Written questions by Snell.

What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of increased industrial energy prices on his Department's ability to deliver the Defence Industrial Strategy.

The Ministry of Defence recognises the potential impact of rising industrial energy prices on the Department and the wider economy. The Government remains committed to supporting the defence sector to ensure the successful delivery of its strategic objectives despite these economic challenges and continues to make progress in delivering the Defence Industrial Strategy.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on additional funding for extending the UK Supercharger Scheme.

The Chancellor has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on a range of topics.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department’s consultation entitled Reforming planning rules to accelerate deployment of digital infrastructure will consider increasing permitted width upgrades to existing ground-based mobile masts alongside proposed increases to permitted height upgrades.

The call for evidence, Reforming planning rules to accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure, closed on 26 February 2026 and was jointly led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It sought views on a range of proposals to reform planning rules in England to support investment in, and the rollout of, digital infrastructure. These proposals focused on expanding permitted development rights for digital infrastructure such as ground-based masts, rooftop equipment and fibre exchanges, as well as extending the period for temporary deployment without planning permission. This included proposals to increase the height of ground-based masts, including monopoles, currently permitted under prior approval. As part of the review of responses, we will assess the evidence received, including where it may relate to limits on infrastructure size permitted under existing planning regulations, to inform ongoing policy development in this area. Subject to the evidence, we will determine next steps, which may include consulting on draft measures and, where appropriate, bringing forward legislation.

What assessment she has made of the impact of industrial energy prices on economic growth.

We know high energy costs are one of the greatest challenges facing industry and is a key barrier to growth in the UK. In the Modern Industrial Strategy, we announced the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, which will reduce electricity costs by c.£35-40/MWh up to 2030 and support thousands of businesses. This forms part of a wider package of support to industry.

What support is available for schools wanting to transition into co-operative academies.

As set out in the Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper, we are placing collaboration at the heart of the system by moving to all schools being part of school trusts, which are rooted in their community and equipped to innovate for all children. To help achieve this, we have committed to working with the sector to update co-operative school trust model articles of association, so this model can effectively support purposeful, diverse and large-scale collaboration.

When she plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central of 24 November 2025 with case reference GS06761.

The Home Office responded to the hon. Member on 3 December 2025. This reply has been resent on 3 February 2026.

What discussions she has had with her Gibraltarian counterpart on the potential impact of the new Remote Betting Duty on the Gibraltarian economy.

Increasing gambling duties will raise over £1 billion per year to support the public finances and forms part of our ambition to create a fair, modern and sustainable tax system. The Government understands that Gibraltar has a gambling industry that faces the UK, and engaged with representatives of the Government of Gibraltar following the Budget and will continue to monitor all impacts of these changes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it is her Department's policy that people in Kashmir have the right to self determination.

It is the UK's long-standing policy that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution on Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

What steps her Department is taking to support investment into the UK's economic security.

The Modern Industrial Strategy committed to strengthen our economic security through several steps, including through our uplift in defence spending, and strategic investments in critical sectors. The government is prioritising economic security and resilience through our public finance offer, with Public Financial Institutions and interventions working together to direct more investment at strategic sectors and supply chains. This includes the British Business Bank’s £4billion additional capital for Industrial Strategy sectors that will be the future cornerstone of the UK’s supply chains and security, and committing up to £330million to the expansion of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, which invests into advanced dual-use technology companies to support the National Security and Defence community and start-ups across the country.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the time taken for her Department to make a decision on Stoke-on-Trent's proposal to reduce Nitrous Oxide levels at the A500/Etruria Road junction.

The proposals by Stoke-on-Trent need careful consideration in order to understand how they support the requirement to achieve compliance with legal nitrogen dioxide limits in the shortest possible time.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she can name a date by which her department will have made a decision on Stoke-on-Trent City Council's proposals to reduce Nitrous Oxide levels at the A500/Etruria Road junction.

The Department has recently discussed with Stoke-on-Trent City Council a decision on their proposals to address nitrogen dioxide levels at Etruria Road. As the Minister for Water and Flooding, I have also recently discussed the position with the hon. Member. We will continue to engage with the local authority on next steps.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate has she made of the number of cider makers operating in the UK.

The National Association of Cider Makers, who represent the UK cider industry, estimate that there are 450 cider makers in the UK (2025/2026 Cider Manifesto). The Government celebrates the UK’s cider making traditions and recognises the industry’s important contribution to the UK’s economy.

What proportion of cider production is eligible for draught relief.

HMRC’s statistics on alcohol duty and reliefs are found here: Alcohol Bulletin - GOV.UK.

How much and what percentage of cider duty receipts do registered cider makers not eligible for small producer relief raise.

HMRC’s statistics on alcohol duty and reliefs are found here: Alcohol Bulletin - GOV.UK.

How many and what percentage of registered cider makers are eligible for small producer relief.

HMRC’s statistics on alcohol duty and reliefs are found here: Alcohol Bulletin - GOV.UK.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of cars used by her Department in the UK were manufactured by a British manufacturer; and if she will provide a breakdown by manufacturer.

The specific information requested is not centrally held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and could only be collated for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost. However, it is the long-standing policy of the FCDO to buy British-made cars for use both in the UK and overseas, where they are readily available, represent value for money, and meet the necessary security requirements.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of cars used by ambassadors and embassy officials at UK embassies are manufactured by British manufacturers; and if she will provide a breakdown by manufacturer for each embassy.

The specific information requested is not centrally held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and could only be collated for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost. However, it is the long-standing policy of the FCDO to buy British-made cars for use both in the UK and overseas, where they are readily available, represent value for money, and meet the necessary security requirements.

Whether a pharmacist can use an Adrenaline Auto-Injector from their pharmacy on someone having an anaphylactic emergency.

While adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are prescription only medicines, given by intramuscular injection, regulation 238 of the Human Medicine Regulations 2012 allows anyone to administer adrenaline for the purpose of saving a life in an emergency. This includes first-aid responders, although this does require the patient to have their AAI with them.The decision to administer adrenaline is always subject to the pharmacist’s professional judgement. If a pharmacist administers adrenaline, they must also dial 999 for an ambulance, reporting a case of suspected anaphylaxis.In June 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with the support of allergy awareness advocates, launched a safety campaign to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and provide advice on the use of AAIs. The MHRA produced a toolkit of resources for health and social care professionals to support the safe and effective use of AAIs. Alongside this, the MHRA produced guidance, which states that prescribers should prescribe two AAIs to make sure patients always have the second dose and that those who are prescribed AAIs should carry two AAIs at all times.

What the most up to date NHS advice is for the application of a second Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in an anaphylactic emergency.

While adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are prescription only medicines, given by intramuscular injection, regulation 238 of the Human Medicine Regulations 2012 allows anyone to administer adrenaline for the purpose of saving a life in an emergency. This includes first-aid responders, although this does require the patient to have their AAI with them.The decision to administer adrenaline is always subject to the pharmacist’s professional judgement. If a pharmacist administers adrenaline, they must also dial 999 for an ambulance, reporting a case of suspected anaphylaxis.In June 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with the support of allergy awareness advocates, launched a safety campaign to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and provide advice on the use of AAIs. The MHRA produced a toolkit of resources for health and social care professionals to support the safe and effective use of AAIs. Alongside this, the MHRA produced guidance, which states that prescribers should prescribe two AAIs to make sure patients always have the second dose and that those who are prescribed AAIs should carry two AAIs at all times.

Whether spare AAIs can be used on someone in an anaphylactic emergency if they do not have a previously diagnosed allergy.

While adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) are prescription only medicines, given by intramuscular injection, regulation 238 of the Human Medicine Regulations 2012 allows anyone to administer adrenaline for the purpose of saving a life in an emergency. This includes first-aid responders, although this does require the patient to have their AAI with them.The decision to administer adrenaline is always subject to the pharmacist’s professional judgement. If a pharmacist administers adrenaline, they must also dial 999 for an ambulance, reporting a case of suspected anaphylaxis.In June 2023, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), with the support of allergy awareness advocates, launched a safety campaign to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and provide advice on the use of AAIs. The MHRA produced a toolkit of resources for health and social care professionals to support the safe and effective use of AAIs. Alongside this, the MHRA produced guidance, which states that prescribers should prescribe two AAIs to make sure patients always have the second dose and that those who are prescribed AAIs should carry two AAIs at all times.