Written questions by Murrison.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of furthering the Enhanced Strategic Partnership with Morocco on agricultural trade.

Following the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to Morocco, both Kingdoms signed several Memoranda of Understanding to drive cross-sectoral partnerships. The Department for Business and Trade and the UK’s Trade Envoy will be working with Morocco to deepen ties, including developing partnerships to support Morocco’s infrastructure programme — ahead of the 2030 Football World Cup — and advancing an Agriculture Review. Bilateral trade has been rising and reached £4.2 billion in 2024. These partnerships will boost trade and investment over the next decade. UK Export Finance offers £5bn finance and can support projects in Western Sahara, subject to meeting UKEF’s due diligence requirements.

Whether her Department plans to implement improvements to the West of England rail line in the context of the cancellation of the A303 Stonehenge road improvement scheme.

The Government has no plans for enhancements to the West of England line at this time. Government investment priorities for rail enhancements in England and Wales will be set out following the conclusion of the Spending Review next month.

What steps Great British Rail plans to take to help improve (a) travel times, (b) punctuality and (c) passenger experience on the West of England line.

Services operated by South Western Railway, which operates the West of England line, will transfer into public ownership when their contract expires on 25 May 2025. Under public ownership, passenger services will be operated in the interests of passengers, not shareholders. Bringing train operations into public ownership is the first step in the Government’s plans for wider rail reform. The Railways Bill will be introduced later this session, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR). GBR will have the tools and operational independence it needs to plan and run the rail system on a long-term basis to deliver for passengers and freight customers. Through these reforms we will deliver better quality services for passengers and freight customers, resulting in fewer delays and a timetable that better serves their needs.

How many Gurkhas will be recruited in each of the next five years.

Gurkhas have made an outstanding contribution to the UK through their years of dedicated service to the Crown and are held in high esteem by the British Army and public alike. The number of recruits required for the Brigade of Gurkhas is managed on an annual basis and depends on factors such as retirements, transfers and any changes in unit Order of Battles. Therefore, the Army cannot provide confirmation on the likely number of Gurkha recruits for each of the next five years. The British Army’s wish to recruit women has been communicated to the Government of Nepal and we will continue to engage them on this subject.

When female Gurkha soldiers will be recruited.

Gurkhas have made an outstanding contribution to the UK through their years of dedicated service to the Crown and are held in high esteem by the British Army and public alike. The number of recruits required for the Brigade of Gurkhas is managed on an annual basis and depends on factors such as retirements, transfers and any changes in unit Order of Battles. Therefore, the Army cannot provide confirmation on the likely number of Gurkha recruits for each of the next five years. The British Army’s wish to recruit women has been communicated to the Government of Nepal and we will continue to engage them on this subject.

Innovation and Technology, whether National Cyber Security Centre guidelines are used to assess the potential impact of AI on the public sector.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance is a key resource used by the Government when assessing the potential impact of AI on government and the broader public sector. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Cabinet Office incorporate NCSC guidance and actively engage with their subject matter experts when developing policy and guidance, including the AI Playbook.

Innovation and Technology, which (a) generative AI or (b) large language models are in use in the public sector; and whether these models were (i) developed internally and (ii) are commercially available.

There are a number of Generative AI and LLM models used across HMG. The Government publishes information on the use of these in the public sector through the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard, available on GOV.UK. These records show that departments use a mixture of in-house and commercial solutions, including tools built on foundational models. Use cases range from operational support to decision-making aids, and are subject to appropriate oversight and assurance processes

Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential use of (a) AI and (b) large language models in the public sector; and whether there are any pilots currently underway.

The Cabinet Office on behalf of government has assessed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) across the Civil Service, aiming to identify areas offering the highest value and impact. A number of pilot projects are underway across multiple departments. Pilots are currently underway for a range of tools investigating the potential impact on productivity and employee satisfaction, trials will be published once analysis has been completed.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for the NHS of the use of (a) generative AI and (b) large language models; and whether pilot schemes are underway to assess potential uses.

New artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are being developed that have the potential to improve healthcare delivery and to provide significant cost savings to the National Health Service. One example is the use of automated voice to text tools, which use generative AI to listen to and transcribe patient notes.Currently, there are ongoing assessments of the use of these tools in the NHS as these technologies could help ease the administrative burden faced by staff and make systems more efficient. Several NHS trusts are running trials, including a multi-site assessment of the impact of using automated transcription software. The NHS AI team is monitoring these developments and developing guidance for the responsible use of these tools. This guidance will be informed by the Government’s broader guidance on the use of Generative AI in the public sector.There are strict safeguards in place throughout the NHS to protect data. All providers of services which handle patient data must protect that data in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and Data Protection Act 2018, and every health organisation is required to appoint a Caldicott Guardian to advise on the protection of people’s health and care data, and ensure it is used properly. This includes where AI is used in relation to patient records.To mitigate the likelihood and severity of any potential harm to individuals arising from use of data in AI, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has developed detailed AI guidance which provides an overarching view of data protection, including Data Protection Impact Assessments and UK GDPR. It has also produced an AI toolkit to support organisations auditing compliance of their AI-based technologies. NHS bodies are expected to make use of this guidance and toolkit.

Innovation and Technology, what guidance his Department has issued to public sector organisations on storing data generated by (a) AI and (b) large language models.

The Government Digital Service in DSIT has issued an AI playbook (available on gov.uk) which gives departments advice on governing their use of AI, including large language models (LLMs). The ‘Data Protection and Privacy’ section in the AI playbook sets out data protection principles relevant to the use of AI, including ‘storage limitation’.The use of AI and Large Language Models for government business engages the department’s record’s management responsibilities and will be managed in accordance with the Code of Practice on the management of records issued under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Whether such information is retained and the period for which it is retained will vary depending on the technology used.

What steps he has taken to implement the ruling on For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025 in the armed forces.

16 April 2025 saw the Supreme Court ruling that sex is to be understood as biological sex for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. Updated Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance will be available in due course, and we’ll consider how this affects our policies when the detail is shared. Our priority is to ensure that all our people in Defence have the support and facilities they need. The Government remains committed to dignity and respect for all, and this has been reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.

If he will list communications issued from his Department to potential victims of water contamination in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between 1953 and 1987.

We take the safety of our personnel very seriously and any veteran that may have served at Camp Lejeune during this period and believes that their health was affected can apply for compensation under the War Pension Scheme. It is also worth noting that the US compensation scheme had been running for almost two years at the point it was raised on 30 July 2024 to the new Ministerial team. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information on British personnel affected by water contamination at US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987; however, we are making every effort to ensure Serving personnel and veterans are aware of their rights moving forward. On notification, I immediately instructed the Ministry of Defence to issue communications to encourage those who think they may have been affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to contact the department. On 2 August 2024 the Department released an article on Gov.uk explaining how to check eligibility and claim before the deadline. This was also followed up by posts on the Department’s social media accounts and internally through Veterans UK and all three Services. I continue to encourage anyone who was based at Camp Lejeune between 1 August 1953 and 31 December 1987 to write to the MOD so that we may provide them with advice.

(a) on what dates and (b) how his Department contacted service personnel on potential exposure to water contaminants in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between 1953 and 1987.

We take the safety of our personnel very seriously and any veteran that may have served at Camp Lejeune during this period and believes that their health was affected can apply for compensation under the War Pension Scheme. It is also worth noting that the US compensation scheme had been running for almost two years at the point it was raised on 30 July 2024 to the new Ministerial team. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information on British personnel affected by water contamination at US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987; however, we are making every effort to ensure Serving personnel and veterans are aware of their rights moving forward. On notification, I immediately instructed the Ministry of Defence to issue communications to encourage those who think they may have been affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to contact the department. On 2 August 2024 the Department released an article on Gov.uk explaining how to check eligibility and claim before the deadline. This was also followed up by posts on the Department’s social media accounts and internally through Veterans UK and all three Services. I continue to encourage anyone who was based at Camp Lejeune between 1 August 1953 and 31 December 1987 to write to the MOD so that we may provide them with advice.

How his Department has discharged its duty of care to service (a) personnel and (b) families for potential contamination by toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina between 1953 and 1987.

We take the safety of our personnel very seriously and any veteran that may have served at Camp Lejeune during this period and believes that their health was affected can apply for compensation under the War Pension Scheme. It is also worth noting that the US compensation scheme had been running for almost two years at the point it was raised on 30 July 2024 to the new Ministerial team. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information on British personnel affected by water contamination at US Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987; however, we are making every effort to ensure Serving personnel and veterans are aware of their rights moving forward. On notification, I immediately instructed the Ministry of Defence to issue communications to encourage those who think they may have been affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to contact the department. On 2 August 2024 the Department released an article on Gov.uk explaining how to check eligibility and claim before the deadline. This was also followed up by posts on the Department’s social media accounts and internally through Veterans UK and all three Services. I continue to encourage anyone who was based at Camp Lejeune between 1 August 1953 and 31 December 1987 to write to the MOD so that we may provide them with advice.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc on improvements to road links between the M4 and the south coast.

The Oxford-Cambridge Arc represents a strategic growth corridor with the potential to facilitate sustainable economic, social, and environmental development for the region, and its impact on the transport system is multi-modal. It is recognised that additional analytical work will be necessary to comprehensively assess the interdependencies and areas of alignment with parallel studies, including the M4 to Dorset corridor study.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc on the economies of surrounding settlements.

The Chancellor has recently announced the government’s commitment to unlock growth in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and the high potential sectors within it, building on the proposed route of East West Rail, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth.The Oxford-Cambridge region is home to world leading universities and globally renowned science and technology firms. But the region's true potential is being held back by several constraints, including poor transport connections and unaffordable housing and we need to go further to address the key barriers to growth across this region to deliver benefits for the whole country. This region already accounts for over 7% of total UK GDP, contributing over £40 billion to the UK economy, and fully realising its potential could add a further £78 billion by 2035 according to industry experts.More broadly, the government has extended the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for a further year, providing £900 million for local authorities to invest in local priorities right across the UK. This includes almost £1.9 million for Wiltshire in 2025-26.

How many and what proportion of deaths from contact with electricity via building and industrial cleaning activities were recorded by the Health and Safety Executive in the last 12 months for which information is available.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) places duties on employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises (the Responsible Person) to report work-related fatalities, certain injuries, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences (near misses). Reports are made via a dedicated RIDDOR submission form. An electrocution that occurred during window cleaning being carried out as a ‘work activity’ (as opposed to by the homeowner) would be reportable under RIDDOR as a work-related fatality. HSE collects information on deaths from contact with electricity in the category of ‘building and industrial cleaning activities’. However, it does not collect specific information relating to electrocutions caused by the use of water-fed poles in window cleaning.

What information her Department holds on the number of window cleaners electrocuted whilst using water-fed poles in each year for which records are available.

I refer the hon. Member to the previous reply PQ 5554

On what dates she has met with further education college representatives to discuss further education funding in preparation for Phase 2 of the Spending Review.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, my noble Friend, the Minister for Skills, and other members of the Ministerial team at the department regularly meet with further education colleges and their representatives. There have been several recent meetings which have touched on funding.

If she will make a comparative assessment of the impact of (a) industrial injury compensation for civilians and (b) military service compensation on (i) the awarding of benefits and (ii) tax treatment.

There are no plans to make such an assessment. The precise treatment of compensation payments depends on the details of the individual scheme (whether industrial, military or other) will depend on the benefit concerned. Tax treatment is a matter for HMRC not DWP.