Written questions by McCarthy.

What recent progress has been made to update the National Information Centre on Children of Offenders online information resource.

The National Information Centre on Children of Offenders (NICCO) website was created in 2016 as a partnership between Barnardo’s and HMPPS. It was constructed to replace an earlier site called iHOP which Barnardo’s had developed jointly with the Department for Education as an information centre for professionals working with the children of prisoners.As well as being an updated information hub, NICCO also became the repository of the family strategy documents created by all prisons.Discussions are currently underway to review how best to retain and update the information held on the NICCO site.

Food and Rural Affairs, what cross-government work her Department is undertaking to mitigate the risk of food shortages, supply chain disruption and food price inflation arising from global ecosystem collapse.

The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Food security is built on supply from diverse sources, strong domestic production as well as imports through stable trade routes. Whilst the UK has a high degree of food security, the UK Food Security Report 2024 shows that food security cannot be taken for granted. Climate and geopolitical volatility have weakened aspects of food supply stability since 2021, although food availability or the quantity of food available to the UK has been maintained thanks to continued resilience in food production and the global trading system. Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 February 2026 to Question 108602 on School Milk, what steps her Department is taking to ensure schools and Local Authorities are aware of the expectation that they make reasonable adjustments for children who do not drink dairy milk.

The School Food Standards regulate the food and drink provided at both lunchtime and at other times of the school day. They allow schools the freedom to provide plant-based drinks as needed, including plain soya, rice or oat drinks enriched with calcium, and combination and flavoured variations of these drinks.Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 places a duty on maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England to make arrangements for supporting pupils with medical conditions. The accompanying statutory guidance makes clear to schools what is expected of them in taking reasonable steps to fulfil their legal obligations and to meet the individual needs of pupils with medical conditions, including allergies.We are currently consulting on revised statutory guidance on ‘Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions’. The consultation can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposal-on-support-for-pupils-with-medical-conditions-at-school’. This seeks views on proposals to strengthen how schools meet their duties, including improvements to allergy safety and broader medical condition management. Our aim is to ensure that every child can access education safely and confidently, regardless of their health needs or allergy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her department has made of the cost to local authorities of separating and incinerating waste upholstered domestic seating due to the presence of chemical flame retardants.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), to which the UK is party, requires that waste containing POPs above certain thresholds be destroyed, rather than landfilled. Research by the Environment Agency (EA) in 2021 revealed that waste upholstered domestic seating contains POP flame retardant chemicals above the legal thresholds. Local authorities are responsible for managing this waste in accordance with legal requirements, and they would hold information on their costs of doing so.

With reference to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, what steps his Department plans to take to improve labelling on chemical flame retardants in upholstered furniture to assist consumers and waste disposal.

The policy paper 'The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture', published on 22 January 2025, set out that the Government is committed to delivering reforms to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 that maintain a high level of fire safety while also facilitating a reduction in the use of chemical flame retardants (CFRs).Since publication, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken targeted engagement to inform next steps, including a roundtable in July 2025 that considered issues such as CFR labelling and open-flame testing. The Government will provide an update on this in due course.

If he will provide an update on the next steps he will take to reform the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 to reduce the use of chemical flame retardants.

The policy paper 'The fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture', published on 22 January 2025, set out that the Government is committed to delivering reforms to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 that maintain a high level of fire safety while also facilitating a reduction in the use of chemical flame retardants (CFRs).Since publication, the Department for Business and Trade has undertaken targeted engagement to inform next steps, including a roundtable in July 2025 that considered issues such as CFR labelling and open-flame testing. The Government will provide an update on this in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the exposure to chemical flame retardants on workers in (a) the upholstery industry and (b) the waste and recycling industry.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recognised the risks to textile workers who routinely handle finished fabrics, including those treated with fire-resistant finishes. HSE has produced a specific guidance page on its website which covers both the initial manufacture and any secondary processing of finished fabrics (such as upholstery). The guidance page can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/textiles/fabric-finishes.htm The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) outline specific duties on employers to protect workers from harmful substances, such as foams and flame retardants, which may be contained in soft furnishings such as mattresses and sofas. HSE provides practical advice and guidance on the basics of COSHH, completing COSHH assessments and links to industry specific information and guidance to prevent and control workplace exposure to harmful substances at http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh(opens in a new tab). The waste and recycling industry recognises the potential risks to workers from disposing of waste upholstered furniture (WUDs) containing fire retardants. The current Environment Agency guidance is available here - Manage waste upholstered domestic seating containing POPs - GOV.UK. HSE scientists have visited a number of sites processing this waste to sample possible worker exposures. The Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) is currently preparing sector health and safety guidance based on this.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she plans to take to align with EU REACH regulatory protections from chemical flame retardants.

The revised Environmental Improvement Plan, published 1 December 2025, includes a commitment to reform UK REACH, to enable protections that address chemical pollution to be applied more quickly, efficiently and in a way that is more aligned with our closest trading partners, especially the EU, by December 2028.

Food and Rural Affairs, what legislative steps she is taking to introduce regulations under section 116 and Schedule 17 of the Environment Act 2021 on forest risk commodities in commercial activity.

The UK recognises the urgency of taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation. The Government is carefully considering the best regulatory approach to address deforestation in UK supply chains; we will set out this approach in due course. We need to balance a range of factors, including the broader policy landscape and relevant international frameworks.

What comparative assessment his Department has made of the benefits and complications of ablation surgery for endometriosis patients.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body that develops authoritative, evidence-based guidance for the National Health Service on best practice in the care and management of patients with specific conditions based on an assessment of clinical and cost effectiveness.NICE has published a guideline on the diagnosis and management of endometriosis that includes recommendations on the use of ablation. The analysis underpinning NICE’s recommendations can be found in the full guideline that is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng73/evidence/full-guideline-pdf-4550371315NICE is working with NHS systems to ensure adoption of this best practice endometriosis care, including access to approved medicines.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will include a sub-commitment to nature and forests in the next round of international climate finance, ICF4.

Nature-based solutions, including forests, are among the most impactful and cost-effective climate solutions. Nature regulates our climate and is vital to climate resilience, both acting as a carbon source and sink, and helping us to adapt to the impact of climate change and boost our resilience to climate shocks. This is why a focus on nature is a core priority for our climate finance spend.Our ICF4 commitment falls in the next Spending Review period. We are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29 and will set out those allocations in the near future.

Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has received from businesses on clarity on forest risk commodities regulation.

We recognise the urgency of taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation. We also recognise that this sense of urgency and need for clarity is shared by business. This Government believes it is at its best when it works in partnership with business, civil society, trade unions, and communities. We will set out our approach to address deforestation in the UK’s supply chains in due course and engage with stakeholders on this approach.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing a statutory right to paid leave for kinship carers.

The Government’s Parental Leave and Pay Review will conclude in early 2027 with a set of findings which outline next steps for implementing any reforms.In addition to considering, all current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements, the Review is considering the needs of other working families who do not qualify for existing leave and pay entitlements, such as kinship carers.The Government is also supporting kinship carers through other mechanisms and has recently launched a kinship pilot to support up to 5,000 kinship families by paying eligible carers an allowance equivalent to the Fostering National Minimum Allowance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of a respiratory Modern Service Framework on NHS provision in Bristol East constituency.

The Government will consider long-term conditions for future waves of modern service frameworks (MSFs), including respiratory conditions. The criteria for determining other conditions for future MSFs will be based on where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. After the initial wave of MSFs is complete, the National Quality Board will determine the conditions to prioritise for new MSFs as part of its work programme. There has not, therefore, been a specific assessment made in relation to National Health Service provision in the Bristol East constituency.

What action his Department is taking to ensure (a) GPs and (b) GP nursing staff receive training on endometriosis.

General practitioners (GPs) and nurses are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge, including on endometriosis and women’s health issues in general, remains up to date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development, within their scope of practice.All United Kingdom registered doctors are expected to meet the professional standards set out in the General Medical Council’s (GMC’s) Good Medical Practice. The training curriculum for postgraduate trainee doctors is set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and has to meet the standards set by the GMC.The GMC has introduced the Medical Licensing Assessment to encourage a better understanding of common women’s health problems among all doctors as they start their careers in the UK. The content map for this assessment includes several topics relating to women’s health including menstrual problems, endometriosis, menopause, and urinary incontinence. This will encourage a better understanding of common women’s health problems among all doctors as they start their careers in the UK. Endometriosis is also included in the core curriculum for trainee GPs, and for obstetricians and gynaecologists. The British Medical Journal and RCGP offer online courses on endometriosis designed for healthcare professionals, including practice nurses.In November 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated their guideline on endometriosis which makes firmer recommendations for healthcare professionals on referral and investigations for women with suspected diagnosis, which is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG73GPs and primary care networks have access to a regional Primary Care Training Hub, which brings together education and training resources from National Health Service organisations, community providers, as well as local authorities. Training hubs are usually run by a clinical leader and a manager supported by a network of primary care staff with education and training professionals based in the community. They work closely with primary care networks and integrated care systems to support workforce priorities and tackle health inequalities to help meet patient and population demand. Training hubs support all clinical staff, including nurses, to maintain their continuing professional development when new guidance, such as that from NICE, becomes available.

What support is available to meet the travel costs of pensioners with cancer diagnoses.

The Department recognises that the cost of travel should not be a barrier to cancer treatment. NHS England and the integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning and ensuring the healthcare needs of local communities are met, including providing support for travel. The National Health Service in England runs the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) to provide financial assistance for travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostics tests when referred by a doctor or other primary healthcare professional. Patients who do not qualify for the HTCS and who are on a low income may be able to claim the costs from the Department for Work and Pensions through Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment.

What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on whether medical students will qualify for maintenance grants when these are reintroduced.

This government is committed to supporting the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements and wants to attend higher education. We must, therefore, reform the higher education system to better support disadvantaged students.Maintenance grants will support students studying courses aligned with the government’s missions and the Industrial Strategy at Levels 4 to 6 under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, including technical qualifications and degrees. The new grants will provide disadvantaged students with up to £1,000 extra per year on top of existing maintenance loans, increasing the cash in student’s pockets without increasing their debt.It is vital that the list of subjects that will be eligible for maintenance grants is informed by the best and most up-to-date evidence available on future employment and skills priorities. The full list of eligible subjects will be confirmed in advance of maintenance grant introduction in the 2028/29 academic year.

What steps he is taking to enforce guidance around Working Time Regulations in maternity services to encourage safe working practices in maternity care.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides readily accessible guidance to all employers on the Working Time Regulations 1998 on its website and is responsible for the enforcement of the maximum weekly working time limit, night work limits, and health assessments for night work. Issues relating to rest periods and time off are a matter for an Employment Tribunal.It is the duty of each individual NHS trust, or employing organisation, to ensure they have systems in place to comply with these regulations. HSE responds to all concerns related to working time in a proportionate way, which may include activities such as stakeholder engagement, inspections and investigations, and taking robust enforcement action if employers are not complying with legal requirements.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of automating eligible claimants' entitlement to the disabled child addition to Universal Credit.

DWP’s digital application process uses automated prompts to identify where a claimant has a disabled child and guides them through the relevant eligibility criteria, helping ensure the correct addition is applied at the point of claim. This is currently the primary mechanism to identify likely eligibility and raise claimant awareness at the point of claiming UC. The Department keeps all aspects of Universal Credit under review to ensure the system remains responsive, accurate and efficient. Our processes are dynamic, and we routinely explore opportunities to introduce further automation to streamline the process and further improve the claimant experience, including where claims to other benefits have been made.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to increase production of domestic fruit, vegetables, pulses and legumes to strengthen the UK’s food security, in light of the findings of the National Security Assessment on Global Ecosystems report.

The Government is committed to the horticulture sector and its role in providing fresh home‑grown produce that helps to feed the nation. In December 2025, the Secretary of State announced the Farming & Food Partnership Board in response to the independent Farming Profitability Review led by Baroness Minette Batters. The Board will bring together farming, food, retail, finance and Government to take a strategic farm‑to‑fork approach to improving farming profitability and strengthening UK food production. It will oversee sector plans aimed at boosting productivity, reducing costs and opening new markets in ways that support health and environmental goals, with the first plan focused on the horticulture sector.