Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the strategy entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, if she will meet with animal welfare organisations to discuss that strategy.

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

Officials engaged with animal welfare organisations during the development of the strategy, and Minister Vallance has met with animal welfare organisation representatives, including RSCPA on 26.11.24, Animal Free Research on 01.04.25, Lush UK on 15.05.25, the Chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group on phasing out animal experiments in medical research on 01.04.2025, and hosted a roundtable for wider representatives on 14.05.25.

The Government discussed the strategy with animal welfare organisations on the day it was published as part of regular engagement with the Home Office.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the strategy entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what her timetable is for establishing the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods.

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

On 11th November 2025 the government published “Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods” (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/replacing-animals-in-science-strategy/replacing-animals-in-science-a-strategy-to-support-the-development-validation-and-uptake-of-alternative-methods) which sets out our plans to establish a UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM). The location of and timeline for the creation of the UKCVAM is under development and the Government will update on this in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's strategy entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on 11 November 2025, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the (a) list of animal tests and (b) methods for replacement are underpinned by law.

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

The Government’s new strategy sets out our long-term vision for a world where the use of animals in science is eliminated in all but exceptional circumstances, achieved by creating a research and innovation system that drives the development and validation of alternative methods to using animals in science. Recognising that the legal framework in the UK already requires that animals are only ever used in science where there are no validated alternatives available, the government currently has no plans to legislate further on this matter.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of amending Section 37 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to exclude any part of the Cannabis Sativa L plant with THC of 0.2% or less.

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

The flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant are controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (‘the 1971 Act’) irrespective of their tetrahydrocannabinol (‘THC’) content. The Government has no plans to review the definition of cannabis for control purposes.

Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug under Part 2 of Schedule 2 the 1971 Act. ‘Cannabis’ is defined in section 37(1) of the MDA 1971 and is, in essence, the plant or any part of the plant with the exception of the mature stalk; fibre produced from the mature stalk; or the seed of any such plant. It is also listed in Schedule 1 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (‘the 2001 Regulations’) and designated under the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (England, Wales and Scotland) Order 2015 (2015 Order). As such, it is unlawful to possess, supply, offer to supply, produce, import or export this drug except under a Home Office licence.

THC, as a cannabinol derivative, is separately controlled as Class B drug. It is also an offence to cultivate any plant of the genus Cannabis except under a Home Office licence. Cannabis-based products for medicinal use (‘CBPMs’) are defined separately in the legislation and placed in Schedule 2 to the 2001 Regulations. Specialist clinicians can prescribe unlicensed CBPMs (i.e. CBPMs without a marketing authorisation granted under medicines legislation) where they deem it clinically appropriate and in the best interests of their patients.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of the 10% decrease in the number of Access to Work claims approved between March 2024 and March 2025 on the number of disabled people being supported into work.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

While the number of people who were approved for any Access to Work provision was 61,670 in 2024/25, the number of customers in receipt of payment in 2024/25 increased to 74,190. As Access to Work awards are approved for up to three years, customers receiving payments in 2024/25 may have been approved for support at any point between 2021/22 and 2024/25.

In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, we consulted on the future of the Access to Work scheme. We also considered the role of employers in creating accessible and inclusive workplaces as well as how we can shape the market for aids, appliances and assistive technology, to reduce their cost and spread their adoption. We are considering responses to the consultation and will set out our plans in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) reducing or (b) removing the interest paid to commercial banks on the reserves those banks hold with the Bank of England.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Monetary policy, including quantitative easing, is the responsibility of the independent Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England. The separation of fiscal and monetary policy is a key feature of the UK’s economic framework, and essential for the effective delivery of monetary policy, so the government does not comment on the conduct or effectiveness of monetary policy.

Paying interest on reserves is an important part of the transmission of monetary policy to the real economy. There are no plans to change the way reserves are remunerated at the Bank of England. The government is providing the stability required for the independent Monetary Policy Committee to bring inflation to target, by managing the public finances responsibly.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the consultation on hunting will review exemptions under the Hunting Act 2004.

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

This Government is committed to enacting a ban on trail hunting in line with our manifesto commitment. Work to determine the best approach for doing so is ongoing and we will consult specifically on how to deliver a ban in the new year.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of (a) extending the bathing season on a case-by-case basis and (b) implementing year-round testing.

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

On 28 October 2025, the Department laid before Parliament an SI which incorporates reforms to modernise the Bathing Water Regulations. Core reform 3, which is due to come into force 21 November, introduces the discretion to determine a different bathing season for a site where appropriate, allowing more flexible, locally tailored bathing seasons that reflect when people use the site.

We are working with the Environment Agency on a pre-implementation research project. In this, we will consult with stakeholders to ensure we have considered all the relevant factors, including existing studies and other evidence like the EA’s recently published ‘Exploring recreational water use in England’ report, during development. The outcome of this research project will be set out in public guidance that will be published in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Bathing Water (Amendment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2025, what she plans to extend these protections to all recreational water users.

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

Bathing waters are one of the most visible ways in which the public interacts with the water environment and so it is critical that appropriate regulations meet the needs of water users and those involved with managing bathing water sites.

In the November – December 2024 consultation on bathing water reforms, we asked respondents about the expansion of the definition of ‘bathers’ to include other water users. 90% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with this proposal and gave suggestions of what water users should be included. We are now exploring further research to determine how best to implement this reform and consider any potential environmental and societal impacts. Defra will engage with local and national stakeholders as this work progresses.

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 adequacy of current penalties for offences under the Hunting Act 2004 in deterring illegal hunting.

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

This Government has not made such an assessment to date. Those found guilty under the Act are subject to the full force of the law. The Act already provides for a range of penalties, including fines and forfeiture of dogs, vehicles and equipment used to commit an offence.

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 ensure trail hunting is not used as a cover for the illegal hunting of wild mammals with dogs.

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

This Government is committed to enacting a ban on trail hunting in line with our manifesto commitment. Work to determine the best approach for doing so is ongoing and we will consult specifically on how to deliver a ban in the new year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring internet service providers to carry out age verification checks rather than individual websites.

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

The Online Safety Act makes online services responsible for protecting all users from illegal content and activity, and children from harmful content. Under the Act, services must use age assurance to prevent children encountering the most harmful content. We recognise that there may be benefits to internet service provider-level interventions. We have recently brought into effect the new measures and wish to allow time to assess the Act’s effectiveness before introducing additional measures. Where evidence demonstrates that further action is necessary to protect children and the wider public, we will not hesitate to act.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that the WHO target of 90% for the HPV vaccination programme is achieved in Poole constituency.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

In March 2025, NHS England published the Cervical cancer elimination by 2040 – plan for England, which outlines how the National Health Service will improve uptake and coverage across human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening, including in Poole constituency. The plan is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/cervical-cancer-elimination-by-2040-plan-for-england/

For young people who may have missed out at the point of initial offer, the NHS-commissioned School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) providers have robust catch-up plans in place for the adolescent HPV vaccination programme.

NHS England has improved digital communications on vaccinations, including expanding the NHS app, and has improved access to the HPV vaccine outside of schools through community clinics at convenient times and locations.

The UK Health Security Agency works closely with charities and academics to develop resources that can be used to raise awareness of HPV and the importance of vaccination.

Poole constituency is covered by the Dorset SAIS Leads who, alongside their leadership team, remain fully engaged with NHS England to drive performance improvements. A summary of key developments during the 2024/25 academic year includes the launch of a new e-consent system in September 2025 and a named link nurse for every school: a dedicated nurse has been assigned to each school in Dorset, including Poole, to improve communication and foster stronger relationships.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his department has to introduce type one diabetes testing for all infants.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for providing clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and care of children and young people with diabetes. NICE’s NG18 guideline for type 1 and 2 diabetes recommends that children and young people with suspected type 1 diabetes are referred immediately (on the same day) to a multidisciplinary paediatric diabetes team with the competencies needed to confirm diagnosis and provide immediate care.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the new Crisis and Resilience Fund will encourage local authorities to offer direct provision of furniture and white goods to those in need; and will the guidance explain the benefits of furniture provision in building up resilience for extremely low-income households.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The new Crisis and Resilience Fund will be introduced from 1 April 2026. This represents the first ever multi-year settlement for locally delivered crisis support. This longer-term funding approach aims to enable local authorities to provide preventative support to communities – working with the voluntary and community sector – as well as assisting people when faced with a financial crisis

We plan to publish guidance for the Crisis and Resilience Fund in January 2026.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of the Household Support Fund is spent on the provision of furniture and white goods; and if his Department will work with the Crisis and Resilience Fund team to ensure that furniture provision becomes a core component of crisis and resilience spending.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Percentages of Household Support Fund (HSF) spend by category are published and available here: Household Support Fund management information - GOV.UK

Table 2 shows a breakdown of HSF spending by category. Furniture and white goods are included within the “wider essentials” category, which also covers items such as clothing, period and hygiene products, and essential transport-related costs. We do not hold data on the proportion specifically spent on furniture and appliances.

We are working closely with local authorities and external stakeholders on the detailed design of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, and we plan to publish scheme guidance in January 2026.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of the Household Support Fund is spent on furniture and appliances.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Percentages of Household Support Fund (HSF) spend by category are published in DWP’s management information, based on data provided by local authorities. This information is available here:

Household Support Fund management information - GOV.UK

For each release, Table 2 shows a breakdown of HSF spend by category. Furniture and appliances are included within the “wider essentials” category, which also covers items such as clothing, period and hygiene products, and essential transport-related costs. We do not hold data on the proportion specifically spent on furniture and appliances, so cannot provide a further breakdown.

The first release of management information (covering 6 October 2021 to 31 March 2022) did not include this category, as it was not collected at that time.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he will encourage local authorities to utilise furnished tenancies in their social housing stock to provide a safe and stable environment for those who are leaving homelessness, often without any possessions or financial savings.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is committed to moving away from a system focussed on crisis response, taking a holistic approach to preventing homelessness in the first place. That's why we've invested a record amount in prevention services this year as part of our £1 billion funding for homelessness services.

The Household Support Fund enables local authorities in England to provide discretionary support to vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials, such as energy, water and food.

Local authorities have the flexibility to design their scheme within the parameters set by Department for Work and Pensions, and this can include supporting vulnerable households with the cost of wider essentials, which could include furniture, furnishings and appliances.

We consulted earlier this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here. It proposed that the Government develop best practice guidance for all landlords including providing information about where tenants in need can access help on furniture provision. The consultation has now closed, and responses are being analysed. More information about future guidance will be released as part of the Government response.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his department has considered the impact of furniture poverty on homelessness; and what steps they are taking to prevent homelessness by ensuring low-income households can access essential items.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government is committed to moving away from a system focussed on crisis response, taking a holistic approach to preventing homelessness in the first place. That's why we've invested a record amount in prevention services this year as part of our £1 billion funding for homelessness services.

The Household Support Fund enables local authorities in England to provide discretionary support to vulnerable households in the most need with the cost of essentials, such as energy, water and food.

Local authorities have the flexibility to design their scheme within the parameters set by Department for Work and Pensions, and this can include supporting vulnerable households with the cost of wider essentials, which could include furniture, furnishings and appliances.

We consulted earlier this year on a reformed Decent Homes Standard for the social and private rented sectors. The consultation can be found on gov.uk here. It proposed that the Government develop best practice guidance for all landlords including providing information about where tenants in need can access help on furniture provision. The consultation has now closed, and responses are being analysed. More information about future guidance will be released as part of the Government response.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the importance of initiatives such as furnished tenancies to reduce material deprivation amongst vulnerable groups.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 84054 on 3 November 2025.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment has been made as to the impact on placement students following the changes to the apprenticeship levy.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

This government is transforming the apprenticeships offer into a new growth and skills offer, which will give greater flexibility to employers and learners and support the industrial strategy.

In August, we introduced new foundation apprenticeships for young people in targeted sectors, as well as shorter duration apprenticeships. These flexibilities will help more people learn new high-quality skills at work and fuel innovation in businesses across the country.

From April 2026, we will introduce new short courses as part of the growth and skills offer with the first wave called apprenticeship units. They will be available in critical skills areas such as artificial intelligence, digital and engineering. Further details will be shared in due course.

An apprenticeship is a job with training, rather than a placement which is something that is part of some further or higher education courses.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Russian Chess Federation's attempt to have sanctions against them lifted.

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

Union of Agricultural Work Committees in the Occupied West Bank

Higher education pension cuts

Town status for Sauchie

Border violence

NEU dispute at Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCLH

US military build-up in the Caribbean

Right to trial by jury

Professional integrity of BBC journalists

Supporting shopworkers

Armed exports to the United Arab Emirates and the situation in Sudan

Driver-only trains on East West Rail

Habitat regulations

Whitkirk Brownies and Rainbows

Palestinian children in Israeli military detention

Thanking postal workers

Yemen

Domestic Energy Efficiency (Call for Evidence) Bill

Football Supporters’ Association’s Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign

Jury trial rights

Palestine Action hunger strike

Mobile phone usage in schools

Escalating human rights violations in Balochistan

Marjorie Bahhaj

Repression following the Iran-Israel war

International Day of People with Disabilities

Occupational Therapist Week

Independent Office for Police Conduct findings on Norman Bettison

Israel’s use of cluster munitions

Funding for medical students in their final years of study

Flooded homes in Wigton

Staff at Rockstar Games

Conflict in Sudan

10th annual Ayurveda Day

20th anniversary of the death of George Best

Access to banks

Regulation of the refractive surgery industry

Higher education funding

Local authority funding (No. 2)

National ban on street-racing

Road Safety Week 2025

Reduction to UK Official Development Assistance

Found: issue of pre-1997 indexation, particularly for members of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).12 Neil Duncan-Jordan