Written questions by Sobel.

Media and Sport, if she will request that the Gambling Commission provide an overview of where (a) the Health Lottery and (b) other large scale lotteries have not fulfilled their social responsibility duties; and if she will take steps as a result of this overview.

The oversight of operating licences for large scale lotteries such as the Health Lottery, including compliance with social responsibility duties, is a matter for the Gambling Commission. Where the Commission takes regulatory action against an operator, it publishes the details on its website.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Sixth Form Pay Award settlement to Non-Academized Sixth Form Colleges in addition to Academized Sixth Form Colleges.

The recent pay award for the 2024/25 financial year was for school teachers only. The government does not set or recommend pay in further education (FE).This government recognises the vital role that FE teachers and providers play in equipping learners with the opportunities and skills that they need to succeed in their education and will consider workforce sufficiency and what this might mean for FE funding in future years.The Autumn Budget 2024 set out the government’s commitment to skills, by providing an additional £300 million revenue funding for FE to ensure young people are developing the skills this country needs. The department will set out in due course how this funding will be distributed.

If she will meet with representatives from the National Education Union to discuss the 2024-2025 further education pay award for teachers.

As part of this government’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders, my Ministerial colleagues and departmental officials meet regularly with representatives of all the education unions, including the National Education Union, to discuss a range of issues.Further education (FE) providers are responsible for setting the pay of their teachers and government plays no role in this process.The Autumn Budget 2024 set out the government’s commitment to skills by providing an additional £300 million revenue funding for FE to ensure young people are developing the skills this country needs. The department will set out in due course how this funding will be distributed.

With reference to the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to business rates relief on grassroots music venues.

The Government is committed to supporting the creative industries, which play a key role in driving economic growth, contributing £124.6bn GVA in 2022 and supporting over 2 million jobs.At the 2024 Autumn Budget, the Chancellor set out plans to transform the business rates system over the parliament, including an intention to introduce permanently lower tax rates for high-street Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties – like grassroots music venues - from 2026-27. Permanently lower tax rates will provide certainty for RHL properties, ending the cliff-edge created by the temporary 1-year RHL relief that has been repeatedly rolled over since the pandemic.In the interim period, for 25-26, the government has extended RHL relief at 40% and frozen the small business multiplier. This is a package worth over £1.6 billion in 2025-26, aimed at supporting the smallest properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether a Minister from his Department will attend the fifth round of negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty in Busan, Korea.

The fifth round of negotiations on the global plastic pollution treaty (INC-5), beginning on 25 November 2024 does not include a formal Ministerial segment. The UK will continue to be appropriately represented, and we will keep the need for Defra ministerial attendance at INC-5 under review

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of a permanent national menopause network supported by specialist nurses to (a) support and (b) offer advice on (i) diet, (ii) exercise, (iii) the workplace and (iv) other issues to people going through the menopause.

No specific assessment has been made. The Government sympathises with the difficulties women experiencing menopausal symptoms face, and we are committed to prioritising women’s health as we reform the National Health Service.The NHS website provides information and advice for women on menopause symptoms, healthcare support, including treatment options, and advice on lifestyles changes, including diet and exercise. NHS England has also developed a self-care fact sheet. This fact sheet is available at the following link:https://www.selfcareforum.org/menopause/Women should not have to suffer in silence and anyone needing advice on managing symptoms should seek advice from their general practitioner or other healthcare professional. In addition, the Department has invested £25 million over 2023/24 and 2024/25 to support the establishment of at least one pilot women’s health hub in every integrated care system. Menopause care is a core service for the pilot women’s health hubs.

When his Department plans to publish the debarment list.

The Procurement Act 2023 (the Act), which received Royal Assent in October 2023, creates a new debarment regime, including a public debarment list.As of the 24th February 2025 the Act comes into force, at which point debarment investigations can be started and the debarment list can be created.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of using hydrogen to power glass factories.

Low carbon hydrogen is a leading option to decarbonise industrial processes that are harder or more expensive to electrify. Hydrogen could therefore be important for processes that require high temperatures or direct firing such as in the glass or ceramics industry. Government has an ambitious range of policies in place to incentivise and support industry to invest in innovative, clean technologies, including low carbon hydrogen.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing mandatory menopause training for GPs.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has a holistic curriculum of training that all GPs must cover before they are able to pass the examination to become a member of the RCGP and work independently as a GP. There is a specific section on women’s health, including the menopause. As a result, the menopause is already a core competency of all qualified GPs.To support practicing GPs, the RCGP has developed a Women’s Health Library drawing together educational resources and guidelines on women’s health so primary healthcare professionals have the most up-to-date information. This includes a specific section on menopause, and more information on the Library is available at the following link:https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=57

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce health inequalities for women managing menopause in areas of high health inequalities.

The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health as we build a National Health Service fit for the future, and women’s equality will be at the heart of our missions.Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for providing services that meet the needs of their local population, including menopause services. ICBs are also expected to have a dedicated focus on tackling health inequalities.A recent rise in prescriptions for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a promising sign that more women are getting the advice and help they need. The HRT Prescription Pre Payment-Certificate continues to provide significant savings for patients who are prescribed applicable HRT medications.The Department has invested £25 million over 2023/24 and 2024/25 to support the establishment of at least one pilot women’s health hub in every integrated care system. One of the aims of women’s health hubs is to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities. Menopause care is a core service for pilot women’s health hubs.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of the temporary suspension of non-urgent adult referrals by the adult ADHD service in Leeds on people with ADHD in that area.

The Department is currently considering next steps to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including ADHD care pathways, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England is establishing to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.The West Yorkshire ICB advises that the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is taking steps to assess and respond to the impact of the suspension of non-urgent referrals. This includes working to redesign the adult ADHD pathway in Leeds and setting up a new care navigator service for people on the waiting list who would like to discuss what support they need and their options under the NHS Choice Framework.The ICB will be working with the ADHD patient support groups for Leeds and West Yorkshire on what they can do collectively to support patients during the pause to referrals, as well as involving them in the redesign of the local service.A quality impact assessment and an equality impact assessment have been completed by the LYPFT, which will continue to be updated as the local NHS learns more about the impact of the suspension.

Whether his Department (a) is taking steps and (b) plans to take steps to support the adult ADHD service in Leeds to reopen their referrals.

The Department is currently considering next steps to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including ADHD care pathways, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England is establishing to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.The West Yorkshire ICB advises that the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is taking steps to assess and respond to the impact of the suspension of non-urgent referrals. This includes working to redesign the adult ADHD pathway in Leeds and setting up a new care navigator service for people on the waiting list who would like to discuss what support they need and their options under the NHS Choice Framework.The ICB will be working with the ADHD patient support groups for Leeds and West Yorkshire on what they can do collectively to support patients during the pause to referrals, as well as involving them in the redesign of the local service.A quality impact assessment and an equality impact assessment have been completed by the LYPFT, which will continue to be updated as the local NHS learns more about the impact of the suspension.

Whether his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take steps to support increased capacity for adult ADHD assessments in (i) Leeds and (ii) England.

The Department is currently considering next steps to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) services. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards (ICBs) to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including ADHD care pathways, in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England is establishing to look at ADHD service provision and its impact on patient experience. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD and help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand.The West Yorkshire ICB advises that the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is taking steps to assess and respond to the impact of the suspension of non-urgent referrals. This includes working to redesign the adult ADHD pathway in Leeds and setting up a new care navigator service for people on the waiting list who would like to discuss what support they need and their options under the NHS Choice Framework.The ICB will be working with the ADHD patient support groups for Leeds and West Yorkshire on what they can do collectively to support patients during the pause to referrals, as well as involving them in the redesign of the local service.A quality impact assessment and an equality impact assessment have been completed by the LYPFT, which will continue to be updated as the local NHS learns more about the impact of the suspension.

What his Department's latest estimate is of the total cost of the rebuild of Leeds General Infirmary.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

How much funding the Leeds General Infirmary scheme received up to the end of the 2023-24 financial year.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

What the (a) business case status and (b) Royal Institute of British Architects' stage is for Leeds General Infirmary scheme.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

How much funding had been allocated by the Treasury for the (a) Leeds Infirmary scheme and (b) New Hospital Programme up to 2 July 2024.

The standard process confirming the total funding amount for major infrastructure projects involves review and approval of a Full Business Case. All trusts in the Programme have previously received indicative funding allocations to support planning, however these are commercially sensitive. The New Hospital Programme had confirmed £3.7 billion in funding up to the end of 2024/25.Up to the end of 2023/24, the total amount received by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in funding for their new hospital schemes is £32.8 million.The breakdown of how much the Trust received for its new hospital scheme is published annually as part of the Department’s Annual Reports and Accounts, with Public Dividend Capital to individual Trusts included in the Financial Assistance Report under section 40 of the National Health Service Act 2006. The 2022/23 report is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dhsc-annual-report-and-accounts-2022-to-2023The Trust is currently developing its Outline Business Case for the new Leeds General Infirmary scheme and is at Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) stage 2.

If she will make an assessment of the potential environmental impact of off-road vehicles imported from the USA.

Any imported car or light goods vehicle up to 10 years old will require approval before it can be registered for use on the roads of Great Britian to ensure it meets prescribed environmental and safety requirements. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to minimise, as far as practicable, tailpipe emissions and risk to pedestrians. Imported vehicles over 10 years old are required to pass an annual roadworthiness test to assess their tailpipe emissions and ensure that they are safe.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of off-road vehicles imported from the USA on pedestrian safety.

Any imported car or light goods vehicle up to 10 years old will require approval before it can be registered for use on the roads of Great Britian to ensure it meets prescribed environmental and safety requirements. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to minimise, as far as practicable, tailpipe emissions and risk to pedestrians. Imported vehicles over 10 years old are required to pass an annual roadworthiness test to assess their tailpipe emissions and ensure that they are safe.

What the average maintenance loan received by English-domiciled students (a) studying away from home in London, (b) living at home and studying in London and (c) studying in London in total was in each of the last three financial years.

Student finance is awarded on an academic year basis, not a financial year basis, so the average amounts are provided by academic year. The mean average maintenance loan amounts presented below are for England-domiciled full-time undergraduate borrowers:a) Studying away from home in LondonAcademic YearAverage Maintenance Award (£)2021/2210,7462022/2311,0722023/2411,593 b) Living at home and studying in LondonAcademic YearAverage Maintenance Award (£)2021/225,7602022/235,7932023/245,917 c) Studying in London in totalAcademic YearAverage Maintenance Award (£)2021/229,1482022/239,4422023/249,863 To note:The location of the student (Parental Home or Elsewhere in London) in the autumn term is assumed to be their location throughout the year.Long Course Loans are excluded from these figures.