd to Israel since October 2023 have been used. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Three export licences have been issued to this company since October 2023, but each licence has been assessed to ensure that the items were not for use by the Israeli military in military operations in Gaza.

This is pursuant to the decision on 2 September 2024 when we suspended export licences for the Israeli Defence Forces covering equipment that might be used in military operations in Gaza, based on our assessment that these could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Licences for military equipment which is not for use in operations in Gaza or which relate to components for products which are ultimately for re-export to other countries were not included in the scope of the suspension.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_150

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether (a) the Competition and Market Authority and (b) his Department has provided guidance to public authorities on offering loans to developers (i) at less than market rate and (ii) on preferential terms. \p Justin Madders: The Department for Business and Trade’s statutory guidance for the subsidy control regime helps public authorities to comply with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

This includes subsidies given in the form of loans. We also provide additional guidance to public authorities on request. This would include discussions on below market rate and preferential loans. Where relevant thresholds are met, the Subsidy Advice Unit in the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for evaluating the relevant public authority’s assessment of compliance with subsidy control rules, and publishing a report of their findings. These can be found on the CMA’s website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_151

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of pubs on (a) social cohesion and (b) economic activities. \p Gareth Thomas: We recognise the vital role pubs play in driving economic growth and strengthening community cohesion across the UK, I co-chair the Hospitality Sector Council to discuss matters affecting the sector and to recognise their contribution to the economy, which was around £50bn GVA in 2024, representing 2% total UK output. We've recently launched Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), which fast-track individuals into hospitality vacancies by providing flexible training and support for job seekers.

Additionally, we've launched a new £1.5 million Hospitality Fund to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs. We're working with the Licensing Taskforce to reduce burdens and encourage growth.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_152

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the impact of the UK leaving the EU on workforce shortages in the construction industry. \p Sarah Jones: The current migration route for employing individuals into the construction industry is through Skilled Worker Visas.

DBT and industry has worked with the Home Office (HO) to provide clearer guidance to construction employers on the Sponsor Licence process. The construction industry also worked with Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to add in-demand construction occupations to the Shortage Occupation List.

Following publication of the Immigration White Paper DBT is working with the HO and the MAC to feed into priority occupations that should be considered for the Temporary Shortage List while building investment in the training of the domestic workforce.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_153

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the use of blockchain technologies in (a) trade, (b) commerce, (c) logistics and (d) supply chains. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Business and Trade supports the adoption and deployment of technologies to increase productivity in these areas. The upcoming Industrial Strategy will set out our vision and the ambitious set of actions we will take, in partnership with business and academia, to support the tech sector and power the economy of the future. The Industrial Strategy, alongside the upcoming Trade Strategy, will also set out further detail on the steps we are taking to enhance supply chain resilience.

As well, the Department for Transport will publish a new freight plan later this year. While currently under development, we anticipate this will consider the role of technology in enabling the sector to boost economic growth.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_154

Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate has he made of the number of veterans eligible for compensation under the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. \p Al Carns: As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had distributed £2.2 million in payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved.

Payments made by the FRS are not compensation payments and do not seek to compensate for any pecuniary losses or attempt to place personnel in a financial position they could have been in, had the ban not existed.

The Ministry of Defence is unable to confirm the number of eligible applicants for the FRS at this time; however, application data is being is being monitored and assessed now that the Scheme is live.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_155

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the statement given by the German Chancellor on the removal of range restrictions for weapons delivered to Ukraine; and what whether he has made an assessment of the merits of the use of long-range missiles. \p Luke Pollard: The UK supports other countries providing long-range fires, but I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not be drawn on details about UK gifted long-range missiles. It risks operational security, and the only person who benefits from public debate is Putin.

The Prime Minister has been clear we must give Ukraine the support that is needed for as long as it's needed. We are doubling down on our support, but the simplest way to end this conflict is for Putin to stop his aggression.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_156

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 16(a) of Annex 2 of the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, how the Government plans to apply the definition of persons not connected to the operation of the Base for jurisdictional purposes on Diego Garcia. \p Luke Pollard: The United Kingdom controls access, and therefore authorisations, for all persons permitted to be on Diego Garcia. Any person present without authorisation is a person not connected to the operation of the base.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_157

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the (a) media grid and (b) media plan for the Government response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025. \p Luke Pollard: Communications plans and products were drafted and issued in line with standard procedures. On Monday 2 June 2025, Ministers conducted 21 interviews with 16 outlets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_158

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's plans are for military gap years. \p Al Carns: As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds. To support this, the Army and Navy are developing short term employment opportunities - “gap year” schemes - for young people across a variety of exciting roles that will upskill, provide apprenticeships, and a flavour of life in the Armed Forces.

Full plans will be announced in due course.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_159

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when each (a) person and (b) company received unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review on 2 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach for previous defence reviews.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_160

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he took to ensure that the early release of unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, to (a) people and (b) companies did not result in market-sensitive information being used for commercial advantage. \p Luke Pollard: For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach for previous defence reviews.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_161

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, on the level of contributions from the United States for the costs of running the military base on Diego Garcia. \p Luke Pollard: The US continues to pay for the operating and maintenance costs of the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia. Our initial assessment is that the UK/Mauritius Agreement is unlikely to have any significant impact, in the short-term, on the operating and maintenance costs of the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia.
wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_162
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-10)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-10 conversation_162

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much the United States contributed to the running cost of the Diego Garcia military base in the most recent financial year for which information is available. \p Luke Pollard: As agreed in the US-UK Exchange of Notes which governs the US use of Diego Garcia, there is no direct payment between the US and the UK for use of the base. The US pays for the operating and maintenance costs of the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia.