Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ian Roome this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 275 · this parliament
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the level of availability of specialist steel grades that are cannot be produced domestically following proposed changes in the rate for non-tariff-rate quota imported steel from 1 July 2026 on the level of risk to supply chains.
Awaiting answer.
What consultation he has held with manufacturers on proposed changes to steel quotas and tariffs from 1 July 2026.
Awaiting answer.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes in level of tariff-free steel import quotas from 1 July 2026 on trends in the level of costs to British manufacturing businesses.
Awaiting answer.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential economic impact of the proposed change in imported steel tariffs above quota limits from 1 July 2026 on manufacturing businesses.
Awaiting answer.
What plans the Department have to provide additional funding to support the delivery of the dental hygienist apprenticeship where the cost of clinical training exceeds the apprenticeship funding band.
Awaiting answer.
When the Government plans to publish the response to the Covid-19 Inquiry Module 4 recommendations on the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme.
Awaiting answer.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure female armed forces personnel are equipped with properly fitted, purpose-designed body armour.
The Department’s priority is to ensure all service personnel receive appropriate and equitable levels of protection. We are initiating a capability change project for Complex Geometry Body Armour, which will include the development of a suitable testing regime and Human Factors Integration work to ensure this capability delivers improved fit and operational effectiveness for servicewomen. In parallel, we will continue the procurement of Tactical Ballistic Plates, which will replace the in-service single-sized OSPREY plates. These will be available in four sizes to provide an improved fit for a wider range of personnel and reduced weight for most users, with initial deliveries expected from 2028.
What plans his Department has to provide additional funding to support the delivery of the dental hygienist apprenticeship where the cost of clinical training exceeds the apprenticeship funding band.
The Government recognises the important role that dental care professionals, including dental hygienists, play in the delivery of National Health Service dentistry.The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for managing the apprenticeship levy and setting the funding rules for employers.
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to minimise the risk of harm caused by alcohol sold through home delivery apps.
The Licensing Act 2003 regulates the sale and supply of alcohol. The Government recognises that consumer purchasing habits have evolved in recent years, particularly with a notable growth in alcohol sales made via online platforms and rapid delivery services.The Department for Health and Social Care, which has responsibility for policy on health harms, and the Home Office are looking at how current licensing rules apply to these services and monitoring emerging evidence on the impact they may be having on people’s health. I am clear that we will act where necessary to protect public safety.To this end, I will shortly hold a roundtable jointly with the Minister for Public Health and Prevention to consider solutions with healthcare professionals and experts in the field.
What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of capacity for the General Dental Council’s Overseas Registration Examination; and what discussions he has had with the General Dental Council on reducing waiting times for Part 2 of that examination and on the affordability of recent increases in examination fees for overseas-qualified dentists.
The Government recognises the challenges faced by overseas-qualified dentists seeking to sit the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE), particularly in relation to waiting times.The General Dental Council (GDC) is the independent regulator of dental professionals in the United Kingdom and therefore is responsible for determining the standards that professionals wishing to practise in the UK must meet in order to be registered.The GDC has recently put in place a new delivery contract which will significantly increase capacity across both parts of the ORE. This represents an unprecedented expansion in exam throughput, with capacity for Part 1 and Part 2 sittings expected to increase to 2,400 and 1,500 places per year respectively. Overall, the expansion is projected to deliver a more than fivefold increase in the number of overseas-qualified dentists able to complete the ORE and join the register by 2028. This significant increase in capacity will enable greater throughput of the examination and is therefore expected to reduce waiting times for ORE candidates over the coming years. In addition, the GDC is developing a new candidate portal, including a revised booking system, as part of the new contract. This is due to be in place for exams scheduled in 2027.As an independent regulator, it is for the GDC to determine the appropriate fee level to effectively run the ORE examination. The GDC has indicated that the fee increase is necessary to support greatly expanded capacity under the new contract, including specialist facilities, examiners, quality assurance, and VAT on delivery costs.The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides an alternative route for overseas-trained dentists, the License in Dental Surgery. In March 2026, the Government announced grant funding to support an expansion of this examination route, which is expected to increase final exam places tenfold by 2028, from approximately 180 to a projected 1,800.
Whether there are plans to deliver capital funding to local ICB's to support local training hubs or centres for dental development to support dental workforce recruitment and retention, especially in rural and coastal areas like North Devon.
The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including National Health Service dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the North Devon constituency, this is the Devon ICB.ICBs receive allocations of capital funding each year to cover primary care requirements and overall strategic objectives. They are able to use the capital on dental facilities should they consider that a priority. In 2026/27, the funding available across all ICBs is £122 million for primary care, and £195 million for overall strategic objectives.We are determined to rebuild NHS dentistry and deliver a dentistry service fit for the future. We will publish a 10 Year Workforce Plan and ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the best care for patients, when they need it.We are also committed to fundamentally reforming the dental contract, with a focus on matching resources to need, improving access, promoting prevention, and rewarding dentists fairly, while enabling the whole dental team to work to the top of their capability.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze on Local Housing Allowance on levels of poverty among older private renters.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviewed LHA rates and confirmed in his written ministerial statement on 26 November 2025 that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27.Renters facing a shortfall in meeting their housing costs can apply for discretionary support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) Housing Payments from local authorities in England.
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure Parkinson's patients are supported with speech and language therapy.
Awaiting answer.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of alleged unauthorised fishing taking place in protected marine environments in UK coastal waters.
Awaiting answer.
Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the role of (a) pubs and (b) other community facilities is fully recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework.
Awaiting answer.
How many people have been appointed to national security-vetted government roles against the recommendation of United Kingdom Security Vetting in the last 5 years.
United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) provides a vetting service to customers. Accountability for individual appointments and the management of associated vetting risks remains with the relevant department. To ensure the continued effectiveness and integrity of the vetting process, on the 20th of April the Prime Minister requested a rapid review led by Sir Adrian Fulford into the entire developed vetting process. This includes instances where UKSV recommendations may have been superseded by employing departments.
What steps he is taking to help ensure that poor mobile connectivity in rural areas does not disadvantage domestic energy customers in rural areas if they are unable to adopt smart meters.
The Data Communications Company (DCC) is the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain, and is obligated to provide smart meter network connectivity to at least 99.25% of premises across GB. The Government is working closely with the DCC to ensure that smart meter connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties in all regions, including rural areas, as soon as reasonably possible. One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN (VWAN) which involves using customers’ broadband connection (with consent) to carry smart metering communications.
What steps his department is taking to ensure that the adoption of smart meters does not disadvantage domestic energy customers in rural areas that have poor mobile connectivity.
The Data Communications Company (DCC) is the organisation responsible for the smart metering network in Great Britain, and is obligated to provide smart meter network connectivity to at least 99.25% of premises across GB. The Government is working closely with the DCC to ensure that smart meter connectivity can be extended to the small minority of unserved properties in all regions, including rural areas, as soon as reasonably possible. One such solution, currently being rolled out, is Virtual WAN (VWAN) which involves using customers’ broadband connection (with consent) to carry smart metering communications.
Whether he plans to update national guidance for ICBs on gluten free prescription, including for people on low incomes.
There are no plans to change the current national guidance for integrated care boards (ICBs) on gluten‑free prescribing. In England, gluten‑free bread and mixes may be prescribed for people with coeliac disease, with eligible products listed in Part XV of the Drug Tariff. Prescriptions may be issued following a shared decision between prescriber and patient, taking account of local and national guidance.Under current legislation, ICBs may restrict product choice or end gluten‑free prescribing where this is appropriate for their population, while meeting their legal duties on equality and reducing health inequalities. As autonomous bodies, ICBs determine local prescribing policies within their allocated resources.NHS prescription charge exemptions support those with the greatest need. People on low incomes who do not qualify for an exemption can access help through the NHS Low Income Scheme or use prescription prepayment certificates, which allow unlimited prescriptions for a fixed cost.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure The Renewed Women's Health Strategy for England, published April 2026, improves gynaecology care in regions with local shortages of gynaecologists.
The Renewed Women’s Health Strategy was published on 15 April 2026 and sets out a bold, long‑term plan to transform how the health and care system listens to, supports, and delivers for women and girls across all regions in England.It puts women’s voices and choices at the centre of care, drives faster improvements in services and outcomes that matter most to women, and tackles long‑standing health inequalities across the life course. The strategy aligns with the 10-Year Health Plan to shift care into the community, harness digital innovation, and strengthen prevention so women can live healthier, more fulfilled lives.The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan to set out action to create a workforce ready to deliver the transformed service set out in the 10-Year Health Plan. The plan will ensure the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.