Written questions by Blackman.

When he expects the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to receive Royal Assent.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has completed its Second Reading in the House of Lords, and Committee Stage will take place as soon as parliamentary time allows. We expect the bill to complete its passage within this parliamentary session.The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 prohibits the advertisement and sponsorship of tobacco products. It is the Government’s position that heated tobacco advertising is already prohibited under this legislation. To ensure clarity on the scope of legislation and to ensure it covers all current and future tobacco products, we are updating the definition of a “tobacco product” to include the wording “or consumed in any other way”. As currently drafted, the bill will bring this into force two months after Royal Assent.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will set out the scope the proposed ban on trophy hunting imports.

Defra is continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders to help determine the most appropriate scope of a ban on the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern. Species of conservation concern are listed on the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) according to the level of threat international trade has on their conservation status.

What his planned timetable is for banning heated tobacco adverts following the Royal Assent of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward that ban.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has completed its Second Reading in the House of Lords, and Committee Stage will take place as soon as parliamentary time allows. We expect the bill to complete its passage within this parliamentary session.The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 prohibits the advertisement and sponsorship of tobacco products. It is the Government’s position that heated tobacco advertising is already prohibited under this legislation. To ensure clarity on the scope of legislation and to ensure it covers all current and future tobacco products, we are updating the definition of a “tobacco product” to include the wording “or consumed in any other way”. As currently drafted, the bill will bring this into force two months after Royal Assent.

How many people have (a) been screened, (b) been diagnosed with lung cancer and (c) had an incidental finding of emphysema through the Targeted Lung Health Check programme since its launch in 2019.

The Lung Cancer Screening Programme is a National Health Service screening programme designed to identify cancers at an earlier stage. It is aimed at high-risk individuals or people with a history of smoking between the ages of 55 to 74 years old.From the programme’s start to April 2025, data from NHS England shows that 1,268,938 lung health checks have been attended in England. As a result of this, 7,462 cases of lung cancer have been diagnosed, and there have been 100,845 incidental findings of emphysema.

What recent assessment he has made of the beer and pub sector’s contribution to employment for 16- to 24-year-olds.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 7th July is attached.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) flexible and (b) seasonal work patterns in the (i) beer and (ii) pub sector the recruitment and retention of staff.

In my capacity as co-chair of the Hospitality Sector Council I regularly meet with businesses in these sectors to discuss the issues they face, including their challenges around recruitment and retention of staff. We have extended our Hospitality Sector Work based Academy programme to a further 26 areas, offering jobseekers training in a working environment, work experience, and a guaranteed interview with participating employers, with the aim of addressing staffing shortages in the sector.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the role (a) pubs and (b) brewers play on the provision of (i) first jobs and (ii) early career opportunities for young people.

We recognise that the pub and brewery industry is an important part of the Hospitality sector, and that it provides good prospects for young people to start their career. DWP’s Strategic Relationship Team actively works with trade bodies, including the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), to promote opportunities to support individuals looking for work. From April 2021 to March 2025 a fifth of all participants in DWP Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) were young people aged 16 to 24 years old. We know that SWAPs are successful at getting people into work, which is why as part of the expansion to 100,000 starts in 2025/26, we have been working with UK Hospitality on the roll-out of Hospitality SWAPs in 26 areas, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool. This will ensure young people have the best support to gain employment in the sector, as part of our wider reforms to get Britain working. The Department understands the negative effects of unemployment are particularly pronounced for young people and can have longstanding implications on their future earnings and life chances. This is why DWP have a particular focus on ensuring young people are supported into employment. DWP currently provides young people aged 16-24 with labour market support through an extensive range of interventions at a national and local level. This includes flexible provision driven by local need, nationwide employment programmes and support delivered by work coaches based in our Jobcentres and in local communities working alongside partners

What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on ensuring employment policies reflect the needs of sectors with high levels of (a) youth and (b) seasonal employment.

The Secretary of State, responsible Ministers and policy officials meet regularly with their counterparts in HM Treasury about a range of issues including on the Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Bill.The Bill will deliver significant benefits to the UK, including, better working conditions, more secure work, reducing inequalities and improving industrial relations.

What discussions she has had with StandWithUs UK on its report entitled Voice of Students 2024-25, published on 7 May 2025.

The antisemitic incidents detailed in StandWithUs UK’s Voice of Students report are wholly unacceptable and the wellbeing and safety of our Jewish students remains a priority. That is why last month, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, brought together Vice Chancellors and community leaders to hear testimonials from Jewish students and to discuss next steps to ensure safer, more inclusive campuses for all.The department remains committed to working with universities, sector partners and stakeholder groups to continue our efforts to tackle antisemitism on our campuses.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) reports on the demolition of Ahmadiyya worship places, (b) the role of (i) Tehreek-e-Labbaik and (ii) extremist groups in Pakistan and (c) the response of Pakistani state authorities on freedom of (A) religion and (B) belief in that country.

We are deeply concerned by the desecration of Ahmadi mosques in Pakistan and continue to monitor the situation. Our High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises this issue with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels. I raised the deteriorating situation for Ahmadi Muslims, including the impact of extremist groups such as Tehreek-e-Labbaik, with Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior in March 2025. In June 2025, ahead of Eid al-Adha, I also raised the safety and dignity of Ahmadis seeking to practice their faith with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in accordance with international standards.

Communities and Local Government, when he plans to publish the outcomes of the recent consultation on the implementation of measures in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, which closed on 15 May 2025.

The government has recently consulted on proposals for implementing the measures in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. We are carefully considering all the responses and recognise that it is crucial that we get the details right to protect residents and minimise unintended consequences. My department will provide an update in relation to the implementation of the measures of the Act shortly.

Communities and Local Government, when he plans to publish the final version of the regulations for implementing measures for a licensing regime for supported housing, as introduced under the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.

The government has recently consulted on proposals for implementing the measures in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023. We are carefully considering all the responses and recognise that it is crucial that we get the details right to protect residents and minimise unintended consequences. My department will provide an update in relation to the implementation of the measures of the Act shortly.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of removing Fujitsu’s access to public sector contract opportunities, in the context of the Horizon IT failures.

In January 2024, Fujitsu said it would withdraw from bidding for contracts with new Government customers until the Post Office Horizon inquiry concludes – it would only bid for work with existing Government customers where it already has a contract with them, or where there is an agreed need for Fujitsu’s skills and capabilities. Fujitsu's bid approach is detailed in this letter, deposited in Parliament. For more details, please see here.

Whether his Department is considering designating Fujitsu as a high-risk vendor, in the context of the failures of the Horizon system.

The High Risk Vendor process is not one that the Department for Business and Trade is responsible for. We welcome Fujitsu’s acknowledgement of their moral obligation to contribute to the cost of the Horizon scandal. Fujitsu have also announced they will voluntarily not bid for new contracts unless requested by Government. The contract with Fujitsu to supply the Post Office Limited’s IT system is time limited - we are working with the Post Office and Fujitsu to ensure the transition is as soon as practically possible.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department has taken to support the integration of displaced Ukrainians following the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025.

The Government recognises that the ability to speak English is key to helping people integrate into life in the UK, as well as supporting people to access education, employment and other opportunities. We regularly monitor the English language and employment support available to new arrivals alongside other government departments. We have launched a competitive tender process for the delivery of a new programme to continue our English language and employment support for Ukrainians and Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) visa holders. This programme will provide support for up to 4,000 individuals. This builds on the success of the STEP Ukraine pilot which has supported over 13,000 Ukrainians, with an impressive 84% successfully completing the programme and 73% achieving a 100% in their English language test.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department plans to take to support displaced people to (a) build English language skills and (b) secure well-paid employment to support their ability to rent.

The Government recognises that the ability to speak English is key to helping people integrate into life in the UK, as well as supporting people to access education, employment and other opportunities. We regularly monitor the English language and employment support available to new arrivals alongside other government departments. We have launched a competitive tender process for the delivery of a new programme to continue our English language and employment support for Ukrainians and Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) visa holders. This programme will provide support for up to 4,000 individuals. This builds on the success of the STEP Ukraine pilot which has supported over 13,000 Ukrainians, with an impressive 84% successfully completing the programme and 73% achieving a 100% in their English language test.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the new Local Authority Housing Fund is available to support new arrivals across safe routes.

The £950 million fourth round of Local Authority Housing Fund will primarily support local authorities in England to increase the supply of better-quality temporary accommodation and drive down the use of Bed and Breakfasts for families with children.It will also provide safe and suitable housing for those on the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), to fulfil the UK’s humanitarian duties to assist those who assisted British efforts in Afghanistan and are at risk of homelessness.

What estimate he has made of the cost of the recommended NHS pay awards.

Last year’s pay awards for NHS staff were among the biggest across the public sector. This year, we have announced above inflation, fully funded pay increases across all staff groups for a second year in a row. These thoroughly deserved pay rises demonstrate how this Government wants to work with staff in our shared ambition to rebuild the NHS. We have been able to fully fund these pay award thanks to the reforms we’ve made, including cuts to bureaucratic duplication and central running costs.

What steps he plans to take to reduce the number of people with lower gastrointestinal cancers waiting beyond 62 days from urgent referral for their first definitive treatment.

We will get the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster, so more patients survive, including those with bowel cancer. As the first step to ensure faster diagnosis and treatment, the NHS is delivering an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week.Our reforms to cancer care will see more than 100,000 people, including those with bowel cancer, getting diagnosed faster, and thousands more starting treatment within two months. We have already hit our target of delivering two million extra operations, scans, and appointments seven months early.The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including those with lower gastrointestinal cancers cancers, as well as speeding up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and ultimately bringing this country’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.

How many babies were born with conditions not picked up during screening tests in each of the last ten years for which data is available.

The information requested is not held centrally. There is no specific field in the Maternity Services Dataset (MSDS) to capture screening results. Screening tests offered during pregnancy can be captured in MSDS via SNOMED codes, however information relating to screenings tests is not routinely collected or published. Therefore, data recorded in the MSDS via SNOMED codes is currently unlikely to cover screening test results, and mainly either describes whether the screening test was offered or took place, or whether it is entirely absent. Everyone who is eligible is invited to undertake antenatal screening during pregnancy. However, the offer relies on informed consent. Some parents may choose not to undertake screening tests. The current opt in rate is relatively high at around 70%.No screening test is 100% accurate and they can have false positive and false negative results. In England, any laboratory undertaking screening tests as part of the National Health Service’s antenatal and newborn screening programmes is required to adhere to rigorous testing processes in line with individual screening programme handbooks and must also be accredited by the UK Accreditation Service to the International Organization for Standardization’s requirements for quality and competence in medical laboratories, ISO 15189:2022, with further information available at the following link:https://www.iso.org/standard/76677.htmlThe UK National Screening Committee keeps all screening programmes under review. Work is ongoing to look at tests that could be included in antenatal screening programmes to increase detection or reduce the need for further invasive diagnostic tests.