Written questions by Wild.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a minimum price for fleece that covers the cost of animal welfare requirements for sheep farmers.

British Wool is a public body, responsible for the collection, sale and marketing of wool from across the UK. Sales are conducted by auction throughout the year and reflect global market developments in price and availability. Payments to British Wool’s producer members are calculated at year end once the full value of that member’s clip is known. Farmers have a duty to care for the animals they keep and sheep shearing in preparation for the summer is key to ensuring welfare and preventing suffering from, for example, heat stress. The Government is already supporting sheep farmers to improve the health and welfare of their flocks. Schemes currently offered by the service and available to sheep farmers include the ‘Get funding to improve animal health and welfare service’ launched in June 2024 as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, the Animal Health and Welfare Review and the Endemic Disease Follow-up. These schemes give eligible livestock keepers access to a series of funded vet visits which include bespoke advice and testing for key endemic diseases and conditions. Funding contributes to the cost of vet time, farmer time and testing. Eligible sheep farmers can claim £436 in the Review, and additional £639 in the Follow-up for a single flock. Details about this funding can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/funding-to-improve-animal-health-and-welfare-guidance-for-farmers-and-vets. Animal health and welfare is a devolved matter, and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if his Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is committed to meeting the 5% savings and efficiency target, with SR funding allocations agreed on this basis.These funding allocations – informed by the findings of the ZBR – are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes, and in-year financial management.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if her Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

DWP is committed to meeting the 5% savings and efficiency target, with Spending Review funding allocations agreed on this basis. These funding allocations – informed by the findings of the Zero Based Review – are the first steps in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes, and in-year financial management.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if her Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was given on 17 June to Question 59412.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if his Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

DBT is committed to meeting the 5% savings and efficiency target, with SR funding allocations agreed on this basis.These funding allocations – informed by the findings of the ZBR – are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes, and in-year financial management.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if his Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

The Cabinet Office is committed to delivering the 5% savings and efficiency target, with Spending Review funding allocations agreed on this basis. These funding allocations – informed by the findings of the Zero Based Review – are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes, and in-year financial management.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if his Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to meeting the 5 per cent savings and efficiency target with Spending Review funding allocations agreed on this basis, including through the FCDO2030 strategic change programme.These funding allocations - informed by the findings of the zero-based review - are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes, and in-year financial management.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if his Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025.

The Government has used this Spending Review to maximise the value from every taxpayer pound. Phase 2 of the Spending Review marks the first zero-based review in nearly 18 years, with every line of Government spending scrutinised, to make sure it is delivering value for money.The Government published robust delivery plans that set out exactly how departments will achieve their efficiency targets. HM Treasury published an overview of departmental efficiency targets and delivery plans for the 2025 Spending Review on 11 June 2025. These are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/departmental-efficiency-delivery-plans

What discussions she had with Network Rail on the provision of changing place toilets at Cambridge South station before it opened.

Cambridge South station has been designed with accessibility at its core and will include accessible toilet facilities on both sides of the station, including a Changing Places toilet to support passengers with complex mobility needs.

If she will publish each of the zero-based Departmental reviews undertaken by her Department.

Every department has undertaken a line-by-line review of its spending, committing to deliver at least 5% efficiencies and savings by the end of this Spending Review period. These efficiencies and savings are integral to department’s settlements. As part of the Spending Review, the OVFM have worked with departments to agree efficiency plans showing how almost £14bn of efficiencies will be delivered by 2028-29. These efficiencies contribute to the 5% and are set out in the Spending Review 2025 document. These efficiencies and savings will now be delivered by departments as they plan and deliver their budgets for the years covered by the spending review.

With reference to his oral statement of 13 March 2025 on NHS England Update, Official Report, column 1300, what recent steps he has taken to streamline the business case approvals process for the New Hospitals Programme.

The New Hospital Programme is transforming the way that hospital infrastructure is constructed by using a national standardised approach, called Hospital 2.0. The average lifespan of new hospitals is expected to be in excess of 50 years, and is being designed in line with Hospital 2.0 principles, which will comply with regulatory building standards. This is the minimum expected lifespan, where some elements, such as the structure, will have a longer life expectancy, and other elements, such as internal doors, fixtures, and flooring, may need to be replaced after approximately 15 years. The lifespan of each individual hospital can vary based on external factors such as environmental conditions, maintenance, and usage.The existing process for approving business cases has been agreed with the Department, NHS England, and HM Treasury, with the explicit purpose of clarifying roles and responsibilities, and where appropriate, delegating authority for faster approvals and for reducing duplication.

What estimate he has made of the average lifespan of hospitals that will be built under the New Hospitals Programme.

The New Hospital Programme is transforming the way that hospital infrastructure is constructed by using a national standardised approach, called Hospital 2.0. The average lifespan of new hospitals is expected to be in excess of 50 years, and is being designed in line with Hospital 2.0 principles, which will comply with regulatory building standards. This is the minimum expected lifespan, where some elements, such as the structure, will have a longer life expectancy, and other elements, such as internal doors, fixtures, and flooring, may need to be replaced after approximately 15 years. The lifespan of each individual hospital can vary based on external factors such as environmental conditions, maintenance, and usage.The existing process for approving business cases has been agreed with the Department, NHS England, and HM Treasury, with the explicit purpose of clarifying roles and responsibilities, and where appropriate, delegating authority for faster approvals and for reducing duplication.

What the (a) average and (b) longest waiting time was for a (i) practical and (ii) theory driving test by driving test centre in (A) Norfolk and (B) North West Norfolk constituency in each of the last five years.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate. DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient. The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)Total2020/217.88.48.12021/2212.815.314.12022/2312.49.5112023/2416.617.316.92024/2516.518.917.7 The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)2020/2116182021/2224242022/2324242023/2424242024/252224 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)20.32022/2317.62023/2420.12024/2526.4 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days. The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)16.92022/2318.12023/2420.72024/2525.5 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days. *Please note, DVSA only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 October 2025 to Question 6462, what the monthly average waiting time for a car practical driving test at each driving test centre has been for each month since October 2024.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate. DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient. The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)Total2020/217.88.48.12021/2212.815.314.12022/2312.49.5112023/2416.617.316.92024/2516.518.917.7 The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)2020/2116182021/2224242022/2324242023/2424242024/252224 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)20.32022/2317.62023/2420.12024/2526.4 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days. The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)16.92022/2318.12023/2420.72024/2525.5 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days. *Please note, DVSA only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) reduce waiting times for practical driving tests and (b) expand access to test centres in (i) Norfolk and (ii) North West Norfolk constituency.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport appeared before the Transport Select Committee and announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce waiting times for all customers across Great Britain. Further information on these actions and progress of DVSA’s plan to reduce driving test waiting times, which was announced in December 2024, can be found on GOV.UK. From recruitment campaigns, beginning last year at driving test centres (DTC) that serve customers in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency, DVSA have recruited three new driving examiners (DE). From recent recruitment campaigns, DVSA have one potential new DE currently due to start in July and have made an employment offer to another potential candidate. DVSA is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible. DVSA continually reviews its estate to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient. The attached Excel document shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test, at each DTC in Great Britain, for each month from October 2024 to May 2025. The table below shows the average waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)Total2020/217.88.48.12021/2212.815.314.12022/2312.49.5112023/2416.617.316.92024/2516.518.917.7 The table below shows the longest waiting time in weeks for a car practical driving test in each of the last five financial years, by DTCs in Norfolk and the North West Norfolk constituency. Financial YearKings LynnNorwich (Peachman Way)2020/2116182021/2224242022/2324242023/2424242024/252224 The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in Norfolk for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* Norfolk (inclusive of Kings Lynn, Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Fakenham)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)20.32022/2317.62023/2420.12024/2526.4 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.5 days. The table below shows the average wait time for theory tests in the North West Norfolk constituency for the financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25.* North-West Norfolk Constituency (inclusive of Kings Lynn only)Financial yearAverage wait time (Days)2021/22 (from Sept 2021)16.92022/2318.12023/2420.72024/2525.5 The overall average for the total time period available (Sept 2021 to 2024/25) is 21.0 days. *Please note, DVSA only hold data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays.

With reference to the (a) UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, (b) UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, updated 19 May 2025 and (c) UK-EU security and defence partnership, published 19 May 2025, what his planned timetable is for discussions with (i) the EU and (ii) EU Member States on improving access arrangements for touring in Europe.

On 19 May, the Government published a renewed agenda for UK-EU cooperation. The Government agreed with the European Commission to proceed swiftly with the commitments and will keep Parliament updated on significant developments.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, when measures on taking pets on holiday to the EU will take effect.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone to reduce delays and paperwork at the border. Taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper. Instead of getting an animal health certificate each time you travel, you will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU. Our aim is to start talks straight away and we want to remove barriers as soon as possible.

With reference to the (a) UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, (b) UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, updated 19 May 2025 and (c) UK-EU security and defence partnership, published 19 May 2025, what his planned timetable is for agreeing measures for increased exchange of criminal records for (i) third country and (ii) other nationals in the UK and EU.

On 19 May, the Government published a renewed agenda for UK-EU cooperation. The Government agreed with the European Commission to proceed swiftly with the commitments and will keep Parliament updated on significant developments.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, when routine checks on (a) agri-foods and (b) imports from the EU of (i) milk, (ii) dairy, (iii) eggs and (iv) other products will end.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone to reduce delays and paperwork at the border. Once the agreement is in place, routine SPS border checks for goods in scope will be eliminated, so fresh produce can hit supermarket shelves more quickly, with less paperwork and fewer costs. Our aim is to start talks straight away and we want to remove barriers as soon as possible.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the UK-EU Summit - Joint Statement, updated 19 May 2025, when (a) fresh sausages and burgers, (b) certain shellfish from domestic waters and (c) seed potatoes will be able to resume trade to the EU.

As announced at the UK-EU Leaders Summit on May 19, 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone to reduce delays and paperwork at the border. British products that were banned under the last Government’s Brexit deal can resume trade to the EU once the common SPS area is in place. Trade in products such as fresh sausages and burgers, some shellfish from domestic waters, and seed potatoes will be able to resume, increasing markets for these goods and stimulating jobs. Our aim is to start talks straight away and we want to remove barriers as soon as possible.