Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a visitor levy on average visitor spending per trip.

The precise design and scope of the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy are still being developed. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will ultimately be for Mayors and other local leaders, based on what is right for their area. The Government’s consultation on the design and scope of the visitor levy closed on 18 February, and we will publish an official response in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a visitor levy on school trips, business travel and major events.

The precise design and scope of the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy are still being developed. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will ultimately be for Mayors and other local leaders, based on what is right for their area. The Government’s consultation on the design and scope of the visitor levy closed on 18 February, and we will publish an official response in due course.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of AI-driven technology on a) detecting and b) preventing livestreamed child sexual abuse before transmission occurs.

The Government is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting children from online sexual abuse. Livestreamed abuse is a particularly abhorrent form of exploitation, and we are determined to ensure that offenders cannot use technology to harm children with impunity.The Online Safety Act introduces world-leading protections for children. It places robust duties on tech companies to prevent and swiftly remove illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, and to take proactive steps to protect children from harm. Ofcom, as the regulator, will have strong enforcement powers to ensure compliance.We committed in the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy – Freedom from violence and abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls (accessible) - GOV.UK – ‘to make it impossible for children in the UK to take, share or view a nude image’ and that ‘we are working constructively with companies to make this a reality’. The use of AI-driven technology to detect and disrupt livestreamed child sexual abuse is vital to the delivery of this commitment – including through the deployment of such technology at device operating system level, which can help prevent abuse before it happens. Such tools can detect and disrupt livestreamed abuse and other image-based harms, while respecting users’ privacy and maintaining end-to-end encryption. The Government continues to work closely with law enforcement, industry, and child protection experts to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of efforts to tackle online child sexual abuse.

How many people were employed in manufacturing roles in each of the last five years.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 23rd February is attached.

What recent assessment he has made of the viability of expanding the utilisation of pumped hydroelectric storage in the energy grid.

There is already 2.8GW of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) on the GB electricity system, which is a form of Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES). The government agrees that GB needs more LDES, which is why the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan envisages an expansion of capacity of 1.2 to 3.2 GW by 2030 compared to today’s level and also why the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) has published advice that 2.7 to 7.7 GW more LDES is required by 2035 compared to today’s level. In October 2024, this government brought in the LDES cap and floor investment support scheme to deliver new LDES capacity. The scheme is being delivered by Ofgem and is technology neutral (and so could support a number of LDES technologies, including those referenced in the questions). Ofgem plans to consult this spring on the LDES projects it is minded to grant a cap and floor scheme to from its first LDES allocation round.

Pursuant to Answer of 6 February 2026 to Question 109497 on Energy: Manufacturing Industries, what estimate he has made of the additional electricity generation capacity resulting from investments made through the National Wealth Fund.

The UK's National Wealth Fund (NWF) has estimated that its portfolio of investments will deliver an additional 6.4 GW of clean energy generation capacity across solar, wind, nuclear, and other technologies. A significant portion of this comes from the Fund's commitment of up to £36.6 billion for the Sizewell C nuclear power station, which is projected to provide 3.2 GW of additional low-carbon baseload generation capacity by the mid-2030s.NWF is also investing in the storage and transmission capacity needed to enable additional generation capacity, including investments to deliver 7 GW of distributed storage and 4 GW of transmission upgrades.NWF recently provided investment in the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm; a 92.5 MW demonstrator project to prove out a technology which has the potential to deliver 24 GW of clean generation capacity in Scotland alone. This investment was provided alongside Great British Energy (GBE).GBE will play a key role alongside the National Wealth Fund in driving the private investment needed to deliver our Clean Energy Mission, with an ambition to deliver at least 15 GW in clean energy generation and storage capacity by 2030 - enough to power the equivalent of almost 10 million homes.

What steps he is taking to help improve the (a) resilience and (b) reliability of the electricity distribution network.

Government works closely with industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience and reliability of electricity infrastructure, networks and assets. This is to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure an effective response to actual or potentially disruptive incidents. Energy resilience is a top priority for Government which is why my Department will publish an Energy Resilience Strategy in 2026.

What recent assessment he has made of the viability of expanding the utilisation of compressed air energy storage in the energy grid.

There is already 2.8GW of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) on the GB electricity system, which is a form of Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES). The government agrees that GB needs more LDES, which is why the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan envisages an expansion of capacity of 1.2 to 3.2 GW by 2030 compared to today’s level and also why the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) has published advice that 2.7 to 7.7 GW more LDES is required by 2035 compared to today’s level. In October 2024, this government brought in the LDES cap and floor investment support scheme to deliver new LDES capacity. The scheme is being delivered by Ofgem and is technology neutral (and so could support a number of LDES technologies, including those referenced in the questions). Ofgem plans to consult this spring on the LDES projects it is minded to grant a cap and floor scheme to from its first LDES allocation round.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Procurement Act 2023 on the (a) number and (b) total value of public procurement contracts awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises.

This Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses, especially SMEs.We are starting to see more opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs as the Procurement Act 2023 is implemented and embedded across the public sector. Initial trends show that the proportion of PA23 tender lots with a planning, tender, transparency or dynamic markets notice tagged as suitable for SMEs has increased to around two thirds of all requirements.To continue to build on this positive trend, this Government has also published a new, more ambitious, National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), which requires contracting authorities to consider ways to increase procurement spend with SMEs and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs).We have also introduced changes allowing local councils to reserve over one billion pounds worth of lower value contracts to suppliers based locally or within the UK which has recently become law, a step strongly supported by SMEs.We will set out further reforms, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course. These reforms will further support British SMEs to bid for contracts.

With reference to the press release entitled Funding boost for young people’s mental health services, published on 13 February 2026, how many additional appointments in (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency this increased funding will result in.

The Government recently confirmed a £7 million funding boost for 24 early support hubs across England so they can continue to provide open-access, drop-in mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 25 years old. These hubs offer open access, early intervention support for a wide range of issues, helping to prevent escalation to more severe mental illness without the need for a referral or a doctor’s appointment. This additional investment is expected to deliver approximately 10,000 extra interventions in the community for young people facing mental health challenges.While none of the 24 Government‑funded Early Support Hubs are located in Essex or in the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency, there are approximately 65 Early Support Hubs operating across England through local funding. Because hubs are delivered by voluntary, community or social enterprise sector collaborations and are designed around local service footprints, they do not map neatly onto constituency boundaries.

Pursuant to the press release entitled Funding boost for young people’s mental health services, published on 13 February 2026, how much of the increased funding for early support hubs will be allocated to (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

The Government recently confirmed a £7 million funding boost for 24 early support hubs across England so they can continue to provide open-access, drop-in mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 11 to 25 years old. These hubs offer open access, early intervention support for a wide range of issues, helping to prevent escalation to more severe mental illness without the need for a referral or a doctor’s appointment. This additional investment is expected to deliver approximately 10,000 extra interventions in the community for young people facing mental health challenges.While none of the 24 Government‑funded Early Support Hubs are located in Essex or in the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency, there are approximately 65 Early Support Hubs operating across England through local funding. Because hubs are delivered by voluntary, community or social enterprise sector collaborations and are designed around local service footprints, they do not map neatly onto constituency boundaries.

Whether he plans to introduce transitional arrangements for apprentices currently undertaking Level 6 programmes who had planned to progress to Level 7 under the previous funding framework.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity and is determined to tackle the 40% fall in apprenticeship starts by young people aged under 25 that we’ve seen over the last decade. Since January 2026, the government no longer funds level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to master’s degree level, except for young apprentices under the age of 22, and those under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan. This will enable apprenticeships opportunities to be rebalanced towards young people and create more opportunities for those entering the labour market, who need skills and training to get on in their careers. Level 7 apprentices that started before 1 January 2026 will continue to be funded through to completion. The government is encouraging more employers to invest in upskilling their staff aged over 22 to level 7 where it delivers a benefit to the business and the individual. It will be for employers to determine the most appropriate training. The department has published guidance on privately funded apprenticeships, which will enable employers to privately fund level 7 apprenticeships for staff aged over 22: Privately funded apprenticeships: rules and guidance - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab). There are also alternative training options available to employers at level 7 including non-apprenticeship routes.

What estimate he has made of the number of Level 6 apprentices who were intending to progress to Level 7 apprenticeships who will no longer be eligible.

This government has a driving mission to break down barriers to opportunity and is determined to tackle the 40% fall in apprenticeship starts by young people aged under 25 that we’ve seen over the last decade. Since January 2026, the government no longer funds level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to master’s degree level, except for young apprentices under the age of 22, and those under 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan. This will enable apprenticeships opportunities to be rebalanced towards young people and create more opportunities for those entering the labour market, who need skills and training to get on in their careers. Level 7 apprentices that started before 1 January 2026 will continue to be funded through to completion. The government is encouraging more employers to invest in upskilling their staff aged over 22 to level 7 where it delivers a benefit to the business and the individual. It will be for employers to determine the most appropriate training. The department has published guidance on privately funded apprenticeships, which will enable employers to privately fund level 7 apprenticeships for staff aged over 22: Privately funded apprenticeships: rules and guidance - GOV.UK(opens in a new tab). There are also alternative training options available to employers at level 7 including non-apprenticeship routes.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of participation in Level 7 apprenticeships on skills shortages in regulated professions.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 13 June 2025 to Question UIN 57098.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of age-based funding changes for Level 7 apprenticeships on uptake of those apprenticeships.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 13 June 2025 to Question UIN 57098.

Pursuant to Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 102600, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of British citizens who have studied a course funded by the Adult Skills Fund since its creation.

The information requested is not held.

What steps he is taking to reduce the time taken for diagnosis of endometriosis.

The Government is committed to prioritising women’s health, including long waits for endometriosis diagnoses. We are committed to returning to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients are treated within 18 weeks of referral to consultant-led care by March 2029. The Department, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has commissioned studies focused on endometriosis diagnosis, treatment and patient experience.We are taking action to increase capacity and transform diagnostic services to improve waiting times for endometriosis diagnoses. This includes expanding existing community diagnostic centres (CDCs) and building up to five new ones in 2025/26. Our Elective Reform Plan also committed to CDCs opening 12 hours per day, seven days a week, delivering more same-day tests and consultations. Surgical hubs are helping endometriosis patients get quicker treatment and deliver high-volume, low-complexity elective surgeries, including gynaecological procedures.Currently, over half of the 125 operational elective surgical hubs in England provide gynaecology services. Laparoscopies remain the definitive diagnostic and treatment method and are a key part of this offering. The Elective Reform Plan commits to expand the number of hubs to increase surgical capacity and reduce waiting times.From 2027, a new “online hospital” will also offer patients the choice to access specialist care including for menstrual problems potentially indicating endometriosis or fibroids from home, providing additional appointments to cut waiting times.

Pursuant to Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 102600, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those funded qualifications on employment rates in the logistics sector.

The Further Education Outcomes statistics publication provides data on the progression from further education courses to sustained employment in the following academic year. It is published annually each November, with the most recent edition available at:https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/further-education-outcomes/2022-23#explore-data-and-files.Note this does not show the logistics sector specifically or assess the impact of funded qualifications on employment rates.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of endometriosis a) education and b) training within i) undergraduate medical degrees and ii) GP training.

The Government will soon publish a renewed Women’s Health Strategy that will set out how the Government is taking further steps to improve women’s health, including reproductive health, as we deliver the 10-Year Health Plan.The standard of undergraduate medical training is the responsibility of the General Medical Council (GMC), the independent regulator of the medical profession, which set the outcomes and standards expected at undergraduate level. Medical schools are responsible for their curricula. The delivery of these undergraduate curricula must meet the standards set by the GMC, who then monitor and check to make sure that these standards are maintained.The curriculum for specialty training is set by individual Royal Colleges and faculties. The GMC approves curricula and assessment systems for each training programme. Curricula emphasise the skills and approaches that a doctor must develop to ensure accurate and timely diagnoses and treatment plans for their patients.The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is responsible for publishing the postgraduate curriculum for general practitioners (GPs) and ensuring it remains up to date. The RCGP curriculum covers endometriosis as part of its gynaecology and breast health module.GPs are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up-to-date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. The RCGP has worked with partners, including Endometriosis UK, to develop educational resources relating to endometriosis to support GPs and other healthcare professionals to deliver the best possible care for women, based on the latest evidence.

How many and what proportion of staff in the Department have (a) office-based, (b) hybrid and (c) remote-working contracts.

As of 31 January 2026,A) Office-based working contracts - 5,646 employees, representing 96.9% of the overall domestic civil servants in payroll.B) Hybrid working contracts – noneC) Remoting working contracts – 179 employees representing 3.1% of the overall domestic civil servants in payroll.DBT remains committed to flexible working and the business benefits that it offers, including supporting the Civil Service priority of ensuring continued, effective and productive delivery of the work carried out by civil servants across the full range of services.DBT operates a ‘hybrid’ approach, led by business needs, and as a result many employees will work both from home and in the workplace on an informal basis.