Written questions by Blackman.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to take steps to prevent British companies from selling hunting trips to British nationals to shoot so-called canned lions for sport and trophies.

The Government is committed to banning the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern, which is the most effective approach the Government can take on this matter. The department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can implement a robust ban. Timeframes for introducing legislation will be provided once the Parliamentary timetable for future sessions is determined.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he will take to remove barriers to accessing a social home for those most in need.

The government has already taken action to remove barriers for those most in need to access social housing including exempting care leavers under 25 years old and victims of domestic abuse from local connection tests. Local housing authorities and landlords may carry out pre-tenancy and affordability checks when considering a person's application for social housing and these can play an important role in ensuring that a tenancy is sustainable. We do, however, expect local authorities and landlords to show consideration for individual circumstances when considering these. The government has made clear that it intends to review and update statutory guidance on social housing allocations to ensure that allocations reflect local need and effectively support vulnerable households. As part of that process, we will also consider ways that local authorities and landlords can work more cooperatively on these issues, including those at risk of homelessness. My Department does not collect data to enable us to assess the number of households being denied social homes due to affordability checks.

Communities and Local Government, how many households have been denied applications for social homes due to affordability checks; and what alternative options are available for those households in order to avoid homelessness.

The government has already taken action to remove barriers for those most in need to access social housing including exempting care leavers under 25 years old and victims of domestic abuse from local connection tests. Local housing authorities and landlords may carry out pre-tenancy and affordability checks when considering a person's application for social housing and these can play an important role in ensuring that a tenancy is sustainable. We do, however, expect local authorities and landlords to show consideration for individual circumstances when considering these. The government has made clear that it intends to review and update statutory guidance on social housing allocations to ensure that allocations reflect local need and effectively support vulnerable households. As part of that process, we will also consider ways that local authorities and landlords can work more cooperatively on these issues, including those at risk of homelessness. My Department does not collect data to enable us to assess the number of households being denied social homes due to affordability checks.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of pre-tenancy checks by housing associations on the ability of households experiencing or at risk of homelessness to access social housing.

The government has already taken action to remove barriers for those most in need to access social housing including exempting care leavers under 25 years old and victims of domestic abuse from local connection tests. Local housing authorities and landlords may carry out pre-tenancy and affordability checks when considering a person's application for social housing and these can play an important role in ensuring that a tenancy is sustainable. We do, however, expect local authorities and landlords to show consideration for individual circumstances when considering these. The government has made clear that it intends to review and update statutory guidance on social housing allocations to ensure that allocations reflect local need and effectively support vulnerable households. As part of that process, we will also consider ways that local authorities and landlords can work more cooperatively on these issues, including those at risk of homelessness. My Department does not collect data to enable us to assess the number of households being denied social homes due to affordability checks.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 79968, which organisation will conduct that audit; when it is scheduled to begin; and how its findings will be reported to the UK.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 December in response to Question 98592.

What assessment she has made of the potential equality impacts of the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial.

The government is committed to supporting research that delivers robust, evidence-based understanding of gender incongruence issues, especially for children and young people. The PATHWAYS trial research protocol has rightly undergone a thorough independent review and has received all regulatory and ethical approvals. The published protocol sets out how the researchers will collect relevant demographic information, including sex at birth, ethnicity, and country of birth.

When he expects to complete his review of stakeholder feedback submitted in April 2025 on the Part IX re-categorisation process for Waves 1 to 4, and when updates will be shared with the Drug Tariff Committee and Forum members.

The final draft, version 1.2, of the Part IX Drug Tariff (Med Tech in the community) wave one categorisation was developed in collaboration with an Expert Reference Group and updated in line with stakeholder feedback over four iterations. The final version was published in October 2025, and can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority Website at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/manufacturers-and-suppliers/drug-tariff-part-ix-informationThe Department is currently recruiting Independent Assessment Panels (IAPs) for wave one and has agreed to ask them to review late feedback received from a company on the eye drops category. This is due to take place in February 2026.This will not require further input from industry as it has already been circulated for comment by them. The Department has offered to review Drug Tariff Committee feedback regarding the categorisation of medical devices that fall into waves two to four.The categorisation for waves two and three is currently being reviewed, and the Department expects to share the updated versions in early 2026, well in advance of the projected launch of waves two and three in 2027 and 2028 respectively. There are no confirmed plans for reviewing wave four at this time. The earliest launch would be in January 2029. All dates are subject to the outcome of the review of wave one.The Department recognises that the categorisation is not stagnant and may need further amendments as medical devices continue to evolve. Companies can suggest further amendments when they apply to Part IX of the Drug Tariff or through the Drug Tariff Committee.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart on the recent detention of Baha’i, Aminollah Koushkbaghi; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to ensure his release.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025, and add that we are aware of the reported case concerning Aminollah Koushkbaghi, and are monitoring the situation for Baha'is more widely.

When he plans to update the Wave 1 Part IX categorisation published by the NHS Business Services Authority: and what mechanisms are in place for the Drug Tariff Committee and suppliers to provide input into revisions.

The final draft, version 1.2, of the Part IX Drug Tariff (Med Tech in the community) wave one categorisation was developed in collaboration with an Expert Reference Group and updated in line with stakeholder feedback over four iterations. The final version was published in October 2025, and can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority Website at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/manufacturers-and-suppliers/drug-tariff-part-ix-informationThe Department is currently recruiting Independent Assessment Panels (IAPs) for wave one and has agreed to ask them to review late feedback received from a company on the eye drops category. This is due to take place in February 2026.This will not require further input from industry as it has already been circulated for comment by them. The Department has offered to review Drug Tariff Committee feedback regarding the categorisation of medical devices that fall into waves two to four.The categorisation for waves two and three is currently being reviewed, and the Department expects to share the updated versions in early 2026, well in advance of the projected launch of waves two and three in 2027 and 2028 respectively. There are no confirmed plans for reviewing wave four at this time. The earliest launch would be in January 2029. All dates are subject to the outcome of the review of wave one.The Department recognises that the categorisation is not stagnant and may need further amendments as medical devices continue to evolve. Companies can suggest further amendments when they apply to Part IX of the Drug Tariff or through the Drug Tariff Committee.

What assessment he has made of the level of resources required by the MHRA to implement the new registration and testing regime for vaping products established under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

No assessment has yet been made as the registration scheme is still in the early stages of policy development. On 8 October 2025, we published a call for evidence on a number of topics related to tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, including the proposal to introduce a new product registration scheme. However, given the nature of vaping products, which are not healthcare products, officials from the Department and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) are considering whether OPSS would be better placed to oversee the future register. The Department and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will continue to be responsible for the current notification systems until further notice. Powers in the bill will allow us to charge a fee for the ongoing and continuous registration of products. Exact details on fees, as well as the future registration scheme, will be subject to future consultation.

What guidance he plans to issue to local Trading Standards teams on identifying high-capacity non-compliant disposable vapes under the powers created by the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

It has been illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes since 1 June 2025. The Government is investing £10 million of new funding in Trading Standards in 2025/26, to support the enforcement of illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales. As part of this package, we have provided training to over 760 Trading Standards officers on the single-use vapes ban, ensuring they have a strong understanding of the regulations and are confident in enforcing them.Through this programme, we are also funding the Vaping Expert Panel, which provides guidance to Trading Standards officers on vaping products to support the consistent enforcement of regulations. The panel has published 20 pieces of guidance, and Trading Standards officers are able to contact the panel if they would like further clarification or advice.

Whether the forthcoming testing regime for vaping products will require imported liquids to undergo the same emissions and ingredient analysis as UK-made liquids before being placed on the UK market.

Powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill allow us to establish a new product registration scheme for tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including testing requirements.On 8 October 2025, we published a call for evidence on a number of topics related to tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including the proposal to introduce a new product registration scheme. The evidence gathered will inform development of policy and a subsequent consultation next year.Any new testing requirements introduced following consultation will apply to products produced in the United Kingdom and those imported into the UK.

Whether he will publish a timetable for introducing product-verification checks under the new vape registration scheme, in order to assist Trading Standards in identifying non-compliant high-capacity devices at point of sale.

Powers in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill allow us to establish a new product registration scheme for tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. On 8 October 2025, we published a call for evidence on a number of topics related to tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. This includes the proposal to introduce a new product registration scheme.In the call for evidence, we are seeking information on how best to implement the registration scheme. The evidence gathered will inform development of policy and a subsequent consultation next year.

Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking with the Department of Health and Social Care to reduce the number of people discharged from NHS care into homelessness.

In January 2024, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department of Health and Social Care published Discharging people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, guidance to help staff plan safe discharges and prevent homelessness after NHS care. We will look closely at the issue of people being discharged from NHS care into homelessness in our cross-government Homelessness Strategy.

Whether his Department will consider enabling electronic prescribing for cannabis-based products for medicinal use, in line with other controlled drugs.

Rules around the electronic prescribing of cannabis-based medicines are no different to other drugs regulated in Schedule 2 to 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.In England, the NHS Electronic Prescription Service enables the electronic transmission of prescriptions for Schedule 2 to 5 controlled drugs. As part of the robust system of governance and restrictions around the most addictive and harmful drugs, all private healthcare provider prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs cannot be transmitted by electronic means and must be issued on a paper FP10PCD prescription form. All paper copies of private prescriptions of Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs must be submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority. NHS England’s Controlled Drug Accountable Officers have a statutory duty to monitor the management and use of controlled drugs in the National Health Service and private healthcare.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not provide guidance on the use of medicinal cannabis. The MHRA provides guidance on manufacturing, importing, distributing, and supplying unlicensed medicines, which includes cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans.Current guidelines on the prescribing and use of cannabis-based medicinal products, reference code NG144, is published on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website, which is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/

What steps his Department is taking in collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to ensure that clinical guidelines relating to cannabis-based medicinal products are consistent, evidence-based, and provide clarity to prescribers.

Rules around the electronic prescribing of cannabis-based medicines are no different to other drugs regulated in Schedule 2 to 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.In England, the NHS Electronic Prescription Service enables the electronic transmission of prescriptions for Schedule 2 to 5 controlled drugs. As part of the robust system of governance and restrictions around the most addictive and harmful drugs, all private healthcare provider prescriptions for Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs cannot be transmitted by electronic means and must be issued on a paper FP10PCD prescription form. All paper copies of private prescriptions of Schedule 2 and 3 controlled drugs must be submitted to the NHS Business Services Authority. NHS England’s Controlled Drug Accountable Officers have a statutory duty to monitor the management and use of controlled drugs in the National Health Service and private healthcare.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not provide guidance on the use of medicinal cannabis. The MHRA provides guidance on manufacturing, importing, distributing, and supplying unlicensed medicines, which includes cannabis-based products for medicinal use in humans.Current guidelines on the prescribing and use of cannabis-based medicinal products, reference code NG144, is published on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website, which is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/

What assessment his Department has made of the efficacy of hospitals delivering specialist multi-disciplinary teams for patients experiencing homelessness.

The Department published guidance in 2024 called Discharging people at risk of or experiencing homelessness to support the care transfer hub, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/discharging-people-at-risk-of-or-experiencing-homelessness/discharging-people-at-risk-of-or-experiencing-homelessnessThis guidance recognises the necessity for multi-disciplinary teams. It recommends that dedicated housing options officers are embedded within the care transfer hub and advises hospitals treating over 200 homeless patients a year to offer access to a specialist multi-disciplinary homeless discharge team.Some areas of the country have introduced High Intensity Use Services to proactively meet the needs of the most frequent attenders of the local accident and emergency, a significant portion of whom are experiencing homelessness. These services include multi-disciplinary teams that are helping to address health inequalities faced by this cohort while alleviating pressure on urgent and emergency care pathway,

When the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs review of cannabis-based products for medicinal use is expected to be completed and published.

Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (‘CBPMs’) were placed in Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 in 2018, making them available for prescribing.The Government has commissioned the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (‘ACMD’) to review the evidence on CBPMs and assess whether the legislative change in 2018 has had the desired effect and whether there have been any unintended consequences.The ACMD is an independent scientific advisory body and determines its own procedures. However, the three-year Ministerial commission for 2025 – 2028 flagged the CBPM commission as a priority.The Government will consider the advice carefully before deciding what action to take. The response will be published on gov.uk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Bangladeshi counterpart on the recent Islamist rally to declare the Ahmadiyya community as non-Muslim; and what diplomatic steps she is taking with international counterparts to ensure the protection of that community.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 10 November in response to Question 87224.

Media and Sport, how much funding will be provided to (a) tennis and (b) padel up to 2028.

The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK following the Spending Review. We are now working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need and will then set out further plans. I have met with the Lawn Tennis Association, the National Governing Body for tennis and padel, along with representatives from other sports, to discuss this. The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport in England through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. This includes long term investment in the Lawn Tennis Association, which receives up to £10.2 million for five years from 2022 to 2027 to invest in community tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.