Written questions by Maguire.

What discussions he has had with NHS England on the publication date for the draft commissioning policy for Chemosaturation therapy.

The Department and the National Health Service in England are committed to ensuring that cancer patients have timely access to treatment and tailored medical support. In 2016, NHS England concluded that there was insufficient evidence to make chemosaturation treatment available to patients on the NHS. NHS England is currently in the early stages of policy development for chemosaturation to treat metastatic uveal melanoma where surgery to remove or destroy affected cells and tissue in the liver is not feasible.National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance recommends that chemosaturation can be used for patients with secondary liver metastases resulting from a primary ocular melanoma, provided special arrangements are in place. A special arrangements recommendation states that clinicians using the procedure should inform the clinical governance lead in their trust, tell the patient about the uncertainties regarding the safety and efficacy of the procedure, and collect further data by means of audit or research. NICE is in the process of updating its guidance, with final guidance expected on 15 October 2026. The first committee meeting, to discuss the evidence, is expected to take place on 16 April 2026. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ipg10448

What steps his Department is taking to improve maternity estates and clear the fixable maintenance backlog.

We are investing over £131 million through the 2025/26 Estates Safety Fund to address critical safety risks on the maternity estate, enabling better care for mothers and their newborns. The funded works will deliver vital safety improvements, enhance patient and staff environments, and support National Health Service productivity by reducing disruptions across NHS clinical services.Improving the standard of maternity and neonatal departments is also a core component of the New Hospital Programme. 11 of the 16 hospitals that are expected to begin construction between 2025 and 2030 will be rebuilding maternity and women and children’s services.

What estimate her Department has made of the number of motorcycle riders operating on learner plates beyond two years through repeated completion of Compulsory Basic Training.

Currently, to gain a full motorcycle licence, individuals’ must pass a theory test and both parts of the practical test. Both Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and theory certificates have a two-year validity, and if an individual has not passed their test within 2 years of taking the CBT & theory tests, they will have to start the process again.As part of the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy, on 7 January the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) launched a consultation on motorcycle training, testing and licencing in Great Britain. The consultation will help inform a targeted review of the training, testing and licensing regime for motorcyclists with the aim of making changes to improve safety, modernise and simplify people’s access to motorcycling.As set out in the consultation, it is understood that a proportion of riders take CBT and don’t go on to take their theory and practical tests to gain a full motorcycle licence. Between March 2023 and March 2025 77,000 learner riders repeated their CBT course.One aim of the consultation is to determine if riders should be prevented from continually riding on a provisional licence. The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 31 March 2026.

Communities and Local Government, if his Department will include reforms to the criteria for voting in the Private Retirement Housing Code of Practice to increase the representation of eligible leaseholders as part of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill.

The current edition of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers Code of Practice on Private Retirement Housing, approved in 2016 using powers under Section 87 of the Leasehold Reform and Urban Development Act 1993, may be used as evidence by the First-tier Tribunal or County Court in any decisions they make.It is for the Association to decide what changes to the Code are necessary, including the voting criteria on how services and facilities are provided, which will then be put to the Secretary of State for consideration.

Communities and Local Government, if he will reform the Private Retirement Housing Code of Practice.

The current edition of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers Code of Practice on Private Retirement Housing, approved in 2016 using powers under Section 87 of the Leasehold Reform and Urban Development Act 1993, may be used as evidence by the First-tier Tribunal or County Court in any decisions they make.It is for the Association to decide what changes to the Code are necessary, including the voting criteria on how services and facilities are provided, which will then be put to the Secretary of State for consideration.

When he expects to receive the outcome of the Personal Insolvency Review.

The Personal Insolvency Review is the most significant review of the personal insolvency framework in England and Wales since the introduction of the current regime in 1986. The review is ongoing, and the Government expects to finalise options for reform in the coming months.Any proposed reforms to the personal insolvency regime will be subject to public consultation.

What steps his Department is taking to deliver safe staffing levels for midwives.

The Government is committed to tackling the retention and recruitment challenges that face the National Health Service. NHS England is leading a range of initiatives to boost retention of existing staff and ensure it remains an attractive career choice for new recruits. This includes the new Graduate Guarantee for nurses and midwives to ensure there are enough positions for every newly qualified midwife in England.As of October 2025, there were 25,281 full time equivalent midwives working in NHS trusts. This is an increase of 878, or 3.6%, compared to October 2024.We are also developing a new 10 Year Workforce Plan which will set out how the NHS workforce will align with the future direction of healthcare reform set out in the 10-Year Health Plan.

What assessment her Department has made of whether the current motorcycle licensing framework provides sufficient incentives for riders to progress from learner status to a full motorcycle licence.

Currently, to gain a full motorcycle licence, individuals’ must pass a theory test and both parts of the practical test. Both Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and theory certificates have a two-year validity, and if an individual has not passed their test within 2 years of taking the CBT & theory tests, they will have to start the process again.As part of the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy, on 7 January the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) launched a consultation on motorcycle training, testing and licencing in Great Britain. The consultation will help inform a targeted review of the training, testing and licensing regime for motorcyclists with the aim of making changes to improve safety, modernise and simplify people’s access to motorcycling.As set out in the consultation, it is understood that a proportion of riders take CBT and don’t go on to take their theory and practical tests to gain a full motorcycle licence. Between March 2023 and March 2025 77,000 learner riders repeated their CBT course.One aim of the consultation is to determine if riders should be prevented from continually riding on a provisional licence. The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 31 March 2026.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of distinguishing between commercial and private motorcycle use in the UK’s licensing regime.

For driving licence categories, we do not differentiate between commercial use and private use of vehicles. The driving test similarly, does not differentiate between commercial use and private use of vehicles. Those wishing to operate vehicles for commercial use, are often required to obtain additional entitlements; for vans and lorries – an Operator Licence. For buses and coaches – a Public Service Vehicle Licence. For Taxis – a Private Hire Vehicle Licence and there are other Licence schemes run either through the Traffic Commissioners or through Local Authorities. These are not considered a formal part of the driving licence regime.We have announced as part of the Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026, that we will pilot a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. This includes the use of HGVs, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. The pilot will run for two years. The Road Safety Strategy also consists of a consultation paper, relating to the training, testing and licensing regime for Category A moped and motorcycle licences in Great Britain. We also will take into account both long-standing plans in the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and proposals received from the motorcycle sector, in considering reforms to this area.

What evidence her Department has on the relationship between licence level (full motorcycle licence versus Compulsory Basic Training) and road safety outcomes for riders engaged in commercial delivery work.

The Department for Transport does not hold evidence on the relationship between licence level and road safety outcomes for riders engaged in commercial delivery work. Licence type is not part of the current STATS19 specification agreed by the Standing Committee on Road Injury Collision Statistics (SCRICS), which seeks to balance the value of the road collision data with the burdens of collecting the data. Driving licence information is likely to be held within police systems, including the CRASH system managed by the Department, but is not routinely extracted for statistical purposes beyond identifying whether a licence is full or provisional. On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of the strategy the government has published a consultation on an ambitious package of reforms to modernise and improve the current training, testing and licensing regime for Category A moped and motorcycle licences in Great Britain. This consultation will help inform a targeted review of the training, testing and licensing regime. We will take account of both long-standing plans in the Department for Transport and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, and proposals received from the motorcycle sector. As set out in the consultation, it is understood that a proportion of riders undertake Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) but don’t go on to take their theory and practical tests to gain a full motorcycle licence. Between March 2023 and March 2025 77,000 learner riders repeated their CBT course. One aim of the consultation is to determine if riders, including those engaged in commercial delivery work, should be prevented from continually riding on a provisional licence. The safety of anyone driving on our roads is a priority, and that includes those who ride for work. That is why we also announced in our new Road Safety Strategy that we will pilot a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses that require people to drive or ride for them. This includes the use of HGVs, Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), cars, motorcycles, e-cycles and cycles. The pilot will run for two years and will be monitored and fully evaluated. The aim of the Charter is to help employers to reduce work-related road risk and improve safety for all road users by promoting good practice, and to improve compliance with current legislation and guidance.

What steps his Department is taking to expand ophthalmology services to help early detection of Glaucoma.

NHS sight tests play a vital role in the early detection of glaucoma. Integrated care boards (ICBs) can also commission community-based glaucoma services, which support earlier identification, ongoing monitoring and management, helping to prevent avoidable sight loss.Some ICBs are already using a Single Point of Access to speed up the referral and triage of patients between primary and secondary care.In addition, the Getting It Right First Time programme is developing best practice guidance for glaucoma services, to support the consistent adoption of high standards of care from detection onwards.

What plans her Department has to introduce legislation on driving licence requirements for motorcycle and moped delivery riders; and what timetable she envisages for bringing forward such legislation.

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. This includes a consultation on proposed reforms to the training, testing and licensing for motorcycles and mopeds. Further steps will be announced after the consultation closes on 31 March 2026.

If she will implement a mechanism for people to report delays and overcrowding on Great British Railway trains.

Great British Railways will have a duty to promote high standards of performance, and will be relentless in delivering for passengers, freight customers and taxpayers across the country. If passengers encounter any issues, they will be able to raise these with GBR in the first instance. The Passenger Watchdog will ensure all passengers have access to a fair and independent alternative dispute resolution service (the Rail Ombudsman) to resolve disputes with operators where passengers have been let down.For the first time, we have made station-specific performance information available to passengers. This shows reliability and punctuality at each station, rather than aggregated averages by operator or region. Providing this transparency allows the public to hold us to account and will help rebuild trust as we tackle the root causes of delays and cancellations.

What discussions he has had with Capita on its performance in delivering civil servant pensions.

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. Capita has made lump sum payments to 8,979 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time.The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates

What steps his Department is taking to ensure retired civil servants receive pensions via Capita.

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The issues and delays facing a number of civil servants and pension scheme members in receiving their pension quotes are unacceptable. I want to reassure you that this Government has taken firm action to help put things right as soon as possible. We have agreed a clear recovery plan with Capita, which includes specific milestones and accountability targets for delivery. For priority cases, we have deployed additional resources and improved communication with affected colleagues, so that staff, both former and serving, receive the quality of service and support they deserve. Existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been enhanced and strengthened to deliver improved performance and higher penalties for failure, including financial penalties. These have already applied in respect to Capita's performance with recent issues and delays in administering the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Capita prioritised the most urgent cases and by the end of February, all death in service cases were either settled or progressed to the final stage or awaiting a member response. The same position was reached for ill health retirement applications by mid-March. Capita has made lump sum payments to 8,979 members, the majority of whom have retired but are not yet receiving their pension, and are on track to bring these members into regular pension payments by the end of April. To provide immediate financial support to those who may need it, arrangements are in place for interest-free bridging loans typically up to £5,000 or £10,000 in exceptional cases to most recent retirees facing payment delays. This is alongside interim lump sum payments being made to provide immediate funds to retiring members. The pension scheme continues to make monthly pension payments to approximately 730,000 existing pensioner members on time.The latest position of the Civil Service Pension Recovery Plan Update is available at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-pension-recovery-plan-updates

How many urgent dental appointments were delivered in each month from January 2024 to January 2025.

The following table shows the number of National Health Service urgent treatments delivered each year between 2020/21 and 2024/25:Financial yearNumber of urgent dental treatments delivered2024/253,658,2732023/243,674,7102022/233,785,9522021/223,819,2262020/213,646,868Source: NHS Business Services Authority, Dental statistics - England 2024/25, avaiable at the following link: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202425 Comparable monthly data on the number of urgent dental appointments delivered is not published. We have asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to commission extra urgent dental appointments to make sure that patients with urgent needs can get the treatment they require. ICBs have been making extra appointments available from April 2025.Appointments are available across the country, with specific expectations for each region. These appointments are more heavily weighted towards those areas where they are needed the most. The Surrey Heartlands ICB, which includes the Epsom and Ewell constituency, has been asked to deliver 6,585 additional urgent dental appointments as part of the scheme.Data on delivery of urgent dental care, including additional delivery, will be published annually as part of the NHS Dental Statistics England Official Statistics series. These statistics are released each August and are the primary source of data on the delivery of NHS dental care.

With reference to his Department's press release of 21 February 2025 entitled Dental patients to benefit from 700,000 extra urgent appointments, how many of the additional urgent care appointments were purchased in 2025 by integrated care board.

The following table shows the number of National Health Service urgent treatments delivered each year between 2020/21 and 2024/25:Financial yearNumber of urgent dental treatments delivered2024/253,658,2732023/243,674,7102022/233,785,9522021/223,819,2262020/213,646,868Source: NHS Business Services Authority, Dental statistics - England 2024/25, avaiable at the following link: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202425 Comparable monthly data on the number of urgent dental appointments delivered is not published. We have asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to commission extra urgent dental appointments to make sure that patients with urgent needs can get the treatment they require. ICBs have been making extra appointments available from April 2025.Appointments are available across the country, with specific expectations for each region. These appointments are more heavily weighted towards those areas where they are needed the most. The Surrey Heartlands ICB, which includes the Epsom and Ewell constituency, has been asked to deliver 6,585 additional urgent dental appointments as part of the scheme.Data on delivery of urgent dental care, including additional delivery, will be published annually as part of the NHS Dental Statistics England Official Statistics series. These statistics are released each August and are the primary source of data on the delivery of NHS dental care.

How many urgent dental appointments were delivered each year from 2020 up to and including 2025.

The following table shows the number of National Health Service urgent treatments delivered each year between 2020/21 and 2024/25:Financial yearNumber of urgent dental treatments delivered2024/253,658,2732023/243,674,7102022/233,785,9522021/223,819,2262020/213,646,868Source: NHS Business Services Authority, Dental statistics - England 2024/25, available at the following link: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202425 Comparable monthly data on the number of urgent dental appointments delivered is not published. We have asked integrated care boards (ICBs) to commission extra urgent dental appointments to make sure that patients with urgent needs can get the treatment they require. ICBs have been making extra appointments available from April 2025.Appointments are available across the country, with specific expectations for each region. These appointments are more heavily weighted towards those areas where they are needed the most. The Surrey Heartlands ICB, which includes the Epsom and Ewell constituency, has been asked to deliver 6,585 additional urgent dental appointments as part of the scheme.Data on delivery of urgent dental care, including additional delivery, will be published annually as part of the NHS Dental Statistics England Official Statistics series. These statistics are released each August and are the primary source of data on the delivery of NHS dental care.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of removing the Gardens Trust as a statutory consultee on local planning authorities.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 103649 on 14 January 2026.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of removing the Gardens Trust's status as a statutory consultee on protecting registered parks and gardens.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 103649 on 14 January 2026.