Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many Notes Verbale have been issued to foreign governments and supranational organisations since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The requested information is held on a number of different systems across the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and could only be collated for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of times Jeffery Epstein visited (a) No10 and (b) No11 from 1997 to 2010.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

This information is not retained for the time periods specified.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Memorandum of Understanding: accessing HMRC information to assist honours committees in making recommendations about awarding honours to individuals, between Cabinet Office and HMRC, what were the conclusions of the review that took place on 12 June 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed between HMRC and the Cabinet Office on 19 October 2023 sets out the arrangements under which HMRC may disclose information to support the honours process.

A review of the operation of the MoU took place on 29 November 2024 as part of routine governance activity. The review concluded that the arrangements continued to operate as intended and it did not result in any material changes. As the arrangements were unchanged, no further review was carried out on 12 June 2025. The MoU remains in force until 12 June 2027. Any future updates would be reflected in a revised agreement when agreed and published.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2026 to Question 109257 on Chinese Embassy: Construction, and with reference to page 11 of the Government’s Cyber Action Plan, published on 6 January 2026, whether the (a) Government Cyber Unit, (b) Government Cyber Coordination Centre, (c) Government Security Group, (d) National Cyber Security Centre or (e) Government Technology Risk Group is responsible for the cyber-security of the telecommunication cables adjacent to site of the new Chinese Embassy.

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

The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework, requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce and prepare for the risks of security compromise. Public telecoms providers are responsible for the cyber-security of their own networks, in line with their obligations under this framework. Ofcom, as the telecoms regulator, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing their compliance with those obligations.

DSIT is responsible for developing policies, including legislation, to help ensure the security of the UK’s public telecoms networks and services. DSIT works with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), as the UK’s lead technical authority for cyber security. The NCSC provides advice to government and industry on cyber-security threats and vulnerabilities.

HM Government, including the NCSC, has regular engagement with the UK’s largest telecoms providers across a range of policy areas, including national security. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on discussions related to national security.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2025, to Question 85833, on Telephone Exchanges: Tower Hamlets, whether she has had discussions with BT Openreach on the potential closure or relocation of the CL-WAP telephone and internet exchange adjacent to the site of the planned Chinese Embassy.

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

The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework, requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce and prepare for the risks of security compromise. Public telecoms providers are responsible for the cyber-security of their own networks, in line with their obligations under this framework. Ofcom, as the telecoms regulator, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing their compliance with those obligations.

DSIT is responsible for developing policies, including legislation, to help ensure the security of the UK’s public telecoms networks and services. DSIT works with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), as the UK’s lead technical authority for cyber security. The NCSC provides advice to government and industry on cyber-security threats and vulnerabilities.

HM Government, including the NCSC, has regular engagement with the UK’s largest telecoms providers across a range of policy areas, including national security. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on discussions related to national security.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 105915 on Katie Martin, for what reason she is unpaid; and how many and what proportion of (a) female and (b) male advisers to her Department are unpaid.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Katie Martin is a Business Adviser to the Chancellor, appointed as a Direct Ministerial Appointment.

Direct Ministerial Appointments are generally unpaid, reflecting their part-time, advisory nature. HM Treasury currently has nine unpaid Direct Ministerial Appointments: three are held by women and six by men (37.5% and 62.5% respectively). HM Treasury also has two paid Direct Ministerial Appointments, one held by a woman and one held by a man.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what process the Regulator follows when determining that no scientifically satisfactory non-animal alternative exists for a proposed project involving dogs; and whether independent scientific advice forms part of that determination.

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

The Home Office regulates the use of animals in science under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). Under ASPA, applicants must demonstrate that they have fully applied the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs), including showing that no scientifically satisfactory non‑animal alternative exists for the proposed work. Before submission to the Regulator for consideration, all project licence applications must be signed off by the Establishment’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body, that will make an assessment of the application of the 3Rs, and also the Establishment Licence Holder, whom has a legal obligation to the application of the 3Rs.

In assessing project licence applications, Home Office Inspectors rigorously examine whether the applicant has carried out an appropriate and comprehensive search for non‑animal alternatives and has provided evidence that any available alternatives have been considered. Inspectors are specifically trained to evaluate 3Rs implementation and the scientific justification provided in applications, supported by specialist training delivered by the National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs).

Where necessary, Inspectors may seek additional assurance, including referring proposals for independent expert advice, or to the independent non-departmental expert advisory body - the Animals in Science Committee. This ensures that decisions are robust, evidence‑based and consistent with the requirements of ASPA.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on whether the Chinese government’s sanctions on UK Parliamentarians, former Parliamentarians and their families have been removed.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 2 February, and to the responses provided in the Private Notice Question debate held in the House of Lords on the same date.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November 2025 to Question 91405 on China: Embassies, on what statutory basis was the conditional diplomatic consent granted.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 28 October 2025 in response to Question 84207.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has issued guidance on (a) whether improper payments made to public officials are taxable for (i) Income Tax and (ii) National Insurance and (b) in what circumstances enforcement action should be taken to recover unpaid tax.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The income tax and National Insurance Contributions status of any payment made to an employee or a public official will depend on the specific facts and circumstances. Generally, where a payment is received because of a person’s employment or public office, it should be taxed as employment income. Payments may still be taxable, even if not treated as employment income.

HMRC will take action to recover unpaid tax and National Insurance Contributions, where it is appropriate to do so.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has had discussions with the US Government on that Government's funding of UK think tanks and charities.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Ministers and officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in constant discussion with their US counterparts across a wide range of issues.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Valuation Office Agency plans to amend rateable values for rural pubs in the context of proposed changes to drink driving thresholds.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Rateable values represent the annual rent a property could reasonably have been expected to achieve at the Antecedent Valuation Date (AVD), reflecting market evidence at that point in time. For the current 2023 rateable values the AVD is 1 April 2021, and for the 2026 revaluation, it is 1 April 2024.

The Government will launch a review on how pubs are valued for business rates.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 91 of his Department’s Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, published on 15 September 2025, HC 1274, when he approved the expenditure on trade union activities from facility time; what the nature is of the transformation work; and what trade union activities were funded in 2024-25.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Transformation work is primarily focused on reshaping the department to ensure we are on track to meet our Mission priorities and capitalising on digital opportunities to maximise efficiency. The specific nature of trade union activity is managed and recorded locally, with time spent recorded centrally on an annual basis.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether equality, diversity and inclusion requirements have been included in the Clean Energy Jobs Plan.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Equality, diversity and inclusion are integral to the Clean Energy Jobs Plan. The government is working with trade unions and industry to ensure clean energy jobs are well paid, safe, and accessible to all.

An industry-led Social Inclusion Forum chaired by EU Skills with support from POWERful Women and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with representatives from across the sector, has been created to coordinate social inclusion initiatives and improve working culture.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential cumulative impact of changes to (a) the Minimum Wage, (b) employer National Insurance, (c) Business Rates and (d) lack of uprating to VAT thresholds on micro-businesses in the hospitality sector since July 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the important contribution that micro-businesses in the hospitality sector make to local communities, the high street and the wider economy. The potential impacts of changes on this sector are carefully considered as part of policy development.

The Government considers the impact of tax measures on these businesses. Where changes are made, relevant impact notes and assessments are published at fiscal events and otherwise as necessary, in line with the Government’s usual practice. The Treasury also engages regularly with the hospitality sector.

To protect the smallest businesses from changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) made at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government increased the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. This means that this year, 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all, and more than half of all employers will either gain or will see no change.

The Government is also supporting small businesses to grow. At Budget, the Government announced the extension of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) so that businesses opening second premises can retain their SBRR for three years, tripling the current allowance.

The Government continues to provide targeted support to the hospitality sector through the tax system and other policies and keeps all areas of the tax system under review, with future decisions taken at fiscal events under the normal process.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson used a non-corporate email address for government business whilst Ambassador.to the United States.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 February in response to Question 110419.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Rt hon. Member for (a) Tottenham and (b) Ashton-Under-Lyne made representations on the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which financial institutions does the British Business Bank use for its (a) corporate banking and (b) staff pension fund.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The financial institution that provides British Business Bank plc with corporate banking services is NatWest. Bank accounts are held within the Government Banking Service.

The British Business Bank’s workplace pension scheme is provided through Aegon.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent extreme winter storms on UK (a) Atlantic Puffins and (b) other seabird populations.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We have several policy delivery programmes that contribute to the protection and conservation of seabirds, supporting our mission on nature’s recovery. These include integrating seabird needs into our strategic marine spatial planning; management and review of our marine protected areas (MPA) network; delivering measures to reduce seabird bycatch; and pushing for seabird protections internationally.

We have established a Seabird Conservation Coordination Group, comprising Government officials, experts, environmental NGOs and industry representation. This group is considering recommendations in Natural England’s English Seabird Conservation and Recovery Pathway report, and helping to coordinate, monitor and drive delivery of priority actions for seabirds across our programmes of work. We will continue to work with devolved Governments on next steps, including as they implement their respective seabird conservation strategies.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help protect seabird populations.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We have several policy delivery programmes that contribute to the protection and conservation of seabirds, supporting our mission on nature’s recovery. These include integrating seabird needs into our strategic marine spatial planning; management and review of our marine protected areas (MPA) network; delivering measures to reduce seabird bycatch; and pushing for seabird protections internationally.

We have established a Seabird Conservation Coordination Group, comprising Government officials, experts, environmental NGOs and industry representation. This group is considering recommendations in Natural England’s English Seabird Conservation and Recovery Pathway report, and helping to coordinate, monitor and drive delivery of priority actions for seabirds across our programmes of work. We will continue to work with devolved Governments on next steps, including as they implement their respective seabird conservation strategies.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance on whether Ministers on official overseas visits are required to declare visits to external commercial organisations.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Guidance on the declaration of ministers' overseas travel and meetings can be found on GOV.UK at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministers-overseas-travel-and-meetings-publication-guidance/ministers-overseas-travel-and-meetings-publication-guidance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 79 of the HM Budget 2025 Policy Costings, published in November 2025, for what reason the Exchequer Impact of the Cash ISA changes fluctuate from (a) £5 million in 2028-29 to (b) £35 million in 2029-30 to (c) £15 million in 2030-31.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The figures set out on page 79 of the Budget 2025 Policy Costings document reflect the estimated Exchequer impact from a combination of savings tax changes.

The savings measures covered are:

1. Making the Help to Save scheme permanent from April 2027,
2. Maintaining the total ISA annual subscription limit at £20,000 with cash limit reduced to £12,000 for under-65s from April 2027,
3. Delaying the ISA digitalisation until April 2028, and
4. Maintaining the ISA subscription limits until 2030/31.

The profile of the Exchequer impacts reflects the different commencement dates of these changes, as well as the timing of receipts collected through Self-Assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, through which (a) companies and (b) registries HM Government holds its crypto-assets.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Neither the Treasury nor central Government hold any cryptoassets. However, the Government recognises the transformative potential of cryptoassets and blockchain technologies to drive economic growth in the UK and increase efficiencies across financial markets.

We are therefore committed to making the UK a world leading destination for cryptoassets and have taken steps to establish a new financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the FCA's letter to Stewarts LLPs, dated 23 January 2026, what assessment her Department has made of the level of compliance of insurers with the FCA's expectations to review and revisit Covid Business Interruption claims following post-Test Case court rulings.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator for financial services, sets the conduct standards required of insurance firms. The FCA has made clear its expectation that insurers carefully consider how new legal rulings affect claims they have already decided. It is for the FCA to supervise firms and, if necessary, take action against those that do not comply with its rules. The FCA has robust powers to take action where it deems appropriate.

The FCA’s 23 January letter (available online at: https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/correspondence/fca-response-insurance-open-letter.pdf) stated that the FCA stopped publishing business interruption claims data in March 2023. Questions about data held by the FCA can be addressed directly to the FCA.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what data the Financial Conduct Authority holds on the number of Covid Business Interruption claims that were reopened or reassessed by insurers following post-Test Case court judgments.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator for financial services, sets the conduct standards required of insurance firms. The FCA has made clear its expectation that insurers carefully consider how new legal rulings affect claims they have already decided. It is for the FCA to supervise firms and, if necessary, take action against those that do not comply with its rules. The FCA has robust powers to take action where it deems appropriate.

The FCA’s 23 January letter (available online at: https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/correspondence/fca-response-insurance-open-letter.pdf) stated that the FCA stopped publishing business interruption claims data in March 2023. Questions about data held by the FCA can be addressed directly to the FCA.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85189 on National Wealth Fund: Workplace Pensions, and with reference to page 19 of the UK Infrastructure Bank's document entitled Framework document, published on 9 January 2024, whether the Civil Service Pay guidance applies to the National Wealth Fund; and whether the Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s pay controls apply to the body.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

National Wealth Fund employees are subject to the Civil Service Pay guidance, including pay controls.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 22 November 2024 to Question 14351 on Ministerial Powers, whether any confidential Ministerial directions have been issued since July 2024.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Details of all published Ministerial Directions can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Information on confidential Ministerial Directions is not published. The process for confidential Ministerial Directions is set out in Managing Public Money: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 92 of NHS England's annual report and accounts 2024-25, whether a Minister approved NHS England's spending on paid trade union activities.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The use of paid facility time for trade union duties and activities is a matter for NHS England as the employer. Trade union representatives are entitled to paid time for trade union duties and unpaid time for trade union activities by law under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, with local agreements with trade unions determining specifics.

Section 25 of the National Health Service staff terms and conditions of service handbook, Agenda for Change, gives NHS employers the flexibility to determine what union activities are paid. These payments do not require ministerial approval.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to Question 110421 on Ofcom: Public Appointments, for what reason the competition was extended.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The window for applications was extended in order to ensure that the competition attracted a strong and diverse field of candidates and to maximise the number of high‑quality applications for the role.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, whether there are plans for (a) HM Treasury or (b) HMRC to remove the HM reference in its public branding.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

There are no plans for either HM Treasury or HMRC to remove the “HM” reference from their public branding.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2026 to Question 107046 on DBT: Official Hospitality, how the hosting of the reception at the offices of FGS Global on 23 June 2025 will be declared in the Departmental annual accounts; and whether his Department made a financial contribution towards the cost of the reception.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business of Trade did not make a direct financial contribution to FGS Global in respect of the reception held at their premises on 23 June 2025. The total cost to DBT for the event, standing at £10,074.14 and comprising third-party costs (lease of disability equipment, audio visual equipment, lectern, and stage), agency time, and a crown commercial service fee, will be reflected in DBT's annual accounts, specifically the department's overall spend on events.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 105926 on National Energy System Operator: Workplace Pensions, what the name is of the defined contribution pension scheme operated by Legal and General; and what information his Department holds on the type of investments, including overseas equities, it makes.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is an operationally independent public body and manages their own pension arrangements. The Department does not hold detailed information on NESO’s defined contribution pension scheme. There is some information available publicly in NESO’s latest annual report and accounts.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of potential impact of the Warm Homes Discount on the cost of an average (a) gas and (b) electricity for a household that does not receive the Warm Homes Discount.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The estimates are published in Ofgem’s Annex 4 (policy cost allowance methodology - https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/Annex-4-policy-cost-allowance-methodology-v1.22.xlsx).

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2026 to Question 107375 on Public Appointments Commissioner: Correspondence, whether Nita Clarke made a declaration of political activity.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Nika Clarke OBE declared political activity for the Labour Party. This was declared at the time of announcement in line with Appointments guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the self-employed earnings are included in the (a) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, (b) Average Weekly Earnings and (c) Labour Force Survey.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 20th February is attached.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2026 to Question 106743 on DBT: Public Appointments, who declared political activity; and what the political activity was in each case.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The following six Direct Ministerial Appointees declared political activity:

1. Nita Clarke - Departmental Board - (Labour Party)

2. Paul Lindley OBE - Board of Trade Advisers (Labour Party)

3. Mike Soutar - Board of Trade Advisers (Labour Party)

4. Kate Bell - Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (Labour Party)

5. Greg Clark - Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (Conservative Party)

6. Roy Rickhuss - Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (Labour Party)

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether the Government plans to introduce income-based pricing of regulated (a) utilities and (b) merit goods.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has no plans to introduce universal income-based pricing for all regulated utilities or merit goods.

Across both regulated utilities and merit goods, the Government aims to enhance fairness, reduce inequality, and improve affordability while maintaining service quality, financial sustainability, and investor confidence.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many (a) Valuation Office Agency and (b) HMRC staff by FTE are assigned to equality, diversity and inclusion roles.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

(a) The Valuation Office Agency has 1 Full‑Time Equivalent staff assigned to equality, diversity and inclusion roles.

(b) HMRC has 23.95 Full‑Time Equivalent staff assigned to equality, diversity and inclusion roles.

Note: This reflects the PQ’s requirement for FTE only.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there is a desk note on exit payments to (a) Senior Civil Servants and (b) Permanent Secretaries.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Thank you for your question, I refer to the terms of the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS), a statutory Scheme for all civil servants, including the SCS and Permanent Secretaries, which allows the payment of compensation to members who leave on early departure terms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the name is of his Department's Freedom of Information casework database.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office uses Fivium's e-Case for the management of Freedom of Information requests made to the department.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 92263 on Low Alcohol Drinks: Children, if he will cite the sources and titles of the evidence.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The effect of the growing no and low alcohol products market on alcohol consumption and public health is still emerging. The World Health Organization’s 2023 report A Public Health Perspective on zero-and low alcohol beverages consolidated the available scientific evidence, but the evidence base continues to grow and there have been several academic studies published since. The World Health Organization’s report is available at the following link:

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240072152

There are also several academic studies underway investigating the effects of no and low alcohol beverages (NoLo), including a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded No/Lo Project, titled Evaluating and responding to the public health impact of no and low alcohol drinks: A multi-method study of a complex intervention in a complex system, which is being conducted by the University of Sheffield. The researchers will, as part of the wider research, ask different groups, including young people, about their experiences with NoLo drinks. Further information on the study is available at the following link:

https://sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/projects/no-lo-project/

The Department will continue to monitor the emerging evidence from these and other studies about the impact of NoLo products on children and young people.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to encourage investment in British equities by pension funds.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government has taken forward an ambitious programme of reforms to boost UK markets, including overhauling the UK listing and prospectus rules to make it easier for firms to raise the capital they need to grow.

In addition, the government has taken steps through the measures outlined in the Pensions Investment Review to improve long-term returns to pension savers and support UK growth. These will directly support investment in UK growth markets, including firms quoted on AIM and Acquis.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 92263 on Low Alcohol Drinks: Children, what research his Department has conducted and assessed on the potential impact of the consumption of non-alcoholic products and the level of exposure to alcoholic drinks.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The effect of the growing no and low alcohol products market on alcohol consumption and public health is still emerging. The World Health Organization’s 2023 report A Public Health Perspective on zero-and low alcohol beverages consolidated the available scientific evidence, but the evidence base continues to grow and there have been several academic studies published since. The World Health Organization’s report is available at the following link:

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240072152

There are also several academic studies underway investigating the effects of no and low alcohol beverages (NoLo), including a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded No/Lo Project, titled Evaluating and responding to the public health impact of no and low alcohol drinks: A multi-method study of a complex intervention in a complex system, which is being conducted by the University of Sheffield. The researchers will, as part of the wider research, ask different groups, including young people, about their experiences with NoLo drinks. Further information on the study is available at the following link:

https://sarg-sheffield.ac.uk/projects/no-lo-project/

The Department will continue to monitor the emerging evidence from these and other studies about the impact of NoLo products on children and young people.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2025 to Question 90801 on NHS Trusts: City of Sanctuary UK, what support and engagement his Department, including NHS England, has given to City of Sanctuary.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

After reasonable checks, neither the Department or NHS England have given any formal support or engagement to the City of Sanctuary.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish the minutes of the meeting between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Inter Mediate of 22 October 2024.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Consistent with long-standing policy, the Government does not routinely publish the minutes of meetings held by ministers or officials with external organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 24250 on Lord Mandelson, whether Lord Mandelson declared membership of any third party organisations in his declaration of interest as Ambassador, including (a) trade unions, (b) advisory bodies, (c) charities and (d) other corporate bodies.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will publish the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasting schedule agreed between the OBR and her Department.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HM Treasury published the Budget Information Security Review on 9 February: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-information-security-review.

The review states that "The OBR will not publish the full forecast timetable ahead of the 2026 Spring Statement. The OBR will consider, ahead of Budget 2026, whether the current approach to publishing the timetable continues to contribute to transparency and stability as was intended when it was implemented in October 2022 following a recommendation by the OBR’s then non-executive directors"

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the target date is for a new chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility to be in post.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HM Treasury launched a competitive external recruitment campaign for a new Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on 20 February. The intention is that a new Chair is in post by the Budget later this year.

While the Chair’s post is vacant, the two current members of the Budget Responsibility Committee, Professor David Miles and Tom Josephs, will lead the OBR.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many project licence applications involving the use of dogs under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 have been refused in each of the last five years on the grounds that a scientifically satisfactory non-animal alternative method was available.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Home Office regulates the use of animals in science under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). All project licence applications must comply with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs), ensuring that animals may only be used when no validated non-animal alternative exists, the number of animals is minimised, and any potential harms are minimised.

In the last five years, the Home Office has not refused any licences involving dogs on the grounds that a scientifically satisfactory non-animal alternative method was available. The number of formal refusals is not, however, a meaningful indicator of either application of non-animal alternatives or regulatory rigour.

This is because all applications go through multiple review stages before reaching the Regulator, and guidance is available to assist applicants in preparing submissions that meet all legal requirements. All establishments licensed to use animals must have an Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB), which reviews proposals before they are submitted to the Regulator.

Therefore, in general, applications where alternatives are available will not be progressed or will be failed at this stage by the establishment. Applications received by the Regulator are subject to detailed scrutiny, including requests for clarification or amendment where required. Applicants may revise or withdraw an application in response to feedback. Only applications that fully meet the requirements of the legislation proceed to licensing.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Chines Government made representation to her Department, outside of the planning process, on permissions for the proposed Chinese Embassy.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As the Hon Member knows, the decision on the planning application was made by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government independent from the rest of Government in line with his quasi-judicial role.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 105773 on Chinese Embassy: Royal Mint, if she will provide a summary of what the Note Verbale stated on the granting of permission.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer cited in his question.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 101764 on Diplomatic Service, if she will publish the (a) manuals, (b) desk notes and (c) other guidance which outline those HR processes.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Civil Service Code and the Civil Service Management Code are already publicly-available on GOV.UK.