Written questions by McMurdock.

With reference to their Department’s press release entitled Government cuts electricity bill for 10,000 manufacturers in boost for UK competitiveness, published on 15 April 2026, which industry bodies and individual companies were consulted in determining eligibility criteria for the expanded scheme.

The Secretary of State and Ministers have had extensive and ongoing discussions with the manufacturing sector on electricity costs and UK competitiveness, both prior to and following the announcement of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). Scheme eligibility has been informed by wide stakeholder engagement, including a public consultation that received responses from industry bodies and individual businesses, including SMEs, alongside ministerial and official engagement with industry. Ministers and officials will continue to engage with businesses to support access to, and awareness of, the scheme and with businesses not eligible for BICS on energy costs and wider competitiveness issues.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK boosts funding to local responders to help more than 1.8 million people in Sudan's humanitarian crisis, published on 15 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of current international funding levels for the Sudan crisis.

I refer the Hon. Member to the press release he has mentioned in his questions, and to the article written by the Foreign Secretary in The Telegraph on 15 April, which can be found in the link below: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/the-world-can-no-longer-plead-ignorance-to-sudan-war/

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK boosts funding to local responders to help more than 1.8 million people in Sudan's humanitarian crisis, published on 15 April 2026, what safeguards are in place to ensure accountability and transparency in funding provided to local organisations.

I refer the Hon. Member to the press release he has mentioned in his questions, and to the article written by the Foreign Secretary in The Telegraph on 15 April, which can be found in the link below: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/the-world-can-no-longer-plead-ignorance-to-sudan-war/

Innovation and Technology, with reference to their Department’s press release entitled PM calls social media companies into Downing Street, published on 15 April 2026, what commitments were made by social media companies during discussions with the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister hosted senior leaders from major social media companies in Downing Street to press for faster progress on protecting children online. He was clear that companies must be able to show real world changes that make their platforms safer for children. This meeting comes at the mid-point of the government’s consultation on children’s online wellbeing.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to their Department’s press release entitled PM calls social media companies into Downing Street, published on 15 April 2026, whether any formal agreements or undertakings were reached between the Government and social media companies following the Downing Street meeting.

The Prime Minister hosted senior leaders from major social media companies in Downing Street to press for faster progress on protecting children online. He was clear that companies must be able to show real world changes that make their platforms safer for children. This meeting comes at the mid-point of the government’s consultation on children’s online wellbeing.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to their Department’s press release entitled PM calls social media companies into Downing Street, published on 15 April 2026, whether enforcement mechanisms were discussed with social media companies in the event of non-compliance with the Prime Minister’s requests.

The Prime Minister hosted senior leaders from major social media companies in Downing Street to press for faster progress on protecting children online. He was clear that companies must be able to show real world changes that make their platforms safer for children. This meeting comes at the mid-point of the government’s consultation on children’s online wellbeing.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled UK boosts funding to local responders to help more than 1.8 million people in Sudan's humanitarian crisis, published on 15 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the capacity of local responders to deliver aid in conflict-affected areas.

I refer the Hon. Member to the press release he has mentioned in his questions, and to the article written by the Foreign Secretary in The Telegraph on 15 April, which can be found in the link below: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/the-world-can-no-longer-plead-ignorance-to-sudan-war/

What steps she is taking to reduce the proportion of young people who do not achieve a grade 4 in GCSE a) Maths and b) English by age 19.

The latest available data for the 2023/24 academic year shows that by age 19, 76.3% of young people in South Basildon and East Thurrock had achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and 69.8% in GCSE maths, compared with national averages of 82.9% and 79.0%. The department has committed £27.7 million this financial year to raise reading standards and are introducing a new statutory year 8 reading test to strengthen reading at key stage 3. Curriculum and GCSE reforms will deliver clearer, better‑sequenced, content. Schools will be supported by the universal regional improvement for standards and excellence programme providing sector‑led school improvement support. As part of the Post‑16 Education and Skills White Paper, the department is introducing reforms to support progression to Level 2 English and maths. This includes new 16 to 19 Level 1 qualifications for lower‑attaining students, revising the accountability framework and sharing effective practice through a Further Education Commissioner guide.

What steps she is taking to help increase public confidence in reporting anti-social behaviour to the police.

Tackling Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) is a key commitment as part of improving confidence in policing and local responses to crime as set out in the Government’s Plan for Change.In the year ending September 2025, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) showed that around 38% of people experienced or witnessed some type of ASB, and there were 1 million police recorded incidents. We know, however, that ASB goes underreported to the police and other agencies. The latest CSEW data (YE March 2025) indicates that depending on the type of ASB, between 63-93% of ASB incidents are not reported to any agency. We are committed to ensuring better support and information is available to victims of ASB, including on how to report ASB.The Home Office recognises that persistent ASB can have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life and sense of safety, particularly in the areas where they live, work, and visit. While the Home Office does not make a specific assessment on the impact of ASB on people’s decisions to move home, tackling ASB remains a priority to help ensure people feel safe in their neighbourhoods.To support this, every police force in England and Wales now has an anti-social behaviour lead in place who will work with communities, stakeholders and the public to implement their individual ASB.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of anti-social behaviour on people’s decision to move home.

Tackling Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) is a key commitment as part of improving confidence in policing and local responses to crime as set out in the Government’s Plan for Change.In the year ending September 2025, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) showed that around 38% of people experienced or witnessed some type of ASB, and there were 1 million police recorded incidents. We know, however, that ASB goes underreported to the police and other agencies. The latest CSEW data (YE March 2025) indicates that depending on the type of ASB, between 63-93% of ASB incidents are not reported to any agency. We are committed to ensuring better support and information is available to victims of ASB, including on how to report ASB.The Home Office recognises that persistent ASB can have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life and sense of safety, particularly in the areas where they live, work, and visit. While the Home Office does not make a specific assessment on the impact of ASB on people’s decisions to move home, tackling ASB remains a priority to help ensure people feel safe in their neighbourhoods.To support this, every police force in England and Wales now has an anti-social behaviour lead in place who will work with communities, stakeholders and the public to implement their individual ASB.

What assessment she has made of the difference in attainment rates in GCSE a) English and b) Maths by age 19 between South Basildon and East Thurrock and the national average.

The latest available data for the 2023/24 academic year shows that by age 19, 76.3% of young people in South Basildon and East Thurrock had achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE English and 69.8% in GCSE maths, compared with national averages of 82.9% and 79.0%. The department has committed £27.7 million this financial year to raise reading standards and are introducing a new statutory year 8 reading test to strengthen reading at key stage 3. Curriculum and GCSE reforms will deliver clearer, better‑sequenced, content. Schools will be supported by the universal regional improvement for standards and excellence programme providing sector‑led school improvement support. As part of the Post‑16 Education and Skills White Paper, the department is introducing reforms to support progression to Level 2 English and maths. This includes new 16 to 19 Level 1 qualifications for lower‑attaining students, revising the accountability framework and sharing effective practice through a Further Education Commissioner guide.

What steps he is taking to reduce NHS spending on agency staff.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What discussions he has had with the a) pharmaceutical, b) chemical and b) agricultural sectors on future availability of oil and gas derived feedstocks.

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. The Government’s North Sea Future Plan sets out our approach to managing existing oil and gas fields for their full lifespan, while not issuing new licences to explore new fields, supporting a fair, orderly and prosperous transition.

What support is being provided to schools and colleges in areas with higher than average rates of students not achieving a grade 4 in GCSE a) English and b) Maths.

The department has committed £27.7 million this financial year to raise reading standards. We are introducing a statutory reading check for pupils in year 8 to help ensure schools are identifying and providing targeted support to pupils.In the 2025/26 academic year, the department rolled out a secondary pilot of the English Hubs programme, to help address reading needs for schools most in need. In January 2026, all schools were given access to Unlocking Reading, a continuing professional development programme. English Hubs will continue supporting secondary schools into the 2026/27 academic year, with an increased number of schools receiving intensive support from literacy specialists.A national network of 40 Maths Hubs is supporting schools to improve teaching quality.  This network aims to improve the teaching of mathematics for all pupils in publicly funded schools by providing school-to-school support focussed on subject knowledge and pedagogy training for teachers, supporting teaching quality as well as workforce recruitment and retention.Following the Curriculum and Assessment Review, reforms to the national curriculum and GCSEs will deliver clearer, better sequenced content grounded in essential knowledge and skills. Schools also benefit from the universal regional improvement for standards and excellence programme, a sector-led approach providing access to high quality school improvement support.

What steps she is taking to help improve reporting rates for anti-social behaviour.

Tackling Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) is a key commitment as part of improving confidence in policing and local responses to crime as set out in the Government’s Plan for Change.In the year ending September 2025, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) showed that around 38% of people experienced or witnessed some type of ASB, and there were 1 million police recorded incidents. We know, however, that ASB goes underreported to the police and other agencies. The latest CSEW data (YE March 2025) indicates that depending on the type of ASB, between 63-93% of ASB incidents are not reported to any agency. We are committed to ensuring better support and information is available to victims of ASB, including on how to report ASB.The Home Office recognises that persistent ASB can have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life and sense of safety, particularly in the areas where they live, work, and visit. While the Home Office does not make a specific assessment on the impact of ASB on people’s decisions to move home, tackling ASB remains a priority to help ensure people feel safe in their neighbourhoods.To support this, every police force in England and Wales now has an anti-social behaviour lead in place who will work with communities, stakeholders and the public to implement their individual ASB.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of staff perceptions of staffing levels and their ability to deliver safe patient care in the NHS.

The Department assesses the state and sentiment of the National Health Service workforce through the annual NHS Staff Survey.The full findings of the NHS Staff Survey is available at the following link:https://www.nhsstaffsurveys.com/results/national-results/Employers are best placed to determine their workforce needs based on local needs. In addition, the 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out how national supply will be achieved and will be making sure that staff are better treated, have more fulfilling roles, and hope for the future.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of domestic oil and gas production policy on the UK fertiliser manufacturing sector.

The Government recognises the importance of oil and gas for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing purposes, including in the production of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers. Oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. The Government’s North Sea Future Plan sets out our approach to managing existing oil and gas fields for their full lifespan, while not issuing new licences to explore new fields, supporting a fair, orderly and prosperous transition. There isn’t a single standalone assessment specific to any individual manufacturing sectors.

What estimate he has made of the cost difference between NHS bank staff and agency staff.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What assessment she has made of public satisfaction levels following reports of anti-social behaviour to a) the police and b) local authorities.

Tackling Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) is a key commitment as part of improving confidence in policing and local responses to crime as set out in the Government’s Plan for Change.In the year ending September 2025, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) showed that around 38% of people experienced or witnessed some type of ASB, and there were 1 million police recorded incidents. We know, however, that ASB goes underreported to the police and other agencies. The latest CSEW data (YE March 2025) indicates that depending on the type of ASB, between 63-93% of ASB incidents are not reported to any agency. We are committed to ensuring better support and information is available to victims of ASB, including on how to report ASB.The Home Office recognises that persistent ASB can have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life and sense of safety, particularly in the areas where they live, work, and visit. While the Home Office does not make a specific assessment on the impact of ASB on people’s decisions to move home, tackling ASB remains a priority to help ensure people feel safe in their neighbourhoods.To support this, every police force in England and Wales now has an anti-social behaviour lead in place who will work with communities, stakeholders and the public to implement their individual ASB.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of declining domestic oil and gas production on UK manufacturing sectors.

The Government recognises the importance of oil and gas for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing purposes, including in the production of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers. Oil and gas will continue to play an important role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. The Government’s North Sea Future Plan sets out our approach to managing existing oil and gas fields for their full lifespan, while not issuing new licences to explore new fields, supporting a fair, orderly and prosperous transition. There isn’t a single standalone assessment specific to any individual manufacturing sectors.