Written questions by Spencer.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Research England on their approach to the (a) coding and (b) processing of data relating to (i) biological sex and (ii) gender identity in research projects in the context of the Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published on 19 March 2025.

No direct discussions have taken place on these matters. The review has been shared with all departments, and is available for all arms-length bodies and institutions to consider in light of ongoing work in this area.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with UK Research and Innovation on their approach to the (a) coding and (b) processing of data relating to (i) biological sex and (ii) gender identity in research projects in the context of the Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published on 19 March 2025.

No direct discussions have taken place on these matters. The review has been shared with all departments, and is available for all arms-length bodies and institutions to consider in light of ongoing work in this area.

Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions he has had with Innovate UK on their approach to the (a) coding of and (b) processing of data relating to (i) biological sex and (ii) gender identity in research projects following the publication of the Sullivan report in July 2024.

No direct discussions have taken place on these matters. The review has been shared with all departments, and is available for all arms-length bodies and institutions to consider in light of ongoing work in this area.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Medical Research Council on their approach to the (a) coding and (b) processing of data relating to (i) biological sex and (ii) gender identity in research projects in the context of the Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published on 19 March 2025.

No direct discussions have taken place on these matters. The review has been shared with all departments, and is available for all arms-length bodies and institutions to consider in light of ongoing work in this area.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency on their approach to the (a) coding and (b) processing of data relating to (i) biological sex and (ii) gender identity in research projects in the context of the Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published on 19 March 2025.

No direct discussions have taken place on these matters. The review has been shared with all departments, and is available for all arms-length bodies and institutions to consider in light of ongoing work in this area.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on their approach to the (a) coding and (b) processing of data relating to (i) biological sex and (ii) gender identity in research projects in the context of the Independent review of data, statistics and research on sex and gender, published on 19 March 2025.

No direct discussions have taken place on these matters. The review has been shared with all departments, and is available for all arms-length bodies and institutions to consider in light of ongoing work in this area.

Innovation and Technology, when his Department received the Sullivan Review of Data, Statistics and Research on Sex and Gender, published on 19 March 2025.

The Review was received by the department on 23rd September 2024.

Pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2024 to Question 19765 on Large Goods Vehicles: Concrete, if she will publish the findings of the review of the call for evidence on the operation of Volumetric Concrete Mixers at higher weights.

The Department has published its findings today. These can be accessed at the following link:gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/volumetric-concrete-mixers-review.

When he plans to respond to correspondence dated (a) 20 November 2024, (b) 7 January 2025 and (c) 10 February 2025 from the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge, case reference BS34018.

We have received the hon. Member’s correspondence of 20 November 2024, 7 January 2025 and 10 February 2025, and we will respond shortly.

What performance metrics exist for the Civil National Business Centre; and whether those metrics are being met.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service publishes weekly performance metrics for the Civil National Business Centre. The target is 5 working days and 11 out of 15 workstreams are currently in target.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation entitled Livestock feed controls review for England and Wales.

The joint Defra and Welsh Government consultation on proposed changes to the current Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) related livestock feed controls opened on 4th February and will close on 1st April 2025. Online engagement is an efficient and transparent means for sharing proposals and gathering feedback from groups and individuals affected by or interested in proposed changes. It is part of a wider engagement process. Defra and the Welsh government have emailed key stakeholders and asked them to share the consultation. Responding on Citizen Space is encouraged as it facilitates analysis of responses. People who are unable to respond to the consultation online can request a printed copy of the consultation and reply by post. We consider accessibility by ensuring all consultations are compliant with the Disability and Equality Act 2010 and accessible to people with disabilities as defined by the Act.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the DHSC group accounting manual 2025 to 2026 consultation exercise, published on 7 February 2025.

The Department launched the consultation, Changes to the DHSC Group Accounting Manual 2025 to 2026, on the GOV.UK website on 7 February 2025, with further information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-dhsc-group-accounting-manual-2025-to-2026In accordance with the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the consultation document is published in Hypertext Markup Language format to enhance readability and ease of navigation. The digital survey for submitting responses is also hosted on an accessible platform.Due to the length and technical nature of the accompanying Group Accounting Manual, it is provided as a Portable Document Format to preserve formatting and technical content. Users who require the document in an accessible format, for use with screen readers, can request a copy by emailing publications@dhsc.gov.uk.For any queries related to the consultation, users are encouraged to contact the relevant sector leads, whose details are available on the GOV.UK website.There has been no change in Government policy on ensuring the accessibility of consultations. We continue to follow the same approach as the previous administration to ensure accessibility standards are maintained.We are carefully considering the best approach to making future consultations accessible to people who are digitally excluded.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Shaping the national cancer plan.

The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart, and reducing inequalities in cancer diagnosis and outcomes is a key priority for the plan. We are committed to engaging with patient groups and all communities to ensure the consultation process is inclusive and that we hear and learn from different voices to shape the long-term vision for cancer. Alongside the call for evidence, we will carry out targeted engagement with partners and patient groups representing different communities to get their input throughout this process.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation entitled Implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), published on 7 February 2025.

The Department for Transport published a consultation on implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in December 2024. There are multiple ways to respond to the consultation: by online form, downloadable form, email and post. Tagged PDF files have been provided and users can also request alternative versions if the files are not suitable for their needs, to support accessibility.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on the UK Internal Market Act 2020.

The consultation on the UK Internal Market Act 2020 follows the UK Government Consultation principles (Consultation principles: guidance - GOV.UK).The consultation is available in HTML format to provide greater accessibility for users and all pages can be printed in an accessible format.Alternative methods of completing the consultation are available including online, via email and via post. The Department can provide hard copies of the consultation document upon request.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation entitled School accountability reform.

Consultation documents set out, within the first few pages, alternative ways that respondents can obtain copies in alternative formats, and how to respond through methods other than the online system.The department can be contacted by post or email to request an alternative format of the form. For people who do not have easy access to digital devices, these consultations run for 12 weeks to give sufficient opportunity to respond if digital access is not readily available.The government takes a digital-by-default approach to communication and participation but aims to mitigate risks faced by those considered to be digitally excluded.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the Review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy: consultation document, published on 7 February 2025.

The department launched the consultation ‘Review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy’ on 7 February 2025, with more information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-fuel-poverty-strategy(opens in a new tab) As per the department's accessible documents policy, the consultation document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an accessible format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact fuelpovertyconsultation@energysecurity.gov.uk.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

The Department for Transport published a consultation on implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in December 2024. There are multiple ways to respond to the consultation: by online form, downloadable form, email and post. Tagged PDF files have been provided and users can also request alternative versions if the files are not suitable for their needs, to support accessibility.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on the Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions guidance: proposed amendments.

Consultation documents set out, within the first few pages, alternative ways that respondents can obtain copies in alternative formats, and how to respond through methods other than the online system.The department can be contacted by post or email to request an alternative format of the form. For people who do not have easy access to digital devices, these consultations run for 12 weeks to give sufficient opportunity to respond if digital access is not readily available.The government takes a digital-by-default approach to communication and participation but aims to mitigate risks faced by those considered to be digitally excluded.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes.

The department launched the consultation ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes’ on 7 February 2025, with more information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update (opens in a new tab) As per the department's accessible documents policy, the consultation document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an accessible format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact PRSMEESConsultation@energysecurity.gov.uk.