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.

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.

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.

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.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Annual statistics of scientific procedures on living animals, Great Britain 2025, published in July 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the 2.54 million scientific procedures involving living animals which were carried out in Great Britain in 2025.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The 2025 figure of 2.54 million represents a decrease from 2.64 million procedures in 2024 and is the lowest number recorded under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).

The Government remains committed to reducing and replacing the use of animals in science. The statutory principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement require animals to be used only where there is no scientifically satisfactory alternative, in the minimum numbers necessary, and with procedures refined to minimise suffering.

In November 2025, DSIT published its Replacing Animals in Science strategy, backed by £75 million, to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods. The 2025 statistics do not alter that policy approach. Where scientifically satisfactory alternatives are not yet available, carefully regulated animal use may continue where necessary to protect human and animal health and the environment.

Found: Lancashire BB5 4NQ ABP-PET Petfood Plants Cat 3 21/106/8119/ABP/PTF 1943 The Hatchwell Co Ltd (David Taylor

Found: STOKE-ON-TRENT ST9 0LA N&KAY SOLUTIONS LTD ACSP Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) LONDON SW11 3GJ DAVID TAYLOR

Found: Barbara Taylor 08/10/1999 London W2 BV2025615/1 Bertie Edward Taylor 06/11/2002 Bristol BV2076550/1 David Taylor

Found: Barbara Taylor 08/10/1999 London W2 BV2025615/1 Bertie Edward Taylor 06/11/2002 Bristol BV2076550/1 David Taylor

Found: Barbara Taylor 08/10/1999 London W2 BV2025615/1 Bertie Edward Taylor 06/11/2002 Bristol BV2076550/1 David Taylor

Found: Barbara Taylor 08/10/1999 London W2 BV2025615/1 Bertie Edward Taylor 06/11/2002 Bristol BV2076550/1 David Taylor

Found: Barbara Taylor 08/10/1999 London W2 BV2025615/1 Bertie Edward Taylor 06/11/2002 Bristol BV2076550/1 David Taylor

Found: Barbara Taylor 08/10/1999 London W2 BV2025615/1 Bertie Edward Taylor 06/11/2002 Bristol BV2076550/1 David Taylor