Written questions by Spencer.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into diabetic retinopathy research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Government Office for Technology Transfer on their approach to support market innovation into nanotechnology since July 2024.

The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) helps accelerate government’s innovations towards the market, to impact growth and deliver new products and services for citizens. GOTT provides expertise, funding, and guidance to central government departments and arm’s length bodies across the spectrum of technologies. Since July 2024 there have been no specific discussions between the Secretary of State and GOTT on its approach to supporting market innovation into nanotechnology.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into retinoblastoma research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into open-angle glaucoma research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much Government investment into closed-angle glaucoma research was in 2023-24; and which public bodies provided that investment.

The Department of Health and Social Care funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology was awarded £20 million funding for a five-year period starting from December 2022. UKRI’s Medical Research Council (MRC) also plays a key role in funding underpinning research which may not be attributable to a specific condition but will benefit medical research more generally. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes a wide variety of areas including physiological, biological, and mechanistic aspects that are applicable to many eye diseases and disorders of vision. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in 2023/24 open-angle glaucomaNIHR allocated £140,000 for open-angle Glaucoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for glaucoma research was £1,209,175 for 3 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC).closed-angle glaucomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for closed-angle glaucoma research during the financial year of 2023-24.wet macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funding for wet macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for macular degeneration research was £3,941,644 for 11 awards (1 award from BBSRC; 3 awards from EPSRC; 1 award from Innovate UK; 3 awards from MRC; 2 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).dry macular degenerationNIHR did not commit any specific funing for dry macular degeneration research during the financial year of 2023-24.diabetic retinopathyNIHR allocated £977,340 for diabetic retinopathy research in the financial year 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for diabetic retinopathy research was £1,068,246 for 2 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 1 award from EPSRC).retinitis pigmentosaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research during financial year 2023-24.UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinitis pigmentosa research in 2023-24.retinoblastomaNIHR did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research during the financial year of 2023-24UKRI did not commit any specific funding for retinoblastoma research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Regulatory Innovation Office on the UK’s research into nanotechnology since July 2024.

The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) was formally established on 8th October 2024. Initially it is supporting the growth of four fast-growing areas of technology. These are:  Engineering biology, Space, Artificial Intelligence and digital in healthcare; and Drones and other autonomous technology. In developing the next priority areas, the RIO will explore a wide range of technologies.

What steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for Tribunal cases to be heard for (a) Social Security and Child Support, (b) Immigration and Asylum and (c) SEN appeals.

We are working to reduce the outstanding caseload in the Social Entitlement Chamber, the Immigration and Asylum Chamber and the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal. Reducing outstanding caseloads is the key measure to bringing down the waiting times for tribunal hearings.HMCTS continues to invest in improving tribunal productivity through the recruitment of additional Judges, deployment of Legal Officers to actively manage cases, the development of modern case management systems and the use of remote hearing technology as appropriate. If an expedited hearing is requested, a Judge or Legal Officer will make a decision on that issue, taking all the circumstances into account.The Ministry of Justice has recently undertaken a comprehensive review of civil legal aid and, having considered the evidence collected, we acknowledge that the sector is facing a number of challenges. We are committed to improving the experience of users and providers and, as an important first step towards this, we intend to consult on uplifts to housing and immigration legal aid fees in January 2025.This Government wants a justice system that is effective, efficient, and sustainable, and this funding boost is an important step towards that.Data on Tribunals performance is published by the Ministry of Justice on a quarterly basis. Receipts, disposals and the outstanding caseload for individual Chambers in the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal, the Employment Tribunal and the Employment Appeal Tribunal can be found at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics.

What information her Department holds on when each concrete section of the M25 within Runnymede and Weybridge constituency is expected to reach the end of its serviceable life.

The precise dates for treatment of individual sections will be determined based on regular monitoring of the condition of the carriageway. National Highways plans to give priority to treatments within the Noise Important Areas (NIA) identified by Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which have not already benefitted from some noise mitigation.Next Generation Concrete Surfacing is the second phase in the treatment of the M25 concrete sections to improve the condition and reduce noise. The first phase is the reinstatement of the transverse joints between the concrete slabs to their original width and profile. National Highways plan to undertake works in two NIAs (1286 and 1287) with the first phase starting from February 2025 until March 2026, the second phase of works will be delivered using the next generation concrete surfacing during the 2026/27 financial year with the final phase being completed between junction 9 and 11 by end of 2029. In regard to the question on the location of NIAs, there are nine identified NIAs within Runnymede and Weybridge constituency, these are:NIA:5858 ElmbridgeOn/north of M25 at Cobham at Horsley Road overbridge. KT11 3NY.NIA:5859 ElmbridgeOn/north side of M25 taking in ’The Lodge’. 1km east of Junction 10. KT11 1PH.NIA:1286 RunnymedeNorth of main railway line, over Wey Navigation and B385. KT15 3NF.NIA:1287 RunnymedeEast of Row Town, Addlestone, south of Junction 11. Includes Church Road to the north to Coombelands Farm to the south. KT15 1NF.NIA:5887 RunnymedeImmediately north of Junction 11. Northbound carriageway only. KT16 9PA.NIA:13841 RunnymedeLocated where the A320 crosses under M25. KT16 9LQ.NIA:5885 RunnymedeOn/west side of M25, north of Great Cockcrow (miniature) railway. KT16 0AA.NIA:6262 RunnymedeLocated immediately south of Junction 12, over main railway. KT16 9NL.NIA:1295 Runnymede & RBWMWhole length of carriageway from Junction 12 to Junction 13. TW20 8NU. Lastly, the concrete carriageway on the M25 within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency remains in good structural condition and will not require full replacement within the next 30 years. During that time work may be required to individual slabs, to reinstate joints and to restore the surface texture.

What discussions she has had with National Highways on when each concrete section of the M25 within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency will be treated with next generation concrete surfacing.

The precise dates for treatment of individual sections will be determined based on regular monitoring of the condition of the carriageway. National Highways plans to give priority to treatments within the Noise Important Areas (NIA) identified by Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which have not already benefitted from some noise mitigation.Next Generation Concrete Surfacing is the second phase in the treatment of the M25 concrete sections to improve the condition and reduce noise. The first phase is the reinstatement of the transverse joints between the concrete slabs to their original width and profile. National Highways plan to undertake works in two NIAs (1286 and 1287) with the first phase starting from February 2025 until March 2026, the second phase of works will be delivered using the next generation concrete surfacing during the 2026/27 financial year with the final phase being completed between junction 9 and 11 by end of 2029. In regard to the question on the location of NIAs, there are nine identified NIAs within Runnymede and Weybridge constituency, these are:NIA:5858 ElmbridgeOn/north of M25 at Cobham at Horsley Road overbridge. KT11 3NY.NIA:5859 ElmbridgeOn/north side of M25 taking in ’The Lodge’. 1km east of Junction 10. KT11 1PH.NIA:1286 RunnymedeNorth of main railway line, over Wey Navigation and B385. KT15 3NF.NIA:1287 RunnymedeEast of Row Town, Addlestone, south of Junction 11. Includes Church Road to the north to Coombelands Farm to the south. KT15 1NF.NIA:5887 RunnymedeImmediately north of Junction 11. Northbound carriageway only. KT16 9PA.NIA:13841 RunnymedeLocated where the A320 crosses under M25. KT16 9LQ.NIA:5885 RunnymedeOn/west side of M25, north of Great Cockcrow (miniature) railway. KT16 0AA.NIA:6262 RunnymedeLocated immediately south of Junction 12, over main railway. KT16 9NL.NIA:1295 Runnymede & RBWMWhole length of carriageway from Junction 12 to Junction 13. TW20 8NU. Lastly, the concrete carriageway on the M25 within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency remains in good structural condition and will not require full replacement within the next 30 years. During that time work may be required to individual slabs, to reinstate joints and to restore the surface texture.

How many noise important areas of the M25 there are within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency; and what the location is of each.

The precise dates for treatment of individual sections will be determined based on regular monitoring of the condition of the carriageway. National Highways plans to give priority to treatments within the Noise Important Areas (NIA) identified by Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which have not already benefitted from some noise mitigation.Next Generation Concrete Surfacing is the second phase in the treatment of the M25 concrete sections to improve the condition and reduce noise. The first phase is the reinstatement of the transverse joints between the concrete slabs to their original width and profile. National Highways plan to undertake works in two NIAs (1286 and 1287) with the first phase starting from February 2025 until March 2026, the second phase of works will be delivered using the next generation concrete surfacing during the 2026/27 financial year with the final phase being completed between junction 9 and 11 by end of 2029. In regard to the question on the location of NIAs, there are nine identified NIAs within Runnymede and Weybridge constituency, these are:NIA:5858 ElmbridgeOn/north of M25 at Cobham at Horsley Road overbridge. KT11 3NY.NIA:5859 ElmbridgeOn/north side of M25 taking in ’The Lodge’. 1km east of Junction 10. KT11 1PH.NIA:1286 RunnymedeNorth of main railway line, over Wey Navigation and B385. KT15 3NF.NIA:1287 RunnymedeEast of Row Town, Addlestone, south of Junction 11. Includes Church Road to the north to Coombelands Farm to the south. KT15 1NF.NIA:5887 RunnymedeImmediately north of Junction 11. Northbound carriageway only. KT16 9PA.NIA:13841 RunnymedeLocated where the A320 crosses under M25. KT16 9LQ.NIA:5885 RunnymedeOn/west side of M25, north of Great Cockcrow (miniature) railway. KT16 0AA.NIA:6262 RunnymedeLocated immediately south of Junction 12, over main railway. KT16 9NL.NIA:1295 Runnymede & RBWMWhole length of carriageway from Junction 12 to Junction 13. TW20 8NU. Lastly, the concrete carriageway on the M25 within the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency remains in good structural condition and will not require full replacement within the next 30 years. During that time work may be required to individual slabs, to reinstate joints and to restore the surface texture.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Natural Environment Research Council on its approach to support research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with ARIA on support for research into space weather since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions and ARIA does not currently have a programme focused on space weather.As set out in ARIA’s Framework Agreement, ARIA has maximum autonomy over its research and project choice. Decisions on the programme portfolio are set by ARIA, and allocation of funding to research projects is decided by those with relevant technical expertise.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on its approach to supporting research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with businesses on the Government's approach to research into (a) space weather and (b) its consequences since July 2024.

The Department has regular discussions with businesses and universities, including space stakeholders, on a range of issues although there have been no discussions on space weather and its consequences.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with universities on research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

The Department has regular discussions with businesses and universities, including space stakeholders, on a range of issues although there have been no discussions on space weather and its consequences.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Innovate UK on research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Whether he plans to produce a domestic research strategy for space weather.

Work continues to progress the UK Severe Space Weather Preparedness Strategy which was published in September 2021. The Strategy was developed in close collaboration with the academic community and commits to a series of targeted research and development activities. This is currently being delivered through the Space Weather Innovation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk (SWIMMR) programme.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with UK Research and Innovation on their approach to research into (a) space weather and (b) its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of UK research into space weather and its consequences on domestic cybersecurity.

The UK continues to prioritise activities to mitigate the impacts of space weather. Severe space weather is identified in our National Risk Register and our response is outlined in the Severe Space Weather Preparedness Strategy.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on its approach to supporting research into space weather and its consequences since July 2024.

Ministers have had no such discussions.However, as a part of their portfolio UKRI work with the Met Office to deliver the Space weather instrumentation, measurement, modelling and risk (SWIMMR), a £20 million, four-year programme that will improve the UK’s capabilities for space weather monitoring and prediction.