Written questions by Arthur.

Media and Sport, when she plans to publish the research her Department commissioned from London Economics on large scale commercial prize draws.

The Department is still considering the findings of the independent research, which looked at the size and nature of the prize draw market, as well as possible gambling harm associated with these products. This research is informing our policy considerations, as whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. We will update Parliament further in due course.

Whether robotics will have a role in a future industrial strategy.

The Industrial Strategy Green Paper identified eight growth-driving sectors. All sectors can shape and will benefit from policy reform through the Industrial Strategy’s cross-cutting policies alongside the broader Growth Mission. This will create the pro-...

Whether she had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of VAT on Steiner School kindergartens.

The Government ran a technical consultation on the VAT policy for seven weeks from 29 July to 15 September. During the consultation period, my officials and I also held a series of meetings with stakeholders to complement written responses. This included ...

What place food manufacturing will have in the industrial strategy.

The Industrial Strategy Green Paper identified eight growth-driving sectors. All sectors can shape and will benefit from policy reform through the Industrial Strategy’s cross-cutting policies alongside the broader Growth Mission. This will create the pro-...

Whether his trade strategy will support the aims of the Fairtrade movement.

The UK Government is committed to advancing free and fair trade around that world that is inclusive, sustainable and reduces poverty.We remain committed to engaging civil society as we develop the new Trade Strategy.

Media and Sport, what her planned timetable is for publishing proposals on regulating large scale commercial prize draws.

Large scale commercial prize draws are a significant and growing market. Whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections...

Media and Sport, whether she has had recent representations on the potential merits of zero-rating society lotteries under any future statutory levy on gambling operators.

As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, we will introduce a statutory levy charged to all licensed gambling operators. Society lotteries will be charged the levy at the lowest rate of 0.1%, in recognition of the ...

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing Graduated Driving Licences for young people.

Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes in the level of international student visa applications to UK universities in 2024 on the sector.

The latest Home Office data shows that there were 350,700 visa applications made by international students for a sponsored study visa between January and September 2024. This is 16% lower than between January and September 2023 when 417,000 sponsored stud...

What assessment she has made of the causes of changes in the level of international student visa applications to UK universities in 2024.

The latest Home Office data shows that there were 350,700 visa applications made by international students for a sponsored study visa between January and September 2024. This is 16% lower than between January and September 2023 when 417,000 sponsored stud...

If he will publish a timeline for making heat networks subject to the energy price cap.

Heat network suppliers commercially contract for the fuel that powers heat networks and so they are not subject to the domestic energy price cap. The Government is however, introducing heat network regulation in January 2026 which aims to provide consumer...

Whether she plans to take steps with the Scottish government to help tackle destitution experienced by migrants in Scotland.

Migrants with permission under certain family or private life routes can apply for ‘change of conditions’ support where they are destitute, at risk of imminent destitution or if there are reasons relating to the welfare of a relevant child.For all other i...

Whether plans to terminate tenancies of private sector tenants living in his Department's homes on the Dreghorn (Edinburgh) estate.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has identified the Dreghorn (Edinburgh) estate as surplus to requirements. As a result, all private sector tenants will be given at least two months’ notice to vacate, in accordance with their tenancy agreements. There is cur...

Whether he plans to respond to the report by Beat Eating Disorders entitled There's no place like home- the case for intensive community and day treatments for eating disorders.

We are aware of the report by Beat Eating Disorders entitled There's no place like home - the case for intensive community and day treatments for eating disorders. We are not planning to formally respond to this report, however we are carefully considerin...

Whether the future of Redford Barracks in Edinburgh is being considered as part of the strategic defence review.

The intent to dispose of Redford Barracks has already been confirmed as part of the Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio with units moving to other military establishments in Edinburgh as part of a £5.1 billion investment in Defence infrastructure.

How many customs sites were being used by businesses at (a) Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and (b) Forth Green Freeport in the latest period for which data is available.

The previous government announced new Green Freeports at Inverness and Cromarty Firth, and Forth. Both Green Freeports are in the process of establishing their first customs sites. Tax sites were designated in both Green Freeports earlier this year.