Written questions by Morello.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a national strategy for hospice care.

The Government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients and families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and palliative care and end of life care services, including hospices, will have a big role to play in that shift.As part of the work to develop a 10-Year Health Plan, we have been carefully considering policies, including those that impact people with palliative care and end of life care needs, with input from the public, patients, health staff, and stakeholders. It is too early to say exactly what the 10-Year Health Plan will look like, but we expect palliative care and end of life care to benefit from the plan’s three big shifts.In February, I met key palliative care and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, in a roundtable format with a focus on long-term sector sustainability within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s five-year strategy to improve the (a) availability and (b) continuity of supply of sheep vaccines.

Defra is aware of the concerns regarding the availability and continuity of supply of vaccines for sheep and other animal species. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, an agency of Defra, has held several meetings convening stakeholders from across government, the pharmaceutical industry and wider animal health sector to discuss the barriers and potential solutions to improving vaccine availability and innovation. These discussions highlighted the complex multifactorial nature of the problem and the need to champion a collaborative, cross-sector approach moving forwards. The intention is to publish a statement of intent outlining a strategic framework for such an approach in the near future.

Whether his Department plans to support hospices to (a) recruit and (b) retain skilled staff in West Dorset constituency.

Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing National Health Services.  As independent organisations, charitable hospices are responsible for their own recruitment and employment terms. They are free to develop and adapt their own terms and conditions of employment, including the pay scales. It is for them to determine what is affordable within the financial model they operate.A central part of our forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan will be our workforce and those who support our workforce, including how we ensure we train and provide the staff, technology, and infrastructure the NHS needs to care for patients, including those with palliative care and end of life care needs, across our communities.This summer, we will also publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. We will ensure the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it, including for those with palliative care and end of life care needs.

What interim support his Department is providing to Integrated Care Boards in West Dorset with dentist shortages.

We are determined to rebuild National Health Service dentistry, but it will take time and there are no quick fixes. Strengthening the workforce is key to our ambitions.Integrated care boards have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.We have launched a 10-Year Health Plan to reform the NHS, a central part of which will be our workforce. We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again.To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.

Whether his Department plans to review the eligibility criteria for the Humanitarian Medal to include service rendered before 19 June 2023.

The Humanitarian Medal was introduced in July 2023 to recognise those in public service and members of organisations that contribute on behalf of HM Government, which respond in support of human welfare during or in the aftermath of a crisis.The Medal is not retrospective, and only incidents that occur from July 2023 are eligible as this is the date that His Majesty signed the Royal Warrant and the medal came into being under the previous government. However, operations which were live at that time but which commenced before the introduction of the Humanitarian Medal, may be eligible for the Humanitarian Medal with the clasp for that operation.There are no plans to review the criteria to allow for retrospection.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his strategy to improve the supply of sheep vaccines will be aligned with broader (a) animal health, (b) animal welfare and (c) land use policy objectives.

Defra is aware of the concerns regarding the availability and continuity of supply of vaccines for sheep and other animal species. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, an agency of Defra, has held several meetings convening stakeholders from across government, the pharmaceutical industry and wider animal health sector to discuss the barriers and potential solutions to improving vaccine availability and innovation. These discussions highlighted the complex multifactorial nature of the problem and the need to champion a collaborative, cross-sector approach moving forwards. The intention is to publish a statement of intent outlining a strategic framework for such an approach in the near future.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a mixed public-private sector ownership model for water service provision in the South West.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system and is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. It is considering a wide range of areas, including different water company ownership models, as set out in the Commission’s Call for Evidence. The Commission is expected to publish its recommendations later in the summer.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the 30 June 2025 deadline for electricity meter replacements in cases where delays are due to supplier constraints.

The industry-led Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) is reaching the end of its operational life and can no longer be adequately maintained. There will be a carefully managed phase out of the service starting from 30 June. The Government is working closely with the RTS Taskforce to ensure the phase out process is planned effectively and consumers are appropriately protected.

Whether her Department provides incentives for universities to (a) expand and (b) introduce dental training programmes.

The department works closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to help ensure the NHS has the dentistry workforce that it needs, including funding for dental schools and the training of dental students.The government needs to ensure that the student funding system is financially sustainable and funding arrangements are reviewed each year. We will continue to engage with DHSC to consider the financial support that dental students receive.The government is preparing the 10 Year Health Plan which will set out a bold agenda to reform and repair the NHS. Ensuring that we have the right people, in the right places and with the right skills, will be central to this vision. The government will also publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again.The department continues to work closely with DHSC on the 10 Year Health Plan.

What steps his Department is taking to support households that may not have their electricity meters replaced before the 30 June 2025 deadline through no fault of their own.

The Government has made clear to industry that suppliers must fulfil their obligations to customers and drive up the rate of Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter replacements. As part of the RTS Taskforce we are doing all that we can to protect consumers from any negative impacts, and make sure that the carefully managed phase out process of RTS from 30 June is as smooth as possible for consumers.

Whether her Department plans to provide additional funding to (a) colleges and (b) universities offering new dental training places.

The department works closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) to help ensure the NHS has the dentistry workforce that it needs, including funding for dental schools and the training of dental students.The government needs to ensure that the student funding system is financially sustainable and funding arrangements are reviewed each year. We will continue to engage with DHSC to consider the financial support that dental students receive.The government is preparing the 10 Year Health Plan which will set out a bold agenda to reform and repair the NHS. Ensuring that we have the right people, in the right places and with the right skills, will be central to this vision. The government will also publish a refreshed workforce plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again.The department continues to work closely with DHSC on the 10 Year Health Plan.

What steps he is taking to protect consumers from increased energy costs if their electricity meters are not replaced by the 30 June 2025 deadline.

Ofgem has announced its intention to introduce RTS specific licence conditions for suppliers to protect consumers from the risk of heating and hot water supply disruption and higher bills. Ofgem has recently consulted on this and will publish a response in the coming weeks. These new protections are in addition to current conditions put on suppliers to ensure that a suitable alternative metering system is installed in RTS premises and that consumers’ services are not disrupted.

What steps he is taking to improve the capacity of local NHS services to provide safe home births in the context of the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit.

The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks. All births and expectant mothers are also being offered pain relief and safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, and Bath.Choice is a core part of maternity care. We are working with NHS England to improve personalised care, and the quality of information mothers receive about their choices, so they feel empowered throughout their pregnancy journey into motherhood.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his French counterpart on the lack of visible (a) controls and (b) public information at French ports of departure on the risk of foot and mouth disease under the new import restrictions.

The Government communicated the ban on personal imports of meats and dairy products from EU countries, introduced on 12 April 2025, via a press release and information on social media and on GOV.UK. It has also published updated posters for operational partners to display. As part of our national mission to protect our food sector and farmers, Defra has written to ports, airports and travel operators requesting that they take further steps in communicating the new rules to travellers as a matter of urgency. Defra has also written to Department for Transport, Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers for their support in asking for their help with making travellers aware of the new rules.

Whether NHS England is offering temporary funding for private providers to deliver NHS dental care in areas with insufficient NHS provision.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the Dorset ICB.ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.The NHS contracts with independent dental providers, to deliver NHS dental treatment in primary care settings. NHS dentists can offer private treatments in addition to NHS services. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The Government does not control the cost of private dental or orthodontic treatment and patients cannot claim back the expense from the NHS.Free NHS dental care is available for patients who qualify for certain exemptions. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission of dental patient charges. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

Whether he plans to introduce targeted incentives for dentists treating low-income patients privately due to levels of NHS provision in West Dorset.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the Dorset ICB.ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.The NHS contracts with independent dental providers, to deliver NHS dental treatment in primary care settings. NHS dentists can offer private treatments in addition to NHS services. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The Government does not control the cost of private dental or orthodontic treatment and patients cannot claim back the expense from the NHS.Free NHS dental care is available for patients who qualify for certain exemptions. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission of dental patient charges. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure appropriate biosecurity checks are carried out on (a) vehicles and (b) goods arriving from France to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

This Government has stepped up measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), following a further confirmed case in Hungary, close to the Austrian border. The Government has already banned personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants and pig meat as well as dairy products, from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria earlier this year in response to confirmed outbreaks of FMD in those countries. We recognise the risk posed by illegal imports via personal imports. Border Force officers are responsible for detention and seizure of any illegal products of animal origin (POAO) and Defra is working closely with authorities at points of entry to help control the illegal movement of POAO into Great Britain in personal imports. Current policy reflects our experience of responding to past outbreaks of exotic animal disease and is in line with international standards of best practice for disease control.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on maternity services at Dorset County Hospital.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on local maternity services.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on levels of capacity at surrounding hospitals.

When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.