Written questions by Sollom.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) ICBs and (b) NHS Trusts provide a (i) Locally Enhanced Service or (ii) similar arrangement to support the establishment of respiratory diagnostic hubs.

Neighbourhood level respiratory diagnostic hubs support our vision of delivering more diagnostics and care outside of hospitals and in communities. Respiratory diagnostic hubs have been piloted and developed in many parts of England, and this learning will be informing the development of more neighbourhood health services.Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are also supporting this vision, as 170 CDCs are now operational across England. All standard model CDCs are required to offer a range of diagnostic tests that support the diagnosis of respiratory conditions, including spirometry and lung function tests.CDCs offer local populations a wide range of diagnostic tests, including respiratory diagnostic services, closer to home and with greater choice on where and how they are undertaken, reducing the need for hospital visits and speeding up diagnosis, whilst also reducing pressure on hospitals.We are continuing to invest in expanding diagnostic capacity in the National Health Service, including through increasing CDC capacity. As set out in the Elective reform Plan, we plan to build up to five more CDCs in 2025/26, alongside increasing the operating hours of existing sites so that more offer services 12 hours a day, seven days a week.Integrated care boards (ICBs) play a vital role in commissioning and shaping diagnostic services to meet the needs of their local populations. Addressing the earlier diagnosis and treatment of their populations with respiratory conditions is a significant priority for ICBs.ICBs are responsible for commissioning Local Enhanced Services, including respiratory diagnostics, which are not agreed nationally and can vary in scope and funding to fit local needs.Activity and waiting times for the main respiratory tests are not included in the National Diagnostic Activity and Waiting Times Collection. However, NHS England’s National Diagnostic Programme undertakes an annual snap-shop data collection in respiratory diagnostics to understand levels of activity and waiting times for a range of respiratory tests within trusts across England.NHS England’s Respiratory Programme, in collaboration with national stakeholders, has also developed a standardised spirometry data capture template. This tool is designed to support ICBs in consistently recording and reporting spirometry activity, enabling improved oversight, service planning, and equitable access to respiratory diagnostics.

Whether his Department is taking steps to support the creation of neighbourhood-level respiratory diagnostic hubs.

Neighbourhood level respiratory diagnostic hubs support our vision of delivering more diagnostics and care outside of hospitals and in communities. Respiratory diagnostic hubs have been piloted and developed in many parts of England, and this learning will be informing the development of more neighbourhood health services.Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are also supporting this vision, as 170 CDCs are now operational across England. All standard model CDCs are required to offer a range of diagnostic tests that support the diagnosis of respiratory conditions, including spirometry and lung function tests.CDCs offer local populations a wide range of diagnostic tests, including respiratory diagnostic services, closer to home and with greater choice on where and how they are undertaken, reducing the need for hospital visits and speeding up diagnosis, whilst also reducing pressure on hospitals.We are continuing to invest in expanding diagnostic capacity in the National Health Service, including through increasing CDC capacity. As set out in the Elective reform Plan, we plan to build up to five more CDCs in 2025/26, alongside increasing the operating hours of existing sites so that more offer services 12 hours a day, seven days a week.Integrated care boards (ICBs) play a vital role in commissioning and shaping diagnostic services to meet the needs of their local populations. Addressing the earlier diagnosis and treatment of their populations with respiratory conditions is a significant priority for ICBs.ICBs are responsible for commissioning Local Enhanced Services, including respiratory diagnostics, which are not agreed nationally and can vary in scope and funding to fit local needs.Activity and waiting times for the main respiratory tests are not included in the National Diagnostic Activity and Waiting Times Collection. However, NHS England’s National Diagnostic Programme undertakes an annual snap-shop data collection in respiratory diagnostics to understand levels of activity and waiting times for a range of respiratory tests within trusts across England.NHS England’s Respiratory Programme, in collaboration with national stakeholders, has also developed a standardised spirometry data capture template. This tool is designed to support ICBs in consistently recording and reporting spirometry activity, enabling improved oversight, service planning, and equitable access to respiratory diagnostics.

Whether his Department plans to take direct (a) ICBs and (b) NHS Trusts to (i) collect and (ii) publish data on their respiratory diagnostics provision.

Neighbourhood level respiratory diagnostic hubs support our vision of delivering more diagnostics and care outside of hospitals and in communities. Respiratory diagnostic hubs have been piloted and developed in many parts of England, and this learning will be informing the development of more neighbourhood health services.Community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are also supporting this vision, as 170 CDCs are now operational across England. All standard model CDCs are required to offer a range of diagnostic tests that support the diagnosis of respiratory conditions, including spirometry and lung function tests.CDCs offer local populations a wide range of diagnostic tests, including respiratory diagnostic services, closer to home and with greater choice on where and how they are undertaken, reducing the need for hospital visits and speeding up diagnosis, whilst also reducing pressure on hospitals.We are continuing to invest in expanding diagnostic capacity in the National Health Service, including through increasing CDC capacity. As set out in the Elective reform Plan, we plan to build up to five more CDCs in 2025/26, alongside increasing the operating hours of existing sites so that more offer services 12 hours a day, seven days a week.Integrated care boards (ICBs) play a vital role in commissioning and shaping diagnostic services to meet the needs of their local populations. Addressing the earlier diagnosis and treatment of their populations with respiratory conditions is a significant priority for ICBs.ICBs are responsible for commissioning Local Enhanced Services, including respiratory diagnostics, which are not agreed nationally and can vary in scope and funding to fit local needs.Activity and waiting times for the main respiratory tests are not included in the National Diagnostic Activity and Waiting Times Collection. However, NHS England’s National Diagnostic Programme undertakes an annual snap-shop data collection in respiratory diagnostics to understand levels of activity and waiting times for a range of respiratory tests within trusts across England.NHS England’s Respiratory Programme, in collaboration with national stakeholders, has also developed a standardised spirometry data capture template. This tool is designed to support ICBs in consistently recording and reporting spirometry activity, enabling improved oversight, service planning, and equitable access to respiratory diagnostics.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce the potential impact of chronic respiratory conditions on the NHS in winter 2025-2026.

NHS England, working with the Department, the UK Health Security Agency and other partners, is taking action to reduce the impact of respiratory conditions on the National Health Service this winter. This includes robust, consistent infection prevention and control measures, and the campaign to encourage eligible people to get their winter vaccinations. Further details of the actions being taken to reduce demand on acute services during winter are available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/urgent-and-emergency-care-plan-2025-26/

Which groups he has consulted during summer 2025 as part of the PIP review.

To date, I have met with representatives from more than 50 organisations including representatives of disabled people’s organisations, disability, welfare and carers’ charities, think tanks, co-production experts and more. I am grateful to all of those who I have engaged with to discuss and listen to how we should approach co-production of the Timms Review. As the Review progresses, I am committed to ensuring it offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for engagement and involvement and hears from a diverse range of perspectives.

How many (a) people and (b) groups have been consulted during summer 2025 as part of the PIP review.

To date, I have met with representatives from more than 50 organisations including representatives of disabled people’s organisations, disability, welfare and carers’ charities, think tanks, co-production experts and more. I am grateful to all of those who I have engaged with to discuss and listen to how we should approach co-production of the Timms Review. As the Review progresses, I am committed to ensuring it offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for engagement and involvement and hears from a diverse range of perspectives.

When he plans to publish details on (a) the process for the work of the PIP review and (b) how (i) individuals and (ii) groups can participate in that review.

To ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work, the Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, carers, experts, MPs and others. We have also confirmed that a majority of the Review’s leadership group will be disabled.This group will not work alone: it will shape a programme of participation and engagement that brings together the full range of views and voices.Over the summer, I met with disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, disability, welfare and carers’ charities, think tanks and other experts to discuss and listen to how we should approach co-production in the Timms Review.We are working through this feedback and will provide an update shortly.

What steps he is taking to ensure equitable access to genetic testing for people with motor neurone disease.

Genomic testing in the National Health Service in England is provided through the NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS). Testing is directed by the National Genomic Test Directory, which sets out the eligibility criteria for patients to access testing.Genomic testing for adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders is included in the Test Directory under specific clinical scenarios including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common type of motor neurone disease. The Test Directory is routinely reviewed to ensure that genomic testing continues to be available for all patients for whom it would be of clinical benefit, while delivering value for money for the NHS. The directory and associated supporting material are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-genomic-test-directory-supporting-material/The strategic and systematic embedding of genomic medicine in end-to-end clinical pathways and clinical specialities is supported by a network of seven regional NHS GMS Alliances, which play an important role in achieving equitable access to standardised end-to-end pathways of care, including genomic testing, clinical genetics, and genetic counselling services.

What criteria his Department uses to determine which conditions should receive a modern service framework.

Everyone in the National Health Service is responsible for delivering high-quality care. As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan, as well as an overall quality strategy, the National Quality Board will oversee the development of a new series of service frameworks.Between 1997 and 2010, national service frameworks were a clinically led approach to developing guidance that supported sustained improvement in major condition outcomes, including by narrowing inequality and reducing unwarranted variation. As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we will reintroduce and modernise this approach. These modern service frameworks will define an aspirational, long-term outcome goal for a major condition and then identify the best evidenced interventions and support for delivery.Early priorities will include cardiovascular disease, severe mental illness, and the first ever service framework for frailty and dementia. The Government will consider other long-term conditions for future waves of modern service frameworks. The criteria for determining other conditions for future modern service frameworks will be based on where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in the quality of care and productivity.

Whether his Department is taking steps to support the production of a modern service framework to help (a) improve outcomes and (b) reduce health inequalities for respiratory care.

Everyone in the National Health Service is responsible for delivering high-quality care. As announced in the 10-Year Health Plan, as well as an overall quality strategy, the National Quality Board will oversee the development of a new series of service frameworks to accelerate progress in conditions where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in the quality of care and productivity.Early priorities will include cardiovascular disease, severe mental illness, and the first ever service framework for frailty and dementia. The Government will consider other long-term conditions with significant health and economic impacts for future waves of modern service frameworks.

What progress he has made on the design of the PIP review.

The Timms Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, to ensure that expertise from a wide range of perspectives is drawn upon. On 30 October, I announced that the Review will be co-chaired by myself alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. We will oversee a steering group responsible for leading the co-production process, setting the Review’s strategic direction, priorities and workplan. The group will be made up of a majority of disabled people or representatives of disabled people’s organisations and will be recruited through an open and transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI is now live and will run until 30 November.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) assistance claiming premium bond prizes, (b) information supplied to the public on possession of premium bonds and (c) efforts made by National Savings and Investments to locate the winners of unclaimed premium bond prizes.

NS&I provides comprehensive information on its website and through its call centre on the purchasing and administration of Premium Bonds, including helping Premium Bond holders trace new and unclaimed prizes, and their original investment. NS&I also publishes details on unclaimed prizes every month alongside Premium Bonds winners’ details and, in addition, engages with the media to encourage customers to use its prize checker and tracing services. Premium Bond holders with original paper Bonds such as those purchased over the counter at the Post Office, can register them online or by calling NS&I’s helpline. Holders who do not have internet access or cannot print off a form can request a form by phone or in writing. Finally, Premium Bond holders who have lost historic certificates, or who do not have their Bond or NS&I number, can use NS&I’s dedicated tracing service by post or online. Holders can also use MyLostAccount which can be used to trace old accounts with other providers, as well as with NS&I. Premium Bonds are never lost and NS&I pays out unclaimed prizes no matter how long ago the Bonds were purchased.

Whether her Department plans to respond to the consultation entitled Improving disabled people's access to let residential premises: reasonable adjustments to common parts, a new duty, which closed on 18 August 2022.

The 2022 consultation was conducted by the previous Government and responses are being considered.

What guidance his Department has issued to work coaches on (a) tailoring (i) work and (ii) work search requirements for a (A) single parent and (B) lead carer down from a maximum of 30 hours a week to reflect their circumstances and (b) temporarily removing the requirement to (1) work and (2) search for work because of (a) bereavement, (b) fleeing domestic abuse and (c) other circumstances; and if he will publish that guidance.

Work coaches have access to up-to-date guidance which includes information on tailoring work and work search categories for single parents and lead carers in a way that takes account of their circumstances. In certain circumstances the requirement to undertake work and work search activities can be eased, these include bereavement, fleeing domestic abuse and other circumstances as listed in the guidance below. Universal Credit guidance is deposited in the House of Commons Library twice yearly. https://depositedpapers.parliament.uk/depositedpaper/2287171/files

What steps he is taking to improve access to (a) minimally-processed and (b) nutritious foods for (i) families and (ii) children and young people in food poverty.

Tackling child poverty is at the heart of the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and its commitment to raising the healthiest generation of children in history. The Department is working closely with the Child Poverty Taskforce to develop and deliver an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty, tackle the root causes, and give every child the best start in life. An important part of this will be alleviating the negative experience of living in poverty through supporting families and enhancing public services. The Department is also working collaboratively across Government to deliver a resilient food system that promotes health and food security. The Food Strategy will work to provide healthier, more easily accessible food to help people live longer, healthier lives. The Government’s Eatwell Guide advises that people should eat more fruit and vegetables and wholegrain or higher-fibre foods, as well as less processed meat and food and drink that is high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and salt. The Eatwell Guide principles are communicated through a variety of channels, including the National Health Service website and Government social marketing campaigns; for example, the Better Health Healthier Families website and the Healthy Steps email programme which aims to help families with primary aged children in England to eat well and move more. Healthy Start aims to support those in greatest need. We recently announced in the 10-Year Health Plan that we will uplift the value of weekly payments by 10%, boosting the ability to buy healthy food for those families who need it most. From April 2026, pregnant women and children aged over one year old and under four years old will each receive £4.65 per week, up from £4.25, and children under one year old will receive £9.30 per week, up from £8.50. The funding for Healthy Start can be used to buy, or be put towards the cost of, fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, milk, and infant formula. In August 2025, Healthy Start supported over 355,000 people. In relation to processed foods and drinks high in calories, saturated fat, salt and free sugars, work on Government commitments is progressing through: implementing the TV and online advertising restrictions for less healthy food or drink; consulting on plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 years old; and giving local authorities stronger, clearer powers to block new fast-food outlets near schools and where young people congregate.Earlier this year, the Government committed to reviewing the School Food Standards to reflect the most recent government dietary recommendations, in particular this will reduce levels of sugar and increase fibre in school food.In August 2025, voluntary industry guidelines for commercial baby food and drink were published by the Government. The guidelines challenge businesses to reduce the sugar and salt content and improve marketing and labelling of foods and drinks aimed at children aged up to 36 months old.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Extended Producer Responsibility fee structures on UK manufacturers’ investment in sustainable fibre-based composite packaging innovation that supports a circular economy.

In October 2024, the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment did not split the assessment by sector or material type. Since January 2025 the Recyclability Assessment Methodology has allocated packaging to fee modulation sub-categories, ensuring less-recyclable materials attract higher fees and drive investment in recyclability and innovation.

Media and Sport, what progress she has made on the development of a national youth strategy; what discussions she has had with youth sector organisations on its design; and how she plans to ensure that young people are involved in all stages of the strategy's (a) development and (b) implementation.

We are co-producing the National Youth Strategy in partnership with young people and cross-sector experts to set out a new long-term vision for young people and an action plan for delivering this. We have set up a Youth Advisory Group and an Expert Advisory Group to provide expertise, challenge and a range of perspectives throughout our development of the strategy. DCMS has engaged with over 20,000 young people through a national survey, roundtables, in-person and online focus groups, and ‘hacks’ across England. We have also engaged with over 1,400 practitioners from a range of sectors including youth, arts, sports, culture and civil society to understand the current needs and priority areas for improvement. We will publish the National Youth Strategy in the autumn. We are working closely across government and with young people and the youth sector on the first steps of delivery.

What steps she is taking to help ensure that the Judicial Appointments Commission fulfils its statutory duty to (a) appoint solely on merit (b) avoid discrimination in the appointing of judges.

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is independent from government. It has a statutory duty under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 to select candidates solely on merit, to select only people of good character, and to have regard to the need to encourage diversity in the range of persons available for judicial selection.The JAC is governed by an independent Board of Commissioners, appointed by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor. A key objective of the Board is to ensure the JAC is upholding its statutory functions and duties.The JAC submits annual reports to Parliament about its performance and is also subject to independent reviews. Ministry of Justice officials also meet the JAC Chair and Chief Executive regularly.The JAC also applies quality assurance checks throughout the selection process to ensure proper procedures are followed and standards are maintained. Further information can be found here: JAC Diversity Update July 2025.

How many people were remanded into prison custody by Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales in each calendar year from 2018 to 2024; of these people, for each year how many were guilty and sentenced to immediate custody; and for each year, what was the (a) median, (b) mean and (c) 90th percentile for time on remand in prison for those found guilty and sentenced to immediate custody.

The Ministry of Justice publishes data on the number of those remanded in custody and bailed together with details of the final sentence at criminal courts in England and Wales in the remands data tool. This can be downloaded from the Criminal Justice Statistics landing page here: Criminal Justice Statistics.However, data held centrally does not include information on the time a person spent on remand in prison. Data on the number of remand prisoners in each prison in the HMPPS estate is routinely published within the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly (OMSQ): Offender management statistics quarterly - GOV.UK.

How many people were remanded into prison custody by Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales in each calendar year from 2018 to 2024; of these people, for each year how many were not guilty of charges for which remanded or not proceeded against; and what was the (a) median, (b) mean and (c) 90th percentile for time on remand in prison for those not guilty of charges for which remanded or not proceeded against for each year.

The Ministry of Justice publishes data on the number of those remanded in custody and bailed together with details of the final sentence at criminal courts in England and Wales in the remands data tool. This can be downloaded from the Criminal Justice Statistics landing page here: Criminal Justice Statistics.However, data held centrally does not include information on the time a person spent on remand in prison. Data on the number of remand prisoners in each prison in the HMPPS estate is routinely published within the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly (OMSQ): Offender management statistics quarterly - GOV.UK.