Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has plans to visit Mauritius.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

It is long-standing policy not to comment on Ministerial travel. To do so could compromise the integrity of protective security arrangements and affect the safety of the individuals involved.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to promote trade between the UK and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Bilateral trade between the UK and North Macedonia was worth a total of £2.5 billion in the 4 quarters to end of Q4 2023, comprising of £1.7bn of exports and £787 million of imports. North Macedonia is the UK’s largest trading partner in the Western Balkans. The UK’s trade relationship is underpinned by the Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement (PTCA), signed in 2020. The inaugural PTCA Joint Committee met in 2022 and we hope to convene the second version later this year. In September 2023, the UK launched the British-Macedonian Business Chamber, as a symbol of the growing trade & investment partnership.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will publish an itemised table of the primary imports from the Republic of North Macedonia.

Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade publish trade and investment factsheets summarising statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners, including North Macedonia. A table of the top goods imported from North Macedonia are provided on page 6 of the factsheet. More detailed statistics on UK imports from North Macedonia are published by the ONS.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Seychelles on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Deputy Foreign Secretary has not had any recent discussions with the Seychelles Government on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, how many terrorism incidents have been declared in (a) the Turks and Caicos Islands, (b) Bermuda and (c) the Cayman Islands in each of the last five years.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

There have been no reported terrorist incidents in (a) the Turks and Caicos Islands, (b) Bermuda or (c) the Cayman Islands in each of the last five years. We are working with the authorities to increase local capacity to respond to threats to security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Deputy Foreign Secretary has not had any recent discussions with his Indian counterpart on the British Indian Ocean Territory. However, the Foreign Secretary discussed the issue with the Indian Foreign Secretary at the Munich Security Conference on 16 February.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he has had recent discussions with his Jamaican counterpart on the subject of the Cayman Islands.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We have not had discussions with Jamaica regarding the Cayman Islands.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support children with special educational needs in the London Borough of Havering.

Answered by David Johnston - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department is committed to ensuring that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in all areas, including Havering, receive the support they need to realise their potential.

The ‘SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan’ outlines the government’s mission to create a single, national SEND and alternative provision system. The proposal to develop National Standards is a fundamental part of this. The Standards will outline the types of special educational provision that should be available, who is responsible for delivering that support, and will clarify the expectations on mainstream settings and local services.

These standards will help families, practitioners and providers understand what support every child or young person should be receiving from early years through to further education. By the end of 2025, the department will publish a significant proportion of the National Standards. As these Standards will apply nationally, the London Borough of Havering is automatically included.

In addition, high needs funding for children and young people with complex needs is increasing by £440 million, or 4.3%, in 2024/25. This will bring total high needs funding to over £10.5 billion, which is an increase of over 60% from the 2019/20 allocations. This funding will help local authorities and schools with the increasing costs of supporting children and young people with SEND. Additional funding for teachers’ pay and teachers’ pensions is on top of this. Havering will receive an allocation of £43 million through the 2024/25 Dedicated Schools Grant, to support children and young people with complex educational needs and disabilities. This is a cumulative increase of 33% per head over the three years from 2021/22.

Havering is also taking part in the Delivering Better Value in SEND Programme (DBV in SEND). The DBV in SEND Programme aims to help local authorities provide more effective SEND services by meeting the needs of children and young people at an early stage and with the right level of support.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has taken steps to promote cultural relations between the UK and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport promotes cultural relations around the world, working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Department for Business & Trade, and the British Council to ensure that culture and the creative industries are embedded in the UK’s diplomatic activities and that the importance of these sectors – which contribute so much to our economy, our way of life, and our international reputation – are properly reflected.

The British Embassy in Skopje has prioritised the promotion of bilateral cultural relations and continues to build links with local cultural institutions and artists, particularly those with connections to the UK.

The British Council promotes exchange between the Western Balkans and the UK’s education sector and creative industries, and supports people and institutions in developing enterprising cultural offerings. In May, for instance, the British Council hosted a conference in North Macedonia for 200 English teachers on the future of English.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle cyber attacks on schools.

Answered by Damian Hinds - Minister of State (Education)

Educational settings in England are responsible for maintaining their IT systems and Cyber Security. The department has a small, dedicated sector cyber security team to support this activity. This team provides appropriate guidance and advice, via regular targeted and broad communications, to help schools adhere to and maintain good cyber security standards. The department provides guidance for schools and colleges on how to help protect against a cyber incident. This guidance can be found on GOV.UK.

The department also works closely with the National Cyber Crime Security Centre (NCSC) and Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) to ensure that up-to-date cyber security guidance is shared with schools, colleges and universities.

The department’s Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) has more than 9,900 member schools, which represents 52% of eligible schools in England, and includes cover for cyber incidents as standard from the 2022/23 membership years. In the event of a cyber incident, RPA members have access to a 24/7 Incident Response Service.

The department’s dedicated sector cyber security function provides advice in response to cyber security enquiries and incident reports from the sector, liaising with the affected institution following an incident to advise on steps to mitigate the threat and provide guidance on recovery.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that British overseas territories nationals are security vetted to national standards.

Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

All individuals who hold UK National Security Clearance (NSV) are vetted to a consistent standard based on central policy set by the Cabinet Office. The level of clearance required is assessed by the sponsoring department or organisation subject to the particular role and responsibilities and access to sensitive assets required for the post.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to support counter-terrorist training for police officers in the British Overseas Territories.

Answered by Tom Tugendhat - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security)

Home Office International Police Assistance Service (IPAS) carry out due diligence on all Section 26 police deployment requests for international advice and assistance (whether Counter Terrorist related or otherwise).

If the requests pass the due diligence process, IPAS will then authorise the police deployments on behalf of the Home Secretary. Having reviewed all such referrals contained on the IPAS Platform (an electronic central repository of all S26 referrals) we can confirm that there is no counter-terrorist training being delivered for police officers and staff in the British Overseas Territories.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) training and (b) support the National Crime Agency is providing in the British Overseas Territories.

Answered by Tom Tugendhat - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security)

The National Crime Agency works closely with other UK Government Departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Home Office to deliver training and build capacity in overseas jurisdictions.

Most recently the National Crime Agency has taken part in an exchange of best practice with the British Overseas Territories that have INTERPOL Sub Bureaus. The National Crime Agency has bilateral relationships with many of the British Overseas Territories and works closely with the International Police Assistance Service to ascertain which Agency is best placed to provide support.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which invitations to tender in the Defence Sourcing Portal relate to the provision of (a) equipment, (b) supplies and (c) services to Ukraine; and if he will provide a breakdown of those invitations to tender by those funded by (i) the International Fund for Ukraine and (ii) other sources.

Answered by James Cartlidge - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to the pace and sensitivity of procurement activity to support Ukraine, there has been no award of contract relating to the provision of equipment, supplies and services involving tenders in the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP).

The Ministry of Defence has used the DSP for the publishing of Requests for Information for the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) Urgent Bidding Rounds 2 and 3.

One contract, at a value of £3.7 million, has been let to a Ukrainian supplier.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many tenders for the provision of (a) equipment, (b) supplies and (c) services to Ukraine have been awarded to (i) Ukrainian and (ii) other suppliers since 24 February 2022; and what the value of such tenders awarded to (A) Ukrainian and (B) other suppliers is.

Answered by James Cartlidge - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to the pace and sensitivity of procurement activity to support Ukraine, there has been no award of contract relating to the provision of equipment, supplies and services involving tenders in the Defence Sourcing Portal (DSP).

The Ministry of Defence has used the DSP for the publishing of Requests for Information for the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) Urgent Bidding Rounds 2 and 3.

One contract, at a value of £3.7 million, has been let to a Ukrainian supplier.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to increase the vaccination rates for whooping cough.

Answered by Maria Caulfield - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)

The whooping cough, also known as pertussis, vaccine is offered antenatally. As part of best practice, NHS England vaccinates pregnant women opportunistically during maternity appointments. Information materials are available across antenatal and primary care settings to increase vaccination rates for pertussis during pregnancy. NHS England will also implement the National Health Service vaccination strategy, building on the success of the COVID-19 vaccine programme, to find innovative ways to reach people.

A recent national marketing campaign reminded parents to check their children’s vaccination status, and stressed the importance of getting vaccinated for pregnant women, infants, and children. A second phase of the campaign is due to begin around mid-summer 2024. Whooping cough and maternal vaccine uptake awareness will be raised with clinicians and key royal colleges through targeted clinical and epidemiological updates, and supportive communications. There will also be engagement with local communities to highlight the importance of vaccination, and how to access the vaccine.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department plans to take steps to help local authorities in Greater London tackle the illegal use of e-scooters.

Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)

Enforcement of road traffic law, including in relation to the illegal use of e-scooters, is an operational matter for the Mayor of London, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to decide how to deploy available resources, taking into account any specific local problems and demands.

The Government will continue to support the police to ensure they have the tools needed to enforce road traffic legislation, including those relating to offences involving e-scooters.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department is taking steps to help the London Fire Brigade tackle electrical vehicle fires.

Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)

To help reduce the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs), such as e-bikes and e-scooters, the Home Office has convened a working group of Government departments, the National fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and London Fire Brigade. As part of this group, the Home Office working to raise awareness of safe use, storage and charging of PLEVs within residential buildings. With London Fire Brigade’s permission and cooperation, we have adapted the #ChargeSafe campaign materials for national use and made these available to fire and rescue services to support local engagement activity.

In addition, the Home Office is collaborating with the NFCC, on behalf of all fire and rescue services, to undertake electric vehicle fire safety research to gather scientific evidence on electric vehicle battery fires and associated firefighting tactics.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on training for police officers in (a) Turks and Caicos Islands, (b) Bermuda and (c) Cayman Islands.

Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)

While the UK works closely with US partners on a number of areas of cooperation, the Secretary of State has not had any conversations with his US counterpart relating to the training of police officers within the Turks and Caicos, Bermuda or Cayman Islands.

The Home Office, through the International Police Assistance Service (IPAS), are currently delivering training to Overseas Territories’ Police in line with identified requirements and funded by the International Security Fund (ISF).

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of monopodial bamboo on the UK's native flora and fauna.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The “bamboo” family is a collection of more than 1500 species, some of which are considered invasive.

The Government is aware that, if left uncontrolled, bamboo can in some cases become challenging to manage. It is advised that a physical barrier is used to prevent the uncontrolled spread of bamboo. Where the growth of bamboo poses an issue, the Government recommends that this is addressed by cooperation between owners and affected parties.

Whilst the Government recognises that many bamboo species are vigorous and fast-growing, they are not currently thought to pose a significant threat to wildlife or to socio-economic interests nationally. Defra utilises horizon scanning exercises to identify potentially invasive species. As a result, a risk assessment of Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) was recently undertaken, however this showed the species to be of low risk to the country and therefore no further action was taken.

Although the Government are not currently considering changing the legal status of one, or any, of the species of bamboo currently found in Great Britain, we keep matters such as these under review and continue to carry out horizon scanning and risk assessments for potential threats.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to restrict the planting of monopodial bamboo.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The “bamboo” family is a collection of more than 1500 species, some of which are considered invasive.

The Government is aware that, if left uncontrolled, bamboo can in some cases become challenging to manage. It is advised that a physical barrier is used to prevent the uncontrolled spread of bamboo. Where the growth of bamboo poses an issue, the Government recommends that this is addressed by cooperation between owners and affected parties.

Whilst the Government recognises that many bamboo species are vigorous and fast-growing, they are not currently thought to pose a significant threat to wildlife or to socio-economic interests nationally. Defra utilises horizon scanning exercises to identify potentially invasive species. As a result, a risk assessment of Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) was recently undertaken, however this showed the species to be of low risk to the country and therefore no further action was taken.

Although the Government are not currently considering changing the legal status of one, or any, of the species of bamboo currently found in Great Britain, we keep matters such as these under review and continue to carry out horizon scanning and risk assessments for potential threats.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much his Department has spent on tackling monopodial bamboo in the London Borough of Havering in each of the last three years.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra does not fund the control of monopodial bamboo. The Government stance is that bamboo does not currently pose a significant threat to wildlife or to socio-economic interests nationally. A recent risk assessment of black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) supports this view. Where bamboo is seen to be a problem for landowners, it is their responsibility to manage that problem. Defra strongly recommends that bamboo plants are not planted into the ground and that a physical barrier is used to prevent the uncontrolled spread of bamboo.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the armed forces’ diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives.

Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Defence is dedicated to recruiting and retaining the best talent. In a competitive labour market, we must attract, recruit, and retain the best people drawn from the whole of the population.

We continue to implement the recommendations of the Haythornthwaite Review of Armed Forces Incentivisation to modernise our people system to attract and retain those who have a desire to serve under modernised terms which are right for them and their families. Failure to do so will compromise our ability to deliver defence outputs.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of Ofcom guidance on the Online Safety Act 2023 on freedom of expression.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government recognises the importance of upholding users’ rights to free expression and privacy online. This is why the Online Safety Act 2023 has built strong safeguards for freedom of expression and privacy into the legislative framework. For example, all providers are required to give particular regard to the importance of protecting users’ freedom of expression and privacy rights when implementing measures to comply with their new safety duties. In addition, major online platforms – known as Category 1 services under the Act - will be required to put in place particular safeguards for journalism and content of democratic importance, in recognition of their influence over public discourse.

Ofcom’s public consultation for the illegal content duties closed in February 2024 and organisations such as the Open Rights Group were able to provide feedback on Ofcom’s proposals. As a public authority, Ofcom must act in accordance with its public law duties to act lawfully, rationally and fairly. It is unlawful for Ofcom to act in a way which is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, including with regard to individual’s’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy. Ofcom must abide by these principles when developing its regulatory codes of practice and guidance for services.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, how many officials in his Department are stationed in Northern Cyprus as of 20 May 2024.

Answered by Nusrat Ghani - Minister of State (Minister for Europe)

In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" as an independent state. The FCDO does not have personnel permanently based in the north of Cyprus.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations on the inclusion of (a) human rights and (b) due process principles in Ofcom guidance to companies relating to the Online Safety Act 2023 in the article by The Open Rights Group entitled A dangerous precedent for global censorship, published on 4 March 2024.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government recognises the importance of upholding users’ rights to free expression and privacy online. This is why the Online Safety Act 2023 has built strong safeguards for freedom of expression and privacy into the legislative framework. For example, all providers are required to give particular regard to the importance of protecting users’ freedom of expression and privacy rights when implementing measures to comply with their new safety duties. In addition, major online platforms – known as Category 1 services under the Act - will be required to put in place particular safeguards for journalism and content of democratic importance, in recognition of their influence over public discourse.

Ofcom’s public consultation for the illegal content duties closed in February 2024 and organisations such as the Open Rights Group were able to provide feedback on Ofcom’s proposals. As a public authority, Ofcom must act in accordance with its public law duties to act lawfully, rationally and fairly. It is unlawful for Ofcom to act in a way which is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, including with regard to individual’s’ rights to freedom of expression and privacy. Ofcom must abide by these principles when developing its regulatory codes of practice and guidance for services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to provide incentives to high street (a) banks and (b) building societies to provide bank hub services.

Answered by Bim Afolami - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Banking Hubs are a voluntary initiative provided by the financial services sector. Upon the closure of a core cash access service, such as a bank branch, or a direct request from a community, LINK assesses the community’s access to cash needs. If additional cash services are needed, industry will provide a shared solution such as a Banking Hub. Hubs offer basic counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank.

UK Finance have recently confirmed 225 Banking Hubs will be announced by the end of 2024, up from the 130 locations currently confirmed. Furthermore, following the Government’s recent discussions with the UK high street banks, participating firms have also committed to improving Hubs by standardising the services available between firms, ensuring that customers will not require their own digital device to bank, trialling a ‘customer liaison service’ and trialling Saturday openings.

The Government legislated as part of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 to establish the FCA as the lead regulator for access to cash, giving it responsibility to seek to ensure reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. The FCA recently held a consultation on its proposed regulatory regime for access to cash, following the Government’s legislation: FCA consultation on access to cash. These proposals build on and strengthen the arrangement that has been established by the financial services sector by placing it on a regulatory footing. The FCA expects to publish its final rules by the end of the third quarter of this year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking with Ofcom to ensure that its guidance on age (a) verification and (b) assurance under the Online Safety Act 2023 reflects data privacy considerations.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act 2023 includes strong safeguards for user privacy. The Act includes principles that Ofcom must have regard to when recommending the use of age assurance technologies for compliance with duties in the Act. Privacy has been represented in these principles, which outline that considerations relating to privacy, as set out in the Data Protection Act 2018, apply to all uses of age assurance technologies used to comply with duties in the Act.

Ofcom is consulting on its codes of practice and guidance, with the child safety codes of practice currently out for consultation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Royal Navy's escort fleet capabilities.

Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Royal Navy’s escort fleet, comprising Type 23 Frigates and Type 45 Destroyers, is a credible force calibrated to meet Defence outputs effectively. These vessels remain poised to defend the Fleet against complex threats both now and into the future, in addition to being deployed individually and as part of multinational operations as needed.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps his Department is taking in its role as penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council to help prevent further violence in (a) El Fasher and (b) Sudan.

Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)

The UK condemns the violence taking place across Sudan, including in El Fasher. On 8 March, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2724, led by the UK, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the month of Ramadan and urging the warring parties to ensure safe, unhindered humanitarian access. We condemn the fact that the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces did not heed this Resolution. On El Fasher, the UN Security Council agreed a UK-led press statement on 27 April, calling for de-escalation, and we also called for the Security Council to convene on the deteriorating situation, which it did on 29 April. The UK will continue to use its position as penholder at the UN Security Council to urge the warring parties to achieve a ceasefire, increase much-needed humanitarian assistance and access, and ensure the protection of civilians.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to ensure the security of the British Antarctic Territory.

Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

HMS PROTECTOR, the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship, deployed to Antarctic during the last Austral Summer, as it does most years. This presence reaffirms UK sovereignty over the British Antarctic Territory, as well as observing the presence of other nations and carrying out inspections in compliance with Article VII of the Antarctic Treaty.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support Scouting and Girlguiding in the British Overseas Territories.

Answered by Stuart Andrew - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding her Department has provided for school library resources in the London Borough of Havering in each of the last five years.

Answered by Damian Hinds - Minister of State (Education)

The government believes that all pupils deserve to be taught a knowledge-rich curriculum that promotes the extensive reading of books and other texts, both in and out of school. School libraries complement public libraries in allowing pupils to do this.

It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils, including whether to employ a qualified librarian. Overall school funding is increasing by more than £2.9 billion in the 2024/25 financial year compared to 2023/24, taking the total to £60.7 billion, which is the highest ever level in real terms per pupil. Many headteachers recognise the important role school libraries play in improving literacy and encouraging pupils to read for pleasure and ensure that suitable library facilities are provided. School libraries can take many forms, with some schools preferring to make books a focus in other ways, including housing them within classroom.

The department’s Reading Framework, updated in July 2023, offers non-statutory guidance for teachers and school leaders, including helpful guidance for schools on how to organise their school library, book corner or book stock to make reading accessible and attractive to readers. Given this autonomy, the department does not collect information on school libraries. ​​

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, how much funding his Department has provided for library resources in the London Borough of Havering in each of the last five years.

Answered by Simon Hoare - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

The majority of the funding provided through the Local Government Finance Settlement is not ringfenced, in recognition of local authorities being best placed to understand local priorities. This includes funding for libraries.

The final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2024-25 makes available up to £64.7 billion, an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £4.5 billion or 7.5% in cash terms on 2023-24. This above-inflation increase demonstrates how the Government stands behind councils up and down the country.

For Havering Council, this Settlement represents an increase in Core Spending Power of up to £15.82 million (7.2%) – making available a total of up to £236.4 million in 2024-25. We have also published details of support agreed with a small number of councils, including Havering Council, that have requested financial support on an exceptional basis due to specific local issues that they are unable to manage themselves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, how many officials in his Department are stationed on the British Antarctic Territory as of 20 May 2024.

Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

There are no officials stationed in the British Antarctic Territory. The Territory has no permanent population and is administered by officials in London. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operates three research stations in the BAT and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) manage the historic base, post office and museum at Port Lockroy.

Romford Football Club

Found: Rosindell Sally-Ann Hart Sir Liam Fox Holly Mumby-Croft Apsana Begum Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Found: Rosindell Sally-Ann Hart Sir Liam Fox Holly Mumby-Croft Apsana Begum Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Found: Rosindell Sally-Ann Hart Sir Liam Fox Holly Mumby-Croft Apsana Begum Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Found: Rosindell Sally-Ann Hart Sir Liam Fox Holly Mumby-Croft Apsana Begum Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Found: Rosindell Sally-Ann Hart Sir Liam Fox Holly Mumby-Croft Apsana Begum Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Found: Rosindell Sally-Ann Hart Sir Liam Fox Holly Mumby-Croft Apsana Begum Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg

Found: Unionist Party) , Gavin Robinson MP (Democratic Unionist Party) , Dr Lisa Cameron (Conservative) , Andrew