Written questions by Hayes.

Whether he plans to review the penalties for the anti-social use of fireworks leading to significant criminal damage.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this Government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides the police and local authorities with a range of flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social behaviour, including the misuse of fireworks. To inform any future decisions I have and will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the level of funds invested by Chinese firms in the UK water sector in the next ten years.

The Government recognises the important role of independent regulation in attracting the investment our water sector needs to deliver for both current and future consumers. We are aware there has been investment into the water sector in the UK by Chinese investors. Under Ofwat’s current processes, Ofwat are notified of acquisitions in line with water company licence conditions. Ofwat, as the independent economic regulator, protects the interests of consumers by making sure water companies carry out their statutory functions and are financially resilient as well as holding them to account on overall performance and delivery of essential services. These same standards and licence conditions apply across all water companies, regardless of whether they are owned by foreign or domestic investors.

What estimate her Department has made of the level of funding from Chinese firms into the UK education sector in the next ten years.

HM Government carefully considers the security implications of proposed investments, to reach a balanced decision between UK economic growth and national security.As an open economy, the UK benefits from foreign trade and investment where it supports growth and jobs in the UK, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements and does not compromise our national security. No accurate estimates of future investments can be made for specific sectors.

What estimate his Department has made of the level of investment by Chinese firms in the UK energy sector in the next ten years.

We work very closely with industry and across government to maintain a detailed picture of foreign involvement in energy infrastructure. Foreign involvement in energy infrastructure undergoes the highest levels of scrutiny, with my department working across government to monitor and guard against any potential security risks in the energy sector and its supply chain. As stated in the Integrated Review Refresh, a positive trading relationship benefits both the UK and China, and we continue to recognise the importance of trade and investment from China where it is safe, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.

What estimate her Department has made of the level of funds invested by Chinese firms in the UK transport sector in the next ten years.

The Department does not have an estimate of the level of funds to be invested by Chinese firms in the UK transport sector over the next ten years. This Government will continue to support UK business to engage with the second largest economy in the world – one of our largest trading partners – while being open-eyed to any risks and ensuring security and resilience.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to designate food security a critical national priority.

Food security is national security. We need a resilient and healthy food system, that works with nature and supports British farmers, fishers and food producers. Our Plan for Change sets out how we are focused on supporting our farmers, supporting rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security. Food supply is one of the UK's 14 Critical National Infrastructure sectors. Defra and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are joint Lead Government Departments (LGDs), with Defra leading on supply and the FSA on food safety. We work closely with the Cabinet Office and other LGDs to ensure food supply is fully incorporated as part of emergency preparedness, including consideration of dependencies on other sectors.

What guidance his Department is providing to local authorities to help them (a) manage and (b) enforce firework safety regulations in areas where firework misuse has led to (i) vandalism and (ii) antisocial behaviour.

Enforcement powers exist for local authorities to take action when fireworks are unsafe, sold illegally or misused. Local authorities and the police also have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of fireworks. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers, based on their circumstances. New Respect Orders will enable police and local councils to enforce strict behavioural conditions on persistent perpetrators of antisocial behaviour - banning them from local town centres and neighbourhoods including high streets and parks. Offenders could be required to address causes of their behaviour through mandatory rehabilitative conditions.

What the average waiting time is for a practical driving test in (a) Lincolnshire and (b) the East Midlands.

The average waiting time for a practical driving test at test centres in both (a) Lincolnshire and (b) the East Midlands, is 24 weeks respectively, as of 21 April 2025. The current national average for a practical driving test as of March 2025 is 21.7 weeks.

Whether Active Travel England has offered apprenticeships in each year since it was set up.

Active Travel England has not yet advertised apprenticeships for external candidates. Existing employees can access the Department’s apprenticeship offer of level 2 – 7 apprenticeships across a range of skills, including data, finance and project delivery, as part of their personal development. The agency has supported one new joiner to complete an apprenticeship they were part-way through.

Innovation and Technology, whether Building Digital UK has offered apprenticeships in each year since it was set up.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.Building Digital UK has only made use of apprentices in its workforce since becoming an Executive Agency in April 2022, since when it has offered apprenticeships every year.

If the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010.

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year, since 2018.

Whether the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has offered apprenticeships every year since 2015. Specific data wasn’t collected before 2015 although apprenticeships were available.

Whether the Office of Rail and Road has offered apprenticeships since 2010.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has offered apprenticeships since 2017. ORR currently has 15 people undertaking an apprenticeship.

Communities and Local Government, whether HM Land Registry has offered apprenticeships since 2010.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services. HM Land Registry has offered 800 apprenticeships across England and Wales since 2014. Those apprenticeships have ranged from Level 2 to Level 7 to support personal development and increase organisational capability while also supporting apprentices to join Government Professions such as Digital, Data & Technology, Legal, HR and Finance.

Whether the Food Standards Agency has offered apprenticeships since 2010.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development, and deliver more effective public services.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) uses apprenticeships to develop the skills of existing staff, and also fills some vacancies with apprentices. Commonly used apprenticeship frameworks in the organisation are Data and Digital, and Economics.While data is not available prior to 2018, the following table shows the number of apprenticeship starts in the FSA per year, from 2018 to 2025 to date:YearNumber of apprenticeship starts20185201912020320212202262023102024520251Total33

Whether the National Infrastructure Commission has offered apprenticeships in each year since it was set up.

Since its inception, the National Infrastructure Commission has successfully trained and developed a number of apprentices. As a small organisation, the number of apprentices trained and developed has been determined by business needs, balanced against obligations. On 1st April 2025, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) merged to become the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). NISTA is a unit of HM Treasury, reporting to both HM Treasury and Cabinet Office.

Innovation and Technology, whether the UK Space Agency has offered apprenticeships since it was established.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.The UK Space Agency has previously offered apprenticeships in Communications and Business Administration. The last cohort was in 2017. The UK Space Agency will be reestablishing apprenticeships between now and 2029, specifically targeting Digital, Data, and Science & Engineering skills to align with Civil Service wide skills and workforce ambitions.The UK Space Agency has made use of apprentices in its workforce since 2014 and recruitment data, where available, has been provided below:2014 – 1 (Communications)2015 – 1 (Communications)2016 – 02017 – 3 (1 Communications, 2 Business Administration)

Innovation and Technology, if the Meteorological Office has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.The Met Office has offered apprenticeships at Level 2 through to Level 7 across a breadth of professions and has a continued commitment to do so.The department has made use of apprentices in its workforce since 2016 and recruitment data, where available, has been provided below:YearNumber of apprentice starts201622017520185201982020420211820223320233220242420253 (to date – 2025 Autumn cohort recruitment underway)

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Rural Payments Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.Defra Group, including the Rural Payments Agency, has developed a diverse apprenticeship programme, offering a range of apprenticeship standards from Level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels) to Level 7 (equivalent to Masters Level). The apprenticeship offer is used for both external recruitment and development of existing staff.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether OFWAT has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010.

The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.OFWAT has made use of apprentices in its workforce since 2014 and recruitment data, where available, has been provided below:Employed as Degree Apprentices:QuantityApprenticeshipStart date End DateTraining provider2Operations (Technology & Infrastructure)Dec 2014Dec 2015South and City College1Professional economist (integrated degree), Level: 6Sep 2024Sep 2028The University of Kent2Project manager (integrated degree), Level: 6Oct 2024Sep 2027University of Exeter2Solicitor, Level: 7Mar 2025Feb 2027DAMAR Ltd1Professional economist (integrated degree), Level: 6Sep 2024Sep 2028The University of KentOfwat Employees who joined Apprenticeship Programmes:1Solicitor, Level: 7Sep 2024Aug 2027DAMAR Ltd1Assistant accountant, Level: 3 (Standard)Sep 2019Sep 2020Solihull College and University Centre1Professional accounting or taxation technician, Level: 4 (Standard)Dec 2020Mar 2022Solihull College and University Centre1Business Administrator, Level: 3 (Standard)Jun 2019Sep 2020QA Ltd1Coaching professional, Level: 5Feb 2022Aug 2022HTP Apprenticeship College Ltd In addition, OFWAT is recruiting for a September 2025 Degree Apprenticeship intake: 2 x Economist, 1 x Chartered Manager, 2 x L7 Solicitor Apprentices