Written questions by Maguire.

What estimate he has made of the number of bowel cancer patients diagnosed in emergency NHS settings in the last 12 months; and what steps he is taking to help reduce this number.

The National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) in NHS England is the cancer registry for England and collects data on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. The service is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrsRapid Cancer Registration Data (RCRD) provides a quick, indicative source of cancer data. It is provided to support the planning and provision of cancer services. The data is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/data/data-outputs/cancer-data-hub/rapid-cancer-registration-data-dashboardsUsing the latest available Routes to Diagnosis estimates from the RCRD, there were 7310 bowel cancer patients diagnosed through Emergency Presentation between January and December 2024. This includes emergency routes via accident and emergency, emergency general practitioner referral (not urgent suspected cancer referral), emergency transfer, emergency admission, or attendance.To support earlier diagnosis, the National Health Service is improving referral and diagnostic pathways, including the use of non-specific symptom pathways for patients whose symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort, do not clearly align with a single cancer type. NHS England has also expanded general practice direct access to diagnostic tests, enabling faster investigation of concerning symptoms.

What steps he is taking to support families impacted by the Chinook ZD576 crash.

The Ministry of Defence has supported families, and upheld our commitment to transparency and accountability, by fully cooperating with previous inquiries and investigations into this tragic accident. My noble friend Lord Coaker has written to the Chinook Justice Campaign inviting family members to meet with him before the end of the year.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will set out a plan with (a) clear aims for stakeholders and (b) other steps to tackle issues facing chalk streams.

Chalk streams are embedded in our plan to reform the water industry. The Government has announced an ambitious programme of reforms to clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good. Subject to consultation, we will abolish Ofwat and create a new, powerful, and integrated regulator, including a regional element to ensure greater local involvement in water planning and allow all sources of pollution to be addressed across the river catchment. The Government is investing £1.8 million through the Water Restoration Fund and Water Environment Improvement Fund for locally-led chalk stream clean-up projects across affected regions. Through the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), over 1000 improvement projects are planned within chalk stream catchments between 2024-2029. The Government recognises that catchment planning is a vital part of improving the water system. Local Catchment Partnerships are a well-established way to plan and deliver improvements to water quality, manage quantity and reduce flood risk. Following the IWC report and the Costa Beck Court of Appeal judgment, we are moving to a catchment-based model and developing a targeted, ground-up approach to review and identify new measures in a small number of catchments.

If he will meet with the families impacted by the Chinook ZD576 crash.

I can confirm that my noble friend the Lord Coaker has written to the Chinook Justice Campaign inviting representatives to meet with him before the end of the year.

If he will undertake a full review of the (a) technical, (b) legal and (c) regulatory failures that led to the Chinook ZD576 crash.

The Mull of Kintyre crash of 1994 has been extensively investigated, including in two independent, judge-led processes, and in independent inquiries by House of Commons and House of Lords select committees, as well as the original Royal Air Force Board of Inquiry, including a report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The Department has received a formal claim for a Judicial Review of our decision to reject the demand for a further Judge-led inquiry into the circumstances of the crash from the Chinook Justice Campaign and we are committed to engaging fully with this process.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to increase regenerative farming.

Regenerative agriculture is based on an understanding that the health of the entire food system is intrinsically linked to soil health.Healthy soils, rich in nutrients and organic matter, abundant pollinators and clean water, are essential for sustainable food production. We will support farmers and land managers to help restore nature, to safeguard our long-term food security, support productivity and build resilience to climate change.We are investing £2.7 billion a year into sustainable food production and nature's recovery. Overall, farmers and land managers will benefit from an average of £2.3 billion a year through the Farming and Countryside Programme and up to £400 million from additional nature schemes, including those for tree planting and peatland restorations. Funding for the Environmental Land Management schemes paid to farmers will increase by 150% from £800 million in 2023/24 to £2 billion by 2028/29.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve Catchment partnerships for chalk streams.

Chalk streams are embedded in our plan to reform the water industry. The Government has announced an ambitious programme of reforms to clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good. Subject to consultation, we will abolish Ofwat and create a new, powerful, and integrated regulator, including a regional element to ensure greater local involvement in water planning and allow all sources of pollution to be addressed across the river catchment. The Government is investing £1.8 million through the Water Restoration Fund and Water Environment Improvement Fund for locally-led chalk stream clean-up projects across affected regions. Through the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), over 1000 improvement projects are planned within chalk stream catchments between 2024-2029. The Government recognises that catchment planning is a vital part of improving the water system. Local Catchment Partnerships are a well-established way to plan and deliver improvements to water quality, manage quantity and reduce flood risk. Following the IWC report and the Costa Beck Court of Appeal judgment, we are moving to a catchment-based model and developing a targeted, ground-up approach to review and identify new measures in a small number of catchments.

What steps he is taking to learn from the Ministry of Defence’s handling of the Chinook ZD576 crash.

One of the primary purposes of each of the investigations and inquiries following the tragic loss of life in the Chinook ZD576 crash, was to ascertain what went wrong and why, in order to prevent a recurrence. This is the aim of all Service Inquiries and consequently the process of learning and applying lessons is a constantly evolving one. My noble friend Lord Coaker has written to the Chinook Justice Campaign inviting family members to meet with him before the end of the year.

If the Government will publish the date for the planned full rollout targeted lung screening as recommended by the UK National Screening Committee.

The National Health Service is taking crucial steps to improve cancer outcomes for patients across England, including for lung cancer. The NHS is currently rolling out the National Lung Cancer Screening Programme to people with a history of smoking.The timescale for full implementation of the lung cancer screening programme, alongside further 10-Year Health Plan initiatives, will be specified in due course.

What the current volume is of the civil plutonium stockpile in tonnes.

As of 31 December 2023, the total holding of separated civil plutonium in the UK was 140.9 tonnes. The Office for Nuclear Regulation publishes annual figures on the UK's separated plutonium inventory. The most recently published data can be found at the following link: 2023 annual figures for holdings of civil unirradiated plutonium | Office for Nuclear Regulation

What quantities of unprocessed plutonium remain within discharged irradiated spent nuclear fuel at (a) nuclear reactor sites and (b) Sellafield.

Plutonium is a by-product of nuclear fission, and it is present in small quantities in spent irradiated fuel. However, the quantities would vary based on the fuel and reactor type. The Office for Nuclear Regulation publishes annual figures on estimated amounts of plutonium contained in spent civil reactor fuel in the UK. The most recently published data can be found at the following link: 2023 annual figures for holdings of civil unirradiated plutonium | Office for Nuclear Regulation

What steps she is taking to decarbonise refrigerated transport.

The Department for Transport is working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to develop an Off-Road Machinery Decarbonisation Strategy, the scope of which includes transport refrigeration units (TRUs). This strategy will set out how off-road machinery can further decarbonise while maintaining competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting growth. To support this, we are currently reviewing the findings of a multi-year research project commissioned to ZEMO Partnership into the emissions from diesel-powered auxiliary engines, including from TRUs used on heavy goods vehicles.

What assessment she has made of the environmental benefits of decarbonising refrigerated transport.

Delivering greener transport is a priority for the Department for Transport and why we are developing an Off-Road Machinery Decarbonisation Strategy with the Departments for Energy Security and Net Zero and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Diesel-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs) remain a significant source of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Clean solutions will remove these harmful emissions and improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

What quantity of plutonium was added to the civil plutonium stockpile in the last year.

The UK is no longer adding to the inventory of separated civil plutonium through reprocessing spent fuel. The Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant (THORP) at Sellafield is now closed, having ceased reprocessing operations in November 2018 and the Magnox reprocessing facility ceased reprocessing operations in 2022.

What support his Department is offering to people affected by alleged sexual abuse relating to medical checks carried out between the 1970s and 2016 British Army recruitment processes.

There is no place in Defence for sexual abuse or misconduct, and we are fully supporting Wiltshire Police’s investigation. I urge anyone who has more information to contact Wiltshire Police as soon as possible, we will stand with the survivors. For those personnel still serving, every unit has a comprehensive welfare system, ready to support them. . The network of agencies includes Unit Welfare Officers, Welfare Services, chaplains, Equality and Diversity Advisers, and Women’s Royal Voluntary Service. Personnel also have access to the Army confidential helpline, SpeakOut, and the Samaritans helpline, Combat Stress 24-hour mental health helpline (0800 138 1619) for serving personnel and veterans. For veterans, the MOD provides an MOD Veterans Service, which offers bespoke advice and assistance following a holistic assessment of needs tailored to each individual's specific circumstances. Welfare Managers provide free and confidential advice and work closely with voluntary organisations, local authorities and all areas of the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure veterans and their families are offered the best possible help and advice. Further information on this service can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/veterans-welfare-service Victims and survivors of sexual assault can access information and support via the Government’s site https://sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the (a) National Cancer Plan and (b) 10 Year Workforce Plan on the capacity for cancer diagnostic services to meet the (i) current workforce shortfall, (ii) level of demand from an increase in cancer cases and (iii) the expansion of screening programmes to include national targeted lung screening.

This Government is committed to ensuring our workforce is fit for purpose, including to diagnose and treat cancer. As of August 2025, there are almost 70% more staff in the key cancer professions of clinical oncology, gastro-enterology, medical oncology, histopathology, clinical radiology, diagnostic and therapeutic radiography than in 2010. There are also more doctors working in clinical oncology and more radiology doctors compared to last year.We will work with the university sector and colleagues across Government to ensure that we train the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals that we need and maximise the contribution that our great research institutions make to the country. Over the next three years, we will create 1,000 new specialty training posts with a focus on specialties where there is greatest need.The 10-Year Health Plan sets out that to deliver a workforce fit for the future we need a new, sustainable approach to workforce planning. Our 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out action to how we will create a workforce ready to deliver a transformed service for patients when and where they need it.Furthermore, the National Cancer Plan will look at how we can reform the current workforce to utilise it as effectively as possible and to provide a workforce able to meet cancer demand of the future. The National Cancer Plan will align with the 10 Year Workforce Plan to take into consideration expected demand for cancer over the next ten years. By ensuring we have the necessary staff with the right skills, we will support the National Health Service to diagnose cancer earlier and treat it faster and improve patients’ experience across the system.

What plans his Department has to support the development of (a) accredited training routes and (b) apprenticeships for advice and information roles.

At present nine awarding organisations offer 18 different knowledge only qualifications at levels 2 to 5 in information, advice and guidance (IAG) and careers advice. They are listed on Ofqual’s register of regulated qualifications: Find a regulated qualification - GOV.UK Regarding apprenticeships, there are four apprenticeship standards relating to information and advice roles, including Level 3 Learning and Development Practitioner and Level 4 Employability Practitioner. Where there is a genuine occupational gap not met by an existing apprenticeship standard and there will be sufficient demand for apprentices, employers are able to work with Skills England to develop an apprenticeship standard which meets their need.

How many MOT centres in England in (a) 2022-2023, (b)2023-2024 and (c)2024-2025 assessed for exhaust noise as per section 8.1.1. of the MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles.

It is a mandatory requirement for all MOT centres in England to assess for exhaust noise when conducting an MOT. During the emissions test the tester is required to use their judgement to assess the exhaust noise, either as part of the emissions test or by raising the engine speed to around 2,500rpm or half the maximum engine speed. The numbers below show how many active MOT testing stations there are in England, who have carried out MOTs. This would include being assessed for exhaust noise. 2022 to 2023 there were 22,701 active MOT testing stations testing car, private bus and light commercial vehicles (classes 3,4,5 and 7);2023 to 2024 there were 22,526 active MOT testing stations for classes 3,4,5 and 7 and;2024 to 2025 there were 22,448 active MOT testing stations for classes 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles. The numbers below show how many vehicles passed their MOT in (a) 2022-2023 (b) 2023-2024 and (c) 2024-2025. This would include being assessed for exhaust noise. 2022 to 2023 there were 30,843,492 normal tests carried out for classes 4, 5 and 7;2023 to 2024 there were 31,084,949 normal tests carried out for classes 4, 5 and 7 and;2024 to 2025 there were 31,615,467 normal tests carried out for classes 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.

How many vehicles which passed their MOT in (a) 2022-2023, (b) 2023-2024 and (c) 2024-2025 were assessed for exhaust noise as per section 8.1.1. of the MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles.

It is a mandatory requirement for all MOT centres in England to assess for exhaust noise when conducting an MOT. During the emissions test the tester is required to use their judgement to assess the exhaust noise, either as part of the emissions test or by raising the engine speed to around 2,500rpm or half the maximum engine speed. The numbers below show how many active MOT testing stations there are in England, who have carried out MOTs. This would include being assessed for exhaust noise. 2022 to 2023 there were 22,701 active MOT testing stations testing car, private bus and light commercial vehicles (classes 3,4,5 and 7);2023 to 2024 there were 22,526 active MOT testing stations for classes 3,4,5 and 7 and;2024 to 2025 there were 22,448 active MOT testing stations for classes 3,4,5 and 7 vehicles. The numbers below show how many vehicles passed their MOT in (a) 2022-2023 (b) 2023-2024 and (c) 2024-2025. This would include being assessed for exhaust noise. 2022 to 2023 there were 30,843,492 normal tests carried out for classes 4, 5 and 7;2023 to 2024 there were 31,084,949 normal tests carried out for classes 4, 5 and 7 and;2024 to 2025 there were 31,615,467 normal tests carried out for classes 4, 5 and 7 vehicles.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his Department's policies of the link between access to independent advice and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.

Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out a range of proposals to help patients get the advice they need, ranging from building artificial intelligence-powered online advice into the NHS App to co-locating National Health Service, local authority, and voluntary sector services within Neighbourhood Health Centres so they can also offer services like debt advice, employment support, and smoking cessation or weight management services. Within acute hospital settings we are rolling out Martha’s Rule, which gives in-patients in acute provider sites who are concerned about physiological deterioration the right to initiate a rapid review of their case from someone outside of their immediate care team. Taken together, these measures will help to ensure that patients receive the support and advice they need to improve their health and wellbeing.