Written questions by Hollinrake.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of a pub vaping ban on the viability of local pubs which are designated as local community assets.

We plan to consult on making most indoor settings, that are subject to existing smoke-free legislation, vape-free. This would include inside pubs and other hospitality venues. Many businesses and enclosed public places, including pubs, already have voluntary schemes in place to prohibit vape usage inside their premises.An impact assessment will be prepared and published in advance of secondary legislation, which will consider the economic impacts of the proposed regulations.It is useful to note that the tobacco industry opposed previous indoor smoke-free legislation arguing that it would be disastrous for the hospitality industry. However, a year after implementing smoke-free places, 40% of businesses reported that the ban had a positive impact on their business, compared to only 3% reporting a negative impact. Office for National Statistics survey data shows that 69% of respondents visited pubs about as often as before, while 17% visited more often than before smoking restrictions.

With reference to the publication Updating labelling guidance for no and low-alcohol alternatives, published on 28 September 2023, and pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2025, to Question 41063, on Low Alcohol Drinks: Labelling and Marketing, whether the Government intends to publish a response to the 2023 consultation.

In Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England, the Government has committed to exploring whether to raise the upper alcohol limit for drinks labelled as alcohol-free to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) from 0.05% ABV, as set out in the current labelling guidance for no and low (NoLo) alcohol drink alternatives. Department officials are progressing work to take forward this commitment, and we will update stakeholders in due course. The consultation referred to was undertaken by the previous administration. A decision on publishing a response will be made as part of determining the delivery timescales of the NoLo commitments in the 10-Year Health Plan.

Pursuant to the answer of 28 July 2025, to Question 66478, on Innovation: Beer and Public Houses, whether the Government intends to involve amend the Licensing Act 2003 to prohibit the sale of alcohol-free drinks to under 18s in pubs.

A non-alcoholic product differs from a soft drink as it is a beverage intentionally crafted to mimic traditional alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, or spirits. This is a newly emerging area, but there is some evidence to suggest that exposure to alcohol like products, even if low or zero alcohol, can normalize drinking, and become a gateway to alcohol consumption. Earlier alcohol use initiation is linked to a higher risk of harmful drinking patterns later in life.The Department continues to monitor the emerging evidence on the impact of no and low alcohol (NoLo) products on children and young people. A large multi-year National Institute for Health and Care Research study is underway to examine the public health impacts of NoLo products, and we look forward to the findings of that being available in the coming year.The Government is still considering options to restrict access to NoLo products, including banning sales to under 18 year-olds. as committed to in the In Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England. We will share an update with stakeholders in due course.

Pursuant to the answer of 28 July 2025, to Question 66478, on Innovation: Beer and Public Houses, on what evidential basis no- and low-alcohol drinks can cause harm to 16 and 17 year olds.

A non-alcoholic product differs from a soft drink as it is a beverage intentionally crafted to mimic traditional alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, or spirits. This is a newly emerging area, but there is some evidence to suggest that exposure to alcohol like products, even if low or zero alcohol, can normalize drinking, and become a gateway to alcohol consumption. Earlier alcohol use initiation is linked to a higher risk of harmful drinking patterns later in life.The Department continues to monitor the emerging evidence on the impact of no and low alcohol (NoLo) products on children and young people. A large multi-year National Institute for Health and Care Research study is underway to examine the public health impacts of NoLo products, and we look forward to the findings of that being available in the coming year.The Government is still considering options to restrict access to NoLo products, including banning sales to under 18 year-olds. as committed to in the In Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England. We will share an update with stakeholders in due course.

Pursuant to the answer of 15 September 2025, to Question 73327, on Alan Milburn, what other (a) NHS, (b) social care and (c) other matters Alan Milburn has recused himself from.

Prior to appointment, non-executive candidates are required to declare all relevant interests. Appropriate mitigations are then put in place and approved by the Department.This process was carried out for the Rt Hon. Alan Milburn, whose interests and any updates to them are available in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts and on the GOV.UK website in alignment with Government policy.

What is the timetable for his department and NHS England to (a) open and (b) close applications for voluntary exit following the merger of the two; and whether there are plans for a compulsory redundancy process.

Both the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England opened voluntary redundancy schemes in 2025, prior to the merger, to allow staff to leave before the merger takes place.The DHSC voluntary exit scheme launched on 2 April and closed 30 April 2025. The first cohorts of staff left in November and December 2025. A small cohort of staff were placed 'on hold' and will exit between January and May 2026.The NHS England redundancy scheme ran from 1 December 2025 until 5:00pm on 16 December 2025. This was announced to staff on 11 November 2025, and formal consultation with trade unions concluded on 14 November 2025.We remain committed to the target of my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for a leaner, more efficient centre that is approximately 50% smaller. We are currently aiming to meet this target through voluntary means. However, until we know the outcome of these schemes, we cannot rule out future compulsory redundancies.

Whether he plans to introduce a ban on (a) vaping and (b) smoking outside (i) pubs, (ii) restaurants and (iii) nightclubs.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill allows the Government to expand current indoor smoking restrictions to outdoor public places and workplaces via secondary legislation. The bill also gives the Government powers to make most public places and workplaces that are smoke-free also vape-free. Exactly which settings should become smoke-free and vape-free will be subject to a full consultation. However, we are not considering extending smoke-free or vape-free places to outdoor hospitality settings, such as outside pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 28 July 2025 to Question 66478 on Innovation: Beer and Public Houses, whether 16 and 17 year olds will be permitted to consume non-alcoholic products with substantive meals accompanied by an adult.

In Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England, the Government has committed to exploring measures to regulate access to no- and low-alcohol (NoLo) products in line with other alcoholic beverages. This policy is being pursued as alcohol substitute drinks are only intended for consumption by adults.Department officials are progressing work to take forward this commitment and are in the process of scoping out the full details. We will update stakeholders in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 August 2025 to Question 68411 on Electronic Cigarettes: Bus Stops, for what reason he has considered banning vaping inside pubs.

Whilst vapes are less harmful than smoking and can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, they are not harm-free and the long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown. Vapes release an aerosol that exposes people to nicotine and potential toxicants, and it is important that we act to protect people from these potential health harms.Many businesses and enclosed public places, including pubs, already have voluntary schemes in place to prohibit vape usage inside their premises.We plan to consult on making most indoor settings, that are subject to existing smoke-free legislation, vape-free. We will provide stakeholders with notice of when consultation processes are due to happen.

If he will publish the terms and conditions for non-executive board member appointments agreed to by Alan Milburn.

We will not be publishing personal appointment letters, which include terms and conditions of appointment, sent to Departmental non-executive board members. The terms and conditions are in line with those for other public appointments made by the Department and include the need to abide by Cabinet Office’s Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies.The role of board members, their salary, time commitment and political activity are all already in the public domain.

Pursuant to the Answer of 28 July 2025 to Question 66478 on Innovation: Beer and Public Houses, for what reason implementation of provisions on raising the upper alcohol limit for drinks labelled as alcohol-free to 0.5% alcohol by volume from 0.05%, proposed in the consultation entitled Updating labelling guidance for no and low-alcohol alternatives of September 2023, is delayed.

In the 10-Year Health Plan, the Government committed to tackling harmful levels of alcohol consumption through exploring options to standardise which products can describe themselves as alcohol free. One of the first steps will be to explore raising the upper alcohol limit for drinks labelled as alcohol-free to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) from 0.05% ABV, aligning with international standards.Alongside the plan, a large multi-year National Institute for Health and Care Research study is underway to examine the public health impacts of NoLo products, and we look forward to the findings the study being available in the coming year.

Whether his Department has set a target for reducing the number of deaths attributable to particulate air pollution.

There is not currently a Government target to reduce the number of deaths attributable to particulate air pollution. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs set two targets for particulate matter, an emissions reduction target and a Population Exposure Reduction Target, which will continue to reduce peoples’ average exposure across the country. The Department of Health and Social Care will continue to work across Government to reduce people’s exposure to pollutants harmful to health.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the merits of banning vaping at outdoor bus stops.

Our health advice is clear that whilst vapes can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, children and adult non-smokers should never vape. The evidence on second-hand vaping is still developing and whilst the harm will be lower than smoking, the degree of harm is unlikely to be zero.The Tobacco and Vapes Bill gives the Government powers to make most public places and workplaces that are smoke-free also vape-free. Many places have already done this voluntarily. Exactly which settings should become vape-free will be a matter for secondary legislation and will be subject to a full consultation. For the future regulations, we are considering including indoor settings which are currently subject to existing smoke-free legislation, such as pubs and restaurants, and outdoor spaces where high numbers of children and young people are present, for example, children’s playgrounds and schools. We are not specifically looking at banning vaping at outdoor bus stops and we have not conducted any assessments on this at this current moment in time.We will follow the evidence and want to hear the views of the public, public health stakeholders, and businesses as part of our consultation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 June 2025 to Question 54908 on Fast Food, whether sandwiches for consumption off the premises are deemed to be fast food.

In February 2025, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published data on fast food outlets per 100,000 population. In this analysis, fast food was described as “food that is energy dense and available quickly, usually via a counter service, and for consumption on or off the premises”. This definition covers a range of outlets selling foods, including, but not limited to:burgers;pizza;kebabs;chicken;Indian takeaway;Chinese takeaway; andfish and chips.It is for local planning authorities, when receiving a planning application, to consider whether, given the type of food and service to be provided at the location proposed, they consider the outlet to be either a hot food takeaway or a fast food outlet.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Healthy food revolution to tackle obesity epidemic, published on 29 June 2025, whether he has had discussions with the hospitality sector on mandatory food reporting.

As we set out in our 10-Year Health Plan, we will take decisive action on the obesity crisis, easing the strain on our National Health Service and creating the healthiest generation of children ever.Businesses, including in the restaurant sector, have told us that they need the Government to help create a level playing field to make healthier choices more commercially viable. We will continue to work closely with industry, including the hospitality sector, and the Food Strategy Advisory Board, and will set out next steps shortly.With measures like mandatory business targets, we are moving to a more strategic, outcomes-based approach focussing on reducing unhealthy food consumption whilst giving businesses freedom in how to achieve this.  This is consistent with our approach towards growth, while also helping us create a health service fit for the future through our Plan for Change.

With reference to the Public Health England guidance entitled Use of e-cigarettes in public places and workplaces, published in July 2016, whether it remains his policy to treat vaping differently from cigarette smoking when determining policies on (a) outdoor and (b) indoor consumption.

Our health advice is clear that whilst vapes can be an effective quit aid for adult smokers, children and adult non-smokers should never vape. The evidence on second-hand vaping is still developing and whilst the harm will be lower than smoking, the degree of harm is unlikely to be zero.The Tobacco and Vapes Bill gives the Government powers to make most public places and workplaces that are smoke-free also vape-free. Many places have already done this voluntarily. Exactly which settings should become vape-free will be a matter for secondary legislation and will be subject to a full consultation. For the future regulations, we are considering including indoor settings which are currently subject to existing smoke-free legislation, such as pubs and restaurants, and outdoor spaces where high numbers of children and young people are present, for example, children’s playgrounds and schools. We are not specifically looking at banning vaping at outdoor bus stops and we have not conducted any assessments on this at this current moment in time.We will follow the evidence and want to hear the views of the public, public health stakeholders, and businesses as part of our consultation.

Whether he plans to bring forward regulation on vaping stores in (a) high streets and (b) town centres.

It is crucial that we reduce the visibility and accessibility of vapes to protect children from getting hooked on nicotine. That is why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban the advertising and sponsorship of vaping and nicotine products and will provide powers to introduce future regulations on where and how vapes and other nicotine products can be displayed within shops. Analysis and consultation will take place before any specific restrictions are introduced to ensure we are bringing about the most impactful change possible.The bill will also provide powers for ministers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. Introducing a licensing scheme will strengthen enforcement, acting as a deterrent to rogue retailers who breach the law, while supporting legitimate businesses. The scheme will be subject to consultation before regulations are introduced.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 May 2025 to Question 52268 on Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, whether the financial expenditure report will include the chair's salary.

As the Commission is independent, it will be responsible for reporting on its financial expenditure and is responsible for what it includes in the report.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2025 to Question 51393 on Fast Food, how the (a) Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and (b) Public Health England defines a fast food outlet.

In February 2025, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published data on fast food outlets per 100,000 population. In this analysis, fast food was described as “food that is energy dense and available quickly, usually via a counter service, and for consumption on or off the premises”. This definition covers a range of outlets selling foods, including, but not limited to:burgers;pizza;kebabs;chicken;Indian takeaway;Chinese takeaway; andfish and chips.Public Health England was abolished in 2021, but published comparable data, and in 2018 defined fast food as “energy dense food that is available quickly, therefore it covers a range of outlets that include, but are not limited to, burger bars, kebab and chicken shops, chip shops and pizza outlets.”

Pursuant to the Answer of 16 May 2025 to Question 51393 on Fast Food, whether the Food Standards Agency categorises (a) Pret a Manger, (b) Subway and (c) Greggs as a fast food outlet.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) does not categorise businesses as fast-food outlets. The FSA gathers information on and categorises food businesses based on understanding potential risk in relation to food safety only.