Written questions by Morello.

Whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of the consistency of decisions made by higher education providers on the eligibility of students from the Cayman Islands for home fee status.

Since 2007, persons who have settled status in the UK, and who come to the UK from specified British Overseas Territories, have been eligible for home fee status if they meet the requirement of three years’ ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and/or specified British Overseas Territories.Higher education (HE) providers in England are autonomous bodies, and as such are responsible for their own affairs, including the charging of fees, subject to compliance with the relevant regulations. The department expects that they will take the same approach as the Student Loans Company when awarding home fee status.The department does not consider it appropriate for it to monitor provider decision making regarding home fee status.The department has recently amended the relevant regulations, effective from 1 August 2024, to provide additional clarification on the criteria for home fee status, so as to assist HE providers.Guidance is readily available online to assist providers with their decision making. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-finance-eligibility-2021-to-2022-academic-year/eligibility-rules-for-home-fee-status-and-student-finance-from-the-2022-to-2023-academic-year-onwards.The department has, and will continue to, engage fully with all stakeholders whenever a potential issue around home fee status arises and we have provided guidance on the relevant regulations.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the (a) training and (b) qualifications of higher education administrative staff involved in determining eligibility for home fee status under the Education (Fees and Awards) (England) Regulations 2007.

Since 2007, persons who have settled status in the UK, and who come to the UK from specified British Overseas Territories, have been eligible for home fee status if they meet the requirement of three years’ ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and/or specified British Overseas Territories.Higher education (HE) providers in England are autonomous bodies, and as such are responsible for their own affairs, including the charging of fees, subject to compliance with the relevant regulations. The department expects that they will take the same approach as the Student Loans Company when awarding home fee status.The department does not consider it appropriate for it to monitor provider decision making regarding home fee status.The department has recently amended the relevant regulations, effective from 1 August 2024, to provide additional clarification on the criteria for home fee status, so as to assist HE providers.Guidance is readily available online to assist providers with their decision making. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-finance-eligibility-2021-to-2022-academic-year/eligibility-rules-for-home-fee-status-and-student-finance-from-the-2022-to-2023-academic-year-onwards.The department has, and will continue to, engage fully with all stakeholders whenever a potential issue around home fee status arises and we have provided guidance on the relevant regulations.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of working with local authorities to facilitate the (a) collection and (b) redistribution of (i) Zimmer frames, (ii) walking sticks and (iii) other used medical equipment.

As set out in the Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service report, published in October 2020, the NHS is committed to reducing its environmental impact, including by improving resilience and increasing the reuse, remanufacture, and recycling of medical equipment.In October 2024, the Government published the Design for Life roadmap, a new strategy to transition away from all avoidable single-use medical technology products and towards a functioning circular system by 2045. The programme is expected to build on examples of where NHS organisations are already achieving cost, waste, and carbon savings through reusing, remanufacturing, and recycling medical devices and equipment, in line with their local Green Plans.NHS England continues to work to expand locally managed walking aid refurbishment and reuse schemes, which include crutches, frames, and walking sticks, and savings from implementing these schemes are estimated at up to £46,000 a year per hospital, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with potential carbon savings estimated at 7.4kt of CO2e per annum.A range of resources and communication tools are available to support NHS trusts and patients with returns, and these include the Walking Aids Reuse How-to Guide and the Walking Aids page on the Recycle Now website, which shows the nearest drop off location by postcode, with 272 drop off locations in total, including 72 recycling centres that have been established through close working with local authority partners.

What steps his Department is taking to help promote the (a) recycling and (b) reuse of (i) Zimmer frames, (ii) walking sticks and (iii) other medical equipment within the NHS.

As set out in the Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service report, published in October 2020, the NHS is committed to reducing its environmental impact, including by improving resilience and increasing the reuse, remanufacture, and recycling of medical equipment.In October 2024, the Government published the Design for Life roadmap, a new strategy to transition away from all avoidable single-use medical technology products and towards a functioning circular system by 2045. The programme is expected to build on examples of where NHS organisations are already achieving cost, waste, and carbon savings through reusing, remanufacturing, and recycling medical devices and equipment, in line with their local Green Plans.NHS England continues to work to expand locally managed walking aid refurbishment and reuse schemes, which include crutches, frames, and walking sticks, and savings from implementing these schemes are estimated at up to £46,000 a year per hospital, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with potential carbon savings estimated at 7.4kt of CO2e per annum.A range of resources and communication tools are available to support NHS trusts and patients with returns, and these include the Walking Aids Reuse How-to Guide and the Walking Aids page on the Recycle Now website, which shows the nearest drop off location by postcode, with 272 drop off locations in total, including 72 recycling centres that have been established through close working with local authority partners.

What recent assessment he has made of the (a) availability and (b) accessibility of NHS ear wax removal services in West Dorset constituency.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) have a statutory responsibility to commission cost-effective healthcare to meet the needs of their local population. This includes the arrangement of services for ear wax removal.Across the West Dorset area, the NHS Dorset ICB is responsible for commissioning ear wax removal services in line with the recommendations for ear wax removal as set out in guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng98/chapter/RecommendationsManual ear syringing is no longer advised by the NICE due to the risks associated with it, such as trauma to their ear drum or infection, so general practitioners (GPs) will often recommend home treatment remedies to alleviate ear wax build-up.However, in line with the NICE’s guidance, a person may require ear wax removal treatment if the build-up of earwax is linked with hearing loss. A GP could then consider referring the patient into audiology services, which ICBs are responsible for commissioning.When ICBs exercise their functions, including commissioning healthcare services such as ear wax removal, they have a duty to reduce inequalities between people with respect to their ability to access health services, and to reduce inequalities between patients with respect to the outcomes achieved for them by the provision of health services.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of incorrectly assessing people as ineligible for home fee status on students from the Cayman Islands.

Since 2007, persons who have settled status in the UK, and who come to the UK from specified British Overseas Territories, have been eligible for home fee status if they meet the requirement of three years’ ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and/or specified British Overseas Territories.Higher education (HE) providers in England are autonomous bodies, and as such are responsible for their own affairs, including the charging of fees, subject to compliance with the relevant regulations. The department expects that they will take the same approach as the Student Loans Company when awarding home fee status.The department does not consider it appropriate for it to monitor provider decision making regarding home fee status.The department has recently amended the relevant regulations, effective from 1 August 2024, to provide additional clarification on the criteria for home fee status, so as to assist HE providers.Guidance is readily available online to assist providers with their decision making. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-finance-eligibility-2021-to-2022-academic-year/eligibility-rules-for-home-fee-status-and-student-finance-from-the-2022-to-2023-academic-year-onwards.The department has, and will continue to, engage fully with all stakeholders whenever a potential issue around home fee status arises and we have provided guidance on the relevant regulations.

What recent discussions her Department has had with the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK on improving access to home fees for students from the Cayman Islands.

Since 2007, persons who have settled status in the UK, and who come to the UK from specified British Overseas Territories, have been eligible for home fee status if they meet the requirement of three years’ ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and/or specified British Overseas Territories.Higher education (HE) providers in England are autonomous bodies, and as such are responsible for their own affairs, including the charging of fees, subject to compliance with the relevant regulations. The department expects that they will take the same approach as the Student Loans Company when awarding home fee status.The department does not consider it appropriate for it to monitor provider decision making regarding home fee status.The department has recently amended the relevant regulations, effective from 1 August 2024, to provide additional clarification on the criteria for home fee status, so as to assist HE providers.Guidance is readily available online to assist providers with their decision making. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-finance-eligibility-2021-to-2022-academic-year/eligibility-rules-for-home-fee-status-and-student-finance-from-the-2022-to-2023-academic-year-onwards.The department has, and will continue to, engage fully with all stakeholders whenever a potential issue around home fee status arises and we have provided guidance on the relevant regulations.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that British citizens from the Cayman Islands with a right of abode in the UK are not mistakenly denied access to home fee status due to administrative misinterpretation of their (a) immigration and (b) nationality status.

Since 2007, persons who have settled status in the UK, and who come to the UK from specified British Overseas Territories, have been eligible for home fee status if they meet the requirement of three years’ ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and/or specified British Overseas Territories.Higher education (HE) providers in England are autonomous bodies, and as such are responsible for their own affairs, including the charging of fees, subject to compliance with the relevant regulations. The department expects that they will take the same approach as the Student Loans Company when awarding home fee status.The department does not consider it appropriate for it to monitor provider decision making regarding home fee status.The department has recently amended the relevant regulations, effective from 1 August 2024, to provide additional clarification on the criteria for home fee status, so as to assist HE providers.Guidance is readily available online to assist providers with their decision making. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/student-finance-eligibility-2021-to-2022-academic-year/eligibility-rules-for-home-fee-status-and-student-finance-from-the-2022-to-2023-academic-year-onwards.The department has, and will continue to, engage fully with all stakeholders whenever a potential issue around home fee status arises and we have provided guidance on the relevant regulations.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) monitor and (b) help reduce microplastic pollution in West Dorset constituency.

The Environment Agency is collaborating with the water industry on a suite of investigations into microplastics. This began in 2020 as part of the Chemical Investigations Programme and is continuing into the next phase of the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). These investigations will enable a greater understanding of how microplastics enter the environment and what can be done to minimise this. The Environment Agency also recognises that tyre and road wear particles are a significant source of microplastics for the environment and are collaborating with National Highways on research into these sources.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will meet with the hon. Member for West Dorset to visit the West Dorset Wildings Brit Valley Project.

The Secretary of State’s private office handles all meeting requests. Please contact them directly to request a meeting.

If he will meet with the hon. Member for West Dorset to discuss carbon removal.

Invitations to meet should be sent in the normal way by post or by email.

What steps his Department is taking to support the development and implementation of carbon removal and storage technologies to achieve the UK's net-zero targets.

Greenhouse Gas Removal technologies will be important for reaching net zero. The Government has been developing Business Models to incentivise private investment into large-scale removal projects, commissioned the British Standards Institution to develop a Greenhouse Gas Removal Standard, has delivered £100 million in innovation funding, including through the Direct Air Capture and Greenhouse Gas Removal Innovation Programme and published a consultation on the inclusion of Greenhouse Gas Removals in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. Greenhouse Gas Removal and Power Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage projects were allowed to apply to the HyNet Track-1 expansion cluster.

What plans his Department has to incentivise the adoption of low-carbon heating solutions in residential properties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in West Dorset constituency.

Under the Warm Homes Plan, officials are exploring the role of incentives and private finance for households to support homeowners with the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements and low carbon heating. The Government has launched the ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ campaign to promote the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). The campaign seeks to build consumer awareness and understanding of heat pumps, as well as publicising the £7,500 government grant. The BUS is available to homeowners in England and Wales, including West Dorset. There is also a zero-rate of VAT until March 2027 on energy saving measures, such as insulation and low-carbon heating. Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out in due course.

What recent estimate his Department has made of the levels of respiratory diseases in West Dorset constituency.

In the West Dorset area, which includes the Sherborne, Mid Dorset, and Jurassic primary care networks, there are 8,617 patients with asthma, and 2,490 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A systematic review published in 2021 highlighted the global variation in the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, and it is estimated that NHS Dorset could have between five and 25 people who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis.The Dorset Respiratory Network has made significant progress in improving care for people with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions, over the last few years. With Respiratory Champions now supporting 15 of the 18 primary care networks, local expertise has been strengthened, ensuring better access to care. A key focus has been enhancing diagnosis and management, which includes the increased use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing and a targeted drive to reduce over-reliance on short-acting reliever inhalers. These efforts have led to better outcomes for patients and a reduction in unnecessary hospital visits.Local pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) teams have expanded their reach, delivering more PR classes across a wider range of locations in Dorset. This is helping more people manage their condition effectively, improve their quality of life, and reduce hospitalisation risks. Alongside this, an online platform has been launched, providing healthcare professionals with resources, training, and updates, ensuring the latest guidance is easily accessible. A new quarterly newsletter keeps clinicians informed of National Health Service updates, best practice, and innovations in respiratory care.As part of the Reducing Hospital Admissions and Enhancing Care initiatives, targeted projects have employed a review of medication use to ensure the most effective treatments are available. There is also work on improving diagnosis rates through better access to essential tests and exploring digital solutions to help people manage their conditions at home.Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to reduce respiratory disease and improve long-term health. In the first three quarters of 2024/25, over 6,000 people in Dorset quit smoking through support from the Council's smoking cessation programmes, the National Swap to Stop initiative and the NHS Treating Tobacco Dependency offer.By expanding innovation, improving accessibility, and strengthening collaboration across healthcare teams, the Dorset Respiratory Network is delivering tangible improvements in respiratory health. Their work is helping people across the county breathe easier, stay healthier, and reduce their reliance on hospital care, ensuring better outcomes for patients and a more sustainable NHS for the future.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes in the number of firefighters on fire and rescue response times in Dorset and Wiltshire.

It is the responsibility of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) to decide how the authority’s resources, including staff, are best deployed to meet core functions. This includes determining crewing levels and appropriate targets for local response times. Decisions are based on analysis of risk and local circumstances within local Community Risk Management Plans. The Government is committed to ensuring FRAs have the resources they need to do their important work keeping the public safe. In 2024/25, fire and rescue authorities received around £2.87 billion. Standalone FRAs saw an increase in core spending power of £95.4m during 2024/25.

What discussions he has had with European allies on developing joint weapon production initiatives.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to discuss defence capability matters, including on joint production, procurement and future development, with a range of our European Allies on a regular basis, both bilaterally and through multilateral fora. For example, the Secretary of State recently discussed our capability cooperation with France in Paris on 11 March, before discussing wider European industrial collaboration at the E5 defence ministers meeting on 12 March. I also have regular conversations with my counterparts. We continue to promote and encourage European Allies to co-design, co-develop and co-produce through a number of initiatives, including through UK-led Multinational Procurement Initiatives and DIAMOND.

Whether his Department plans to review the allocation of funding to Integrated Care Boards to address regional disparities in GP availability.

NHS England is responsible for funding allocations to integrated care boards. This process is independent of the Government, and NHS England takes advice on the underlying formula from the independent Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation.We are investing an additional £889 million through the GP Contract to reinforce the front door of the National Health Service, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This is the biggest increase in over a decade, and we are pleased that the General Practitioners Committee England is supportive of the contract changes.

What assessment his Department has made of the contribution of traditional boat building to the economy in West Dorset constituency.

The Department for Business and Trade recognises the economic value of traditional boat building, particularly in areas like West Dorset. Training in traditional methods can contribute transferable skills for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainability and growing businesses. Traditional boat building forms part of the wider leisure marine sector which contributed £1.4 billion in GVA and supported 29,000 jobs in 2019 [1]. The South West region alone generated £4 billion in turnover [2]. We continue to support the sector through events like the Southampton Boat Show and METSTRADE and promote its heritage and skills as vital to the UK’s maritime economy. [1] State of the Maritime Nation, 2022[2] State of the Maritime Nation, 2022

What steps he is taking to help reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases in West Dorset constituency.

In the West Dorset area, which includes the Sherborne, Mid Dorset, and Jurassic primary care networks, there are 8,617 patients with asthma, and 2,490 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A systematic review published in 2021 highlighted the global variation in the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, and it is estimated that NHS Dorset could have between five and 25 people who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis.The Dorset Respiratory Network has made significant progress in improving care for people with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions, over the last few years. With Respiratory Champions now supporting 15 of the 18 primary care networks, local expertise has been strengthened, ensuring better access to care. A key focus has been enhancing diagnosis and management, which includes the increased use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing and a targeted drive to reduce over-reliance on short-acting reliever inhalers. These efforts have led to better outcomes for patients and a reduction in unnecessary hospital visits.Local pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) teams have expanded their reach, delivering more PR classes across a wider range of locations in Dorset. This is helping more people manage their condition effectively, improve their quality of life, and reduce hospitalisation risks. Alongside this, an online platform has been launched, providing healthcare professionals with resources, training, and updates, ensuring the latest guidance is easily accessible. A new quarterly newsletter keeps clinicians informed of National Health Service updates, best practice, and innovations in respiratory care.As part of the Reducing Hospital Admissions and Enhancing Care initiatives, targeted projects have employed a review of medication use to ensure the most effective treatments are available. There is also work on improving diagnosis rates through better access to essential tests and exploring digital solutions to help people manage their conditions at home.Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to reduce respiratory disease and improve long-term health. In the first three quarters of 2024/25, over 6,000 people in Dorset quit smoking through support from the Council's smoking cessation programmes, the National Swap to Stop initiative and the NHS Treating Tobacco Dependency offer.By expanding innovation, improving accessibility, and strengthening collaboration across healthcare teams, the Dorset Respiratory Network is delivering tangible improvements in respiratory health. Their work is helping people across the county breathe easier, stay healthier, and reduce their reliance on hospital care, ensuring better outcomes for patients and a more sustainable NHS for the future.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help (a) preserve and (b) promote traditional boat building as a heritage craft.

We recognise how important our craft industry is and we are committed to supporting future growth in the sector. The creative industries have been identified as one of the governments eight growth-driving sectors, with the craft industry a contributor.The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports traditional craft skills and training in a variety of ways, including funding projects that train people in traditional crafts and skills. It also runs a Heritage Crafts programme which offers bursaries to help people train in heritage crafts or develop their skills.The importance of the crafts sector was a key driver for the Government in ratifying the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage last year. Our first step in implementing the Convention is to create inventories of living heritage in the UK which will help promote items that could include traditional boat building. We will open the public call for submissions to the inventories later this year.