Written questions by Snell.

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 a teacher is authorised to use a pupils' prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injector device on a different pupil in the event of an anaphylactic emergency.

Regulations allow, but do not mandate, schools to obtain and hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Since 1 October 2017, the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 has allowed all schools to purchase AAI devices without a prescription, for use in an emergency situation. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published non-statutory guidance to accompany this legislative change, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-emergency-adrenaline-auto-injectors-in-schools. This guidance gives advice to schools on the recognition and management of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, and outlines when and how an AAI should be administered. The guidance states that children at risk of anaphylaxis should have their prescribed AAIs at school for use in an emergency, and that any AAIs held by a school should be considered a spare device, and not a replacement for a pupil’s own AAIs. The department is working with DHSC and NHS England to consider how we might extend the availability of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools.

How veterans can obtain replacement medals when originals have been (a) lost and (b) stolen in cases where ill health has delayed the submission of (i) police and (ii) insurance reports.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains a long-established policy whereby, upon receipt of proof of loss, due to fire or flood (a successful insurance claim), or theft (a police report), our Medal Office will provide replacement medals. The requirement for documented proof of loss is applied without exception to all applications, even when illness or other circumstances prevent the individual from expediting their claim. This is to protect the integrity of medallic recognition, and the wider UK Honours system by ensuring, as far as possible, that duplicate copies of medals are not in circulation and to reinforce the intrinsic value of the medals themselves. The policy and procedure for replacement medals is to be found at:https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge/replace-a-medal-or-badge

How many and what percentage of small cider producers produce less than five hectolitres of pure alcohol and are exempt from alcohol duty payments.

Alcohol duty on all products collectively raises over £12bn a year, helping to fund vital public services as well as reduce harmful drinking. The 2023 alcohol duty reforms brought much greater consistency of treatment between different types of alcohol. The reforms also increased duty on cider above 4.5% ABV, particularly targeting high-strength white ciders that have been linked to harmful drinking. HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of these reforms three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023, and the Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far. HMRC does not collect data on cidermakers producing less than 5 hectolitres of pure alcohol in a year. This is because, as per Section 5.2 of the Alcoholic products technical guide, producers are not required to submit a return if they produced 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the previous year and have estimated that they will produce 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the current year, across all premises. More information on the Alcoholic products technical guide can be found here: Alcoholic products technical guide - Section 5 — returns and payments - Guidance - GOV.UK

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of equalising cider and beer duty.

Alcohol duty on all products collectively raises over £12bn a year, helping to fund vital public services as well as reduce harmful drinking. The 2023 alcohol duty reforms brought much greater consistency of treatment between different types of alcohol. The reforms also increased duty on cider above 4.5% ABV, particularly targeting high-strength white ciders that have been linked to harmful drinking. HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of these reforms three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023, and the Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far. HMRC does not collect data on cidermakers producing less than 5 hectolitres of pure alcohol in a year. This is because, as per Section 5.2 of the Alcoholic products technical guide, producers are not required to submit a return if they produced 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the previous year and have estimated that they will produce 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the current year, across all premises. More information on the Alcoholic products technical guide can be found here: Alcoholic products technical guide - Section 5 — returns and payments - Guidance - GOV.UK

How many looked after children there were in each year since 1994 by reason the episode of care ceased.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

What assessment she has made of including credit unions in the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The Government recognises the importance of the credit union sector in promoting the financial inclusion, education, and resilience of communities throughout the country. Today, I will publish the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, setting out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy builds on the Government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups, with interventions to support the credit union sector scale and serve its members more effectively. Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the sector to deliver on the important interventions set out in the strategy.

How many looked after children there were subject to (a) a care order and (b) voluntary agreements under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 as of 31 March in each year since 1994.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

How many looked after children there were in each year since 1994 by age of the child on ceasing to be looked after.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

How many looked after children there were (a) in foster placement with (i) relatives and (ii) friends, (b) placed with (A) parents and (B) other persons with parental responsibility, (c) placed for adoption and (d) in total as of 31 March in each year since 1994.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) engage with and (b) educate postmasters on the practical implications of the potential mutualisation of the Post Office.

My department has been actively engaging postmasters through the Green Paper consultation on the future of the Post Office, which closed earlier this month. This included two postmaster focus groups to ensure postmaster voices are clearly heard on the full range of issues covered by the Green Paper, including mutualisation and other governance options.The Green Paper itself included information on mutualisation as one potential future ownership model, and the department is continuing to analyse feedback on this and other options. However, it is worth noting that decisions on long-term governance will not be taken until the second volume of Sir Wyn Williams inquiry has been published. In the interim both the department and the Post Office will continue to actively engage Postmasters on this topic.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of using post offices to (a) onboard and (b) support people impacted by (i) identity and (ii) digital exclusion in the context of mandatory digital identity.

The government will launch a full public consultation on the design of the new Digital ID, and have already started to engage with a range of expert organisations. At the heart of this will be the largest ever digital inclusion programme ever delivered in this country, to ensure everyone can access this new free ID and benefit from it. We are considering options like a digitally enabled physical alternative for those without access to technology, as well as in-person onboarding support for those who struggle to engage digitally. This may include Post Offices but that decision has not yet been made and will depend on several different factors.

What progress she has made on joint discussions between the Post Office and banks to expand the range of banking services available at post offices.

The Government is supportive of industry initiatives that assist access to in-person banking. These include the Post Office Banking Framework which allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The specific services provided under the Framework are subject to commercial negotiations between individual banks and the Post Office, and the Government has no role in deciding what these arrangements are.In due course, as committed to, the government will look to host joint discussions with Post Office and the banking sector on collaboration between Post Office and the banking sector in providing cash and banking services, on a commercial and voluntary basis.

How many and what proportion of Government Car Service cars were manufactured in the UK.

40 cars were manufactured in the UK which represents 37% of the current Government Car Service fleet.

What progress she has made in reviewing responses to the call for evidence on reforming the credit union common bond in Great Britain; and when she plans to publish proposed next steps.

The government recognises the role that credit unions play in providing savings and affordable loans to their members, serving local communities throughout the country. This is why the government is taking steps to ensure credit unions are fully supported to grow and scale into the future. This includes exploring legislative reform to the credit union common bond, to ensure it remains fit for purpose. We launched a call for evidence at last year’s Mansion House on the potential reform, which closed in March this year. Responses to the call for evidence are being carefully considered and the government will provide an update on this work in due course.

When her Department plans to publish the National Financial Inclusion Strategy; and what (a) themes and (b) policy measures it will include to (i) address financial exclusion and (ii) improve people's financial resilience.

The Government has committed to publish a national Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of underserved groups in the UK. The strategy will address key barriers to financial inclusion, with a focus on: (i) digital inclusion and access to banking; (ii) savings; (iii) insurance; (iv) credit; (v) problem debt; and (vi) financial education and capability. Across these areas, the themes of accessibility, mental health, and economic abuse have also been considered in recognition of the particular challenges individuals can face in relation to these issues.

What steps her Department plans to take to support credit unions, in the context of the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of households in the UK. The strategy will address a range of barriers to financial inclusion, including a key focus on how to improve access to credit. This will seek to build on the government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups. The government has made clear its strong support for the credit union sector, recognising the value that credit unions bring to their members in local communities across the country in providing savings products and affordable credit. HM Treasury is delivering on measures announced by the Chancellor in last year’s Mansion House speech to support credit unions and the wider mutuals sector, including: concluding a call for evidence on potential reforms to credit union common bonds, supporting the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council, and commissioning the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025.

What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of credit unions in (a) providing affordable credit and (b) promoting financial resilience, in the context of the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of households in the UK. The strategy will address a range of barriers to financial inclusion, including a key focus on how to improve access to credit. This will seek to build on the government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups. The government has made clear its strong support for the credit union sector, recognising the value that credit unions bring to their members in local communities across the country in providing savings products and affordable credit. HM Treasury is delivering on measures announced by the Chancellor in last year’s Mansion House speech to support credit unions and the wider mutuals sector, including: concluding a call for evidence on potential reforms to credit union common bonds, supporting the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council, and commissioning the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in her Department is made by a British manufacturer.

The Department has management responsibility for on-site canteens / restaurants at the London headquarters building and at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offices in Swansea. Crockery and tableware at the DfT London headquarters buildings has been sourced over a number of years from various suppliers within the UK, however, full information about the country of manufacture is not available. The crockery used at the DVLA office is manufactured at a factory in Stoke-on-Trent. The tableware at this site has been in use over several years and it is not possible to get an accurate figure on what was made by a British manufacturer.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in her Department is made by a British manufacturer.

The Home Office does not collect data at this level of granularity and the information would only be available at disproportionate cost.