Written questions by Morello.

What the difference is between per-patient spend in (a) each hospital, (b) the average per-patient spend of hospitals in the top quarter of efficiency and (c) the average per-patient spend of hospitals in the bottom quarter of efficiency.

NHS England collects information on the costs of NHS trusts delivering services to patients, the detail of which is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/costing-in-the-nhs/national-cost-collection/.Comparing the average cost per patient per hospital is not meaningful, because to ensure fair comparisons, differences in service mix and patient complexity must be taken into account and this varies significantly across hospitals. The costing data does however enable comparisons of the costs of certain activities, or episodes of care, across different providers.The National Cost Collection Index (NCCI) compares a trust’s average cost with the national average cost for that service across all the services it delivers. An NCCI value of 110, for example, means that the trust has costs that are 10% more expensive than the national average (adjusted for its mix of services and patient complexity).

How many students from Gaza that were awarded UK scholarships in the 2024-25 academic year are unable to take up their places due to lack of access to biometric enrolment facilities.

The Home Office does not currently publish information on the number of Gaza students with UK scholarships for 2024-25 who are unable to enrol due to the absence of biometric facilities.The Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival in the UK for all Chevening scholars from Gaza.  We are in the process of doing the same for a group of students in Gaza who have been awarded fully funded scholarships covering course fees and living costs at UK universities so they can start their studies in Autumn 2025. The Government is doing everything it can to support their safe exit and onward travel to the UK. The situation on the ground in Gaza makes this extremely challenging.

Whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on biometric processing for students from Gaza seeking to take up scholarships in the UK.

The Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for all Chevening Scholars from Gaza.We are in the process of doing the same for a group of students who have been awarded fully funded scholarships covering course fees and living costs at UK universities so they can start their studies in Autumn 2025.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is doing everything it can to support their safe exit and onward travel to the UK, while accepting that the situation on the ground in Gaza makes this extremely challenging.

What the average per-patient spend is per hospital (a) in England and (b) within the top quarter of most efficient hospitals.

NHS England collects information on the costs of NHS trusts delivering services to patients, the detail of which is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/costing-in-the-nhs/national-cost-collection/.Comparing the average cost per patient per hospital is not meaningful, because to ensure fair comparisons, differences in service mix and patient complexity must be taken into account and this varies significantly across hospitals. The costing data does however enable comparisons of the costs of certain activities, or episodes of care, across different providers.The National Cost Collection Index (NCCI) compares a trust’s average cost with the national average cost for that service across all the services it delivers. An NCCI value of 110, for example, means that the trust has costs that are 10% more expensive than the national average (adjusted for its mix of services and patient complexity).

What estimate he has made of the potential financial impact of aligning funding to the average per-patient spend of the top quarter most efficient hospitals on rural hospitals.

The basis of the funding allocated to providers is set out in the National Payment Scheme, with further information available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/pay-syst/nhs-payment-scheme/This includes setting out the prices paid where funding varies with activity, and these prices are the same for all providers. They are based on average costs across National Health Service providers rather than top quarter performance. We have not directly assessed the impact of changing the payment scheme to set prices based on the top quarter of the most efficient providers. However, NHS England sends packs to all NHS providers quantifying productivity and efficiency opportunities based on metrics in the Model Health System dataset. This allows individual providers, including those in rural areas, to benchmark themselves against others, and measure the financial impact of improving performance.

What steps her Department is taking to provide safe routes for students from Gaza who have secured UK scholarships but are currently unable to meet biometric requirements.

The Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for all Chevening Scholars from Gaza.We are in the process of doing the same for a group of students who have been awarded fully funded scholarships covering course fees and living costs at UK universities so they can start their studies in Autumn 2025.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is doing everything it can to support their safe exit and onward travel to the UK, while accepting that the situation on the ground in Gaza makes this extremely challenging.

What steps his Department is taking to improve communications capabilities of flying drones.

The development of drone communication capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information is withheld for security reasons.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of granting biometric deferrals for students from Gaza who have been awarded UK scholarships but are unable to access biometric facilities.

The Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for all Chevening Scholars from Gaza.We are in the process of doing the same for a group of students who have been awarded fully funded scholarships covering course fees and living costs at UK universities so they can start their studies in Autumn 2025.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is doing everything it can to support their safe exit and onward travel to the UK, while accepting that the situation on the ground in Gaza makes this extremely challenging.

What comparative assessment he has made of the efficiency (a) rural and (b) urban hospitals; and how many hospitals in each of those categories are within the top quarter most efficient hospitals.

As part of the 2025/26 planning process, all National Health Service organisations were required to set efficiency and savings targets necessary to achieve a balanced financial position. These targets are publicly available in hospital board reports. The Department and NHS England do not assess hospital performance based solely on efficiency. Instead, the NHS Oversight Framework (NOF) measures NHS trust and foundation trust performance across a range of metrics. These reflect the delivery of NHS priorities, including performance against targets like reducing wait times for electives and accident and emergency, and improving ambulance response times.The NOF assigns trusts to four equal-sized performance categories called ‘segments’. NHS England has also recently published newly developed league tables to bring greater transparency to NHS performance at a provider level.

How his Department is increasing the integration of artificial intelligence into unmanned ground vehicles to counteract signal blocking.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

What progress he has made on the development of unmanned ground vehicles for (a) logistics and (b) casualty evacuation.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

What progress he has made on the development of unmanned ground vehicles for engineering support.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

How much funding his Department is providing for the development of unmanned ground vehicles.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

What steps his Department is taking to improve the communications capabilities of unmanned ground vehicles.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

What comparative assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) unmanned ground vehicles and (b) quadcopter drones.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

What progress he has made on the development of unmanned ground vehicles for combat support.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

How his Department is increasing the integration of artificial intelligence into flying drones to help counteract signal blocking.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional force.It stated a common digital foundation of data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), synthetic environments, and networks should connect people and platforms across all domains, and with allies and partners. This gives the Integrated Force agility, speed of manoeuvre, and effective targeting to outmatch adversaries. The merits of military use of AI assisted drones are widely acknowledged in several roles and environments, most notably in Ukraine. The availability of extensive suites of sensors designed to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with operations at night or in restricted visibility. Furthermore, the utility for AI enabled drones to exploit these sensors, including during periods of rest for, or absence of, human surveillance teams, is a fundamental consideration for UK Defence’s capability development. Consequently, the SDR stated that uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers over the next five years. They will be networked with crewed fifth- and sixth-generation assets as part of a ‘high-low’ mix of capabilities, while these systems’ design will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate, day or night; whether undersea, at sea, on land, or in the air. The development of UGV and drone capabilities remains a dynamic and evolving area. While specific projects are underway, detailed information cannot be provided whilst the projects are in their Concept Phase.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to provide alternative financial support to communities in West Dorset constituency following reductions in Government funding for neighbourhood plans.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 59114 on the 19 June 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reductions in Government funding for neighbourhood plans on rural communities in West Dorset constituency.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 59114 on the 19 June 2025.

What estimate she has made of the loss of tax revenue from non-VAT registered companies with turnover above the VAT threshold in the next five years.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimates the size of the tax gap, which is the difference between the amount of tax that should, in theory, be paid to HMRC, and what is actually paid. The tax gap statistics and details of the estimate methodologies are published annually and are available at: Measuring tax gaps 2025 edition: tax gap estimates for 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK. The latest estimate of the tax gap for VAT is 5.0% of theoretical VAT liability, or £8.9 billion in absolute terms, for tax year 2023 to 2024. This figure implicitly captures, alongside other sources of non-compliance, companies failing to register for VAT, however a separate breakdown is not separately published due to the methodological approach used to calculate it and the associated uncertainties. HMRC does not make projections of the future loss of tax revenue due to companies failing to register for VAT. ‘Measuring tax gaps 2026 edition: tax gaps estimates for 2024 to 2025’ is scheduled for June 2026.