Written questions by Arthur.

What assessment her Department has made of the economic impact of improving access to childcare out of school hours.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The government has introduced free breakfast clubs in all primary schools which are 30 minutes before the school day. So far, the department has delivered 2.6 million breakfasts and offered places to almost 180,000 pupils across the country.Following the success of the early adopters, as the first phase of national rollout, we are investing a further £80 million into the programme to fund around 2,000 additional schools between April 2026 and March 2027. This will benefit around 500,000 more children. Parents will gain up to 95 hours back over the academic year, saving up to £450 per year.Parents can also receive support with costs for childcare, if eligible, through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit childcare, which are UK-wide schemes. The Flexible Support Fund also helps individuals overcome financial barriers to employment and can provide support costs such as childcare, enabling claimants to access opportunities that improve their chances of finding or starting work.

Whether HPV self-sampling will be less frequently than clinician screening, in the context of uncertainties in relation to the accuracy of the self-sampling test.

The frequency of human papilloma virus (HPV) self-sampling will be the same as the frequency of clinician-led cervical screening. The home kits will only be offered to people who have missed their cervical screening appointment by six months or more. The next stage in the pathway for anyone who tests positive for HPV via self-sampling would be an appointment for a clinician-taken test.Following the announcement to introduce HPV self-sampling in the National Health Service cervical screening programme for the under-screened population, the NHS has begun planning an in-service evaluation (ISE) of HPV self-sampling in the wider population.The purpose of the ISE is to ensure that the self-sampling test is acceptable, accurate, and feasible compared with a clinician collected specimen, and to evaluate its impact on cervical screening uptake. The findings of the ISE will inform any future UK National Screening Committee recommendation to ministers to offer self-sampling across the whole population, alongside clinician-led screening.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of offering additional resources to neighbourhood teams to provide targeted interventions enabling equitable access to (a) HPV vaccination and (b) cervical screening.

As part of our 10-Year Health Plan, we have recently launched the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, to support systems with the roll-out of neighbourhood health services which will bring together teams of professionals, including pharmacists, to work together to provide comprehensive care in the community.The Department is working with NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency to encourage high uptake of all immunisation and screening programmes, including in areas where coverage has historically been low, by exploring new, accessible, and innovative delivery models.The Department is also working with partners to develop options for human papillomavirus (HPV) catch-up vaccination through community pharmacies from 2026, with the ambition to increase the accessibility and uptake of HPV vaccinations among younger adults who have left school, supporting our aim to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.For cervical screening, primary care networks collaborate across their local neighbourhoods to offer additional appointments to improve access and convenience. Regional commissioners and providers also undertake targeted outreach campaigns. For example, the Living Well initiative in Cheshire and Merseyside offers mobile cervical screening to eligible individuals. The service can reach more individuals by being closer to where people live, work, and shop.NHS England has also increased the provision of cervical screening sample taking services in integrated sexual health settings, which in turn has helped to improve access for people eligible for screening, especially individuals who would not access general practice or are not registered with a general practice.

Whether his Department has had recent discussions with Motability Operations on encouraging the sourcing of UK-manufactured vehicles.

Motability Foundation is independent of government and regulated by the Charity Commission, so is wholly responsible for the terms and the administration of the Scheme. DWP does however work closely with Motability Foundation and is responsible for the disability benefits that provide a passport to the Motability Scheme. As a Government, we are committed to the growth of the automotive sector and provide support through programmes such as DRIVE35, which will invest up to £2.5bn to support zero emission vehicle manufacturing in the UK, and the Electric Car Grant, which narrows the upfront cost between petrol and electric vehicles, giving thousands more drivers access to electric vehicles

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Government of Israel on the release of medical personnel detained in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Foreign Secretary and I have continued to raise concerns with the Israeli Government about the detention of Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Mr Hussam Abu Safiya and Dr Marwan al-Hamas. Last week, officials at our Embassy in Tel Aviv lodged a request for further information on both doctors from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have been clear that all prisoners, including medical staff, should be allowed full International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access. We will continue to make both public and private representations to ensure that the ICRC is allowed unfettered and immediate access to detention centres.

If he will publish a written response the Reverse Gear report published by the Adam Smith Institute on 11 September 2025.

The Government has no plans to publish a response to the Reverse Gear report.

What steps her Department is taking to improve access to concessionary bus travel for disabled people.

Concessionary travel is a devolved policy area so the administrative arrangements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ from those in England. The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. Local authorities in England have the power to use local resources to fund further concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, extending the times travel passes can be used. The government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish, including enhancing the concessionary travel offering for disabled people in the local area.

What discussions she has had with her international counterparts on legal frameworks to support legitimate cybersecurity research.

The Government is conducting an ongoing review of the Computer Misuse Act. As part of the review, we are scoping several proposals to update the act, including how we can better support legitimate cybersecurity researchers so they can operate within a clear and supportive legal framework, while maintaining robust safeguards against misuse.We are always interested in learning from the approaches taken in other jurisdictions. We are speaking with international counterparts, including our major allies, to understand how they approach the issue of legislative frameworks for protecting legitimate cyber security researchers.

What progress his Department has made on re-establishing a central capacity for co-ordinating preventative mental health work.

The 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to transform mental health services to improve access and treatment, and to promote good mental health and wellbeing for the nation. This includes improving assertive outreach, investment into mental health emergency departments, increasing access to evidence-based digital interventions, and providing mental health support teams in schools and colleges. The Department recognises that there have been changes to the public health capacity and capability at a national, regional, and local level in recent years. However, the Government is committed to working beyond the health system to create an environment that promotes good mental health, prevents people from developing mental health problems, and improves the lives of people living with a mental health problem. Further work is required across the Government to create the conditions for good mental wellbeing, alongside early intervention and recovery to support people to live well in their communities and thrive.

Whether she has considered increasing alcohol duty; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on (a) the hospitality sector and (b) levels of excessive drinking.

On the Government’s consideration of alcohol duty rates, I refer the hon member to the answer that I gave to PQ UIN 78321. Following the Budget decision, the Government will publish a tax information and impact note (TIIN) to give account of the policy’s impacts.

How many vintage cars were registered in Edinburgh in each year since 2010.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not capture information on whether a vehicle is classed as “vintage”. However, vehicles that were first registered or constructed more than 40 years ago may be able to be licensed in the “Historic Vehicle” taxation class and would be exempt from the payment of vehicle excise duty. The table below shows the number of cars licensed in the Historic Vehicle taxation class where the vehicle is registered to an address in Edinburgh. Information before 2021 is not available. YearTotal number of cars licensed in the Historic Vehicle tax class at the end of August of each year where the car is registered to an address in Edinburgh20211,92420222,02520231,97820242,18720252,237

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing the time to consult on Hugh’s Law to ensure earlier legislative consideration.

Government recognises the significant challenges and distress that serious childhood illness can cause. The department will consult on Hugh’s Law in 2026. In line with the Consultation Principles, we will ensure that the consultation lasts a proportionate amount of time, taking into account the nature and impact of the proposals. Options for consultation must be carefully developed in an evidence-based manner to ensure that robust proposals are put forward for consideration.

What steps he is taking to increase the availability of donors for stem cell transplants.

The United Kingdom aligned stem cell registry (a national register managed collaboratively by Anthony Nolan, DKMS UK, NHS Blood and Transplant and the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry) has over 2.3 million potential stem cell donors registered.The Department is taking action to increase the number of people on the UK aligned stem cell registry through funding the DHSC Stem Cell Programme (£2.4 million for the period 2022-25). The programme is being delivered by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Anthony Nolan. It aims to enhance the resilience of the UK's stem cell supply by strategically recruiting donors to the UK aligned stem cell registry. It focuses on recruiting those most likely to donate, and on addressing health disparities through targeted campaigns, with a focus on ethnic minority communities.By increasing the pool of potential donors, the programme seeks to improve the availability of matches in the UK, ultimately reducing waiting times for patients in need of stem cell treatment. Funding to both organisations has been extended by 1 year (2025/26).

Whether she plans to link alcohol duty increases to inflation.

The baseline assumption, shared by the Government and the Office for Budget Responsibility, is that alcohol duty will be increased annually in line with the Retail Price Index, so that it does not fall in real terms. As with all taxes, the Government welcomes representations from stakeholders to inform policy development. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and her fiscal rules require day-to-day spending to be fully paid for through tax receipts.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure equitable access to public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in (a) rural and (b) low-income urban areas.

Transport, including the rollout of public EV chargepoints, is largely devolved to the Scottish Government. However, my officials regularly engage with Transport Scotland on zero emission vehicle initiatives, including charging infrastructure development.In England, the allocation of the Local EV Infrastructure Fund took account of both levels of rurality and the index of multiple deprivation when calculating funding amounts.

What recent discussions she has had with motorway service station operators on the rollout of rapid electric vehicle charging stations across the strategic road network in England.

A reliable, accessible public charging network to support EV drivers on long journeys is essential to support the EV transition. The market has changed significantly since the Rapid Charging Fund was announced, with now over 6,000 open-access, rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints within one mile of the Strategic Road Network – more than quadrupling in the last three years (July 2022 – July 2025, Zapmap). We are adapting our approach to meet the needs of industry today. The recent Spending Review announced £400m for charging infrastructure, including to support charging on the Strategic Road Network. We will use lessons from the Rapid Charging Fund pilot and continue working with industry to target financial support where it is needed most.

What steps she is taking to ensure that (a) the public and (b) Parliament can scrutinise the EHRC's updated code of practice for services, public functions and associations before any decision is made about its implementation.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has revised its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following the six week consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Parliamentary process for laying the Code in Parliament is set out in the Equality Act 2006. The Government will consider the draft updated Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the minister will lay it before Parliament. Parliament will then have 40 sitting days to consider the Code, at which point it will be published.

What guidance her Department provides to local authorities on integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure in (a) new housing developments and (b) public spaces.

In April 2023, the Department for Transport published guidance to support the installation of chargepoints in new housing developments, which includes answers to frequently asked questions. The Department also worked with the Institution for Engineering and Technology to publish a Guide to Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Local Authorities in December 2024, which covers key aspects of EV charging infrastructure installation, including process maps, site selection, installation, procurement, and operational management.

Whether she plans to introduce environmental (a) taxes and (b) fines to reinvest in (i) green infrastructure and (ii) low carbon innovation.

The government has in place ambitious environmental taxes as part of its commitment to make polluters pay for their emissions and support investment into decarbonisation. The UK’s leading carbon pricing policy is the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The ETS covers major emitting sectors - energy intensive industries, power generation and aviation - and requires allowances to be purchased for carbon emissions.The government recognises the important role that environmental taxes play in incentivising businesses to operate in a more environmentally friendly way. All this revenue is paid into the Consolidated Fund to help to finance vital public services including supporting green infrastructure and low carbon innovation.

How many members of the armed forces serving in Scotland who are considered not medically deployable are awaiting treatment; and how many have been waiting longer than six months.

As of 11 October 2025, there were 221 UK Armed Forces personnel graded as Medically Not Deployable awaiting an NHS or private healthcare appointment following a referral from a Medical Centre in Scotland. Of these, 95 have been waiting longer than six months.