Written questions by Malthouse.

What assessment he has made of the progress of the New Hospital Programme.

Awaiting answer.

What information his Department holds on where licenced donor animal blood is sourced from to develop animal blood-enriched agar for use across the NHS; and if he will make a statement about the importance of sustainable national supply of this material

The Department recognises that animal blood-enriched agar is a critical component in microbiological diagnostics, and we recognise the importance of a sustainable and secure supply of such materials.There are a number of suppliers on NHS Supply Chain’s current framework which offer donor animal blood supply for diagnostic use which support a level of resilience across England. To date there has been no issues with supply.Where challenges in the supply of key products arise, these would be escalated to the Department’s National Supply Disruption Response, which works collaboratively with suppliers, manufacturers, and system partners to understand the nature of the disruption and to support appropriate mitigations.The Department does not routinely centrally collect detailed information on the source of the licensed donor animal blood used in the manufacture of blood-enriched agar.

What assessment his Department has made of the level of resilience of UK donor animal blood supply for diagnostic use across the NHS and the need for continuous supply.

The Department recognises that animal blood-enriched agar is a critical component in microbiological diagnostics, and we recognise the importance of a sustainable and secure supply of such materials.There are a number of suppliers on NHS Supply Chain’s current framework which offer donor animal blood supply for diagnostic use which support a level of resilience across England. To date there has been no issues with supply.Where challenges in the supply of key products arise, these would be escalated to the Department’s National Supply Disruption Response, which works collaboratively with suppliers, manufacturers, and system partners to understand the nature of the disruption and to support appropriate mitigations.The Department does not routinely centrally collect detailed information on the source of the licensed donor animal blood used in the manufacture of blood-enriched agar.

What role animal blood-enriched agar plays in (a) bacterial culture, (b) antimicrobial susceptibility testing, (c) AMR surveillance and (d) the recent meningitis outbreak.

The Department supports the use of validated laboratory methods to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and robust surveillance, while encouraging the development and adoption of suitable alternatives where these can be used safely and effectively. These methods and alternatives include: - bacterial culture, in which animal blood‑enriched agar is commonly used in clinical laboratories to help bacteria grow so that infections can be identified accurately. Some bacteria require enriched growth conditions, and the appearance of the growth on these media can help distinguish between different types of bacteria;- antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where, in certain cases, blood‑enriched agar is required to test whether specific bacteria remain sensitive to particular antibiotics. This ensures that test results are reliable and supports clinicians in choosing the most effective treatment for patients;- antimicrobial resistance surveillance, where laboratory results are generated using established culture and susceptibility testing methods, including blood‑enriched agar where clinically appropriate, contribute to national antimicrobial resistance surveillance. This information helps monitor resistance trends and informs public health policy and clinical guidance; and- the recent meningitis outbreak, during which blood‑enriched agar was used, as a standard laboratory medium, in the identification of bacteria that can cause meningitis. It forms part of routine diagnostic and public health laboratory practice and supports the timely confirmation and investigation of cases during outbreaks. During the recent outbreak, such media formed part of the standard range of laboratory methods available to support diagnosis where clinically appropriate.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access and growth and (b) statutory scheme payment rates on attracting pharmaceutical companies to invest in (i) clinical trials, (ii) research and development and (iii) manufacturing.

Life sciences is a key growth-driving sector and is a core part of our modern Industrial Strategy. The 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) introduced, for the first time, an approximately £400 million industry-funded VPAG Investment Programme. Funding from the VPAG Investment Programme is used to accelerate work across the United Kingdom on clinical trials, manufacturing, and health technology assessments. This is encouraging the United Kingdom’s economic growth, collaboration, and innovation in the health and life sciences sector.In recognition of the concerns raised by industry regarding the higher than expected headline payment percentage rates in the VPAG this year, the Department brought forward an expedited scheme review. The conclusion to this review will be communicated in due course.Any company that chooses not to be part of the VPAG will automatically be subject to the statutory scheme, which was recently subject to amendments, which will come into force on 1 July 2025. The purpose of these amendments is to restore broad commercial equivalence with the VPAG, to ensure that the schemes can continue to work together to meet our objectives of acting in the best interests of industry, patients, the National Health Service, and the broader economy. An impact assessment was conducted and published alongside the amending statutory instrument for this most recent update, which included consideration of the impact on clinical trials and manufacturing.Additionally, the Government is developing the Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10-Year Health Plan to make the UK the premier destination for life sciences investment, by fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Whether his Department plans to align medicines spending growth with NHS budget growth in real terms.

The allowed rate of growth for branded medicines is established by the 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG).The VPAG plays an important role in delivering improved health gains from medicines in the National Health Service across the United Kingdom, by securing rapid access to new medicines, supporting economic growth, and contributing to a financially sustainable health service.We are taking decisive action to review the scheme to unlock innovation and drive investment in the UK's world-class pharmaceutical sector.This review is ongoing, demonstrating our commitment to creating an environment where this innovative sector can thrive.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35325 on Ammonia: Exports, which countries his Department has identified as the strongest markets for exports of ammonia cracking technologies; and what steps his Department is taking to help introduce UK companies to potential customers in these markets.

Ammonia cracking is a nascent technology that the Government has supported through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative, low-carbon technologies. The government will soon publish the new Industrial Strategy, with Clean Energy Industries as a priority growth sector. As the sector develops, government will work with UK companies developing ammonia cracking technologies to understand the opportunities for growth through exports.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35323 on Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, whether he has considered using imported ammonia to expand the domestic production of hydrogen (a) through Hydrogen Allocation Round 3 and (b) more broadly in the development of the hydrogen market in the period to 2030.

The Government’s immediate priority is supporting primary hydrogen production methods in the UK, which will help us to develop supply chains and bring down the costs of hydrogen production in the UK. Utilising ammonia cracking to import hydrogen does not meet these criteria and so ammonia cracking will not be eligible for HAR3. We will continue to consider the potential future role for ammonia cracking in the UK hydrogen economy as we recognise that, in the longer term, imported hydrogen could play a role as part of a diverse supply mix.

Pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2025 to Questions (a) 35320, (b) 35322 and (c) 35324, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of working with UK-based manufacturers of ammonia cracking technologies.

Ammonia cracking is a nascent technology that the Government has supported through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative, low-carbon technologies. As the sector develops, government will work with UK companies developing ammonia cracking technologies to understand its potential applications.

Pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2025 to Questions (a) 35320, (b) 35322 and (c) 35324, what was the date of the most recent official meeting between ministers from his Department and ministers from (a) the Department for Transport and (b) the Department for Business and Trade to discuss policies for developing the UK ammonia market.

There is regular engagement between DESNZ, DfT and DBT to discuss a range of policy issues. Officials are working closely with other departments to understand the potential role of ammonia in the UK’s future low carbon economy and how it should be considered within our policy frameworks. Ministers from DESNZ are in regular communication with ministers from DfT & DBT on all issues.

Pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2025 Questions (a) 35320 and (b) 35322 on Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, whether he has considered domestic ammonia storage for on-demand ammonia cracking and deployment, in the context of (i) his Department’s assessment of the potential role of low carbon ammonia in a diversified energy mix and (ii) UK energy security.

Ammonia cracking is a nascent technology that the Government has previously supported through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. As set out in the Market Engagement document, the early focus of the Hydrogen Storage Business Model will be geological storage. The use of ammonia as a form of chemical storage for cracking to hydrogen was assessed to have low technology readiness. Government continues to review technological developments and may make changes to HSBM eligibility when appropriate to do so.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of including green ammonia technologies in (a) the advanced manufacturing or (b) clean energy industries sections of the Industrial Strategy.

The Industrial Strategy Green Paper identified eight growth-driving sectors, including both advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries. Low carbon ammonia could play a role in reaching net zero as part of a diverse energy mix. All sectors can shape and benefit from policy reform through the Industrial Strategy’s cross-cutting policies alongside the broader Growth Mission. The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of classifying ammonia as a fuel vector.

Officials are working closely with other departments, such as the Department for Transport, to understand the potential role of ammonia in the UK’s future low carbon economy and how it should be considered within the UK’s policy frameworks. Low carbon ammonia, as a derivative of low carbon hydrogen, could have the potential to play a role in reaching net zero where it could be used as a chemical feedstock or burned as a fuel in transport or power stations, and could also be stored in large quantities. The Department for Transport’s (DfT) 2019 Clean Maritime Plan sets out the significant role that low carbon ammonia and methanol may play in decarbonising the maritime sector.

What estimate he has made of the size of the global green ammonia market; and what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of steps other nations are taking to support the development of green ammonia projects.

The current green ammonia market is minimal, but it is expected to grow as electrolytic hydrogen production scales up. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimate that 92Mt of green ammonia (about 40% of total ammonia production) will be produced globally each year by 2050 in their Net Zero Scenario. Ammonia is also expected to play a role in hydrogen trade, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimating that 690Mt/yr of ammonia could be utilised for transporting hydrogen in their 2050 Net Zero Scenario. Officials are working closely with other departments, such as the Department for Transport, to understand potential demand for low carbon ammonia in the UK, where appropriate supply may come from, and whether any Government intervention may be required.

What steps his Department is taking to develop a green ammonia market in the UK.

Low carbon ammonia could play a role in reaching net zero as part of a diversified energy mix. Officials are working closely with other departments, such as the Department for Transport, to understand potential demand for low carbon ammonia, where appropriate supply may come from, and whether any Government intervention may be required.

What assessment he has made of the international export potential of UK manufacturers of ammonia cracking technology.

We are aware of various companies developing ammonia cracking technologies, who are also looking to export these technologies overseas. We are committed to ensuring that businesses in the UK hydrogen sector grow and thrive, including through exports of hydrogen goods and services, so they can benefit from the opportunities of the transition to clean energy, through strong international trade relationships and effective supply chains.

Whether he plans to allow projects that use ammonia cracking technology to be eligible in future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds.

In line with our current priorities, the Hydrogen Production Business Model is intended to support primary methods of hydrogen production, such as electrolytic and CCUS-enabled production, in the UK. Ammonia cracking would not create any new hydrogen (given the ammonia itself is produced from hydrogen) and so we do not consider it to meet these criteria. We are currently developing our approach to future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds (HARs), including the third Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR3), to ensure they deliver on the Government’s priorities. We will seek feedback on the proposed design and delivery of HAR3 through a market engagement exercise, similar to the approach taken for HAR2. Further details will be provided in due course.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier to support industrial decarbonisation.

The Government continues to review the range of potential hydrogen carriers and their role in supporting the long-distance transport and trade of hydrogen, including its contribution to industrial decarbonisation. These potential options include ammonia, methanol, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), and liquid hydrogen. Our ongoing assessment highlights the need for further research, demonstration and learning from deployment in order to optimise these carrier options, whilst ensuring environmental and safety concerns have been fully considered and mitigated.

What (a) meetings and (b) communications via electronic messaging (i) he and (ii) his special advisers have had with representatives of Arden Strategies.

Neither I nor my Special Advisers have had any meetings or communications via electronic messaging with representatives of Arden Strategies.

What (a) meetings and (b) communications via electronic messaging (i) he and (ii) his special advisers have had with representatives of Arden Strategies.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations and individuals are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Special Advisers are required to comply with the Special Adviser Code of Conduct at all times and are required to make declarations on meetings with senior media figures in line with published transparency guidance. Where a Special Adviser accompanies their Minister to an official meeting with a senior media figure, the Special Adviser’s attendance does not need to be separately recorded as the Minister will be the main attendee. Where an ‘informal’ lobbying approach is granted time or resource by Government, it should result in a diarised engagement and therefore be recorded.