Written questions by McMurdock.

With reference to the Trade Remedies Authority's press release entitled Anti-dumping measure on ironing boards from China maintained, published on 12 February 2026, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of Chinese dumping on UK industries.

The UK currently applies 45 trade remedy measures, 28 of which are on goods from China. All live trade remedy cases can be viewed on their public file, online, including those investigations on goods of Chinese-origin. I am not aware of any plans from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), or representations from the ironing board sector, to recommend changes to the current duties in place on imports of ironing boards.Unfair international trading practices can have a deleterious effect on domestic producers, which is why the TRA was established as the UK’s independent body responsible for conducting trade remedies investigations, to tackle injury caused by practices such as dumping or subsidisation. The remit of the TRA also includes assessing applications from industry for new investigations, doing so in line with domestic legislation and WTO rules. I would consider any recommendation to impose further trade remedy measures if the TRA were to make one, in accordance with the legislation.

With reference to the Trade Remedies Authority's press release entitled Anti-dumping measure on ironing boards from China maintained, published on 12 February 2026, whether he plans to add further anti-dumping measures to the duties approved.

The UK currently applies 45 trade remedy measures, 28 of which are on goods from China. All live trade remedy cases can be viewed on their public file, online, including those investigations on goods of Chinese-origin. I am not aware of any plans from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), or representations from the ironing board sector, to recommend changes to the current duties in place on imports of ironing boards.Unfair international trading practices can have a deleterious effect on domestic producers, which is why the TRA was established as the UK’s independent body responsible for conducting trade remedies investigations, to tackle injury caused by practices such as dumping or subsidisation. The remit of the TRA also includes assessing applications from industry for new investigations, doing so in line with domestic legislation and WTO rules. I would consider any recommendation to impose further trade remedy measures if the TRA were to make one, in accordance with the legislation.

With reference to the Trade Remedies Authority's press release entitled Anti-dumping measure on ironing boards from China maintained, published on 12 February 2026, what discussions he has had with UK manufacturers on the potential impact of Chinese dumping on their businesses.

Where businesses believe that they are being injured by dumped imports, they should engage with the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). The TRA was established as the UK’s independent body responsible for conducting trade remedies investigations to tackle injury caused by practices such as dumping, and make appropriate recommendations to the Secretary of State on whether a duty should be applied to level the playing field. My department and I regularly engage with a wide range of sectors on the challenges posed by unfair trading practices.

With reference to the Trade Remedies Authority's press release entitled Anti-dumping measure on ironing boards from China maintained, published on 12 February 2026, whether the dumping of Chinese goods was raised during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Beijing.

No, my decision to extend the existing anti-dumping measure on ironing boards from China was not raised during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Beijing.

Whether he plans to continue funding the International Labour Organisation.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) plays an important role in setting international labour standards and holding those that fail to uphold international labour rights accountable. The UK was a founding member of the ILO; the Government is committed to maintaining its membership.The UK’s assessed annual contribution is based on the standard United Nations system of assessed contributions applied to all 187 ILO member states, broadly linked to relative levels of GDP. In 2025–26 the total UK contribution totalled £14.76 million, the majority of which is classed within the UK’s Official Development Assistance. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) ensures that the UK financial contribution to the ILO is used effectively, demonstrates value for money and aligns with the UK’s national objectives. Through our permanent membership of the ILO Governing Body, we undertake robust scrutiny of the ILO’s budgetary proposals and administration to increase the impact, effectiveness and delivery of the Organisation.

What estimate he has made of the expected contribution to the International Labour Organisation in 2025-26.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) plays an important role in setting international labour standards and holding those that fail to uphold international labour rights accountable. The UK was a founding member of the ILO; the Government is committed to maintaining its membership.The UK’s assessed annual contribution is based on the standard United Nations system of assessed contributions applied to all 187 ILO member states, broadly linked to relative levels of GDP. In 2025–26 the total UK contribution totalled £14.76 million, the majority of which is classed within the UK’s Official Development Assistance. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) ensures that the UK financial contribution to the ILO is used effectively, demonstrates value for money and aligns with the UK’s national objectives. Through our permanent membership of the ILO Governing Body, we undertake robust scrutiny of the ILO’s budgetary proposals and administration to increase the impact, effectiveness and delivery of the Organisation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Peter Mandelson played a role in discussions with the United States on the sovereignty and future governance of the Chagos Islands.

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, whether the Government plans to place the commitments in the Telecoms Consumer Charter on a statutory footing.

Ofcom’s January 2025 transparency rules prohibit the use of inflation‑linked in‑contract price rises. Providers must set out any increases clearly in pounds and pence before customers sign up, and specify when those rises will occur. These rules apply to all new contracts which include a price increase, including those offered by providers that have signed the Telecoms Consumer Charter. Ofcom will be conducting an interim review of the 2025 reforms by Spring 2026 and a full review in 2027.The Telecoms Consumer Charter strengthens these measures by ensuring that the price customers sign up to is the price they will pay, and that this must be the case in all but genuinely exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances.The Government has no plans to place the commitments in the Charter on a statutory footing. The Charter is a voluntary set of commitments made by providers, building on Ofcom’s requirements to ensure consumers receive clear and easily understandable information. By securing these agreements voluntarily and without regulation, the Government has been able to act quickly to ensure consumers will not face unexpected price rises like those seen in October 2025.While it is not our current intention to regulate, we do expect this voluntary approach to deliver for consumers. If it does not, government will reflect on what further action may be appropriate.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, what steps her Department is taking to increase awareness of social tariffs among eligible households.

The Telecoms Consumer Charter strengthens protections for customers who may be eligible for social tariffs by securing commitments from major providers to ensure these tariffs are clearly signposted and easy to find in customer communications. This ensures that those who may benefit from a social tariff can more easily identify and access one. This includes, for example, signposting offers in End-of-Contract notifications, provider websites, app menus, and customer service scripts. Eligibility for social tariffs is assessed on an individual basis and requires customers to provide information, such as confirmation that they receive a means-tested benefit, before providers can determine whether they qualify. For this reason, providers cannot proactively identify eligible households, as they do not have access to the necessary personal data unless and until a customer applies. The Charter focuses on making clear, visible information available at the points where customers are most likely to look for support. The Charter also includes a specific commitment to support customers who are facing financial difficulty by offering practical support such as allowing them to move to cheaper packages without charge or penalty, or manageable payment plans. This ensures people under financial pressure can switch to more affordable options without incurring additional costs.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Telecoms Consumer Charter on the proportion of consumers experiencing mid-contract price rises.

The Department’s assessment is that the Telecoms Consumer Charter will strengthen protections for consumer by securing the clear and public commitment from major providers that the price customers sign up to is the price they will pay, except for genuinely unforeseeable circumstances.While it is not possible to provide a precise estimate of the number of consumers who will benefit, the Charter covers the vast majority of the market, with major fixed and mobile providers having signed up. This mean millions of mobile and broadband customers will now have greater certainty over their monthly bills. These commitments will help to ensure households can better manage costs and avoid mid-contract bill shocks.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Record year of drug seizures made by Border Force, published on 12 February 2026, what estimate her Department has made of the proportion of cannabis and ketamine smuggling imports which are not intercepted.

Home Office officials continue to explore all the new and emerging technologies that are available to help identify and intercept the vessels and individuals involved in smuggling drugs in the maritime environment, and our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities remain amongst the best in the world. For reasons of national security it would not be appropriate to go into greater detail.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Record year of drug seizures made by Border Force, published on 12 February 2026, what measures are taken as part of the 'seize and return' policy to help ensure that smugglers do not attempt to return to the UK.

Home Office officials continue to explore all the new and emerging technologies that are available to help identify and intercept the vessels and individuals involved in smuggling drugs in the maritime environment, and our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities remain amongst the best in the world. For reasons of national security it would not be appropriate to go into greater detail.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, whether telecoms providers will be required to proactively contact customers who may be eligible for social tariffs under the terms of the Telecoms Consumer Charter.

The Telecoms Consumer Charter strengthens protections for customers who may be eligible for social tariffs by securing commitments from major providers to ensure these tariffs are clearly signposted and easy to find in customer communications. This ensures that those who may benefit from a social tariff can more easily identify and access one. This includes, for example, signposting offers in End-of-Contract notifications, provider websites, app menus, and customer service scripts. Eligibility for social tariffs is assessed on an individual basis and requires customers to provide information, such as confirmation that they receive a means-tested benefit, before providers can determine whether they qualify. For this reason, providers cannot proactively identify eligible households, as they do not have access to the necessary personal data unless and until a customer applies. The Charter focuses on making clear, visible information available at the points where customers are most likely to look for support. The Charter also includes a specific commitment to support customers who are facing financial difficulty by offering practical support such as allowing them to move to cheaper packages without charge or penalty, or manageable payment plans. This ensures people under financial pressure can switch to more affordable options without incurring additional costs.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Record year of drug seizures made by Border Force, published on 12 February 2026, what proportion of Border Force drug seizures in the year to March 2025 were made at sea compared with airports and other ports; and what recent investments have been made to enhance maritime detection capabilities.

Home Office officials continue to explore all the new and emerging technologies that are available to help identify and intercept the vessels and individuals involved in smuggling drugs in the maritime environment, and our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities remain amongst the best in the world. For reasons of national security it would not be appropriate to go into greater detail.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, whether providers that have signed the Telecoms Consumer Charter will be prohibited from including inflation-linked price rise clauses in new contracts.

Ofcom’s January 2025 transparency rules prohibit the use of inflation‑linked in‑contract price rises. Providers must set out any increases clearly in pounds and pence before customers sign up, and specify when those rises will occur. These rules apply to all new contracts which include a price increase, including those offered by providers that have signed the Telecoms Consumer Charter. Ofcom will be conducting an interim review of the 2025 reforms by Spring 2026 and a full review in 2027.The Telecoms Consumer Charter strengthens these measures by ensuring that the price customers sign up to is the price they will pay, and that this must be the case in all but genuinely exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances.The Government has no plans to place the commitments in the Charter on a statutory footing. The Charter is a voluntary set of commitments made by providers, building on Ofcom’s requirements to ensure consumers receive clear and easily understandable information. By securing these agreements voluntarily and without regulation, the Government has been able to act quickly to ensure consumers will not face unexpected price rises like those seen in October 2025.While it is not our current intention to regulate, we do expect this voluntary approach to deliver for consumers. If it does not, government will reflect on what further action may be appropriate.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Record year of drug seizures made by Border Force, published on 12 February 2026, how many foreign criminals have been deported under the seize and return policy to date.

Home Office officials continue to explore all the new and emerging technologies that are available to help identify and intercept the vessels and individuals involved in smuggling drugs in the maritime environment, and our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities remain amongst the best in the world. For reasons of national security it would not be appropriate to go into greater detail.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, what estimate she has made of the number of households eligible for social tariffs who are not currently accessing them.

Ofcom’s most recent Pricing Trends Report showed that in June 2024 9.6% of eligible households were using social tariffs. This included an estimated 506,000 households out of around 5.3 million in receipt of Universal Credit.Through the Telecoms Consumer Charter, providers have also committed to strengthening the visibility and accessibility of social tariffs by ensuring they are clearly signposted in eligible customer communications. This commitment is designed to make it simpler for eligible households to locate the support available and to understand the options open to them.We will continue to track progress of this through Ofcom’s regular reporting.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled End to surprise phone and broadband bill hikes to help with cost of living, published on 11 February 2026, what estimate she has made of the number of mobile and broadband customers who will benefit from the end of unexpected mid-contract price rises.

The Department’s assessment is that the Telecoms Consumer Charter will strengthen protections for consumer by securing the clear and public commitment from major providers that the price customers sign up to is the price they will pay, except for genuinely unforeseeable circumstances.While it is not possible to provide a precise estimate of the number of consumers who will benefit, the Charter covers the vast majority of the market, with major fixed and mobile providers having signed up. This mean millions of mobile and broadband customers will now have greater certainty over their monthly bills. These commitments will help to ensure households can better manage costs and avoid mid-contract bill shocks.

Media and Sport, how many and what proportion of staff in her Department have (a) office-based, (b) hybrid and (c) remote-working contracts.

DCMS operates a ‘hybrid’ approach led by business needs, and as a result many employees will work both from home and in the workplace on an informal basis. DCMS staff agree to a contracted office location at the time of their appointment, with hybrid working as the default working pattern. Therefore staff are categorised as either office-based or remote-working (homeworking). Fewer than five employees (less than 1% of the workforce) are designated as contractual homeworkers. DCMS remains committed to flexible working and the business benefits that it offers, including supporting the Civil Service priority of ensuring continued, effective and productive delivery of the work carried out by civil servants across the full range of services.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the water quality of the River Thames along the South Essex shoreline.

The Environment Agency is working with Water Companies on WINEP schemes in your constituency, including three investigations due for completion in 2027 and six projects to install monitors at sewage treatment works.