Written questions by Cooper.

What steps he is taking to tackle the potential security threat posed by Chinese state-linked companies in the Government supply chain.

The Procurement Act 2023 introduces new powers to exclude and debar suppliers from public sector contracts if they pose a national security risk. To implement these powers, the Cabinet Office has established the new National Security Unit for Procurement, responsible for investigating suppliers on national security grounds, both within the government supply chain and for the wider public sector.We have also taken action to remove surveillance equipment supplied by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of China from sensitive government sites. A timeline for removal was published on 29 April 2024. The Cabinet Office is monitoring progress against this timeline and departments are on track to replace all such equipment by April 2025.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure the adequacy of the level of provision of youth services.

This Government is committed to giving all young people the chance to reach their full potential and recognises the vital role that youth services and activities play in improving their life chances and wellbeing.As set out in section 507B of the Education Act 1996, local authorities have a statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people. This is funded from the local government settlementAdditionally, as a government we are keen to ensure that there is appropriate youth provision to stop young people being drawn into crime and facing other poor outcomes. This is why we are creating the Young Futures programme, which will see the establishment of Prevention Partnerships in every local authority and the rollout of youth hubs across England and Wales. These Partnerships, supported by a network of hubs, will bring local services together and deliver support for young people to help them live safe and healthy lives.This will build on the DCMS funding to invest £500 million in youth services to ensure every young person will have access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer.

What steps his Department is taking to tackle shortages in ADHD medications.

The Department has been working hard with industry to help resolve supply issues with some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicines, which are affecting the United Kingdom and other countries around the world. As a result of this intensive work, some issues have been resolved. Many strengths of lisdexamfetamine and all strengths of atomoxetine capsules and guanfacine prolonged-release tablets are now available. We are working to resolve medicine supply issues, where they remain, for some strengths of lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. These are anticipated to resolve by August and October 2024, respectively.We are asking suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to further build capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term.The Department has worked with specialist clinicians to develop management advice for National Health Service clinicians, to consider prescribing available alternative brands of methylphenidate prolonged release tablets. We would expect ADHD service providers and specialists to follow our guidance to offer rapid response to primary care teams seeking urgent advice for the management of patients, including those known to be at a higher risk of adverse impact because of these shortages.To aid ADHD service providers and prescribers further, we have widely disseminated our communications, and continually update a list of currently available and unavailable ADHD products on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website, helping ensure that those involved in the prescribing and dispensing of ADHD medications can make informed decisions with patients. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/

What progress his Department has made on producing statutory guidance under the Down Syndrome Act 2022.

The Department is currently considering next steps on producing the Down syndrome statutory guidance, as required under the Down Syndrome Act 2022, and further information will be provided in due course.Officials have engaged with stakeholders to progress the development of draft guidance. This has included the establishment of an advisory group to inform the development process, and carrying out a national call for evidence and review of the evidence to gain a better understanding of the specific needs of people with Down syndrome and how these can be met by relevant authorities. The call for evidence received over 1,500 responses, including responses from people with Down syndrome, their families and carers, professionals, organisations, and stakeholder groups representing people with genetic conditions.

If she will take steps to ensure that feedback is provided to applicants for Access for All funding who were not awarded such funding in the announcement on 24 May 2024; and whether she plans to provide further funding under that scheme.

Given the short time since the general election, I regret I am not yet able to comment on next steps regarding specific station applications through the Access for All programme. However, please be assured that we are committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognise the social and economic benefits this brings to communities.

What fiscal steps she is taking to support the independent hospitality sector; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reducing the rate of VAT for and (b) providing other targeted support to that sector.

The Government very much recognises the importance of independent hospitality. As new Ministers we are keen to engage with the sector to understand its priorities.VAT is the UK's second largest tax forecast to raise £176 billion in 2024/25, helping to fund our public services including the NHS and education. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.