Written questions by McMurdock.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the UK’s ranking within the G7 in terms of a) space sector growth, and b) global market share in each of the past three years.

As part of its ongoing space policy development, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is currently performing comparative analysis of the UK’s position in the global space sector. This involves the use of commercial data (primarily from Novaspace) to bring together economic data from a wide range of nations and international space organisations. Under our data access agreements, we cannot share any assessment using this data publicly. In its 2023 report Expanding Frontiers, the UKSA estimated that the UK accounted for 5% of global revenue in the space sector but has not published any data on the assessment of growth or market share in the context of other G7 countries.

What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at reducing the attainment gap between boys and girls at a) primary and b) secondary school.

All children and young people should have every opportunity to achieve and thrive. However, the department knows that on average attainment for boys is lower than girls.Although the gap between boys and girls at both primary and secondary has narrowed from 2024, there is more to do, and the department continues to monitor this at all key stages.High and rising standards across education are key to strengthening outcomes and closing these gaps.The department is driving improvements through new regional improvement for standards and excellence teams, a refreshed high quality curriculum and assessment system, and recruiting 6,500 additional teachers in schools and colleges over the course of this parliament. We have also committed £27.7 million to drive standards in reading and writing and will launch the National Year of Reading 2026 with a focus on teenage boys.Building on this, the upcoming Schools White Paper will set out the department’s vision for a school system that drives educational excellence for every child regardless of background or circumstance.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of whether the UK’s global market share in the space sector is increasing or decreasing relative to other G7 countries.

As part of its ongoing space policy development, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is currently performing analysis of the UK’s global market share in the space sector. This involves the use of commercial data (primarily from Novaspace) to bring together economic data from a wide range of nations and international space organisations. Under our data access agreements, we cannot share any assessment using this data publicly. In its 2023 report Expanding Frontiers, the UKSA estimated that the UK accounted for 5% of global revenue in the space sector but has not published any data on the assessment of if the UK’s global market share is increasing or decreasing relative to other G7 countries.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of male underrepresentation in the teaching workforce in primary schools on the attainment gap between boys and girls.

As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has said, the department wants to see more male teachers teaching, guiding and leading the boys in their classrooms. Men are underrepresented across the education workforce. This is broadly in line with international trends and has remained stable over time in England Recruiting and retaining expert teachers is critical to the government’s mission to break down the barriers to opportunity for every child, as high-quality teaching is the in-school factor that has the biggest positive impact on a child’s outcomes. We ensure men are featured regularly in our recruitment marketing campaign “Every Lesson Shapes a Life”, with men in the focal role in our last two major TV campaigns. Whilst the department does not have evidence to draw a direct link between gender of teachers and pupil outcomes, we are clear that schools should be an environment where all children feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what mechanisms she uses to monitor and evaluate the return on investment generated by British International Investment.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 May in response to Question 49375.

What data she holds on educational outcomes for children who miss substantial schooling due to cancer treatment.

If a child is too unwell to attend school, local authorities have a duty under Section 19 of the Children's Act 1996 to provide suitable and (normally) full-time education for children of compulsory school age who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not receive suitable education.Where full-time education is not possible due to a child’s health needs, local authorities must arrange part-time education on whatever basis they consider to be in the child's best interests. Full and part-time education should still aim to be equivalent to the education the child would receive in their mainstream school. Any part-time education should be reviewed regularly, with the aim of eventually increasing the number of hours up to full-time as soon as the child’s health allows.The department does not routinely collect or hold data on the outcomes of children who have missed periods of schooling due to ill health.The department is strengthening the evidence base of what works to improve inclusive practice in mainstream settings, for example through our recently published evidence reviews on the best available evidence on the most effective tools, strategies and approaches for staff in mainstream settings to identify and support children and young people (0-25) with different types of needs.

What recent discussions she has had with police forces on trends in reported incidents involving trespassers attempting to enter residential properties.

It is important that the police have the power to tackle trespassing where there is intent to commit an offence.On 10th June, the Government announced its intention to repeal the outdated Vagrancy Act 1824.We have introduced targeted replacement measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to ensure police have the powers they need to keep communities safe, including a criminal offence of trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence, an offence which was previously provided for under the 1824 Act, and for which the police have told us is useful to retain.As is currently the case in the 1824 Act, it will be an offence for a person to trespass on any premises, meaning any building, part of a building or enclosed area, with the intention to commit an offence.

What steps she is taking to ensure consistency of support offered by local authorities for children receiving cancer treatment who cannot attend school.

If a child is too unwell to attend school, local authorities have a duty under Section 19 of the Children's Act 1996 to provide suitable and (normally) full-time education for children of compulsory school age who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not receive suitable education.Where full-time education is not possible due to a child’s health needs, local authorities must arrange part-time education on whatever basis they consider to be in the child's best interests. Full and part-time education should still aim to be equivalent to the education the child would receive in their mainstream school. Any part-time education should be reviewed regularly, with the aim of eventually increasing the number of hours up to full-time as soon as the child’s health allows.The department does not routinely collect or hold data on the outcomes of children who have missed periods of schooling due to ill health.The department is strengthening the evidence base of what works to improve inclusive practice in mainstream settings, for example through our recently published evidence reviews on the best available evidence on the most effective tools, strategies and approaches for staff in mainstream settings to identify and support children and young people (0-25) with different types of needs.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of local authority provision for children who miss substantial periods of school due to cancer treatment.

If a child is too unwell to attend school, local authorities have a duty under Section 19 of the Children's Act 1996 to provide suitable and (normally) full-time education for children of compulsory school age who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not receive suitable education.Where full-time education is not possible due to a child’s health needs, local authorities must arrange part-time education on whatever basis they consider to be in the child's best interests. Full and part-time education should still aim to be equivalent to the education the child would receive in their mainstream school. Any part-time education should be reviewed regularly, with the aim of eventually increasing the number of hours up to full-time as soon as the child’s health allows.The department does not routinely collect or hold data on the outcomes of children who have missed periods of schooling due to ill health.The department is strengthening the evidence base of what works to improve inclusive practice in mainstream settings, for example through our recently published evidence reviews on the best available evidence on the most effective tools, strategies and approaches for staff in mainstream settings to identify and support children and young people (0-25) with different types of needs.

What assessment she has made of the potential security risks associated with rapid increases in temporary recruitment in the delivery sector during peak shopping periods.

The Home Office has not made such an assessment. It is for companies in the delivery sector to act to ensure their employees are of good standing, and that appropriate and proportionate background checks are undertaken where this is deemed to be necessary.In relation to Royal Mail, Ofcom’s regulatory framework places obligations on them, as the universal service provider, in relation to recruitment, training of employees (including temporary workers) and on security of the mail processes for employees. This does not apply to other delivery operators.

What plans she has to commission a review into the impact of waiting times at level crossings on a) road congestion, b) emergency vehicle access and c) safety in East Tilbury.

Network Rail are well aware of the current issues with waiting times and congestion at East Tilbury Level Crossing, and understand these concerns. As the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways with statutory safety duties to the public, Network Rail continue to monitor and keep the protective arrangements at East Tilbury Level Crossing under review, so that these safety risks can be managed, and any impacts mitigated accordingly.

What recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on delays experienced by a) motorists and b) pedestrians at East Tilbury level crossing due to freight movement.

Network Rail is responsible for managing safety at East Tilbury Level Crossing as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways and has a statutory duty to ensure all users can use the crossing safely. Network Rail will continue to engage the local community to understand these concerns and consider how they can be mitigated, whilst ensuring the safety of all users is upheld, as this is a priority.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of community safety events at level crossings in reducing incidents of misuse a) in East Tilbury and b) nationally.

Network Rail are responsible for determining the measures required at level crossings to create a safe environment. They regularly engage with local communities to provide information and briefing on the safety risks associated with misuse and undertake research to understand public and passenger safety attitudes and behaviour towards the railway, which helps to refine their messaging. Network Rail will continue to engage with the community in East Tilbury to ensure safety levels at the crossing are maintained.

What recent data he holds on Accident and Emergency attendance levels at Basildon Hospital and associated patient safety indicators.

The data is not available in the format requested. NHS England collects and publishes monthly data on the total number of attendances for all accident and emergency types, including Minor Injury Units and Walk-in Centres. The total number of accident and emergency attendances at Basildon Hospital in October 2025 was 12,475. Please note this data is provisional, and that finalised figures will be published next month. The data is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2025-26/

What steps she is taking to ensure that local communities affected by waiting times at level crossings, including East Tilbury, are consulted when freight timetables and volumes are expanded.

Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, are responsible for ensuring the safety of the public at level crossings across the network, including East Tilbury Level Crossing. This is in accordance with their statutory safety duties to manage risks on the railways. As part of this process, Network Rail will engage local communities to inform them of any potential changes to timetabling that could affect the operation of level crossings in their area, particularly those that could have an impact on safety.

What assessment he has made of the impact of accident and emergency capacity pressures on patient safety at Basildon Hospital.

We acknowledge that accident and emergency care performance has not consistently met expectations in recent years, and we are taking serious steps to address this.Our Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025/26, backed by almost £450 million of capital investment, commits to at least 78% of accident and emergency patients being admitted, transferred, or discharged within four hours by March 2026.We are putting significant funding into expanding urgent and emergency service access for those most in need, including new Urgent Treatment Centres and Same Day Emergency Care facilities. This will mean 800,000 fewer accident and emergency patients waiting over four hours this year.In July 2025, we published our 10-Year Health Plan which commits to reducing accident and emergency waiting times in the longer-term, by shifting care into the community with Neighbourhood Health Services.

What estimate he has made of the total amount of income written off by NHS Trusts as unrecoverable charges owed by overseas visitors in each of the past three years.

The Department does not hold the data requested on the number of overseas visitors who receive free National Health Service treatment.The Department and NHS England annually publish data on the income identified, recovered and written off from chargeable overseas visitors in England in the Departments Annual Report and Accounts annually and in NHS England’s consolidated NHS provider accounts. The information for the last five years is available at the following links:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6745b836e7cf64050b8098c4/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts_annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024_print-ready.pdf (page 79)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/676150ef26a2d1ff18253415/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024-web-accessible.pdf (page 284)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b2a4fc5f8ce2000d3ae544/consolidated-provider-accounts-2022-to-2023-print.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b236c81702b10013cb1289/DHSC-Annual-report-and-accounts-2022-2023-web-accessible.pdf (page 275)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/consolidated-provider-accounts-21-22-final.pdf (page 66)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e50dc0d3bf7f05c8e947a8/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2021-2022_web-accessible.pdf (page 319)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Consolidated-NHS-provider-accounts-2020-21.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61fbfacc8fa8f538882511f3/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2020-2021-web-accessible..pdf (page 249)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts-19-20.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6012c98bd3bf7f05bae2237f/Department_of_Health_and_Social_Care_Annual_Report_and_Accounts_2019-20.pdf (page 167)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Consolidated_NHS_Provider_Accounts_Web_Accessible.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d2747dfed915d698a04d5a6/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2018-to-2019-print-ready.pdf (pages 32-33)NHS charges can be recovered up to six years from the date of invoice, and therefore the amount recovered in a year does not necessarily mean it was identified in the same financial year.

What assessment he has made of the financial impact on NHS Trusts of unpaid overseas visitor charges.

The Department does not hold the data requested on the number of overseas visitors who receive free National Health Service treatment.The Department and NHS England annually publish data on the income identified, recovered and written off from chargeable overseas visitors in England in the Departments Annual Report and Accounts annually and in NHS England’s consolidated NHS provider accounts. The information for the last five years is available at the following links:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6745b836e7cf64050b8098c4/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts_annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024_print-ready.pdf (page 79)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/676150ef26a2d1ff18253415/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024-web-accessible.pdf (page 284)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b2a4fc5f8ce2000d3ae544/consolidated-provider-accounts-2022-to-2023-print.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b236c81702b10013cb1289/DHSC-Annual-report-and-accounts-2022-2023-web-accessible.pdf (page 275)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/consolidated-provider-accounts-21-22-final.pdf (page 66)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e50dc0d3bf7f05c8e947a8/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2021-2022_web-accessible.pdf (page 319)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Consolidated-NHS-provider-accounts-2020-21.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61fbfacc8fa8f538882511f3/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2020-2021-web-accessible..pdf (page 249)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts-19-20.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6012c98bd3bf7f05bae2237f/Department_of_Health_and_Social_Care_Annual_Report_and_Accounts_2019-20.pdf (page 167)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Consolidated_NHS_Provider_Accounts_Web_Accessible.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d2747dfed915d698a04d5a6/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2018-to-2019-print-ready.pdf (pages 32-33)NHS charges can be recovered up to six years from the date of invoice, and therefore the amount recovered in a year does not necessarily mean it was identified in the same financial year.

What data he holds on the number of overseas visitors who received NHS treatment free of charge in the last five years.

The Department does not hold the data requested on the number of overseas visitors who receive free National Health Service treatment.The Department and NHS England annually publish data on the income identified, recovered and written off from chargeable overseas visitors in England in the Departments Annual Report and Accounts annually and in NHS England’s consolidated NHS provider accounts. The information for the last five years is available at the following links:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6745b836e7cf64050b8098c4/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts_annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024_print-ready.pdf (page 79)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/676150ef26a2d1ff18253415/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024-web-accessible.pdf (page 284)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b2a4fc5f8ce2000d3ae544/consolidated-provider-accounts-2022-to-2023-print.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b236c81702b10013cb1289/DHSC-Annual-report-and-accounts-2022-2023-web-accessible.pdf (page 275)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/consolidated-provider-accounts-21-22-final.pdf (page 66)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e50dc0d3bf7f05c8e947a8/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2021-2022_web-accessible.pdf (page 319)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Consolidated-NHS-provider-accounts-2020-21.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61fbfacc8fa8f538882511f3/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2020-2021-web-accessible..pdf (page 249)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts-19-20.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6012c98bd3bf7f05bae2237f/Department_of_Health_and_Social_Care_Annual_Report_and_Accounts_2019-20.pdf (page 167)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Consolidated_NHS_Provider_Accounts_Web_Accessible.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d2747dfed915d698a04d5a6/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2018-to-2019-print-ready.pdf (pages 32-33)NHS charges can be recovered up to six years from the date of invoice, and therefore the amount recovered in a year does not necessarily mean it was identified in the same financial year.

What estimate he has made of the annual cost to the NHS of treatment provided free of charge to overseas visitors who are not residents of the UK.

The Department does not hold the data requested on the number of overseas visitors who receive free National Health Service treatment.The Department and NHS England annually publish data on the income identified, recovered and written off from chargeable overseas visitors in England in the Departments Annual Report and Accounts annually and in NHS England’s consolidated NHS provider accounts. The information for the last five years is available at the following links:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6745b836e7cf64050b8098c4/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts_annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024_print-ready.pdf (page 79)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/676150ef26a2d1ff18253415/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-2024-web-accessible.pdf (page 284)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b2a4fc5f8ce2000d3ae544/consolidated-provider-accounts-2022-to-2023-print.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b236c81702b10013cb1289/DHSC-Annual-report-and-accounts-2022-2023-web-accessible.pdf (page 275)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/consolidated-provider-accounts-21-22-final.pdf (page 66)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63e50dc0d3bf7f05c8e947a8/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2021-2022_web-accessible.pdf (page 319)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Consolidated-NHS-provider-accounts-2020-21.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61fbfacc8fa8f538882511f3/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2020-2021-web-accessible..pdf (page 249)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/consolidated-nhs-provider-accounts-19-20.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6012c98bd3bf7f05bae2237f/Department_of_Health_and_Social_Care_Annual_Report_and_Accounts_2019-20.pdf (page 167)https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Consolidated_NHS_Provider_Accounts_Web_Accessible.pdf (page 74)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d2747dfed915d698a04d5a6/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2018-to-2019-print-ready.pdf (pages 32-33)NHS charges can be recovered up to six years from the date of invoice, and therefore the amount recovered in a year does not necessarily mean it was identified in the same financial year.