Written questions by Williamson.

What estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the weight of volumetric concrete mixers on the average number of miles driven by concrete mixers each year from 2028 onwards.

The Department ran a call for evidence from October to December 2023 seeking views on three potential options on weight limits for Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs). The following factors were considered: reduction in payload per journey, increased waste, and increased vehicle mileage. Information received did not provide any compelling evidence for permitting a weight limit exemption specifically for VCMs on the grounds of mileage.This is not a change to the policy on weights for VCMs but a decision to continue with the existing policy that a temporary exemption will come to an end in 2028.

If monies will be noted in the April budget which includes the interim payment for people impacted by Valproate.

The Spring Statement demonstrated that the Government has taken the decisions necessary to provide security, reform the state, and grow the economy. The Government remains committed to holding only one major fiscal event a year, to give families and businesses the certainty they need on tax and spending changes.The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report, which set out options for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. This is a complex area of work, involving several Government departments, and it is important that we get this right. We will be providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s report at the earliest opportunity.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with developing countries on identifying UK-backed nuclear energy partnerships.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is keen to understand and support countries with their transition to low carbon energy and engages in regular conversations with many countries, including developing countries. Understanding if, when, where and how civil nuclear plays a role in that transition is an important part of this conversation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a Western-led initiative to provide nuclear energy infrastructure to the Global South.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office monitors international interest in nuclear energy and engages with western partners to understand and discuss this context. We expect nuclear energy to be part of the future energy mix for some countries and support the work done to ensure its safe and secure development.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has of the potential impact of the increasing role of (a) Russia and (b) China in global nuclear energy exports for the UK's geopolitical interests; and whether he plans to bring forward a strategy to counter their influence in this area.

All investment involving critical infrastructure is subject to thorough scrutiny and needs to satisfy our robust legal, regulatory, and national security requirements.The UK takes its national security extremely seriously. The powers we have through the National Security and Investment Act further enhance our ability to intervene if required.The UK, as a member of nuclear fuels alliance Sapporo 5, is resolved to realise a nuclear fuel supply free from Russian influence and potential political leverage by other countries, and to expand our existing fuel cycle capabilities further to ensure a resilient fuel supply chain of benefit to our international allies.We continue to invest in domestic fuel cycle capabilities such as our £300 million investment in high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). We are committed to working with our international partners to reduce global dependence on Russian nuclear fuel, as outlined in the Sapporo Agreement (April 2023).

Media and Sport, on what grounds her Department decided to extend the opening of papers relating to the 1959 murder of Martha Giles to 2055.

During a review of the records held at The National Archives concerning the murder of Martha Giles, a record was found to contain the personal data of several individuals who are assumed to still be living. Consequently, in accordance with the 100-year principle that is set out in the Guide to Archiving Personal Data, the record in question will be kept closed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the assumed lifetime of the youngest individual identified (2055).

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the alleged use of slave labour within the supply chains for solar panels.

The Government is determined to eradicate forced labour in global supply chains, including in the manufacture of solar panels. Legislation and guidance are already in place to help businesses take action against modern slavery. However, we are working across government to see where we can go further, keeping all potential policy options under review. We are monitoring closely the industry-led supply chain assurance scheme, the Solar Stewardship Initiative. Further information on the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient and free from forced labour will be set out in the Solar Roadmap, to be published in Spring 2025.

How many properties are owned by HS2 Ltd. in the village of Hopton in Staffordshire.

There are currently 43 properties in the village of Hopton, Staffordshire owned by the Secretary of State for Transport; these properties were acquired on behalf of the Government by HS2 Ltd.

If she will set out her (a) plans and (b) timetable for the disposing of properties owned by HS2 Ltd. following the cancellation of HS2 Phase 2a and 2b.

This government is carefully reviewing the position it has inherited on HS2 and wider rail infrastructure and will set out detailed plans in due course.These will include our plans for HS2 Phase 2b safeguarding and a disposal programme for land and property acquired for HS2 that is no longer required.

When the Prime Minister plans to respond to the letter of 15 February 2025 from the Rt hon. Member for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge on the Attorney General.

A response will be issued in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the UN Secretary General on the UN's use of Rwandan troops as peacekeepers.

The Foreign Secretary spoke with the UN Secretary General on 30 January to express his sympathies for the six United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers killed in Goma and discuss the deteriorating situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They agreed to work together on de-escalating this conflict and urging Rwanda and the DRC to return to the negotiating table. The UK condemns M23 and the Rwandan Defence Force's occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern DRC as an unacceptable breach of DRC's sovereignty. We have been clear with Rwanda that this would provoke a strong response from the international community. We are considering all options with partners.

How many and what proportion Integrated Care Boards do not provide funding for IVF services.

All 42 integrated care boards offer at least one cycle of in vitro fertilisation.

How many deaths were associated with the abuse of volatile substances in England and Wales in (a) 2021, (b) 2022 and (c) 2023; and what volatile substances were mentioned on death certificates in England and Wales in each of those years.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Questions of 13th January is attached.

How many deaths were associated with helium and nitrogen in England and Wales in (a) 2021, (b) 2022 and (c) 2023.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Questions of 13th January is attached.

How many deaths were associated with the abuse of nitrous oxide in (a) England and (b) Wales in (i) 2021, (ii) 2022 and (iii) 2023.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Questions of 13th January is attached.

What the (a) age and (b) sex was of people whose deaths related to volatile substances in England and Wales from 2021 to 2023; and what the location of each such death was.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Questions of 13th January is attached.

What the mean age of death was of deaths related to volatile substances in England and Wales from 2021 to 2023.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Questions of 13th January is attached.

If she will make an estimate of (a) the number of students who will not be charged the increased annual tuition fee due to their contracts preventing a change in fees once they have started their degree and (b)

Higher education providers are autonomous and responsible for setting their own fees under the fee cap.In deciding whether or not to increase fees, providers will want to ensure that they can continue to deliver courses which are fit for purpose and help ...

How many people in Staffordshire have not yet been paid compensation for land and properties compulsorily purchased by HS2 Ltd.

Individual properties and claimants can have multiple active claims at any given time so data in the form requested is not available.

How many people have not yet been paid compensation for land and properties compulsorily purchased by HS2 Ltd.

Individual properties and claimants can have multiple active claims at any given time so data in the form requested is not available.