Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration has been given by his Department to the adequacy of safety standards for consumers using kitchen knives.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The Department has not specifically considered regulations on kitchen knife design. However, all consumer products must be safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. Manufacturers, importers and businesses must ensure kitchen knives are safe and provide appropriate safety information and warnings. Trading Standards, Environmental Health in Northern Ireland and the Office for Product Safety and Standards can investigate unsafe products and require proportionate corrective action, including recalls. The Government has also consulted on modernising the product safety framework to strengthen consumer protection and tackle unsafe products sold online.
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration has been given by his Department to regulations to improve kitchen knives design to ensure consumer safety.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The Department has not specifically considered regulations on kitchen knife design. However, all consumer products must be safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. Manufacturers, importers and businesses must ensure kitchen knives are safe and provide appropriate safety information and warnings. Trading Standards, Environmental Health in Northern Ireland and the Office for Product Safety and Standards can investigate unsafe products and require proportionate corrective action, including recalls. The Government has also consulted on modernising the product safety framework to strengthen consumer protection and tackle unsafe products sold online.
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Annual statistics of scientific procedures on living animals, Great Britain 2025, published in July 2026, what steps he is taking to replace the use of dogs in science with human-specific technologies.
Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 30 June 2026 in response to Question 11617.
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure continuity of Post Office services in communities affected by the closure of franchised branches located within retail premises.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The Government recognises the importance of maintaining access to Post Office services for local communities. Post Office Ltd is responsible for the day-to-day management of the network and works to maintain service provision where branches close, including through seeking replacement provision where appropriate. The Government protects access to Post Office services through minimum access criteria, including a requirement that 99% of the UK population live within three miles of a Post Office branch.
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what support is available to local small businesses seeking to take on Post Office services in areas where branches are closing.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
Post Office Ltd is responsible for identifying and supporting suitable operators to deliver Post Office services where branches close. Businesses interested in operating a Post Office branch can access information and guidance through Post Office's recruitment website. Applicants are supported by Post Office through the application process and successful applicants receive free training and support from a dedicated project manager when setting up a branch. Once appointed, operators can access a package of ongoing support from Post Office, including relationship management, specialist advice and guidance resources.
More broadly, local businesses can access support through the Business Growth Service, including business.gov.uk, the Business Support Service, Business Academy and local Growth Hubs, which provide advice, signposting and tailored support to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of convenience store closures on access to essential services, including Post Office provision, in (a) towns and (b) neighbourhood centres.
Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)
The Government recognises the important role that convenience stores and Post Office branches play in supporting local communities and providing access to essential services. Many Post Office branches are co-located with retail premises, including convenience stores, and Government fully appreciates that the closure of such premises can have an impact on local access to services. Government protects access to Post Office services through minimum access criteria, including a requirement that 99% of the UK population live within three miles of a Post Office branch.