Written questions by Lamont.

How many small boats crossing the English Channel have been towed by French authorities into UK waters in each month from January 2022 to June 2025.

None.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allocating levels of funding to support the increased use of (a) heat pumps and (b) wood pellets based on levels of CO2 reduction.

The Government will publish its carbon budget plan by October. This will set out the policy package to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all sectors of the economy, including the role of heat pumps and biomass (including wood pellets). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 grants to households to partially cover the cost of installing a heat pump in their home. Further detail on the Warm Homes Plan, including further funding for the Scheme, will be set out by October. Biomass for electricity generation receives funding via the government’s Renewables Obligation and Contracts for Difference schemes.

What steps he is taking to ensure that (a) homes and (b) businesses in rural areas have adequate energy supplies during the implementation of Great Grid Upgrade infrastructure projects.

The transformation of our electricity network will increase capacity for users across GB. Investment under Ofgem’s next electricity distribution networks price control (2028-2033) will be informed by Regional Energy Strategic Plans, which will consider local area energy requirements and ensure timely reinforcement of networks for rural communities. To bring new electricity transmission infrastructure online, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) allows parts of the network to be temporarily switched off so that work can be conducted safely. NESO undertakes system access planning to ensure this process is efficient and economic, and the transmission system continues to operate within the Security and Quality of Supply Standards through all access windows, minimising impacts on customers.

What plans he has to encourage people living in rural areas to use wood pellets for fuel in their homes.

The government expects most off-gas grid and rural properties will ultimately transition to heat pumps as these are a proven technology which have been installed in high numbers in other countries. Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, grants are available for air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps is £7,500, and £5,000 is available for biomass boilers. The Warm Homes Plan will help households, including rural off-gas grid households, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating. Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out by October.

Whether she has had discussions with the devolved Administrations on extending the remit for the commission into grooming gangs and child exploitation to include (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.

Whilst child protection is fully devolved in the UK and policing devolved except for Wales, all parts of the UK must work together to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice.The Independent Commission into group-based child sexual exploitation will have statutory powers, and the chair will determine the Commission's procedure and conduct. We expect any relevant findings to be shared with devolved administrations to support a comprehensive approach across the UK. We will announce further details on the Commission, including the appointment of an independent chair, in due course.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish government on the new commission into grooming gangs and child exploitation.

The sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs is a horrific crime, and vulnerable young people have been let down time and time again. This government is fully dedicated to delivering justice for all victims through a national inquiry, as was set out by the Home Secretary. None of the action we are taking will work unless everyone works together to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice - that includes authorities across the country cooperating and sharing best practices, including on devolved issues.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the remit for the commission into grooming gangs and child exploitation to (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland.

Whilst child protection is fully devolved in the UK and policing devolved except for Wales, all parts of the UK must work together to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice.The Independent Commission into group-based child sexual exploitation will have statutory powers, and the chair will determine the Commission's procedure and conduct. We expect any relevant findings to be shared with devolved administrations to support a comprehensive approach across the UK. We will announce further details on the Commission, including the appointment of an independent chair, in due course.

What (a) resources and (b) funding her Department will provide to the new commission into grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation.

The Government will resource the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation. Further details will be set out in due course.

Whether there will be a limit on the number of local inquiries overseen by the new commission into grooming gangs and child exploitation.

An independent chair will determine the conduct and procedure of the inquiry. We will announce further details on the inquiry, including the appointment of an independent chair, in due course.

What steps he has taken to support UK (a) brands and (b) manufacturers with a potential influx of fast fashion, in the context of the UK-India trade deal.

Helping our world-class textiles industry extend its influence worldwide is important for our Plan for Change, with several businesses in the sector expressing support for our new trade deal with India.This agreement will mean increased choice for consumers and cheaper imports for businesses and give UK businesses an edge over international competitors when entering India's rapidly growing market.We have included a bilateral safeguard mechanism which allows us to temporarily increase tariffs if an industry is suffering or facing the threat of serious injury as a result of reduced duties in the FTA.The Department continues to engage with stakeholders to monitor the impact of the deal and ensure that UK businesses can compete on a level playing field.The Government is reviewing the customs treatment of low value imports, and intends to engage stakeholders through existing channels, which will inform a decision on whether to launch a consultation later in the year.

What discussions he has had with the bioethanol industry on the UK-US trade deal.

Whenever a trade agreement of any sort is agreed, there will be domestic impacts if our trading partners have requested further access to the UK market. That is the case for the agreement on bioethanol. Senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting representatives of the domestic bioethanol industry, and the Secretary of State has met with bioethanol businesses. We are committed to working with the domestic bioethanol industry about their concerns.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the bioethanol industry on the UK-US trade deal.

Whenever a trade agreement of any sort is agreed, there will be domestic impacts if our trading partners have requested further access to the UK market. That is the case for the agreement on bioethanol. Senior officials from the Department for Business and Trade have been meeting representatives of the domestic bioethanol industry, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade met with bioethanol businesses on 14 May. We are actively listening to the concerns of the sector, and we are committed to working with the domestic bioethanol industry.

What assessment the Government has made of the potential implications for its policies of the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025.

The Supreme Court’s ruling has brought clarity for women and single-sex service providers. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has already committed to supporting service providers with its updated statutory Code of Practice; the government will engage them as necessary as they progress this work. All government departments should follow the ruling.

If he will take steps to support British (a) brands and (b) manufacturers in the context of proposed US tariffs.

The UK Government is acutely aware of the potential impact that these proposed tariffs could have on British businesses. We are committed to ensuring that our brands and manufacturers are supported during this challenging period.On 13 April 2025, the Chancellor announced the Growth Guarantee Scheme will provide approximately £500m of additional lending capacity to help more smaller businesses across the UK. The extra funding is aimed at smaller businesses that may need support with cashflow issues due to changes in global tariff rates.Advanced manufacturing is critical to UK prosperity. This Government will continue to support the sector through our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, where advanced manufacturing has been selected as one of eight growth-driving sectors.

If he will consider a public procurement initiative to increase (a) production and (b) jobs growth for British (i) manufacturers and (ii) workers.

The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and the products they produce, ensuring they have the best opportunities to win UK public contracts and deliver high-quality goods and services.Our new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) encourages contracting authorities to consider how procurement can foster economic growth, support small businesses, strengthen UK supply chains and drive delivery of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and missions. We have also recently announced a package of further measures to demonstrate how central government will implement the NPPS, further helping British firms succeed.Furthermore, our modern Industrial Strategy will set out how public procurement can support growth and investment in key sectors of the economy by encouraging innovation and the development of new technologies.

If he will take steps to facilitate the onshoring of production to the UK for British (a) brands and (b) manufacturers in the context of proposed US tariffs.

The UK Government is acutely aware of the potential impact that these proposed tariffs could have on British businesses. We are committed to ensuring that our brands and manufacturers are supported during this challenging period.On 13 April 2025, the Chancellor announced the Growth Guarantee Scheme will provide approximately £500m of additional lending capacity to help more smaller businesses across the UK. The extra funding is aimed at smaller businesses that may need support with cashflow issues due to changes in global tariff rates.Advanced manufacturing is critical to UK prosperity. This Government will continue to support the sector through our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, where advanced manufacturing has been selected as one of eight growth-driving sectors.

What meetings his Department has had with members of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

I have met representatives of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation twice to discuss their interests in our fisheries relationship with the EU. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation is a member of the UK Domestic Advisory Group established under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and Cabinet Office officials regularly engage with them in this capacity.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) the border target operating model and (b) border control posts are adequately (i) resourced and (ii) equipped to ensure horticulture growers can import the required plant products to meet demand.

Checks at border control posts are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. The Animal Plant and Health Agency plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service. Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure sanitary and phytosanitary goods are handled safely and with care. GB plant health services have significantly increased the number of plant health inspection staff to service the demand for import checks in England and Wales of EU plants and plant products. Inspector levels are being monitored to ensure these meet demand and ensure minimal trade disruption.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of import controls on horticulture businesses; and whether he plans to consider this impact in the context of proposals to amend plant health fees.

Defra’s approach has been to design a modern border with a simplified but effective system of biosecurity controls to contribute to economic growth, minimising friction at the border, administrative burden to traders, and additional costs to consumers while maintaining or improving biosecurity. Our import controls are a critical element of any biosecurity system. We also appreciate the importance of timeliness in imports. To this end checks at Border Control Posts are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service. Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods are handled safely and with care. GB plant health services have significantly increased the number of plant health inspection staff to service the demand for import checks in England and Wales of EU plants and plant products. Inspector levels are being monitored to ensure these meet demand and deliver checks in line with set Service Level Agreements and ensure minimal trade disruption. We are committed to reducing barriers to trade and cutting red tape by striking a fair balance between industry and biosecurity and will seek to negotiate an agreement with the EU to achieve this. Our aim is to negotiate a SPS agreement with the EU which could help to cut red tape and costs at our borders whilst maintaining a high standard of safety and security for eligible imports entering the UK through the short straits. The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) has been developed following extensive engagement with businesses across the UK, points of entry, enforcement agencies and with the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Governments. Defra continues to monitor and review the impact of the BTOM. We continue working closely with industry, trade partners and enforcement agencies to minimise disruption and costs to trade, while continuing to protect our biosecurity. The consultation on proposed increases to APHA plant health fees closed on 21 March 2025 and we are analysing the responses. We plan to respond to the consultation feedback in the spring.

When he last met with representatives of the Scottish seafood sector in Scotland.

Scotland Office Ministers regularly engage with a range of stakeholders from the sector. I spoke at a Seafood Scotland event in the House of Commons on 26 February. That same day, Minister McNeill met the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation as a follow up from a joint visit organised between her and Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra on 3 February, where they met a number of industry representatives and discussed issues such as access to labour at length.My department remains committed to continuing to engage with both the wild caught and aquaculture sectors to support the seafood industry in Scotland, and I continue to promote the sector around the world through my Brand Scotland work.