Written questions by Chope.

For what reason the MHRA uses observed analyses instead of expected analyses in assessing the safety of Covid-19 vaccines.

The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency uses both observed and expected analysis in their assessment of safety signals for COVID-19 vaccines. Data obtained from the spontaneous Yellow Card reporting system, through which patients, public and healthcare professionals can report any incident associated with a medical product, was used to calculate ‘Observed’ figures. Estimated ‘Expected’ figures for pre-determined events were based on the total number of patients who had received the vaccine and the background rate of the event within a pre-pandemic period, using large electronic healthcare record databases. It should be recognised that the purpose of observed versus expected analyses is not to confirm the presence, absence, or magnitude of risks but to provide an alternative approach to rapid signal detection, in addition to disproportionality approaches, to maximise the value of spontaneous reports.

What assessment she has made on the potential impact of VAT on private school fees on Christian schools.

On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools. A technical note setting out the details of the policy has been published online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-on-private-school-fees-removing-the-charitable-rates-relief-for-private-schools(opens in a new tab). Draft VAT legislation was also published alongside this technical note, forming a technical consultation, which closed on 15 September. As part of this technical consultation, the Government engaged with a broad range of stakeholders. Whilst developing these policies, the Government has carefully considered the impact that they will have on pupils and their families across both the state and private sector, as well as the impact they will have on state and private schools. Following scrutiny of the Government's costings by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), details of the Government’s assessment of the expected impacts of these policy changes will be published at the Budget on 30 October in a Tax Information and Impact Note.

How many visa applications under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme are awaiting a decision; and how many of these have been outstanding for more than (a) 6 and (b) 12 weeks.

The number of applications currently awaiting a decision under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme is published weekly and can be found at: Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) and Ukraine Extension Scheme visa data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).The Home Office does not publish data on the number of applications outstanding for more than 6 and 12 weeks. However, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme has a Service Level Agreement of 15 days for straightforward applications.Additionally, the transparency data published 22 August 2024 does include a range of processing data and the latest data can be found at: Visas and citizenship data: Q2 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

With reference to her Department's guidance entitled E-scooter trials: guidance for local authorities and rental operators, updated on 17 January 2024, how many applications for changes to trials her Department has received from local authorities; and how many such applications have been (a) granted and (b) not granted.

The Department received 13 applications from local authorities, requesting geographic and fleet size changes to their e-scooter trials. All 13 applications were approved as of 8 October 2024.

How many European Arrest Warrants have been issued to the United Kingdom in the last 12 months for which information is available; and how many of these have been executed.

European Arrest Warrants were replaced by arrest warrants under Title VII of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The National Crime Agency deals with arrest warrants issued in accordance with the TCA, as the designated authority for cases which fall under Part 1 of the Extradition Act 2003.The NCA holds the data relating to arrest warrants issued and executed, not the Home Office.

Media and Sport, whether her Department has a role in setting Allwyn Entertainment Limited's policy on publishing data.

DCMS does not have a role in setting Allwyn Entertainment Limited’s policy on data publication.The responsibility for regulation of the National Lottery operator rests solely with the Gambling Commission, as set out in the National Lottery Act 1993.

If he will grant the application by Christchurch Sailing Club for a warrant to wear a privileged Ensign.

New privileged ensigns are granted only in the most exceptional circumstances. There are only a limited number of clubs whose applications have been granted since the list for privileged Yacht clubs closed in 1952. This decision is under consideration. Once made, the Christchurch Sailing Club will be notified.