Written questions by Rosindell.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to consult international zoological accreditation and certification bodies on future regulations under the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023.

The Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 provides a framework for the introduction of future bans on the advertising and offering for sale, in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad. We are considering our next steps and future bans will be evidence based and subject to parliamentary scrutiny. Evidence will support why any specific advertising ban is needed and relevant stakeholder engagement will be undertaken to ensure future bans will not prohibit high welfare tourist activity. The Government will introduce the most ambitious programme for animal welfare in a generation. We are considering the most effective ways to deliver these commitments and will be setting out next steps in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many people claiming asylum in the UK are being detained on the British Indian Ocean Territory as of 30 August 2024.

64 migrants remain under the care of the BIOT Administration. The BIOT Administration is considering their claims for protection i.e. non-refoulement back to Sri Lanka.

Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with the Mayor of London on housebuilding targets in outer London.

In my recent meeting with the Mayor of London, he reiterated his commitment to help reach our target of 1.5 million homes.This Government is committed to work in partnership with our Mayors to achieve our shared aims.I look forward to working with the Mayor, boroughs and the wider sector to build the homes London needs across the entire capital – and do the same for the whole country.

Whether his Department plans to use the impact assessment entitled Tobacco and Vapes Bill: impact assessment, published on 20 March 2024, as part of its forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

As set out in the King’s Speech, a bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can be sold cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will pave the way for a smoke-free United Kingdom and will be the biggest public health intervention since the ban on smoking in indoor public places in 2007.The bill will be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks, and an Impact Assessment will be published early in the passage of the bill. We will also conduct New Burdens Assessments for the measures in the bill and any future regulations, which will assess any costs to local authorities of enforcing the new measures.

Whether his Department has made an estimate of future licensing and enforcement costs of a generational ban on tobacco.

As set out in the King’s Speech, a bill will be introduced to progressively increase the age at which people can be sold cigarettes and impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will pave the way for a smoke-free United Kingdom and will be the biggest public health intervention since the ban on smoking in indoor public places in 2007.The bill will be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks, and an Impact Assessment will be published early in the passage of the bill. We will also conduct New Burdens Assessments for the measures in the bill and any future regulations, which will assess any costs to local authorities of enforcing the new measures.

If he will extend powers from HMRC to Trading Standards to provide on-the-spot fines for retailers selling illegal (a) tobacco and (b) vape products.

HM Revenue and Customs does not have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for retailers selling illegal tobacco or vaping products. Those convicted of selling illegal products could face penalties, including imprisonment or an unlimited fine.However, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks, will strengthen enforcement at the local level, to support implementation of the measures in the bill and support our ambition to create a smoke-free United Kingdom. The bill will provide Trading Standards with the option to issue fixed penalty notices, which are on-the-spot fines, for certain offences. The new fixed penalty notices will be in addition to existing sanctions, including the existing fine of £2,500 for underage sales, allowing Trading Standards to take quicker action instead of escalating to a court process.A strong and proportionate approach to enforcement is essential to prevent illicit trade and underage sales undermining our efforts to create a smoke-free country. HM Revenue and Customs and Border Force’s new joint illicit tobacco strategy sets out their continued commitment to reduce the trade in, and demand for, illicit tobacco, and to tackle and disrupt the organised crime groups behind the illicit tobacco trade. Work to enhance illicit vapes enforcement, led by National Trading Standards and funded by a £3 million grant over two years, 2023/24 and 2024/25, from the Department of Health and Social Care, will build on existing work to tackle illicit vapes by Trading Standards across the country.

Whether he has taken steps to increase workforce capacity for (a) cancer care and (b) radiotherapy treatment services.

The Department is working closely with NHS England to make sure we have the right workforce with the right skills up and down the country. This includes cancer care and radiotherapy treatment services.As well as increasing the workforce, we will also be treating staff with the respect they deserve, improving their working conditions, and reforming the way they deliver care, so they deliver more care in the community and more preventative care.We are committed to training the staff we need to get cancer patients seen on time. The Government will make sure the National Health Service has the staff it needs to be there for all of us when we need it.In March 2024 there were over 35,400 full-time equivalent staff working across the key cancer-facing professions of clinical oncology, gastro-enterology, medical oncology, histopathology, clinical radiology, diagnostic and therapeutic radiography.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a cancer plan that (a) increases (a) radiotherapy and (b) other services.

Professor Lord Darzi is currently undertaking an independent investigation into the state of the National Health Service, the findings of which will feed into the Government’s 10-year plan to build a health service that is fit for the future. The Government will set out any further priorities on cancer and health in due course. The Government’s Health Mission will aim to make progress against major diseases, including cancer.

Innovation and Technology, if he will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential merits of increasing funding for new radiotherapy technologies.

The Office for Life Sciences is a joint unit sitting in this Department and the Department for Health and Social Care. It exists to power the government’s health and growth missions and improve patient outcomes. The Government does not generally ringfence funding for particular areas of research but continues to fund research for innovative radiotherapy approaches through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Since 2021, their Medical Research Council has awarded £15 million for cutting edge approaches such as FLASH photon therapy, and Innovate UK has invested £3.2 million to projects through the Biomedical Catalyst, including nanoparticle enhanced radiotherapy. In 2023, UKRI invested £32 million in the National Total Body PET Imaging Platform to enhance national capabilities in the use of radioactive tracers.

Whether he plans to increase radiotherapy treatment capacity for patients in Romford constituency.

Since April 2022, the responsibility for investing in new radiotherapy machines sits with local systems. This is supported by the 2021 Spending Review, which set aside £12 billion in operational capital for the National Health Service for 2022 to 2025, and the latest Capital Planning Guidance.

Whether she has made an assessment of the impact of removing the winter fuel allowance on pensioner poverty.

This Government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement. Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control. For England and Wales, the changes in eligibility requirements are expected to reduce the number of people who get the Winter Fuel Payment from 10.8 million to 1.5 million (within 1.3m households). This means that an estimated 9.3 million will no longer be able to access Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales. We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. The government will work with external partners and local authorities to boost the uptake of Pension Credit and to target additional support to the poorest pensioners. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need. Over the next five years, we expect over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pensions increase by thousands of pounds as a result of our commitment to the Triple Lock. Protecting the Triple Lock even in the current economic climate shows our steadfast commitment to pensioners. We are also providing support through our Warm Homes Plan which pensioners will benefit from. This will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals. Our other steps include cutting waiting times in the NHS which will help many pensioners currently waiting in pain and discomfort for treatment, and delivering the economic stability which is so crucial for pensioners.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing the winter fuel allowance on pensioner poverty.

This Government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement. Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control. For England and Wales, the changes in eligibility requirements are expected to reduce the number of people who get the Winter Fuel Payment from 10.8 million to 1.5 million (within 1.3m households). This means that an estimated 9.3 million will no longer be able to access Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales. We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. The government will work with external partners and local authorities to boost the uptake of Pension Credit and to target additional support to the poorest pensioners. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need. Over the next five years, we expect over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pensions increase by thousands of pounds as a result of our commitment to the Triple Lock. Protecting the Triple Lock even in the current economic climate shows our steadfast commitment to pensioners. We are also providing support through our Warm Homes Plan which pensioners will benefit from. This will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals. Our other steps include cutting waiting times in the NHS which will help many pensioners currently waiting in pain and discomfort for treatment, and delivering the economic stability which is so crucial for pensioners.

What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the relationship between Iran and Russia.

We continue to condemn Iran’s supply of weapons to Russia; these weapons have been used in Ukraine to target critical national infrastructure and kill civilians. In return for the funds and operational feedback it is receiving in this deal, Iran will be able to expand its defence-industrial base and further proliferate weapons throughout the Middle East. The Ministry of Defence is working with a range of partners to identify and expose this relationship and hold both Iran and Russia to account. Meanwhile, we continue to assess the implications of this relationship on regional and global security and that of the safety of our Armed Forces.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support persecuted Christians in Myanmar.

The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion of belief for all communities in Myanmar. We continue to support religious minorities, including Christians, and raise our concerns over discrimination against them in international fora. In April, we co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar which stressed the need to address the root causes of human rights violations and abuses against ethnic and religious minority groups. We are providing support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and established the Myanmar Witness programme to collect evidence of human rights violations, including identity-based violence.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of onshore windfarms on (a) the environment, (b) arable land and (c) local communities.

The planning system provides important checks and balances when new onshore wind farms are built, including community engagement and consultation, environmental surveying, and statutory environmental and habitat impact assessments ensuring deployment is sustainable and has community support.

Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to (a) protect the title veterinary nurse and (b) improve regulation of veterinary practices.

Defra is engaging with the veterinary sector to understand the needs of the industry and what appropriate government intervention might look like.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve water quality in the River Rom.

The Secretary of State recently met with water company bosses, including Thames Water, to make it clear that water firms will be held accountable for their performance for customers and the environment. During the meeting, water bosses signed up to the Government’s initial package of reforms to reduce sewage pollution and attract investment to upgrade infrastructure. The Government also announced a new Water (Special Measures) Bill, which will turn around the performance of water companies, in the King’s Speech. The Bill will strengthen regulation, give the water regulator new powers to ban the payment of bonuses if environmental standards are not met and increase accountability for water executives. These are the first critical steps in enabling a long-term and transformative reset of the entire water sector. I would also refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement made by the Secretary of State on 18 July, HCWS3. The Environment Agency is working collaboratively with partners within the Roding, Beam, and Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership to improve the water quality and biodiversity of the River Rom.

What steps she is taking to reduce dangerous driving in Romford constituency.

Any form of dangerous driving behaviour is a serious matter of concern The maximum sentence for dangerous driving is an unlimited fine, disqualification and up to 14 years in prison.How the police enforce road traffic legislation and investigate road traf...

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of using acoustic cameras to help tackle illegal car exhaust systems.

The Department conducted roadside trials of noise camera technology between October 2022 and February 2023. Reports of these trials, including detailed assessment of the technology’s performance and potential merits, were published on 17 March 2024.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that local authorities receive adequate funding.

The Government is under no illusions about the scale of the pressures that local authorities are facing. Successive years of underfunding and increasing demand for services has left councils experiencing significant budget pressures and vulnerable to shocks, impacting the services councils can provide to local people.To get local government back on its feet, we will work closely with councils to provide more stability through multi-year funding settlements, ending competitive bidding for pots of money and reforming the local audit system. The government will fix the foundations of local government and work closely with the sector to do so.Future local authority funding decisions will be a matter for the next Spending Review and Local Government Finance Settlement. The department will work with local government leaders to ensure they are better able to fulfil their statutory duties.