Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Hughes Report, what estimate he has made of the timescale for the relevant department to reach conclusions and decisions on the report's recommendations.

The Government extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh, and recognises the profound, life‑changing impact these harms have had on individuals and their families. We know that for many, the consequences are ongoing and deeply felt.

We are still in the process of considering the work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and her report, which set out recommendations for redress for those that have been affected. This work takes time and we will respond once this work is complete.