Written questions by Shannon.

With reference to the document entitled Guidance for the provision of absorbent products for adult incontinence, published by the Royal College of Nursing and the Association for Continence Professionals in February 2023, whether he has made an assessment of whether the recommended number of incontinence products issued per 24 hours is consistent with the NICE guidance entitled Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management, reference NG123 published on 24 June 2019, Faecal incontinence in adults, reference QS54 published on 6 February 2014, and Faecal incontinence in adults: management, reference CG49 published on 27 June 2007; and if he will ensure that the Guidance for the provision of absorbent products for adult incontinence is followed by (a) NHS England and (b) social care providers.

We are aware of the most recent publication by the Royal College of Nursing relating to continence pads. NHS England published Excellence in Continence Care on 23 July 2018, bringing together evidence-based resources and research for guidance for commissioners, providers, and health and social care staff. This guidance covers both urinary and bowel, also known as faecal, incontinence, and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/excellence-in-continence-care/The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is an independent body and is responsible for making decisions on whether its published guidelines should be updated in light of new evidence or emerging issues not in the scope of the original guideline.NICE maintains surveillance of new evidence that may affect its published guidance and would consult on proposed changes with a wide range of stakeholders if significant new evidence was to emerge.Both integrated care boards and healthcare providers are expected to take national guidance into consideration when commissioning and delivering services, respectively.

What discussions she has had with her Northern Irish counterpart on substance abuse in prisons.

The Lord Chancellor has not yet had discussions with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive. Justice in Northern Ireland is devolved, and therefore a matter for the Executive – although we are always interested to learn from the insights and experiences of devolved governments.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of reports of disappeared Tibetans on freedom of religion in that region.

We note reports, including one from UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups in November 2024, further evidencing China's repression of the people of Tibet. We raise human rights at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Chancellor all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang and Vice Premier He respectively).

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on the protection of people non-adherent to the majority religion.

Promoting the rights and safety of religious minorities is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement in Pakistan. I underlined the importance of religious tolerance and harmony when I met Pakistan's Human Rights Minister on 19 November. In a meeting with Pakistan's Interior Minister on 20 November, the British High Commissioner and I also raised these issues.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to help secure the release of hostages held by the Fulani militia in Nigeria in the last six months.

The UK Government condemns all violence, including kidnaps, across Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom is sadly a widespread practice in Nigeria, particularly in the North West where banditry is prevalent. Kidnappings often have financial rather than religious motives and communities of all religions and beliefs are vulnerable. Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), a Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAKFC) has been established to support cooperation between Nigeria's security and justice agencies. This will both reduce the harm to victims and hold those responsible to account. Through the SDP, the UK also continues to deliver support such as training to strengthen the capability of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Whether he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on firearms licenses.

The issuing of firearms licences in Northern Ireland is a largely devolved matter, overseen by the Department of Justice, aside from where it touches on excepted matters. I meet regularly with the Justice Minister to discuss a range of issues. Similarly Northern Ireland Office officials meet with their counterparts at the NI Department of Justice to discuss firearms licencing on a regular basis.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps in response to reports of religious oppression in Kabylie, in the context of the designation of Algeria by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as a Special Watch List country.

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe. The British Embassy in Algiers raises FoRB with the Algerian authorities, doing so most recently when the Ambassador met the Minister of Religious Affairs on 10 February. The Embassy remains in regular contact with religious groups on how best to support FoRB. We will continue to raise the issue and advocate for freedom of expression, including in Kabylie and regarding the operation of the Protestant Church of Algeria.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports concerning religious oppression in Kabylie, including the closure of churches in the region.

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe. The British Embassy in Algiers raises FoRB with the Algerian authorities, doing so most recently when the Ambassador met the Minister of Religious Affairs on 10 February. The Embassy remains in regular contact with religious groups on how best to support FoRB. We will continue to raise the issue and advocate for freedom of expression, including in Kabylie and regarding the operation of the Protestant Church of Algeria.

What steps he is taking to ensure people diagnosed with gout have access to medical care.

We know how important it is that patients with gout receive the care they need from their general practices (GPs) and secondary care.We want to make it easier for patients to see a GP when they need to. In October 2024, we provided an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, enabling the recruitment of 1,000 newly qualified GPs across England. This will increase the number of GP appointments delivered, benefitting thousands of patients that are struggling to get the care they desperately need, including those with gout.We are committed to moving towards a Neighbourhood Health Service, with more care delivered in local communities to spot problems earlier, and we will also bring back the family doctor, by incentivising GPs to see the same patient, so ongoing or complex conditions are dealt with effectively. In doing so, we will improve continuity of care, which is associated with better health outcomes, and will improve patient health and care as a result.Tackling waiting lists, including for those waiting for rheumatology treatment, is a key part of our Health Mission. The Elective Reform Plan, launched as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, sets out how we will get back to the NHS Constitutional Standard that 92% of patients wait no longer than 18 weeks from Referral to Treatment by the end of this Parliament, and will also ensure that patients have the best possible experience of care.

How many confirmed cases of bile duct cancer there have been in the UK since January 2024.

The most recently published data on registrations of bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, are available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/cancer-registration-statistics/england-2022There were 2,973 diagnoses of bile duct cancer in 2022.

What progress he has made on (a) developing and (b) promoting an effective methodology for assessing value when purchasing medical (i) devices and (ii) consumables; and what plans he has to promote the uptake of a value based procurement approach.

The Department is working with NHS England and the NHS Supply Chain to develop and promote a standardised methodology for National Health Service trusts and integrated care systems (ICS) to assess value when procuring medical technologies, including devices and consumables. As part of this, the Department is engaging medical technology suppliers, patient forums, as well as broader networks of financial teams, clinicians, and NHS procurement professionals.The methodology will provide a consistent and transparent approach to assessing value, for use at both the national and local levels. This aims to shift the majority of the weighting in procurement decisions towards value over upfront cost. The guidance will include a bank of questions, model answers, and scoring criteria showing how to assess defined values consistently, such as patient experience and outcomes, and whole system costs.The Department will be testing this guidance with the NHS at the ICS and NHS trust level over the coming months, with the ambition to refine and publish the guidance in Autumn 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) his counterparts in Algeria and (b) representatives of the Kabylie people on the political and human rights situation in Kabylie.

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe. The British Embassy in Algiers raises FoRB with the Algerian authorities, doing so most recently when the Ambassador met the Minister of Religious Affairs on 10 February. The Embassy remains in regular contact with religious groups on how best to support FoRB. We will continue to raise the issue and advocate for freedom of expression, including in Kabylie and regarding the operation of the Protestant Church of Algeria.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of school sensory equipment; and what steps she is taking to ensure the adequacy of that equipment.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.All education settings have duties under the Equality Act 2010 towards individual disabled children and young people. Part 6 of the Equality Act outlines that schools must make reasonable adjustments, including the provision of auxiliary aids and services for disabled children, to prevent them being put at a substantial disadvantage.The government’s ambition is that all children and young people receive the right support to achieve and thrive in their education and as they move into adult life.My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has announced £740 million of high needs capital for the 2025/26 financial year to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and/or who are in alternative provision.This funding can be used to adapt classrooms to better meet the needs of all children including the provision of sensory equipment within mainstream schools, alongside continuing to provide and adapt spaces to support pupils with the most complex needs in special schools.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help increase the number of (a) women and (b) under-represented groups among construction apprentices.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.To support young people, including women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, access apprenticeships in England, the department is promoting apprenticeships to students in schools and colleges through the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme and through the Skills for Life campaign.The department is also transforming career opportunities and advice to increase awareness of the range of high-quality options available to young people, including apprenticeships. The government has committed to improve careers advice and guarantee two weeks’ worth of work experience for every young person, as well as establish a national jobs and careers service to support people into work and help them get on at work.​The government is reforming the apprenticeships offer into a growth and skills offer, which will provide greater flexibility to employers and learners across England and align with the Industrial Strategy. This will create routes into skilled jobs in growing industries, such as construction, for people of all ages and backgrounds.This will include introducing new foundation apprenticeships for young people, as well as shorter-duration apprenticeships in targeted sectors. The minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months from August 2025, which is down from the current minimum of 12 months. These measures will support more people from all backgrounds to gain high-quality skills at work and fuel innovation in business across the country.Additionally, as part of the government’s ambitious plan to deliver 1.5 million homes in England in this Parliament, around 5,000 more construction apprenticeship places will be made available per year by 2027/28 through a £140 million industry investment. 32 new Homebuilding Skills Hubs will deliver fast-track training in critical areas such as bricklaying, groundwork and site carpentry to boost housebuilding and drive forward the government’s growth mission.

What estimate he has made of the number of defibrillators in public spaces in England; and whether he has had recent discussions with his counterparts in the devolved Administrations on the number of defibrillators in public spaces across the UK.

The Government is committed to improving access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces and reducing inequalities in access to these life saving devices. Following the depletion of the existing AED fund, launched in in September 2023, the Government approved a further £500,000 in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications to the fund.The Department selected a joint bid from Smarter Society as its independent partners to manage grant applications. Smarter Society has reviewed funding applications, against requirements specified by the Department. The requirements are to ensure that resources are allocated to where there is the greatest need, for instance in remote communities with extended ambulance response times, and places with high footfall and high population.There have been no recent discussions with my counterparts in the devolved administrations on the number of defibrillators in public spaces. As of 1 March 2024, there were 86,337 defibrillators in the United Kingdom, with 68,509 in England, registered on The Circuit, the national defibrillator map operated independently by the British Heart Foundation.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his counterparts in the devolved Administrations on levels of bovine tuberculosis cases across the UK.

The Inter-ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural affairs recognise the importance of working together to tackle bovine TB. Further information about this group and its priorities can be found on GOV.UK at: Inter-Ministerial Group for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs communiqué: 16 September 2024 - GOV.UK. Chief Veterinary Officers from all four administrations of the United Kingdom also meet regularly to discuss bovine TB, as do policy officials. These meetings provide an opportunity for each administration to update on policy developments, statistical analysis of TB prevalence in each administration, and to exchange ideas on TB control.

If she will make an estimate of the number of unpaid carers over the State Pension age that have an entitlement to but are not claiming (a) a Carer Addition and (b) Pension Credit.

Estimated numbers of unpaid carers are provided by survey data such as the Family Resources survey. The sample size for unpaid carers over State Pension Age is too small to estimate the number that have an entitlement but are not claiming Carer’s Addition and Pension Credit, and therefore the department does not hold this information.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations of Ofsted’s subject report on religious education, published in April 2024.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The government notes the findings of the Ofsted subject report on religious education (RE) and is committed to ensuring high-quality provision of RE in schools in England.In order to improve teaching quality, we currently offer a £10,000 bursary for RE trainee teachers starting initial teacher training courses in England.To support teachers when they are in post, and to ensure high standards and consistency of RE teaching, RE resources have been procured by Oak National Academy. This ensures that high-quality lessons are available nationwide, benefitting both teachers and pupils, should schools opt to use them. Initial RE resources were launched in autumn 2024, with full curriculum packages expected to be available by autumn 2025.The government also welcomes the work that the Religious Education Council has done to assist curriculum developers by publishing its National Content Standard for RE in England.

What steps she is taking to ensure the (a) safety and (b) suitability of older school buildings.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.Responsibility for keeping school buildings safe and well-maintained lies with those with responsibility for managing the school estate, which includes local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts. The department provides support through capital funding, delivering major rebuilding programmes and offering guidance and support.In April 2024, the department published guidance on typical construction types used in the school estate to help building users, owners and maintenance staff prioritise future maintenance and repair of their buildings. In December 2024 we commissioned research to better understand future issues that could present themselves as the school and college estate ages, focusing on post-war building construction.The department has regular discussions with relevant professional bodies and leading material specialists to share information on any emerging risks regarding the safety of all building types in the school estate.

If she will make an estimate of the number of unpaid carers that were entitled to the (a) Carer Premium and (b) Carer Addition in each year since 2000; and what proportion of those recipients were women.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.