Written questions by Spencer.

Whether he has made an assessment of the implications for his policies for the (a) care and (b) treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) of the report entitled Maeve Boothby O’Neill: Prevention of Future Deaths Report, published on 8 October 2024.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Maeve’s family and friends in this tragic case. Every patient deserves to have their condition understood and treated to the highest standard, and this is a heart-wrenching example of a patient falling through the cracks.The Department has received a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report, which we are currently reviewing. It is important that we learn the lessons from every PFD report, and we will consider the report carefully before responding appropriately.We are committed to improving the care and support for all those affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). It is a priority to publish the response to the 2023 consultation on the ME/CFS interim delivery plan. The consultation responses, alongside continued stakeholder engagement, will inform the development of the final delivery plan, which we aim to publish in the winter of 2024/25.

Whether he has had discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on reviewing guidance for the (a) diagnosis, (b) care and (b) treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

We have had no discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on reviewing its guidance for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).The NICE develops its guidance independently and keeps its published guidelines under active surveillance so that it is able to update its recommendations in light of any significant new evidence. Decisions on updates to existing guidance are made by the NICE’s Prioritisation Board in line with the NICE’s published common prioritisation framework. The NICE does not currently have plans to update this guideline.

Whether he has issued guidance to integrated care systems (ICS) on commissioning specialist care and treatment services for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring ICSs to commission minimum levels of those services.

The Government has made a commitment to publish a final delivery plan for ME/CFS. The consultation responses, alongside continued stakeholder engagement, will inform the development of the final delivery plan, which we aim to publish in the winter of 2024/25. The plan will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the management and diagnosis of ME/CFS. The NICE’s guideline provides recommendations on principles of care for people with severe ME/CFS, including hospital care, and adapting a multidisciplinary approach with access to a range of health and social care professionals based on needs. Although NICE guidance is not mandatory, the Government does expect healthcare commissioners to take the guidelines fully into account in designing services to meet the needs of their local population, and to work towards their implementation over time.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not yet had any meetings with National Health Service clinical teams specialising in myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), ME/CFS researchers, patients, or patient group representatives.

What meetings he has had with (a) NHS clinical teams specialising in the care and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), (b) researchers, (c) patients and (d) patient group representatives on ME/CFS.

The Government has made a commitment to publish a final delivery plan for ME/CFS. The consultation responses, alongside continued stakeholder engagement, will inform the development of the final delivery plan, which we aim to publish in the winter of 2024/25. The plan will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the management and diagnosis of ME/CFS. The NICE’s guideline provides recommendations on principles of care for people with severe ME/CFS, including hospital care, and adapting a multidisciplinary approach with access to a range of health and social care professionals based on needs. Although NICE guidance is not mandatory, the Government does expect healthcare commissioners to take the guidelines fully into account in designing services to meet the needs of their local population, and to work towards their implementation over time.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not yet had any meetings with National Health Service clinical teams specialising in myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), ME/CFS researchers, patients, or patient group representatives.

Whether he has had recent discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Research on support for research into (a) care and (b) treatment for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any recent discussions with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) specifically on research into myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Departmental officials are working with the NIHR on behalf of my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The NIHR and the Medical Research Council are committed to funding high-quality research to understand the causes, consequences, and treatment of long COVID and ME/CFS, and are actively exploring next steps for research in these areas.

Whether he plans to produce a national myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) strategy.

The Government has made a commitment to publish a final delivery plan for ME/CFS. The consultation responses, alongside continued stakeholder engagement, will inform the development of the final delivery plan, which we aim to publish in the winter of 2024/25. The plan will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the management and diagnosis of ME/CFS. The NICE’s guideline provides recommendations on principles of care for people with severe ME/CFS, including hospital care, and adapting a multidisciplinary approach with access to a range of health and social care professionals based on needs. Although NICE guidance is not mandatory, the Government does expect healthcare commissioners to take the guidelines fully into account in designing services to meet the needs of their local population, and to work towards their implementation over time.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not yet had any meetings with National Health Service clinical teams specialising in myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), ME/CFS researchers, patients, or patient group representatives.

What assessment she has made of the (a) adequacy of and (b) geographical inequalities in access to Speech and Language Screening in educational and early years settings.

The department is aware that the most prevalent type of primary need identified among pupils with special educational needs (SEN) is ‘speech, language and communication needs’ (SLCN). Our vision for children and young people with SLCN is the same as it is for all children and young people. We want them to receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.The statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) two-year old progress check and the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) development review offer two valuable opportunities to identify additional needs, including speech and language needs, for children aged 2 to 3 and put the right support in place for the children who need it.The department is funding support for 11,100 schools registered for the Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme. The majority of these are schools with the highest levels of disadvantage, as defined by the percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals. As of January 2024, we estimate over 211,000 reception age children so far have received this extra support.In partnership with NHS England, we are funding the Early Language and Support for Every Child (ELSEC) pathfinder programme, to trial new ways of working to earlier identify and support children with SLCN in early years and primary schools, utilising Therapy Support Assistants and a variation of identification tools across the pathfinders.The department will consider how best to use learnings and insights from these programmes to improve support for children with SLCNs, including consistency of support provided across different geographies.

Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on when the Environment Agency plans to take enforcement action against illegal moorings in Runnymede and Weybridge constituency.

Environment Agency (EA) officers have been actively patrolling the Desborough Cut area and have mapped all trespassing vessels, including wrecks and abandoned boats. As of 27 September 2024, there are 29 vessels in total in this area. These include both registered and unregistered vessels. The EA is currently working to secure the necessary legal resources and additional funding to support the potential cases arising from a targeted operation at Desborough Cut. They have also engaged contractors to survey the sunken vessels once river conditions allow for safe access, which will help in assessing the cost of their removal and disposal. They will look to recharge an owner where possible.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending the Development Consent Order application process to speed up the delivery of the River Thames Scheme.

The Secretary of State is aware of the importance of the River Thames Scheme in reducing flood risk and enhancing resilience for communities along the Thames. The Development Consent Order (DCO) application process plays a critical role in ensuring that large-scale infrastructure projects, such as this, are thoroughly assessed for environmental, social, and economic impacts before moving forward. While the Government acknowledges the importance of delivering key infrastructure projects more efficiently to address pressing challenges such as flood protection, any amendments to the DCO process must balance the need for efficiency with the necessity of proper due diligence. This ensures that projects are delivered responsibly, with full consideration of environmental impacts, stakeholder input, and community needs. The Government is continually reviewing planning and infrastructure processes, and any specific changes to the DCO process would require careful evaluation to avoid unintended consequences, such as compromising the rigor of environmental assessments or public consultation.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish an audit of the state of (a) operation and (b) maintenance of publicly owned assets on the River Thames.

The Environment Agency (EA) manages many of the publicly owned assets along the non-tidal Thames, ranging from flood defences, navigation infrastructure, river gauging stations and some of the Thames Path bridges. These assets are managed in accordance with the EA’s Asset Management Strategy 2023-2033 to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable assets that support a healthy natural environment and climate resilient communities. To underpin this strategy the EA is developing a strategic asset management plan for all the assets on its navigable waterways. This plan will set out the required performance of those assets for reducing flood risk, maintaining water resources, and supporting navigation. The EA regularly inspects its assets to determine their condition and to inform its programme of planned maintenance and investment. Currently 92% of the 203 flood risk assets along the non-tidal Thames are at or above their target condition, and of the 1,062 primary navigation assets, 89% of those recently inspected were at or above their target condition. The EA will share with the hon. Member the progress it has made and its plans to ensure these assets continue to provide the services communities require.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the public information campaign for RSV vaccination uptake; and what further communication he plans for (a) people over 80 and (b) other ineligible groups.

To raise awareness of the potential vaccination benefits and increase awareness of the programmes amongst health professionals, parents, carers, and the wider public, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provides a comprehensive suite of public facing resources and assets. This includes information leaflets in multiple languages and accessible formats, for instance easy read, British Sign Language, and braille. The UKHSA also provides comprehensive clinical guidance, including e-learning programmes and training for healthcare professionals.Following the public information campaign, as of 30 September 2024, 663,674 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations have been administered across England since the programme commenced on 1 September 2024. This includes 611,527 vaccines given to the older adult cohort and 39,223 to the maternity cohort. Statistics on the RSV vaccination programme for England will continue to be published weekly, and are available at the following link:www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/vaccinations-rsv/Consideration is being given to development and publication of an asset to inform people who are currently not eligible.

What powers she has to (a) ensure the timely delivery of the M25/A3 works and (b) prevent unnecessary disruption from the works while they are under way.

National Highways has public commitment dates for delivery in their Delivery Plan and they are held to account on these dates by the Highways Monitor, Office of Rail and Road. Additionally, through the Department’s established governance framework with National Highways, there is regular reporting and meetings with ministers and officials. National Highways will continue to look at ways of minimising disruption as much as possible.

How many trade agreements require the use of biosecurity (a) facilities and (b) services provided by the Animal and Plant Health Agency in New Haw; and if he will make an estimate of the contribution of these trade agreements to the UK's gross domestic product.

The UK has over 70 trade agreements in place. APHA facilities and services managing the risks posed by animal diseases to human and animal health are crucial to underpinning the biosecurity of imports and exports under all of them. Published impact assessments for the UK’s trade agreements can be found on Gov.uk.

What advice he has received from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on the harm to health of drinking in public houses compared to (a) private residences and (b) other settings; and whether he plans to introduce an alcohol harm reduction strategy.

Under our Health Mission, the Government is committed to prioritising preventative public health measures to support people in living longer, healthier lives. The Department will continue to work across Government to understand how to best reduce alcohol related harms.

Whether he plans to introduce the Oliver McGowan training Code of Practice.

Under the Health and Care Act 2022, a Code of Practice must be issued to guide providers registered with the Care Quality Commission on how to meet their statutory requirement on learning disability and autism training under the same Act. The Oliver McGowan draft Code of Practice was consulted on last year. We will set out further information on our plans for the Code of Practice in due course.