Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to extend the availability of DNA spit kits to licensed private hire drivers.

Violence against transport workers is unacceptable and something I take very seriously. That is why my Department's best practice guidance to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England sets out my expectations for the sector including assessing risks to private hire vehicle drivers whilst they are at work. This could include the provision of 'spit kits' to help deter such repellent behaviour.