Written questions by Bowie.

Pursuant to the oral answer of 14 October 2024 from the Minister for Veterans and People, Official Report, column 574, if he will clarify what the correct (a) welfare and (b) legal support are for veterans that are required to undergo legal proceedings relating to their service during the troubles in Northern Ireland.

The Government recognises the important service of veterans and serving personnel and the sacrifices they made to keep us all safe in Northern Ireland during the troubles. We will provide any former or current member of the Armed Forces involved in legal proceedings relating to their official duties with the appropriate welfare and legal support. Welfare support is tailored to individual veterans’ needs and circumstances and given on an opt-in basis. The MOD delivers this support through the most appropriate agency depending on the nature of the veteran’s service. In many cases, this would be the Army Operational Legacy Branch, who have a team of dedicated military support officers. Legal support too is tailored to the circumstances, including in what capacity veterans are involved in legal proceedings. Veterans are offered independent legal support at public expense where they are at risk of prosecution relating to actions taken during their employment.

What steps his Department is taking to support the Scotch whisky industry.

DBT leads a whole of Government effort, working with devolved governments and the sector to support this important industry, which exported £5.6bn of Scotch Whisky worldwide in 2023. We boost exports by leveraging trade agreements and removing barriers. For example, in August we announced the recognition of the Scotch Whisky Geographic Indicator in Brazil, valued at £25m over five years. We will continue to spotlight Scotch Whisky at global trade shows in key markets, including a spirits trade mission to India in November. The Export Academy food and drink programme, launched in October, offers dedicated upskilling to both emerging and experienced distilleries.

What steps she is taking to protect pubs.

Pubs and breweries make an enormous contribution to our economy and society, and this is recognised in the tax system. The current alcohol duty system supports pubs and breweries through Draught Relief, which ensures eligible products served on draught pay less duty. Draught Relief helps to level the playing field between pubs and supermarkets, allowing pubs and brewers to price their on-trade products more competitively. The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the recent reforms and rates that took effect on 1 August 2023. As with all taxes, the Government keeps the alcohol duty system under review during its Budget process.

If she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies on alcohol duty of the potential impact of having access to a (a) pub and (b) other community third space on mental health.

Pubs and breweries make an enormous contribution to our economy and society, and this is recognised in the tax system. The current alcohol duty system supports pubs and breweries through Draught Relief, which ensures eligible products served on draught pay less duty. Draught Relief helps to level the playing field between pubs and supermarkets, allowing pubs and brewers to price their on-trade products more competitively. The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the recent reforms and rates that took effect on 1 August 2023. As with all taxes, the Government keeps the alcohol duty system under review during its Budget process.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of introducing an alcohol duty (a) exemption and (b) reduction for drinks that have a 15% or weaker alcohol by volume on community third places.

Pubs and breweries make an enormous contribution to our economy and society, and this is recognised in the tax system. The current alcohol duty system supports pubs and breweries through Draught Relief, which ensures eligible products served on draught pay less duty. Draught Relief helps to level the playing field between pubs and supermarkets, allowing pubs and brewers to price their on-trade products more competitively. The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the recent reforms and rates that took effect on 1 August 2023. As with all taxes, the Government keeps the alcohol duty system under review during its Budget process.

Whether his Department holds information on the potential impact of electromagnetic fields from high-voltage electricity pylons on public health.

The National Policy Statement for electricity networks notes that all overhead power lines produce electromagnetic fields (EMF), and that Government policy is that exposure of the public to EMF from 275kV and 400kV lines should be limited to low levels in compliance with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines (1998). Potential health effects associated with long-term low-level exposure to EMF have been extensively studied over recent decades and detrimental effects have not been found.

If she will make it her policy to not raise alcohol duty.

Pubs and breweries make an enormous contribution to our economy and society, and this is recognised in the tax system. The current alcohol duty system supports pubs and breweries through Draught Relief, which ensures eligible products served on draught pay less duty. Draught Relief helps to level the playing field between pubs and supermarkets, allowing pubs and brewers to price their on-trade products more competitively. The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the recent reforms and rates that took effect on 1 August 2023. As with all taxes, the Government keeps the alcohol duty system under review during its Budget process.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure the financial viability of community third spaces.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has policy responsibility for a number of spaces in which communities may meet for social, cultural and sporting activities.In particular, DCMS leads government’s work with Civil Society, including voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs), which often run community centres and hubs. The department continues to support VCSEs with their financial viability by running grant programmes, growing the social investment market and through funding delivered by our Arm’s Length Bodies.Through the English Devolution Bill, MHCLG will introduce a strong new ‘right to buy’ to help local people acquire valued community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces.