Written questions by Maguire.

What steps his Department is taking to expand access to the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum cases in the South West.

NHS England has carefully reviewed the evidence to treat pectus excavatum in patients. In an interim clinical commissioning urgent policy statement, NHS England concluded that there is enough evidence to make surgical treatment available as a routine commissioning treatment option for patients of all ages with pectus excavatum resulting in very severe physiological symptoms, including for patients in the South West. The criteria for the surgery is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/PRN00394-interim-clinical-commissioning-urgent-policy-statement-pectus-surgery.pdf

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the (a) Small Business Multiplier and (b) Standard Multiplier on business sustainability in the beer and pub sector.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, with rateable values below £500,000, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government intends to fund this by introducing a higher multiplier on all properties with a rateable value (RV) of £500,000 and above. The Government will confirm the rates for the new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context. Tax policy and legislation is not subject to the Better Regulation Framework Guidance which requires an Impact Assessment to accompany policy decisions. Nevertheless, when the new multipliers are set at Budget 2025 – to take effect in the 2026-27 billing year – HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

What progress she has made on her planned port strategy; and what plans she has for future funding of port infrastructure.

My Department is not currently planning on publishing a ports strategy, however, on 25th March we published the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and we are continuing to develop a Maritime Strategy. Both address the Department’s priorities for the ports sector.The Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy sets out Government’s plans for decarbonising the domestic maritime sector, including goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and policies to support this. The Maritime Strategy will be published later this year. It will focus on our four priorities of people, growth, environment and safety. Ports have a crucial role to play across all of these.The Department is engaging with colleagues at the National Wealth Fund given Ports are a priority area for NWF investment.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the time take for Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspections on the economic sustainability of inshore fishing businesses in rural coastal communities.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible. Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel. Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service. The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity. The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

What discussions she has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on increasing inspection capacity.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible. Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel. Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service. The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity. The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

Whether her Department has considered introducing a temporary dispensation for newly-purchased fishing vessels awaiting Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspection.

The majority of inspections the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carries out on fishing vessels are part of a regular survey and certification cycle. These certificates have a window to allow the operator to arrange an inspection well in advance and at a convenient time to ensure the impact on their business is as low as possible. Following the sale of a vessel compliance with the relevant code needs to be confirmed before commercial operation can commence. Whilst elements of this should not change of transfer of ownership multiple areas are related to the individual and their operation of the vessel. Historically, vessel certificates were linked solely to the vessel, with no owner details listed, and no change of owner inspection was required. However, after incidents where previous owners removed loose gear, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) raised concerns and recommended changes to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Consequently, the change of owner inspection was introduced to ensure continued compliance. This inspection verifies that the vessel has not been modified, loose gear remains onboard, and the new operator has the necessary qualifications and familiarity with the craft. A dispensation has not been considered, as there is no evidence suggesting surveyor availability is causing delays for newly purchased vessels entering service. The MCA undertakes more than 1200 inspections on fishing vessels annually. Our service level agreement for non-chargeable inspections on under 15m vessel is that we offer an inspection slot within 14 calendar days and in the majority of cases this is being met. Our service levels are monitored and there is no evidence of a failure to attend vessels in a timely manner which would demonstrate a need for an increase in capacity. The MCA ensure any substantiated complaints and concerns are considered and addressed as needed.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish his response to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee's 7th Quinquennial Review of Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 relating to marine mammals; and whether he plans to consider the potential impact of this review on his review of the Environmental Improvement Plan.

We are carefully reviewing the proposals, including for marine mammals, from the 7 Quinquennial Review, taking into account our nature recovery ambitions. The Government has concluded a rapid review of the existing Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP23) and published a statement of the rapid review’s key findings on 30 January 2025. We are developing a new EIP to protect and restore our natural environment, it will be published later this year. We will publish our response to the Quinquennial Review in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to (a) add all resident pinniped species to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and (b) protect all pinniped and cetacean species from each offence under Section 9 of that Act.

We continue to consider the evidence for legislative change. This includes the proposals submitted by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to the previous Government for amending the lists of species afforded protection by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Nature recovery is one of my main priorities, so Defra is working to review whether we have the right tools in place including developing a revised Environmental Improvement Plan to protect and restore our natural environment, which will be published later this year.

What plans she has to help (a) ports and (b) the shipping industry to (i) reduce emissions and (ii) transition to cleaner fuels.

We will shortly set out our next steps for reducing shipping emissions in a forthcoming maritime decarbonisation plan, which will include a package of policy and regulatory measures and action across both the port and shipping industries. Reducing emissions will rely on increased efficiency of operators, combined with a transition to cleaner zero, and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels and energy sources, and this plan will consider both the role of these fuels, and how we will support their uptake.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of seafarers’ (a) welfare and (b) roster patterns, in the context of the collision between Solong and Stena Immaculate.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is undertaking an investigation into the incident. Its findings will be made available in due course. MAIB will consider the circumstances of the incident, including any relevant crewing issues. We must give those teams the time and support to do their job without pre-judging what may have caused this tragic incident.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to support young people onto the housing ladder in North Cornwall constituency.

The affordability challenges facing prospective first-time buyers mean that too many people are now locked out of home ownership. This government is determined to change that, ensuring that young families and hardworking renters can buy a home of their own. The most sustainable long-term method to improve housing affordability and help people into home ownership is to increase the supply of housing. That is why the Government committed to deliver 1.5 million homes over the Parliament in the Plan for Change. In addition to increasing the supply of homes of all tenures, we are committed to introducing a permanent, comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme meaning first-time buyers in North Cornwall and across the country will be able to take their crucial first step on to the property ladder with only a small deposit.

What steps her Department is taking to improve access to domestic abuse support services in (a) North Cornwall constituency and (b) other rural areas.

This Government has set out an ambition to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade and will treat it as the national emergency that it is. The Government has increased funding to all local authorities to £160 million for 2025-26, an uplift of £30 million from the previous year, to provide further support in safe accommodation for domestic abuse survivors We will deliver a cross-government, transformative approach, underpinned by a new VAWG Strategy published later this year. This will take into account the needs of all victims, including those in rural areas.The Government has also committed to introduce domestic abuse specialists in every 999 control room, under a new approach named Raneem's Law. Delivery began in February, with the first specialists embedded in five police forces to support and improve the police response to victims of domestic abuse.We have launched new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) in three select areas and with the British Transport Police. These orders are the first to introduce a robust range of restrictions for perpetrators such as the ability to impose electronic tagging and attendance on behaviour change programmes, substance misuse and mental health interventions.It is important that services join up to best serve victims. The Duty to Collaborate, once in force, will require local policing bodies, local authorities, and integrated care boards to collaborate in relation to the commissioning of certain victim support services, and to prepare and publish a joint commissioning strategy for victims of domestic abuse in their area.I am pleased to be able to confirm funding for a range of organisations for the next financial year, whose vital work will help us achieve our mission.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that investigations of allegations of domestic abuse involving serving police officers in Devon and Cornwall are independent.

Allegations of any crime involving serving police officers should be investigated robustly and independently by the police.Outside of criminal investigations, disciplinary investigations (including those involving serious assault and serious sexual offences) are referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) under the mandatory referral criteria. Victims of crime, including police officers, have rights afforded to them under the Victims' Code. The IOPC will make a decision as to whether to investigate themselves, direct the force to investigate or decide that the force should investigate locally. These decisions are made independently of the police force, with the protection of victims in mind.The Government will continue to work with police leaders to ensure that the response to police-perpetrated domestic abuse is robust and that every relevant allegation is dealt with appropriately.Last year, the Home Secretary also announced that the Government would be introducing reforms to strengthen police forces' use of suspension powers, in circumstances where a police officer is under investigation for domestic abuse or sexual offences. The Government is considering options on this and expects to introduce new legislation later this year.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for mental health treatment.

Too many people are not receiving the mental health care they need and we know that waits for mental health services are lengthy. As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future, we will recruit an extra 8,500 mental health workers across children and adult mental health services to cut waiting times and ensure people can access treatment and support earlier.We will provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school in England so every young person has access to early support to address problems before they escalate. We are also rolling out Young Futures Hubs to provide open access mental health support for children and young people.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish a timeline for the (a) planning and (b) development of the nine new national river walks.

Officials are continuing to scope out the delivery of the nine new national river walks manifesto commitment. Further details will be published in due course.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of trends in mental health waiting lists on the number of people out of work.

The Department has not assessed the impact of trends in mental health waiting lists on the number of people out of work. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) plans to link NHS waiting times data to Census, DWP Benefits and HMRC PAYE records to analyse the relationship between waiting time duration (for various health conditions and procedures) and labour market outcomes (such as employment status, gross pay and benefit receipt) in England. This may shed light on the potential impact of trends in waiting lists for various healthcare services, including mental health waiting lists, on the number of people out of work.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of waiting times for mental health treatment on levels of health-related economic inactivity.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) plans to link NHS waiting times data to Census, DWP Benefits and HMRC PAYE records to analyse the relationship between waiting time duration (for various health conditions and procedures) and labour market outcomes (such as employment status, gross pay and benefit receipt) in England. This assessment has potential to shed light on the potential impact of waiting times for various health services, including mental health treatment, on levels of health-related economic inactivity.

If she will communicate directly with (a) residents and (b) businesses in (i) Camelford and (ii) surrounding areas on plans for the proposed A39 bypass.

The government currently is undertaking a multi-year spending review.  Until the outcome of this is known, I am unable to provide any assurances on Departmental funding for the A39 Camelford bypass scheme which is being promoted by Cornwall Council as part of the Department’s Major Road Networks/ Large Local Majors programme.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the selection criteria his Department is using to (a) review and (b) allocate funding for locations for the nine new national river walks.

Officials are continuing to scope out the delivery of the nine new national river walks manifesto commitment. Further details will be published in due course.

What steps his Department is taking to increase access to mental health services for victims of domestic abuse in (a) North Cornwall constituency and (b) other rural communities.

Too many people are not receiving the mental health care they need, and we know that waits for mental health services are far too long. This is why we will fix the broken system to ensure we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health and that people can be confident of accessing high quality mental health support when they need it.Nationally, we plan to recruit an additional 8,500 mental health mental health staff in England to reduce delays and provide faster treatment. It is important that all parts of the system, including health, policing and justice services, work together to protect domestic abuse victims.Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for the Government, we have a mission to halve this violence in a decade. We are working across Government to deliver a transformative approach to this, underpinned by a new strategy to be published later in 2025.