Written questions by Lewell.

With reference his Department's documents entitled Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2024, updated on 3 October 2025, and Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, how many victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 were based at the Army Foundation College.

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. Sexual offending has no place in the Armed Forces, and anyone who commits a sexual offence can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The number of cases involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 and in the published Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System official statistics were as follows, noting these are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority) and not based on conviction. a) Rape: 4b) Sexual assault: 80c) Sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust: not recorded as a separate offence in the published official statistics. The total number of male and female victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 was 122. The number of female victims under the age of 18 is not published in the official statistics. Figures of fewer than three in each year have been suppressed to prevent inadvertent disclosure and are not included in these totals. Please note that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.

With reference his Department's documents entitled Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2024, updated on 3 October 2025, and Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, in how many cases involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 were offences of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault, and (c) sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust since 2021.

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. Sexual offending has no place in the Armed Forces, and anyone who commits a sexual offence can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The number of cases involving victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 and in the published Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System official statistics were as follows, noting these are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority) and not based on conviction. a) Rape: 4b) Sexual assault: 80c) Sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust: not recorded as a separate offence in the published official statistics. The total number of male and female victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 was 122. The number of female victims under the age of 18 is not published in the official statistics. Figures of fewer than three in each year have been suppressed to prevent inadvertent disclosure and are not included in these totals. Please note that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.

With reference his Department's documents entitled Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2024, updated on 3 October 2025, and Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System: 2023, published on 28 March 2024, how many victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 were female since 2021.

All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. Sexual offending has no place in the Armed Forces, and anyone who commits a sexual offence can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The number of victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 and in the published Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System official statistics were as follows, noting these are based on investigations opened (including referral and non-referral to the Service Prosecuting Authority) and not based on conviction. a) Rape: 4b) Sexual assault: 80c) Sexual activity with a child committed by a person in a position of trust: not recorded as a separate offence in the published official statistics. The total number of male and female victims of sexual offences under the age of 18 from 2021 to 2024 was 127. The number of female victims under the age of 18 is not published in the official statistics. Figures of fewer than three in each year have been suppressed to prevent inadvertent disclosure and are not included in these totals. Please note that I am unable to release any details concerning alleged victims of sexual offences which could lead to their identification. This is because of statutory restrictions and to ensure that victims of sexual offences are not deterred from coming forward. Therefore, in the interests of protecting the anonymity of the victims I will not be releasing information confirming whether any of the victims of sexual offences referred to in your question were based at the Army Foundation College at the time of the offence.

What the uptake figures were for the Healthy Start scheme in the latest period for which data is available.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) operates the Healthy Start Scheme on behalf of the Department. Monthly figures for the number of people on the digital Healthy Start Scheme and the latest uptake figures, where data is available, are published on the NHS Healthy Start website, at the following link:https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthcare-professionals/This data is based on individual people and is not the same as the number of families or households as there could be multiple beneficiaries living within one household. In September 2025, Healthy Start supported over 356,000 people.The latest uptake figures, where data is available, are from March 2022. These figures represent the uptake across both the paper based and digital scheme. The paper based scheme closed at the end of March 2022.Due to an issue that was identified with the source data that is used to calculate the uptake of the Healthy Start Scheme, the uptake percentage is not currently being published. Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care continue to work with the Department for Work and Pensions and the NHSBSA to resolve this issue. The issue has only affected the data on the number of people eligible for the scheme. It has not prevented anyone from joining the scheme or continuing to access the scheme if they were eligible.

How many and what proportion of families are eligible to participate in the Healthy Start scheme.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) operates the Healthy Start Scheme on behalf of the Department. Monthly figures for the number of people on the digital Healthy Start Scheme and the latest uptake figures, where data is available, are published on the NHS Healthy Start website, at the following link:https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthcare-professionals/This data is based on individual people and is not the same as the number of families or households as there could be multiple beneficiaries living within one household. In September 2025, Healthy Start supported over 356,000 people.The latest uptake figures, where data is available, are from March 2022. These figures represent the uptake across both the paper based and digital scheme. The paper based scheme closed at the end of March 2022.Due to an issue that was identified with the source data that is used to calculate the uptake of the Healthy Start Scheme, the uptake percentage is not currently being published. Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care continue to work with the Department for Work and Pensions and the NHSBSA to resolve this issue. The issue has only affected the data on the number of people eligible for the scheme. It has not prevented anyone from joining the scheme or continuing to access the scheme if they were eligible.

What recent discussions he has had with Kosovo counterparts on (a) strengthening defence and security collaboration and (b) industrial and armed forces cooperation.

As one of the first countries to recognise Kosovo’s independence in 2008, the UK has a strong bilateral defence relationship. We continue to play a leading role in the professionalisation of the Kosovo Security Force since its inception in 2009. Today our cooperation focusses on areas including training and exercising, defence education and defence reform. HMG also continue to explore future defence export opportunities to Kosovo. Alongside bolstering Kosovo’s security and resilience, this cooperation aims to support jobs throughout the United Kingdom and maintain our world-class defence-industrial base. Defence exports as well as bilateral defence cooperation were issues discussed when the Kosovan Director for Policy and Strategy met with UK Defence officials in the margins of DSEI in September.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Kosovo counterparts on a bilateral security agreement.

I refer the Hon. Member to my answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 59980. We will update the Hon. Member and other colleagues in the usual way if there are any further developments to report. I met the acting PM of Kosovo on 22 October.

What the total cost to the public purse is for compensation paid to (a) (i) former and (ii) current armed forces personnel and (b) their solicitors in relation to the use of Lariam by the Armed Forces.

The Ministry of Defence is unable to disclose the total amount of damages paid out for common law claims related to Lariam as they are subject to the usual confidentiality undertaking agreed with claimants' legal representatives. The same applies to claimant legal costs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question 77519 on Armed Forces: Mefloquine, when he expects the issue of claimants' legal costs to be resolved.

The claimant's legal costs are the subject of negotiation between the parties, and it is hoped that they will be resolved soon. It is not currently possible to provide a timeline.

How much the Government has spent on litigations with the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign group in each year since 2015.

We do not hold yearly breakdowns. Based on the information held, since 2015, the recorded legal costs on litigations with WASPI including disbursements and VAT are £82,700.84.

Whether the Health and Safety Executive plans to update its Standard Occupational Classification asbestos mortality statistics to include (a) deaths over 75 and (b) non-occupational exposures.

The Health and Safety Executive does not currently plan to change the basis for its mesothelioma and asbestosis mortality statistics by last occupation of the deceased. These statistics use routinely collected data from the Office for National Statistics (for deaths in England and Wales) and National Records of Scotland (for deaths in Scotland) which currently only includes coded information on last occupation up to age 74 for deaths in England and Wales. The accuracy of occupational information is known to decline at older ages. The purpose of these statistics is to examine the relative frequency of recording of different occupations across this standard age range as evidence about the occupations most likely to be substantial sources of past asbestos exposure. These kinds of analyses cannot directly address the question of non-occupational exposure or provide a definitive assessment of past sources of occupational risk. They do however, together with other research evidence, help to identify the kinds of work associated with the highest risks historically.

How many claims his Department (a) has settled, (b) has refused and (c) are outstanding for asbestos exposure relating to service in the armed forces.

Service personnel who develop lung cancer or asbestos-related diseases due to Service before 6 April 2005 may be eligible for compensation under the War Pension Scheme (WPS). For conditions arising on or after this date, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) applies. WPS Asbestos-Related Claims (1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025) Claim outcomeAll Years2020-212021-222022-232023-242024-25Total731143138127175138Awarded614122121101151119Rejected1172117262429Note: Pending claim figures are unavailable, as medical certification – required to confirm relevant conditions – is typically obtained close to the point of claim resolution. Common Law Compensation Claims (1 April 2015 to 31 March 2025) a) 19 asbestos-related claims have been settled with compensation paid.b) 28 claims have been closed without compensation. It is not possible to distinguish between those refused, discontinued, or no longer pursued.c) 320 claims remain outstanding.

Whether results of (a) blood tests, (b) urine tests and (c) chest x-rays taken from UK troops serving at nuclear weapons tests were shared with (i) the US, (ii) Canada, (iii) Australia and (iv) New Zealand.

This Government has reset the relationship with nuclear test veterans and the organisations that support them. We remain committed to listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to address them. The Ministry of Defence is looking comprehensively at what information the Department holds regarding nuclear test veterans' medical records. I will update this House when we are in a position to share findings. On the hon. Member's specific question about information shared with the US, Canada, and New Zealand, we have not been able to find any evidence of this. General aspects of radiological and health protection management were shared with Australia during the tests. The 1985 Australian Royal Commission was provided with information on the management of radiological and health protection.

What steps he is taking to ensure that missing medical records on the use of Lariam by armed forces personnel are (a) located and (b) provided to those personnel.

The Ministry of Defence is not aware of any issues concerning missing medical records on the use of Lariam (mefloquine) by Armed Forces personnel. The Department can additionally confirm there are no outstanding requests for any medical records where a person believes they have been prescribed Lariam (mefloquine).

What the total cost was of the sums agreed by his Department with Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd in connection with cases relating to the use of Lariam by armed forces personnel; and how many such claims have been settled.

Damages have been settled in all 434 claims brought by Hilary Meredith Solicitors against the Ministry of Defence relating to the use of Lariam. The claimants' legal costs have still to be resolved.

Whether his Department holds information on UK participation in civilian radiation experiments conducted by the US during the Cold War.

There is no evidence of any UK participation in unethical US radiation experiments on humans. Officials located ministerial correspondence dating from 1996 that summarise the details of UK conducted voluntary civilian experiments involving the use of low-level radioactive material at Harwell, Porton Down and AWE Aldermaston, dating back to the 1950s. These experiments were conducted appropriately and with due regard to the health and safety of the individuals involved who received a radiation dose significantly less than average national UK background radiation exposure. No reported illnesses or fatalities have resulted from these studies. I will place a copy of that document in the Library of the House.

For what reason his Department's settlement of Lariam claims involved a non-disclosure agreement with solicitors acting for veteran claimants.

Hilary Meredith Solicitors and the Ministry of Defence agreed to the inclusion of a confidentiality clause in the court order covering the damages settlement. It is a common feature of out of court settlements to keep confidential the amount of damages paid to claimants as well as the amount of legal costs paid to their solicitors.

What information his Department holds on the prevalence of asbestos in (a) defence equipment platforms and (b) his Department's (i) buildings and (ii) other infrastructure.

We take the health and safety of our Service personnel and defence employees extremely seriously and have robust procedures for managing asbestos which comply with Health and Safety regulations. Asbestos registers are held for Defence Equipment Platforms along with asbestos elimination/management plans that detail the quantity of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) present. An annual report is submitted to the Health and Safety Executive on the progress made in eliminating asbestos from Defence Equipment Platforms. The Department is responsible for circa 1,967 sites and each building with confirmed asbestos is listed on the relevant site asbestos register.

What recent progress his Department has made on establishing an asbestos census.

Asbestos in non-domestic buildings is a key ministerial priority. As part of its work, I have asked HSE to explore how it can develop our understanding of the legacy of asbestos in Great Britian, by building a more objective and reliable evidence base of the extent of asbestos in the built environment through a census, to inform longer-term strategy for continuing its safe removal over time. HSE is taking a phased approach to the development of this work, focussing initially on the government estate. HSE provides regular updates and assurance to ministers about its approach to asbestos management.

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to (a) identify and (b) remove deteriorating asbestos in (i) schools and (ii) hospitals.

The safety of those using and working in buildings including schools and hospitals is extremely important. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) require all duty holders to assess whether asbestos is present, what condition it is in and whether it gives rise to a risk of exposure. They must then draw up a plan to manage the risk associated with asbestos, which must include removal if it cannot be safely managed where it is located. Asbestos must also be removed before any major refurbishment work and before demolition. Responsibility for keeping schools and hospitals safe and well-maintained lies with the respective duty holders and they are expected to have robust plans in place to manage asbestos effectively, in line with their legal duties. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continues to work with other Government and Devolved Administrations to ensure that public sector duty holders are aware of and comply with their responsibilities for asbestos management, taking enforcement action where necessary.