Written questions by Cross.

What discussions she has had with the aviation sector on the (a) potential impact of jet fuel shortage on the industry and (b) distribution of available jet fuel between different parts of the aviation industry.

Awaiting answer.

What steps she is taking to help ensure that data belonging to motorists who have incorrectly received a parking fine, either from a Council, Private Parking Companies, or any other parking provider, is not retained by any such parking provider or the DVLA.

The law allows vehicle keeper information to be released to local authorities and private parking companies to allow them to follow up alleged parking contraventions. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides the information as a first point of contact to help the local authority or parking company establish where liability may lie. Controls are in place to help ensure that the information is requested and used appropriately. When a local authority or parking company has been provided with vehicle keeper information, they become the controller of the personal data and are responsible for complying with their data protection obligations. This includes the requirement not to retain data for longer than is necessary. The DVLA also maintains record of disclosures from the vehicle record in order to fulfil its own data protection obligations.

What assessment has here department made of the adequacy of safeguards governing the release of motorists’ personal data by the DVLA to private parking companies; and what steps she is taking to ensure that data belonging to motorists who have not committed an offence is not shared inappropriately and deleted within a timely manner.

The law allows the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to release vehicle keeper details in certain limited circumstances, subject to appropriate safeguards. Organisations receiving this data must comply with their obligations under data protection law.Where a private parking management company makes electronic requests for vehicle keeper data, the data is provided subject to strict contractual terms. Data may only be used the purposes set out in the contract and must be deleted once no longer needed.All private parking companies are audited to help ensure that the information is requested and used appropriately. The safeguards in place to protect personal data are kept under review to ensure they continue to provide appropriate protection.

How many medical driving licence applications are currently outstanding for more than (a) 3 months, (b) 6 months and (c) 12 months.

The table below shows the average time the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) took to make a licensing decision in cases where a medical condition must be investigated:Financial YearWorking days2025/26 (to end of November)512024/25442023/2456 The table below shows the number of medical driving licence applications that were outstanding on 3 December for the periods requested: More than three monthsMore than six monthsMore than nine monthsNumber of cases72,42822,6002,288 In 2024/25, the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions. The DVLA aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. However, driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated can take longer as the DVLA is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The quickest way to transact with the DVLA is by using its extensive suite of online services. Drivers with diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, visual impairments, sleep conditions or heart conditions can renew their driving licence online. The DVLA is focusing on delivering significant improvements to digital services for applicants with medical conditions but medical investigations vary widely in their complexity. The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity, increased automation, higher levels of digital functionality and increased digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication. Applicants may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing the driver can meet specific criteria. More information on this can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1180997/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.pdf

What the average waiting time has been for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to process medical driving licence applications in each of the past three years; and what steps are being taken to reduce delays.

The table below shows the average time the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) took to make a licensing decision in cases where a medical condition must be investigated:Financial YearWorking days2025/26 (to end of November)512024/25442023/2456 The table below shows the number of medical driving licence applications that were outstanding on 3 December for the periods requested: More than three monthsMore than six monthsMore than nine monthsNumber of cases72,42822,6002,288 In 2024/25, the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions. The DVLA aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. However, driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated can take longer as the DVLA is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The quickest way to transact with the DVLA is by using its extensive suite of online services. Drivers with diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, visual impairments, sleep conditions or heart conditions can renew their driving licence online. The DVLA is focusing on delivering significant improvements to digital services for applicants with medical conditions but medical investigations vary widely in their complexity. The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity, increased automation, higher levels of digital functionality and increased digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication. Applicants may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing the driver can meet specific criteria. More information on this can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1180997/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.pdf

For what reason the DVLA continues to rely on postal correspondence for medical driving licence assessments; and whether there are plans to modernise communication methods to allow applicants to communicate with the DVLA electronically, including through email or secure digital platforms.

The table below shows the average time the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) took to make a licensing decision in cases where a medical condition must be investigated:Financial YearWorking days2025/26 (to end of November)512024/25442023/2456 The table below shows the number of medical driving licence applications that were outstanding on 3 December for the periods requested: More than three monthsMore than six monthsMore than nine monthsNumber of cases72,42822,6002,288 In 2024/25, the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions. The DVLA aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. However, driving licence applications where a medical condition(s) must be investigated can take longer as the DVLA is often reliant on information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The quickest way to transact with the DVLA is by using its extensive suite of online services. Drivers with diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, visual impairments, sleep conditions or heart conditions can renew their driving licence online. The DVLA is focusing on delivering significant improvements to digital services for applicants with medical conditions but medical investigations vary widely in their complexity. The DVLA is currently rolling out a new casework system which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the services provided to drivers with medical conditions. When fully implemented, this will provide improved turnaround times, increased capacity, increased automation, higher levels of digital functionality and increased digital communication. The DVLA is also planning to launch a new medical services platform which will enable more customers to transact online and will increase the use of email communication. Applicants may be able to continue driving while their application is being processed, providing the driver can meet specific criteria. More information on this can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1180997/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla.pdf

Whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on the transport of carbon dioxide by ship.

Officials within the department have engaged with their counterparts in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on non-pipeline transport of carbon dioxide, including via rail and ship. This includes inputting into the Call for Evidence on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage on Non-Pipeline Transport and Cross border CO2 networks that ran between 7 May 2024 and 16 July 2024. They are now working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on their upcoming consultation on Non-Pipeline Transport of CO2, which is due for publication by the second half of this year [2025].

Whether recyclable waste wood will be eligible via the sustainable aviation fuel mandate.

Biofuel feedstocks under the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate must be wastes or residues. The use of wastes in SAF production must adhere to the waste hierarchy, which ensures the best end use of a material. The waste hierarchy requires that only waste materials that can’t be prevented, reused or recycled can be used for fuel production. This means that forestry timber, which is considered a product, and recyclable waste wood are not eligible.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure (a) forestry timber, and (b) recyclable waste wood remain ineligible as feedstocks for the manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel.

Biofuel feedstocks under the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate must be wastes or residues. The use of wastes in SAF production must adhere to the waste hierarchy, which ensures the best end use of a material. The waste hierarchy requires that only waste materials that can’t be prevented, reused or recycled can be used for fuel production. This means that forestry timber, which is considered a product, and recyclable waste wood are not eligible.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of a guaranteed strike price for sustainable aviation fuel on the (a) costs (i) of air fares and (ii) for (A) manufacturers and (B) the wood panel industry and (b) market for feedstock materials.

We will be delivering a Revenue Certainty Mechanism to derisk Sustainable Aviation Fuel projects in the UK and encourage investment. This will play a key role in growing the economy and bringing down our transport emissions.A cost-benefit analysis will be published alongside the introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill, which was announced for this Parliamentary session in the King’s Speech. This will include its potential impact on air fares. We will control the cost of the revenue certainty mechanism by managing the scale and number of contracts entered into, as well as the prices negotiated, thereby helping protect consumers and airlines from price increases and fluctuations. We therefore expect any rises to be in line with the usual market variation of ticket prices. We have not assessed its impact on manufacturers, the wood panel industry or the market for feedstocks as these effects will depend significantly on the plants that are supported through the mechanism.We will regularly monitor the costs and impacts of the Revenue Certainty Mechanism to avoid undue burdens across the economy.

Whether his Department is taking steps to tackle changes in the (a) number of flight services and (b) level of fares at Aberdeen International Airport.

Whilst the Government recognises the role that regional airports, including Aberdeen Airport, play in acting as a gateway to international opportunities, maintaining social and family ties and strengthening bonds between the four nations, the UK aviation market operates predominantly in the private sector. It is for AGS Airports Ltd as the owners of the airport to invest in infrastructure to attract passengers, and work with airlines to maintain and create new connections, including negotiating year-round services and fares.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the economic impact of seasonal flight reductions at Aberdeen International Airport; and whether he is taking steps to encourage year-round services.

Whilst the Government recognises the role that regional airports, including Aberdeen Airport, play in acting as a gateway to international opportunities, maintaining social and family ties and strengthening bonds between the four nations, the UK aviation market operates predominantly in the private sector. It is for AGS Airports Ltd as the owners of the airport to invest in infrastructure to attract passengers, and work with airlines to maintain and create new connections, including negotiating year-round services and fares.

What steps his Department is taking to protect consumers on routes where a single airline operates the only available service.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has statutory competition functions in relation to airline markets. The CMA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) both have responsibilities for enforcing consumer protections relating to price transparency, contract terms and passenger rights, including those during flight disruption.Additionally, Public Service Obligations (PSOs) support vital domestic routes that are at risk of being lost, particularly those connecting remote areas, guaranteeing a reliable and consistent service. The Department is actively engaging with regional airports, including Aberdeen Airport, to understand how Government can support and unlock opportunities for growth.

What steps his Department is taking to monitor pricing practices by airline operators on routes where there is (a) limited and (b) no competition (i) generally and (ii) at (A) Aberdeen International Airport and (B) other airports serving (1) remote and (2) rural areas.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has statutory competition functions in relation to airline markets. The CMA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) both have responsibilities for enforcing consumer protections relating to price transparency, contract terms and passenger rights, including those during flight disruption.Additionally, Public Service Obligations (PSOs) support vital domestic routes that are at risk of being lost, particularly those connecting remote areas, guaranteeing a reliable and consistent service. The Department is actively engaging with regional airports, including Aberdeen Airport, to understand how Government can support and unlock opportunities for growth.

With reference to the policy paper entitled Jet Zero strategy: one year on, published on 20 July 2023, whether it is his policy to have five commercial-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel plants under construction in the UK by 2025.

The Labour Party Manifesto included a commitment to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Since July we have already brought in a SAF mandate and committed to legislating for a revenue certainty mechanism to support UK SAF producers. The Advanced Fuels Fund supports a range of SAF projects across the UK, and the Department closely monitors progress towards commercial-scale production to ensure there is sufficient supply of SAF to meet the SAF mandate.