Written questions by Jones.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to question 86529, what proportion of EU hazard classifications adopted since 1 January 2021 have received (a) no mandatory classification and (b) a different mandatory classification in GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging.

Since 2021, the mandatory classification and labelling of 232 chemicals have been formally adopted by the EU. In Great Britain (GB), the mandatory classification and labelling of 206 chemicals have been formally adopted, over the same period with the remaining 26 chemicals due to be adopted by GB in June 2026. Of the 232 chemicals formally adopted by the EU, the GB MCL classification has diverged from the EU classification for 29 chemicals, which is about 12%.

What assessment has she made of the potential impact of (a) opening new or (b) reopening former railway stations on economic regeneration of towns in the South Wales coalfield.

The Spending Review and Infrastructure Strategy committed to deliver at least £445 million of rail enhancements in Wales, including the provision of £48 million to the Welsh Government to upgrade the Core Valley Lines and increase connectivity. The Wales Rail Board works with both the UK and Welsh governments, as well as local transport authorities and community leaders, to identify and advance rail projects that best meet the specific needs of each region, including new and reopened stations. The Board places particular emphasis on initiatives that promote economic development, job creation, and improved housing, ensuring that all projects are supported by a robust business case.

What assessment has she made of the potential merits of proposals to re-open the Abertillery spur of the Ebbw Vale Line.

The Wales Rail Board works with both the UK and Welsh governments, as well as local transport authorities and community leaders, to identify and advance rail projects that best meet the specific needs of each region.In relation to the Abertillery Spur, the Wales Rail Board is in receipt of the development work undertaken to date by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Transport for Wales and is considering this in relation to its advice to both governments on service development and investment priorities for Wales.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to question 86529, whether divergence between EU and GB mandatory hazard classifications for the same substance will change under HSE proposals for changing GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging.

From 23 June to 18 August 2025, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consulted on proposals to reform three pieces of chemicals legislation: Great Britain Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR); Great Britain Classification, Labelling and Packaging (GB CLP); and Great Britain Prior Informed Consent for the export and import of hazardous chemicals (GB PIC). The reform proposals suggest procedural changes to how the GB Classification system operates but do not propose changes to the underlying scientific criteria used for classifying and labelling chemicals. These criteria are set out in Annexes I and II to the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (known as the GB CLP Regulation). The final proposals for GB CLP will be confirmed as part of HSE’s response to the Chemicals Legislative Reform Proposals consultation. It is expected to be published in early 2026 subject to Ministerial approval.

How the Environmental Principles Policy Statement was considered by the Health and Safety Executive in developing legislative proposals for changing GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging and GB Biocidal Product Regulation and GB Prior Informed Consent.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has considered the Environmental Principles Policy Statement throughout the development of its legislative proposals for amendments to its three chemicals regimes: Great Britain Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR), Great Britain Classification, Labelling and Packaging (GB CLP), and GB Prior Informed Consent for the export and import of hazardous chemicals (GB PIC). Additionally, one of the fundamental principles underpinning this work is that protections for human health, animal health and the environment should be maintained. This also supports HSE’s strategic objective to ensure people feel safe where they live, where they work, and in their environment, as set out in ‘Protecting People and Places’ – the HSE Strategy 2022 to 2032. HSE will publish a response to its formal consultation on Chemicals Legislative Reform Proposals, which took place from 23 June 2025 to 18 August 2025, in early 2026 subject to Ministerial approval. The response will include plans on how HSE intends to legislate to implement any changes.

Food and Rural Affairs, when she intends to publish the Animal Welfare Strategy.

This Government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation. As set out by the Prime Minister, we will publish our Animal Welfare Strategy this year which will set out our priorities for animal welfare.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will consult on legislative steps to strengthen provisions in the Hunting Act 2004.

The Government recognises that concerns persist around illegal hunting being carried out under the guise of trail hunting; that is why we have already committed in our manifesto to put an end to trail hunting. The Government will launch a consultation in the new year on how to develop proposals for an effective ban on trail hunting.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications of her policies of the recent ADF attack on Byambwe Reference Health Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Christian-majority Lubero territory.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 24 November to Question 91327.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking with international partners concerning the recent crackdown on citizens in Cameroon following the elections.

Throughout the electoral process, we encouraged the Government of Cameroon to strengthen democratic institutions, highlighting the vital role of civil society in fostering dialogue and stability, and funded innovative approaches to promote political inclusion and engagement. Following the elections, the Minister of State for International Development and Africa encouraged all parties to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and pursue inclusive dialogue to address grievances and preserve stability. We remain committed to advancing democracy and human rights in Cameroon, while maintaining a constructive relationship, grounded in shared Commonwealth values.

What steps his Department is taking to fund the work of the Health and Care Professions Council in regulating NHS managers.

I met with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) most recently on 29 October 2025, where work to introduce National Health Service managers into statutory regulation was discussed.Department officials are working with the HCPC to identify the cost implications to the Government of implementing a barring mechanism for senior NHS managers, recognising that the HCPC cannot fund the implementation or operation of a barring system for senior NHS managers through registration fees levied against the 15 professions it currently regulates.

When he last met the Health and Care Professions Council to discuss its planned role in regulating NHS managers.

I met with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) most recently on 29 October 2025, where work to introduce National Health Service managers into statutory regulation was discussed.Department officials are working with the HCPC to identify the cost implications to the Government of implementing a barring mechanism for senior NHS managers, recognising that the HCPC cannot fund the implementation or operation of a barring system for senior NHS managers through registration fees levied against the 15 professions it currently regulates.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the protection of Christians in Sri Lanka.

The UK supports the right to freedom of religion or belief for all and regularly raises the importance of religious tolerance and the protection of rights for all Sri Lankans to practise their faith. Our High Commission in Colombo regularly meet government and religious leaders, including affected minorities and civil society, to hear their concerns and support interfaith dialogues and counter discrimination work based on religion or belief. During her visit to Sri Lanka in January 2025, the former Minister for the Indo-Pacific met activists working on freedom of religion or belief issues to reaffirm the UK's commitment to protecting these fundamental rights. More recently, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific met the Sri Lankan Speaker, Justice Minister and wider ministerial delegation in October and discussed the importance of respecting human rights and having an inclusive and transparent process as part of Sri Lanka's reconciliation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the protection of civilians following the capture of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces on 26 October.

I refer the Hon. Member to the response provided to the Urgent Question on Sudan: Protection of Civilians on 30 October.

What steps is his Department taking to (a) promote earlier detection and (b) ensure (i) dentists, (ii) GPs and (iii) other frontline health professionals are (A) trained to identify early warning signs and (B) improve timely diagnosis and referral for treatment.

The responsibility for commissioning primary care, including dentistry and diagnostic activity, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to all integrated care boards (ICBs) across England.Dentists and other dental professionals, including hygienists, routinely check the soft tissues of a patient’s mouth for signs of cancer during dental visits and, as part of the check-up, will make an assessment and record an individual’s oral cancer risk.Dentists will prioritise patients at a higher risk of oral cancer for more frequent recall and review in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. Members of the public who are worried about their oral health in relation to cancer should seek advice from their dentist or general practitioner (GP). Patients with symptoms of concern should be assessed and offered an urgent dental appointment based upon clinical need, in line with advice from NHS England.We know how important it is to detect cancer and other potentially life-threatening illnesses earlier, in GPs. That’s why we recently launched Jess’s Rule, a new patient safety initiative, in memory of Jessica Brady. In honour of Jessica Brady, all GPs are encouraged to think again if they have been unable to offer a diagnosis after three appointments or if the patient’s symptoms have escalated. This could include seeking a second opinion, offering episodic continuity of care, ordering additional tests, and offering more face-to-face appointments. As well as supporting the earlier identification of the most serious, potentially fatal conditions, this approach aims to improve timely diagnosis and referral for treatments.The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, sets out the productivity and reform efforts needed to return to the 18-week constitutional standard by the end of this Parliament. The plan commits to transforming and expanding diagnostic services and speeding up waiting times for tests, a crucial part of reducing overall waiting times and returning to the referral to treatment 18-week standard.

What assessment he has made of (a) trends in the number of deaths from mouth cancer over the past ten years and (b) the potential role of late diagnosis in these trends.

We know that more needs to be done to improve outcomes for patients with mouth cancer. To support earlier and faster cancer diagnosis, we are now delivering additional checks, tests, and scans at 170 community diagnostic centres. As the first step to ensuring early diagnosis and treatment, the National Health Service in England has delivered an extra 40,000 operations, scans, and appointments each week since the start of this administration.Our forthcoming National Cancer Plan, which will be published in the new year, will have patients at its heart, and it will include further details on how we will speed up diagnosis and treatment, ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology, and ultimately drive up this country’s cancer survival rates, including for mouth cancer.

With reference to the Answer of 19 October 2023 to Question 202528 on Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, when the policy work to clarify Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 was (a) commenced, (b) paused and (c) resumed.

In 2014, the Government commenced a public consultation seeking views on section 24 with the aim of increasing openness and transparency. This work was paused due to changes in administration.The Home Office since resumed work on this issue and in 2022 a letter was sent from the responsible Minster to the Chair of the Animals in Science Committee setting out the intention to engage stakeholders on clarifying Section 24.Under this Government, the Home Office has been reviewing the matter internally and the intention to clarify the position on Section 24 remains.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Nicaraguan counterpart on the imprisonment of Efrén Antonio Vílchez López.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer of 17 October 2025 to question 81287. We remain concerned by the harassment and arbitrary detention of members of the Church in Nicaragua and urge the Nicaraguan authorities to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.

Which active substances used in biocidal products are approved for use in the UK and not approved in the EU by (a) name of active substance, (b) product type (c) CAS Registry Number and (d) entity name.

The only active substance that is currently approved for use in biocidal products under the GB Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) in GB, and which is not approved in the EU under EU BPR, is sulfuryl fluoride, in product types 8 and 18, CAS 2699-79-8. The entity that supported the first approval of sulfuryl fluoride is Dow AgroSciences GmbH, and the company supporting the renewal of the approval in GB is Douglas BLG BVBA. The EU BPR continues to apply in Northern Ireland.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will create new regulatory protections from hazardous chemicals similar to those of the EU in the revised Environmental Improvement Plan.

The revised Environmental Improvement Plan will set out our approach to chemicals management. The ‘UK REACH Rationale for Prioritising Substances in the UK REACH Work Programme: 2025 to 2026’ policy paper set out our strategic approach to chemicals regulation. Notably that we are seeking to draw more from regulatory decision-making in other jurisdictions, and that this should enable new protections to be applied more quickly, more efficiently, and in a way which is more aligned with our closest trading partners.

Which chemical substances have received EU Harmonised Classification and GB Mandatory Classification since 1 January 2021 by (a) chemical name, (b) European Community number, (c) CAS Registry Number, (d) EU harmonised classification (i) hazard class and category code and (ii) hazard statement code and (e) GB Mandatory Classification (i) Hazard class and category code, (ii) Hazard statement code and (iii) date of entry into legal effect.

Since 1 January 2021, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the regulator, has acted as the Agency for the assimilated Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures as amended in Great Britain (or the GB CLP Regulation). HSE is responsible for the GB mandatory classification and labelling system (GB MCL) and for updating the GB MCL List on the HSE website with new/revised or deleted entries in accordance with a timetable set out in UK law. The GB MCL List entries provide information on chemical substances that have GB MCLs including: a) chemical name, (b) European Community number, (c) CAS Registry Number, (e) GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling (i) Hazard class and category code, (ii) Hazard statement code and (iii) date of entry into legal effect. The GB MCL List does not include information on the EU harmonised classification and labelling, hazard class and category code and hazard statement code for these chemical substances. This information is available on the European Chemicals Agency website in the unofficial ‘Table of harmonised entries containing all updates to the harmonised classification and labelling of hazardous substances, available in Table 3 of Annex VI to the EU CLP Regulation’. The GB MCL List includes 4430 entries. Since 1 January 2021, 206 chemical substances have received GB MCLs, following a recommendation by HSE as the Agency and a Ministerial Decision made with the consent of Scottish and Welsh Ministers. The GB MCL entries for the 206 entries, including the requested information, are published in the GB MCL List on the HSE website – please see https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/classification/mcl-list.htm.