Written questions by Bloore.

Whether his Department plans to support GPs (a) with professional training and (b) to update their clinical knowledge on the less survivable cancers.

All registered doctors in the United Kingdom are expected to meet the professional standards set by the General Medical Council (GMC). In 2012, the GMC introduced revalidation, which supports doctors in regularly reflecting on how they can develop or improve their practice.General practitioners (GPs) are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, to ensure that they can continue to provide high quality care to all patients.The training curricula for postgraduate trainee doctors is set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and has to meet the standards set by the GMC. The RCGP provides several resources on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care for GPs, relevant for the primary care setting.We are investing an additional £1.1 billion in GPs to reinforce the front door of the National Health Service, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.4 billion in 2025/26, the biggest increase in over a decade. The 8.9% boost to the GP Contract in 2025/26 is bigger than the 5.8% growth to the NHS budget as a whole, demonstrating our commitment to shifting resources to the community.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the powers of employment tribunals to seize and destroy lists of blacklisted workers.

As part of the Plan to Make Work Pay, the Department for Business and Trade intends to publish a consultation on blacklisting protections in due course. The consultation will cover, amongst other things, the powers of employment tribunals in regard to lists of blacklisted workers. The government will carefully consider responses to the consultation before outlining next steps.

Whether the Legal Aid Agency informed the Information Commissioner’s Office of the April 2025 data breach within the required statutory timescale; what investigations have been launched by her Department or the ICO into the breach; and whether her Department plans to commission an independent review into the handling of the cyber-attack and the subsequent response by the Legal Aid Agency.

To ensure we reached as many potentially impacted individuals as possible, the Ministry of Justice published a notice as swiftly as possible at 08:15 on 19 May on GOV.UK.The statement provides information about the cyber-attack and directs concerned members of the public to the National Cyber Security Centre’s webpage, which contains information on how to protect against the impacts of a data breach. If it is identified that a specific individual is at risk, action will be taken to try to contact them.The published statement referred to above sets out information about who may have been impacted and the categories of data exfiltrated. It remains the case that there is no evidence to suggest that any of the data accessed has been published.The recent data breach is the result of serious criminal activity, but it was enabled by the fragility of the LAA’s IT systems as a result of long term underinvestment under the last Conservative Government. By contrast, since taking power this Government has prioritised work to reverse the damage of over a decade of under-investment. That includes the allocation of over £20 million in extra funding this year to stabilise and transform the Legal Aid Agency digital services. This investment will make the system more robust and resilient in the face of similar cyber-attacks in future.The Legal Aid Agency is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements arising from the cyber-attack. The current priority is the restoration of services and the prevention of future attacks. Once we can be assured that our legal aid services are operating properly and handling people’s data in a safe way, there will need to be a stocktake and an effort to learn lessons.It is too early to comment on what remedial actions, if any, may be appropriate for impacted individuals, whether clients or providers.

What support is being provided by (a) the Legal Aid Agency and (b) her Department to people whose data was compromised in the April 2025 cyber-attack; and whether those affected have been offered access to (i) credit monitoring, (ii) identity protection services and (iii) any other assistance.

To ensure we reached as many potentially impacted individuals as possible, the Ministry of Justice published a notice as swiftly as possible at 08:15 on 19 May on GOV.UK.The statement provides information about the cyber-attack and directs concerned members of the public to the National Cyber Security Centre’s webpage, which contains information on how to protect against the impacts of a data breach. If it is identified that a specific individual is at risk, action will be taken to try to contact them.The published statement referred to above sets out information about who may have been impacted and the categories of data exfiltrated. It remains the case that there is no evidence to suggest that any of the data accessed has been published.The recent data breach is the result of serious criminal activity, but it was enabled by the fragility of the LAA’s IT systems as a result of long term underinvestment under the last Conservative Government. By contrast, since taking power this Government has prioritised work to reverse the damage of over a decade of under-investment. That includes the allocation of over £20 million in extra funding this year to stabilise and transform the Legal Aid Agency digital services. This investment will make the system more robust and resilient in the face of similar cyber-attacks in future.The Legal Aid Agency is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements arising from the cyber-attack. The current priority is the restoration of services and the prevention of future attacks. Once we can be assured that our legal aid services are operating properly and handling people’s data in a safe way, there will need to be a stocktake and an effort to learn lessons.It is too early to comment on what remedial actions, if any, may be appropriate for impacted individuals, whether clients or providers.

How many people were impacted by the cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s IT systems on 23 April 2025; what categories of (a) personal and (b) sensitive data were (i) accessed and (ii) taken; and what security measures were in place to protect the data of Legal Aid applicants prior to the breach.

To ensure we reached as many potentially impacted individuals as possible, the Ministry of Justice published a notice as swiftly as possible at 08:15 on 19 May on GOV.UK.The statement provides information about the cyber-attack and directs concerned members of the public to the National Cyber Security Centre’s webpage, which contains information on how to protect against the impacts of a data breach. If it is identified that a specific individual is at risk, action will be taken to try to contact them.The published statement referred to above sets out information about who may have been impacted and the categories of data exfiltrated. It remains the case that there is no evidence to suggest that any of the data accessed has been published.The recent data breach is the result of serious criminal activity, but it was enabled by the fragility of the LAA’s IT systems as a result of long term underinvestment under the last Conservative Government. By contrast, since taking power this Government has prioritised work to reverse the damage of over a decade of under-investment. That includes the allocation of over £20 million in extra funding this year to stabilise and transform the Legal Aid Agency digital services. This investment will make the system more robust and resilient in the face of similar cyber-attacks in future.The Legal Aid Agency is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements arising from the cyber-attack. The current priority is the restoration of services and the prevention of future attacks. Once we can be assured that our legal aid services are operating properly and handling people’s data in a safe way, there will need to be a stocktake and an effort to learn lessons.It is too early to comment on what remedial actions, if any, may be appropriate for impacted individuals, whether clients or providers.

What steps her Department and the Legal Aid Agency have taken to notify individuals whose personal data was compromised in the April 2025 cyber-attack; whether the Legal Aid Agency has notified affected people directly; and what criteria are being used by the Legal Aid Agency to determine which people are contacted following the breach.

To ensure we reached as many potentially impacted individuals as possible, the Ministry of Justice published a notice as swiftly as possible at 08:15 on 19 May on GOV.UK.The statement provides information about the cyber-attack and directs concerned members of the public to the National Cyber Security Centre’s webpage, which contains information on how to protect against the impacts of a data breach. If it is identified that a specific individual is at risk, action will be taken to try to contact them.The published statement referred to above sets out information about who may have been impacted and the categories of data exfiltrated. It remains the case that there is no evidence to suggest that any of the data accessed has been published.The recent data breach is the result of serious criminal activity, but it was enabled by the fragility of the LAA’s IT systems as a result of long term underinvestment under the last Conservative Government. By contrast, since taking power this Government has prioritised work to reverse the damage of over a decade of under-investment. That includes the allocation of over £20 million in extra funding this year to stabilise and transform the Legal Aid Agency digital services. This investment will make the system more robust and resilient in the face of similar cyber-attacks in future.The Legal Aid Agency is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements arising from the cyber-attack. The current priority is the restoration of services and the prevention of future attacks. Once we can be assured that our legal aid services are operating properly and handling people’s data in a safe way, there will need to be a stocktake and an effort to learn lessons.It is too early to comment on what remedial actions, if any, may be appropriate for impacted individuals, whether clients or providers.

What the total expenditure of NHS England on agency staff was in each of the last three years; and what plans his Department has to reduce the use of agency employees.

Agency spend of National Health Service trusts in England in each of the last three years is shown in the table below and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/financial-performance-reportsYear Expenditure (£bn)2022/233.462023/243.022024/252.07 Agency spend is already going down and fell by nearly £1 billion in 2024/25.The NHS 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance sets an expectation that trusts should reduce their temporary staffing spend by a minimum of 30% over the financial year and reduce bank spend by 10%. The accompanying Revenue finance and contracting guidance for 2025/26 sets the ambition of eliminating agency spend entirely in the coming years and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/revenue-finance-and-contracting-guidance-for-2025-26/In June, my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and the Chief Executive of NHS England wrote to trusts and integrated care boards emphasising the message in the guidance to reduce spend. The letter states that if sufficient progress is not made the Government will consider what further action it can take to reduce spend.

How many people with a diagnosis of dementia have needed to sell their home to pay for care costs in each of the last five years.

The information requested is not held by the Department.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department holds information on the number of independent UK veterinary practices that offer out-of-hours emergency care.

Defra does not hold data on the number of independent UK veterinary practices that offer out-of-hours emergency care.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the proportion of aid from the UK destined for Gaza that has reached its intended recipients.

Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate humanitarian aid. The unimpeded entry of assistance at scale to meet the enormous needs in Gaza must be restored immediately. Israel must allow partners to operate in line with humanitarian principles to deliver lifesaving aid. The current limited amount of aid entering Gaza is completely inadequate, in the face of the desperate needs resulting from months of Israeli restrictions on aid. Due to the complex operating environment and limited real-time data, it is difficult to quantify the volume of aid currently awaiting entry.

Whether she has had discussions with the British Parking Association on the recommended size of car parking spaces.

The Secretary of State has not had any discussions with the British Parking Association on this matter. The British Parking Association and International Parking Community have launched a new single industry code of practice which aims to improve transparency and consistency. It provides guidance on matters such as the design of designated bays, including those for blue badge holders.

What estimate he has made of the cost of maintaining a consistent interpretation and application of the proposed EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions, and Associations across different business sectors.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent of government. The purpose of the EHRC’s Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations is to ensure or facilitate compliance with the Equality Act 2010 or an enactment made under that Act. The EHRC has opened its consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders. We encourage all those affected stakeholders to submit a response to the consultation. We will then consider the EHRC’s updated draft once they have submitted it.

What estimate he has made of the cost to the Civil Service of implementing the proposed EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions, and Associations.

At this time, no such estimate has been made, as that code remains in draft and is currently subject to consultation.

What recent estimate she has made of the costs for businesses to train staff on the requirements of the proposed EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions, and Associations.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent of government. The purpose of the EHRC’s Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations is to ensure or facilitate compliance with the Equality Act 2010 or an enactment made under that Act. The EHRC has opened its consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders. We encourage all those affected stakeholders to submit a response to the consultation. We will then consider the EHRC’s updated draft once they have submitted it.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help ensure that UNWRA's work in Gaza can resume.

Our support for United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been unwavering. We have been clear that the United Nations and humanitarian partners must be allowed to operate in line with humanitarian principles to deliver aid and save lives. The vital work of UNRWA in ensuring that Palestinians have access to education and healthcare must be protected in Gaza as well as the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Minister for Development met UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 12 May and reiterated our support for the organisation and its critical role in delivering desperately needed aid and services to Palestinians. In the last financial year, we provided £41 million in support to UNRWA to deliver vital services to Palestinians in the region.

What estimate she has made of the cost of implementing the proposed EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations on public transport providers.

I am not aware of any such estimates being made of implementing the proposed EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions, and Associations on public transport providers.

Whether his Department plans to fund a review to explore the extent to which surgical intervention can alleviate the symptoms experienced by individuals with pineal cysts.

The Department has no plans to fund such a review. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing evidence-based guidance for the health and care system on best practice. NICE's interventional procedures programme assesses the efficacy and safety of interventional procedures used for treatment or diagnosis to determine whether they work well enough and are safe enough for use in the National Health Service.NICE’s interventional procedures programme has not been notified of any procedure for the treatment of pineal cysts. If NICE receives a notification, any such procedure would be considered as part of established appraisal processes.

Whether he is taking steps to support research to develop an early-diagnosis test for Lyme disease infection.

The Department funds research through the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR is not currently funding any research on early diagnostic tests for Lyme disease. The NIHR welcomes research proposals on Lyme disease and diagnostics.

If she will make an assessment of the merits of placing job centre staff in supported housing sites.

Jobcentre staff provide outreach in a range of community and service settings. This is a valuable way of reaching people who experience difficulties accessing support and promotes partnership working to benefit our customers. Co-location planning between jobcentres and partners such as housing providers is place-based according to local needs and circumstances. This type of joint working will be strengthened by the localised approach of our plan to Get Britain Working.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to build affordable homes for young people.

At Spring statement, the government announced an immediate injection of £2 billion to support delivery of the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation and contribute to our ambitious Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament. Further detail can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement made on 25 March 2025 (HCWS549).The investment made at Spring statement follows the £800 million in new in-year funding which has been made available for the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme and that will support the delivery of up to 7,800 new homes, with more than half of them being Social Rent homes.We will set out set details of new investment to succeed the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme at the Spending Review. This new investment will deliver a mix of homes for sub-market rent and homeownership, with a particular focus on delivering homes for social rent.Homes England and GLA will assess bids received in the usual way before awarding funding. Exact funding to different places and the locations of homes that will be built will depend on the bids received from local councils and housing associations.Local authorities are responsible for their own allocation scheme for social housing within the framework of legislation. By law, people who are homeless must be given ‘reasonable preference’ (priority) and local authorities can give ‘additional preference’ (high priority) to those who have urgent housing needs.The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should assess the size, types and tenure of housing needed for different groups, including disabled people, and to reflect this in their planning policies. My Department has set out guidance for councils in preparing planning policies on housing for disabled people. This can be found on gov.uk here.