Written questions by Ramsay.

What steps his department is taking to ensure the VCSE sector is able to play a role in the Neighbourhood Health Service.

The Neighbourhood Health Service will ensure that people can better access care that is joined up, personalised, and designed to proactively meet their needs. This will involve building a National Health Service that works in partnership with local government, the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector (VCSE) sector, employment services, and beyond.At the Autumn Budget the Government announced its commitment to deliver 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres. Neighbourhood Health Centres will provide easier, more convenient access to a wide range of health and care services on people’s doorsteps, including VCSE services. 27 centres will be open by 2027 and are the first of 50 Neighbourhood Health Centres backed by a total of £200 million in Government investment.In September 2025, we launched the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme (NNHIP) in 43 Places across England. The NNHIP is a large-scale change programme for all partners involved in delivering neighbourhood health, including the VCSE sector.In March 2026, we published the Neighbourhood Health Framework. The framework is designed to support joined-up partnership between ICBs, local authorities, and their partners, to develop locally led Neighbourhood Health Plans. Local neighbourhood health teams will have the flexibility to work with people in ways that suit their area, whether through co-design, community outreach, or collaboration with VCSE partners.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the installation of immobilisation cages for pigs on her Department's consultation entitled Animal Health and Welfare Pathway: mandatory proposals, published on 24 February 2026.

The consultation titled Animal Health and Welfare Pathway: mandatory proposals does not include any requirements related to immobilisation cages for pigs, so the Department has no plans to make an assessment of the potential impact.

What steps his Department is taking to help support off-grid rural communities dependent on heating oil as part of a transition to a renewable energy system.

The £15 billion Warm Homes Plan includes an offer for everyone, including those living in rural areas and off the gas grid. The Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund support eligible households to upgrade their homes, with measures including insulation, solar, batteries, and heat pumps. All eligible households in England and Wales can also benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), funded with £2.7 billion to 2030. This will provide more options for homes where a hydronic heat pump may not be the most appropriate solution, including air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries. Additionally, the Government has published a consultation on alternative heating solutions which explores the role these technologies could play in ensuring that every household has a suitable low-carbon option. The consultation closed on 10 February, and a government response will follow in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to move off-grid rural communities dependent on heating oil to a renewable-based energy system.

The £15 billion Warm Homes Plan includes an offer for everyone, including those living in rural areas and off the gas grid. The Warm Homes: Local Grant and Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund support eligible households to upgrade their homes, with measures including insulation, solar, batteries, and heat pumps. All eligible households in England and Wales can also benefit from the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), funded with £2.7 billion to 2030. This will provide more options for homes where a hydronic heat pump may not be the most appropriate solution, including air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries. Additionally, the Government has published a consultation on alternative heating solutions which explores the role these technologies could play in ensuring that every household has a suitable low-carbon option. The consultation closed on 10 February, and a Government response will follow in due course.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of renewable energy deployment on long-term energy prices for domestic consumers.

The Prime Minister and the Government is committed to delivering clean power because it gives us energy security, protects households and businesses from global price shocks, helps tackle the climate crisis and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across Britain. The independent NESO set out pathways to a clean power system in 2030, and confirmed it was deliverable and more secure, and could see a lower electricity cost and bills. We are delivering on our ambitious plan to move our electricity system to clean power that we control – reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting everyone from future price spikes.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of renewable energy deployment on energy price stability for domestic consumers.

The Prime Minister and the Government is committed to delivering clean power because it gives us energy security, protects households and businesses from global price shocks, helps tackle the climate crisis and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across Britain. The independent NESO set out pathways to a clean power system in 2030, and confirmed it was deliverable and more secure, and could see a lower electricity cost and bills. We are delivering on our ambitious plan to move our electricity system to clean power that we control – reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting everyone from future price spikes.

Food and Rural Affairs, what were the species of the 28 hunting trophies for which import permits were granted by her Department between 1 July 2024 and 25 March 2026.

The species of the 28 import permits issued under purpose H (- Hunting Trophies) between 1 July 2024 and 25 March 2026 were as follows:Crocodylus niloticusGiraffa camelopardalisHippopotamus amphibius (x 4)Loxodonta Africana (x 16)Panthera leoUrsus americanus (x 3)Ursus arctos (x 2) It is important to note that a single permit does not necessarily correspond to a single animal; in some cases, multiple CITES permits may be required for an individual animal.

Whether he plans to take further steps to support rural households in the context of volatility in global fossil fuel markets.

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy costs. We are determined to fight the corner of all those affected by the rise in heating oil prices, and the Government recognises the significant pressures these increases place on households in rural communities. The Prime Minister has been clear his number one domestic priority is helping families with the cost-of-living. To that end, the Government has announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. The Government continues to monitor the situation closely, and we are looking at what further support may be needed. The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. In addition, on 30 January, we announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter.

If he will consider the potential merits of introducing additional measures to help protect rural households from volatility in international fossil fuel markets.

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy costs. We are determined to fight the corner of all those affected by the rise in heating oil prices, and the Government recognises the significant pressures these increases place on households in rural communities. The Prime Minister has been clear his number one domestic priority is helping families with the cost-of-living. To that end, the Government has announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. The Government continues to monitor the situation closely, and we are looking at what further support may be needed. The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. In addition, on 30 January, we announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter.

Food and Rural Affairs, how many import permits for hunting trophies have been issued by her Department since July 2024.

Between 1 July 2024 and 25 March 2026, the Animal and Plant Health Agency issued 28 import permits for hunting trophies under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Trade data up to 2024 is available on the CITES Trade Database.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the new National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Registry is accessible to women at increased risk of breast cancer.

The National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Registry (NICPR), which is part of the National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), records information on individuals who have confirmed pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variants in any of the approximately 120 cancer predisposition genes tested for in the National Health Service. These individuals must be referred to one of the Regional Clinical Genetics Services in England for genetic counselling and management. NDRS works closely with these services and the UK Cancer Genetics Group to ensure that all eligible individuals, including women at increased genetic risk of breast cancer, are captured in the NICPR. To support this, NDRS provides regular feedback to Regional Clinical Genetics Services through quarterly reconciliation audits, to confirm that all relevant individuals are included and have access to appropriate clinical support.NICPR also supports referrals into the Very High Risk Breast Screening Programme, where relevant. In addition to those with confirmed genetic variants, NDRS also supports referral of women in the risk-equivalent category, for example those with a strong family history of breast cancer but who have not undertaken a definitive genetic test. Information on these women is submitted using a similar portal as for NICPR referrals.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that changes to NICE’s cost effectiveness thresholds results in improved and equitable access to new and effective treatments for people with incurable secondary breast cancer.

The Government intends to increase the standard cost-effectiveness threshold that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) uses in its evaluations of medicines in line with the commitment in the United Kingdon and United States’ trade deal. The new threshold is expected to mean that NICE is able to recommend some medicines for use on the National Health Service that it would not have otherwise been able to recommend. Decisions on whether an individual medicine can be recommended as a clinically and cost-effective use of NHS resources once the new threshold is applied will be taken by NICE in line with its established processes.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of financial barriers on graduate entry medical students in England.

No specific assessment has been made. The Government reviews the funding arrangements for medical students annually. This includes the NHS Bursary Scheme and Student Finance England support.The 10-Year Health Plan, published in July 2025, recognises the need to improve access to the medical profession for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and commits to a range of actions to achieve this. This includes exploring options to improve financial support for students from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds, so that they are able to thrive at medical school. We will set out next steps in due course.

What assessment his Department has undertaken on the proposal put forward by Greenpeace UK and Stonehaven in their Power Shift report to move gas-fired power stations into a Regulated Asset Base strategic reserve.

This government has been clear that the answers to the challenges around energy security, affordability and sustainability point in the same direction – clean energy. Under current market frameworks, technologies with the lowest marginal cost dispatch first. Unabated gas is already at the bottom of the merit order, meaning it already dispatches last. By 2030 unabated gas will account for less than 5% of total generation. As low‑carbon technologies are deployed at scale, gas will increasingly shift to a reserve role in the system, meaning it will set electricity prices less often over time, reducing consumers’ exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices. As the role of unabated gas diminishes, we will continue to explore how market and system arrangements can evolve to minimise its impact on consumer bills, including considering the potential benefits and risks of alternative market reforms.

What steps his Department is taking to decouple the price of wholesale electricity from the cost of gas beyond moving more renewables into Contracts for Difference.

The Government is determined to increase the share of renewables on the system so that the electricity price is set by cheaper clean power sources rather than gas. Every wind turbine we switch on and solar panel we deploy helps push gas off as the price setter. The Contracts for Difference scheme remains one of our most successful initiatives for doing this. However, this sits alongside other flagship renewable energy policies, including removing the ban on onshore wind within 72 hours of taking office, and the most significant programme of investment in homegrown clean energy in British history – with £61.9bn in capital funding committed in the Spending Review.

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that professional regulatory costs do not act as a disincentive to entering or remaining in the nursing, midwifery and nursing associate professions.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is independent of the Government, is directly accountable to Parliament, and is responsible for operational matters concerning the discharge of its statutory duties. As the NMC set out in its consultation, registrant fees, which account for 97% of organisational income, have remained at the same level for over 10 years. The NMC has deemed it necessary to propose a fee increase to ensure that the organisation can carry out its statutory functions. We understand that the proposed increase would equate to an annual increase of £23 per registrant, the equivalent of an additional £1.92 a month. The NMC’s registrant fee remains one of the lowest across all of the health and care professional regulators. United Kingdom taxpayers can claim tax relief on their registration fees, helping to reduce the overall cost. Professionals can also apply to spread the cost of registration by paying in four instalments each year. We are working closely with employers and leaders across the National Health Service to improve staff retention. There are many issues that can influence staff retention, so this requires a multi-faceted approach. The 10 Year Workforce Plan due to be published in the spring will have a big focus on making the NHS a better employer. This includes the development of a new set of staff standards which will focus on improving staff experience and health and wellbeing.NHS England is already leading work nationally through its retention programme to drive a consistent, system-wide approach to staff retention across NHS trusts. This ensures trusts have access to proven retention strategies, data-driven monitoring, and can foster a more stable, engaged, productive, and supported workforce.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Nursing and Midwifery Council registration fee increase on recruitment, retention and workforce morale within the NHS.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is independent of the Government, is directly accountable to Parliament, and is responsible for operational matters concerning the discharge of its statutory duties. As the NMC set out in its consultation, registrant fees, which account for 97% of organisational income, have remained at the same level for over 10 years. The NMC has deemed it necessary to propose a fee increase to ensure that the organisation can carry out its statutory functions. We understand that the proposed increase would equate to an annual increase of £23 per registrant, the equivalent of an additional £1.92 a month. The NMC’s registrant fee remains one of the lowest across all of the health and care professional regulators. United Kingdom taxpayers can claim tax relief on their registration fees, helping to reduce the overall cost. Professionals can also apply to spread the cost of registration by paying in four instalments each year. We are working closely with employers and leaders across the National Health Service to improve staff retention. There are many issues that can influence staff retention, so this requires a multi-faceted approach. The 10 Year Workforce Plan due to be published in the spring will have a big focus on making the NHS a better employer. This includes the development of a new set of staff standards which will focus on improving staff experience and health and wellbeing.NHS England is already leading work nationally through its retention programme to drive a consistent, system-wide approach to staff retention across NHS trusts. This ensures trusts have access to proven retention strategies, data-driven monitoring, and can foster a more stable, engaged, productive, and supported workforce.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure patients with brain tumours treated at NHS trusts that are not members of the National Institute for Health and Care Research's Brain Tumour Research Consortium are able to access equivalent a) tumour tissue freezing, b) whole genome sequencing and c) clinical trial stratification pathways.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year in research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with brain tumours, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments. The NIHR funds research and research infrastructure across England which supports patients and the public to participate in high-quality research, including brain cancer trials. The NIHR also provides an online service called Be Part of Research which promotes participation in health and care research, by allowing users to search for relevant studies and register their interest.In addition, the Government will implement the Rare Cancers Act 2026. The act will make it easier for clinical trials on brain tumours to take place in England, by ensuring the patient population can be more easily contacted by researchers.The NIHR’s investments for capital equipment, technology, and modular buildings support National Health Service trusts across England to deliver high-quality research to improve the health of the population. These investments include cutting edge research equipment and fixed assets such as ultra-low and cryogenic freezers, to strengthen research capacity and improve access to samples for research.Genomic testing in the NHS in England is delivered through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) via seven regional Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). All seven GLHs deliver testing based on the National Genomic Test Directory, which outlines eligibility criteria for genomic testing. The Test Directory includes over 200 cancer indications for a range of genomic tests, including whole genome sequencing for neurological tumours, for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. Seven NHS GMS Alliances also work to embed genomics into clinical pathways, raise awareness among clinicians and the public, and ensure equitable access to whole genome sequencing across all regions.

Whether his Department has (a) set and (b) considered setting a national standard for the maximum timeframe within which brain tumour tissue should be placed into a fresh-frozen state following surgical excision.

The Department has neither set nor considered setting a national standard for the maximum timeframe within which brain tumour tissue should be placed into a fresh-frozen state following surgical excision.Fresh-freezing, also referred to as snap-freezing, is a standard technique used by pathology networks to preserve tissue architecture without chemical fixatives, allowing for subsequent molecular or histological analysis, typically supporting research or advanced diagnostic applications.Pathology services in England are delivered through 27 regional pathology networks, and offer a comprehensive range of tests, including the analysis of brain tissues. Individual pathology services in England maintain their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fresh, or the snap-freezing, of tissue samples. These SOPs outline local capabilities and practices. While NHS England does not routinely set detailed technical standards for specific laboratory processes, relevant professional bodies, such as Royal College of Pathologists, may develop guidance to support consistent practice across services.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she is taking steps to help encourage the egg industry to end the culling of male chicks.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 January 2026 to the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole, PQ UIN 105878.