Written questions by Snowden.

What estimate she has made of the annual revenue raised through VAT charged on Remembrance wreaths purchased by (a) local authorities, (b) schools and (c) community organisations.

The Government recognises the importance of Remembrance events and the role they play in honouring those who have served. Where a charity chooses to offer its goods or services for free and invite voluntary donations, no VAT is charged. Charities also rightly enjoy generous tax reliefs, worth over £6 billion in 2024, including Gift Aid, exemptions from corporation tax and a number of VAT reliefs to support fund-raising activities. However, where charities sell goods and services, for example charging a set price, and the charity is VAT registered, it must charge VAT unless a VAT relief is available. HMRC does not hold information on VAT charged on specific products or services. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

If she will review VAT rules to ensure that (a) the purchase of wreaths and (b) other purchases made in support of charitable remembrance activities are not subject to VAT.

The Government recognises the importance of Remembrance events and the role they play in honouring those who have served. Where a charity chooses to offer its goods or services for free and invite voluntary donations, no VAT is charged. Charities also rightly enjoy generous tax reliefs, worth over £6 billion in 2024, including Gift Aid, exemptions from corporation tax and a number of VAT reliefs to support fund-raising activities. However, where charities sell goods and services, for example charging a set price, and the charity is VAT registered, it must charge VAT unless a VAT relief is available. HMRC does not hold information on VAT charged on specific products or services. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of consumer protections for customers whose animals are injured during paid (a) grooming or (b) veterinary services.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has not made any recent assessments specifically related to consumer protections for veterinary and grooming services. However, consumer legislation sets out protections for all consumers. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, traders must carry out a service with reasonable care and skill, and within reasonable time. Where a trader fails to meet the standards required, this could be a breach of contract. DBT also funds Citizens Advice to provide the consumer service which supports consumers to resolve disputes and assert their rights

If she will make representations to HM Treasury on the potential impact of VAT on the affordability of (a) Remembrance wreaths and (b) other commemorative items provided by charities.

The Government recognises the importance of Remembrance events and the role they play in honouring those who have served. Where a charity chooses to offer its goods or services for free and invite voluntary donations, no VAT is charged. Charities also rightly enjoy generous tax reliefs, worth over £6 billion in 2024, including Gift Aid, exemptions from corporation tax and a number of VAT reliefs to support fund-raising activities. However, where charities sell goods and services, for example charging a set price, and the charity is VAT registered, it must charge VAT unless a VAT relief is available. HMRC does not hold information on VAT charged on specific products or services. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that grooming services offered by pet retail chains are subject to adequate (a) welfare standards and (b) inspection regimes.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) anyone who has control of animals must protect them from suffering and provide for their welfare needs. These requirements apply to anyone operating a dog grooming business. Failing to comply with the 2006 Act is punishable by imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both. The Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG), comprised of leading national animal welfare charities, veterinary and trade associations and other expert organisations has recently published a code of practice to assist for dog and cat groomers which can be found here.

Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department has provided to local authorities on the investigation of injuries sustained by companion animals during commercial grooming appointments.

The Department has not provided any guidance to local authorities on the investigation of injuries sustained by companion animals during commercial grooming appointments. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 anyone in control of animals must protect them from suffering and provide for their welfare needs. These requirements apply to anyone operating a dog grooming business. Under the Act, local authorities have powers to investigate allegations of cruelty, poor welfare, or neglect of animals.

If he will establish a judge-led inquiry into the RAF Chinook ZD576 crash on the Mull of Kintyre on 2 June 1994.

The Mull of Kintyre crash was a tragic accident and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of all those who died. The Department has received a formal claim for a Judicial Review of our decision to reject the demand for a Judge-led inquiry into the circumstances of the crash from the Chinook Justice Campaign. We are committed to engaging fully with this process, and you will understand that I am unable to provide further comment while this work is ongoing.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the risk from small unmanned drones to (a) public order and (b) public safety.

The Home Office and Department for Transport collaborate closely with each other and a range of stakeholders, including operational partners and colleagues inside and outside of government, to address the risks posed to public order and safety posed by drone misuse.The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021, which gives police powers to better protect against malicious or negligent drone use, was developed by DfT working closely with the Home Office.The policy and operational tools to manage drone misuse sit across a number of agencies, including the Department for Transport, Home Office, Civil Aviation Authority and the police. DfT and HO engage regularly to ensure that the future of drone regulation and policy supports both the security needs of the UK and the legitimate use of drones.

Whether the Government provides funding for research into (a) detection and (b) attribution techniques to (i) identify malicious drone operations quickly and (ii) support criminal (A) investigation and (B) prosecution.

The Government operates a counter-drones science and technology programme, which provides funding for research into Detect, Track and Identify (DTI) technologies.These technologies allow operators to quickly detect and in certain conditions attribute drone incidents. Teams across government work closely together and with operational partners to understand and make use of new technologies. We do not make public the amount spent on research into counter-drone technology or routinely name partners that we work with.

What estimate his Department has made of the annual cost to the NHS of staff being required to undertake duplicate First Aid training when working across multiple NHS trusts.

Due to the number of professional clinicians working across the National Health Service, first aid training is not a requirement for NHS staff and is only relevant in settings where clinicians do not work.

If his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a (a) national standard and (b) mutual recognition framework for First Aid training across NHS trusts.

Due to the number of professional clinicians working across the National Health Service, first aid training is not a requirement for NHS staff and is only relevant in settings where clinicians do not work.The mutual recognition agreement, signed by 262 NHS organisations across England, covers all Core Skills Training Framework Subjects, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Additionally, the Statutory and Mandatory e-learning programme includes four resuscitation sessions which are freely available to all health and social care staff.

What guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on securing public spaces from unauthorised drone activity; and whether her Department provides funding to local authorities for local counter-drone measures at high-risk public sites.

The Home Office oversees the UK government’s approach to countering the misuse of drones.The needs and requirements of each local authority to prepare for and respond to unauthorised drone activity will vary. In order to manage their risks, local authorities should work with their local police, for example through their Local Resilience Forum, to agree their approach.The Home Office provides cross-government coordination on counter-drone policy, and has supported the National Police Chiefs’ Council counter-drones team to develop local police capabilities. Police forces across the UK have been issued with equipment, guidance and training to prepare for and respond to drone misuse, and are responsible for their ongoing local risk assessments.Guidance on the wider topic of drone awareness and security has been issued by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), focused on infrastructure but applicable to public spaces: Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) | Uncrewed Aerial Systems | NPSA. More broadly, guidance has also been provided following the passing of Martyn’s Law which outlines local authorities’ responsibilities to ensure public safety and security.

How many operational bases the National Police Air Service maintains; and what changes to the base network are planned for the next two years.

As NPAS is a police-led collaboration, it is their National Strategic Board which is responsible for setting and evaluating the strategic direction of NPAS, as well as for all operating and financial decisions. Policing leaders are best placed to determine their requirements for air support and how to meet this using the resources available. However, Home Office officials remain closely involved and continue to monitor and support NPAS and each year agree objectives and deliverables for NPAS within the funding envelope available.The NPAS Strategic Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of NPAS, the terms of the Collaboration Agreement arranged through section 22A of the Police Act 1996 agreed between forces, and for all operating and financial decisions within the scope of the grant funding agreement, such as the number and location of NPAS bases.The total budget allocation for NPAS in each of the last five years was as follows:FY25/26: £10,672,695FY24/25: £10,276,503FY23/24: £10,470,000FY22/23: £15,478,437FY21/22: £11,500,000NPAS currently operates a fleet of 24 aircraft, comprising 20 rotary (8 EC135 T2, 8 EC135 P2, and 4 EC145 models), and 4 fixed wing. NPAS is in the process of partially replacing this fleet.NPAS operates a network of 15 strategically located bases across England and Wales, providing vital air support to police forces nationwide. In addition to these regional bases, NPAS also operates a 24-hour service from Lippitts Hill in Epping Forest, supporting the Metropolitan Police Service and ensuring continuous air coverage for London. There are currently no changes to the base network planned for the next two years.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential deployment of military counter-unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities for civil purposes.

The UK employs a broad approach to deterring and defeating air and missile threats, including those from Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS or drones). The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with the Home Office on Homeland C-UAS issues. While domestic peacetime C-UAS is a Home Office lead, the MOD maintains C-UAS systems for military purposes. Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) protocols provide a recognised framework to enable the provision of Defence capabilities to support civilian authorities in certain circumstances.

What funding his Department has allocated to the research and development of non-lethal and lawful counter-drone technologies in the last five years.

A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing counter drone technology, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including countering drones. Research and Development has been at the core of this rapid transformation, this has been an engine for growth and is happening all across industry, including in our support to Ukraine. This innovation and the funding associated with it, has involved many segments of the Ministry of Defence including the Defence and Security Accelerator, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and frontline capability development programmes. However, funding information across a five-year period is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

What the total budget allocation for the National Police Air Service was in each of the last five financial years.

As NPAS is a police-led collaboration, it is their National Strategic Board which is responsible for setting and evaluating the strategic direction of NPAS, as well as for all operating and financial decisions. Policing leaders are best placed to determine their requirements for air support and how to meet this using the resources available. However, Home Office officials remain closely involved and continue to monitor and support NPAS and each year agree objectives and deliverables for NPAS within the funding envelope available.The NPAS Strategic Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of NPAS, the terms of the Collaboration Agreement arranged through section 22A of the Police Act 1996 agreed between forces, and for all operating and financial decisions within the scope of the grant funding agreement, such as the number and location of NPAS bases.The total budget allocation for NPAS in each of the last five years was as follows:FY25/26: £10,672,695FY24/25: £10,276,503FY23/24: £10,470,000FY22/23: £15,478,437FY21/22: £11,500,000NPAS currently operates a fleet of 24 aircraft, comprising 20 rotary (8 EC135 T2, 8 EC135 P2, and 4 EC145 models), and 4 fixed wing. NPAS is in the process of partially replacing this fleet.NPAS operates a network of 15 strategically located bases across England and Wales, providing vital air support to police forces nationwide. In addition to these regional bases, NPAS also operates a 24-hour service from Lippitts Hill in Epping Forest, supporting the Metropolitan Police Service and ensuring continuous air coverage for London. There are currently no changes to the base network planned for the next two years.

Whether he will review the current appeals process for NHS prescription penalty charges to ensure that reasonable discretion is applied in cases of (a) genuine mistake and (b) hardship.

There are no plans to review the appeals process. The Real Time Exemption Checking Service in England (RTEC) helps pharmacy teams confirm whether a patient holds a valid exemption from National Health Service prescription charges quickly while in the pharmacy. The RTEC provides assurance to patients and pharmacy teams that exemptions are being claimed correctly.It is also a patient’s responsibility to be aware of their entitlement and to ensure they take appropriate steps to legitimately enable them to claim exemption from charges. Further information on this is available on the NHS.UK website and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) website, which are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/check-if-you-can-get-free-prescriptions/https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-help-health-costsPatients can also use the NHS BSA eligibility checker, which is available at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dont-get-caught-out-penalty-charges/check-you-tickWhere a patient is unsure if they are entitled to exemption from NHS prescription charges, they should pay the applicable charges and request an FP57 receipt and refund form at the point at which they pay the prescription charge. They can then claim a refund from the pharmacy within three months of paying the prescription charge once they have evidence of exemption.

What information his Department holds on the (a) demography and (b) regional locations of new diagnoses of (i) HIV, (ii) hepatitis B and (iii) hepatitis C.

The UK Health Security Agency undertakes monitoring and surveillance of HIV and hepatitis B and C viral infections, including new diagnoses. This includes regional and demographic information that is published through a series of surveillance reports.A regional breakdown of new HIV diagnoses can be accessed in the HIV diagnoses, AIDS, deaths and people in care: country and region tables, United Kingdom, 2015 to 2024 table, a copy of which is attached. In addition, demographic data is available in the HIV diagnoses, AIDS, deaths and people in care: key population HIV tables, England, 2015 to 2024 table, a copy of which is also attached.Acute hepatitis B surveillance reports can be accessed at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/acute-hepatitis-b-england-enhanced-surveillance-reportsHepatitis C laboratory reports are published annually at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hepatitis-c-england-and-wales-2024/laboratory-reports-of-hepatitis-c-infections-in-england-and-wales-april-to-june-2024The Department’s Fingertips tool also provides publicly accessible geographical information on hepatitis B and C and HIV, and is available at the following link:https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/hepatitis

What information her Department holds on the number of drone-related incidents reported to the police by type of incident for each of the last five years.

The police provide the Home Office with analysis of general trends in drone misuse across the UK to help co-ordinate work and allocate resources across government.Over the past five years these trends have shown a consistent increase in both legal and illegal drone use.The police maintain detailed central reporting and recording which is used for operational and planning purposes.

What (a) legal and (b) operational guidance her Department has issued to police forces on the lawful use of (i) signal jamming, (ii) electronic disruption, and (iii) kinetic interception measures to tackle unauthorised drones in public spaces.

The Home Office has worked closely with policing colleagues to ensure operational responders have access to appropriate technologies and powers to detect and mitigate against drone misuse.The government brought in the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act (ATMUA) in 2021, to give the police necessary powers to protect against malicious or negligent drone use. ATMUA amends the Police Act 1997 to enable the use of counter-drone technologies by operational responders.How and when the police use the technologies and powers provided to them by the Home Office is an operational matter. The Home Office has always maintained the importance of operational independence and does not routinely comment on operational decision making.