Written questions by Moran.

What estimate she has made of the proportion of schools that have asbestos present; and what steps she is taking to reduce levels of asbestos in schools.

The department takes the safety of children, and those who work with them, incredibly seriously which is why we expect all local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts as responsible bodies to have robust plans in place to manage asbestos in school buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties, drawing on appropriate professional advice.As the regulator for asbestos, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) undertook inspections of a number of schools across the UK between September 2022 and April 2023 to look at compliance under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The inspections showed that most schools were complying with the legal duties, and effective management systems are in place to manage and monitor the condition of asbestos-contained materials onsite.The department is collecting data on the condition of school buildings in England as part of the Condition Data Collection 2 (CDC2) programme. To date, we have visited 18,029 schools and 13,592 (75.4%) have reported they have asbestos. The department follows the advice of the HSE as regulator that, as long as asbestos-containing materials are undamaged, and not in locations where they are vulnerable to damage, they should be left undisturbed, and their condition monitored.The department has been clear, however, that when asbestos does pose a risk to safety and cannot be effectively managed in place, it should be removed. The decision to remove asbestos should be considered on a case-by-case basis and, annual condition funding provided by the department can be used for this purpose.As part of the 2025/26 budget, we have increased capital allocations to improve the condition of school buildings to £2.1 billion, which represents £300 million more than this financial year. This is on top of the School Rebuilding Programme and targeted support for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

What steps he is taking to increase access to (a) diabetes technologies, (b) insulin pumps and (c) glucose sensors for (i) all diabetes patients and (ii) diabetes patients from deprived backgrounds.

In December 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published the technology appraisal guidance, Hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes, which recommended hybrid closed loop as an option for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes in children and young people, and specific groups of adults. Hybrid closed loop combines a continuous glucose monitor, an insulin pump, and a computer program to automatically adjust the insulin delivery for people with type 1 diabetes. NHS England also published a five-year Hybrid Closed Loop Implementation Strategy. The rollout of the strategy commenced in April 2024. Further information on the NICE’s technology appraisal guidance is available at the following link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA943 Reducing inequity in access to continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps across the most deprived quintiles and across different ethnic groups is a key objective in NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 health inequalities strategy. DigiBete, a nationally commissioned digital self-management resource for children and young people aged zero to 25 years old, includes information and videos on the latest technology available, with information provided in ten of the most commonly spoken languages. Further information on DigiBete is available at the following link: https://www.digibete.org/type-1-technology-resources/ Data from the National Diabetes Audit suggests that the number of people with type 2 diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring is increasing. In 2022/23, 37,000 people were using a continuous glucose monitor, rising to 95,000 people in 2023/24, and 155,000 people in 2024/25. Metrics that are useful for health systems to monitor access to glucose monitoring will be published later this year.

What steps he is taking to help reduce the risk of young adults developing Type 2 diabetes.

The Department continues to take steps to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in young adults through the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP). The programme supports individuals aged between 18 and 80 years old to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, and has proven highly effective. More than 840,000 people have been supported through the NHS DPP, reducing their risk by 37% compared to those who did not attend.The NHS DPP continues to work in close partnership with Diabetes UK, who raises awareness amongst the public of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children, young people, and adults through their website, social media channels, and local campaigns.We are committed to tackling the obstacles driving obesity. We have already laid secondary legislation to restrict advertisements of less healthy food and drink to children on television and online, announced changes to the planning framework for fast food near schools, and we are taking steps to ensure the Soft Drinks Industry Levy remains effective and fit-for-purpose. We are also committed to banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16-year-olds.

When she plans to publish the findings of the review of rodenticide stewardship.

The Government Oversight Group for Rodenticide Stewardship will meet in June to address the conclusions from working groups established to make recommendations for strengthening stewardship. Further discussions will take place over the summer, with final recommendations set for publication following discussions with the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU UK) at the end of the year.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help increase the numbers of international scientists working (a) at Oxford University and (b) in the Oxford biotech cluster.

The UK offers ambitious funding for international talent through prestigious fellowships and professorships from UKRI and the National Academies. Our competitive immigration offer, including fast-track visa routes like the Global Talent visa, facilitates high-skilled migration in key sectors, ensuring that universities like the University of Oxford benefit from global talent.The government recognises the vital role of international specialists in the UK’s Life Sciences sector and supports the Oxford biotech cluster through initiatives like the Global Talent Network, which attracts talented individuals worldwide. In addition, DSIT is collaborating with stakeholders to unlock the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor's potential for growth, investment, and job creation.

Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to implement a statutory code of conduct for parking operators.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 42709 on 7 April 2025.

What steps he is taking to expand the provision of capital investment for the primary care estate.

The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future, by fixing the front door to the NHS and shifting the focus of the NHS out of hospitals and into the community. At the Autumn Budget 2024, we established a dedicated capital fund of £102 million to deliver approximately 200 upgrades to general practice surgeries across England, supporting improved use of existing buildings and space, boosting productivity, and enabling delivery of more appointments. This funding represents a first step in delivering the additional capital the primary care sector needs.The Government recognises the importance of strategic, value for money investments in capital projects, such as new facilities, significant upgrades, or other targeted capital investments, and the Department is currently reviewing capital requirements in line with the Government’s missions and as part of our preparations for Phase 2 of the Spending Review.

If he will provide regular screening for people exposed to Diethylstilbestrol in utero.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises the Government on screening programmes, has never been asked to consider the evidence for screening people exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero.Any individual or organisation can submit a topic to the UK NSC to consider a new screening programme via the UK NSC’s annual call, with further information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-nsc-annual-call-submitting-a-screening-proposal/uk-nsc-annual-call-how-to-submit-a-proposal

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of exposure to Diethylstilbestrol on children of women who took that drug while pregnant.

The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continuously assesses the benefit and risk balance of all medicines, at the time of initial licensing and throughout their use in clinical practice, carefully evaluating any emerging evidence on their benefits and risks.In 1971, a US study identified that diethylstilbestrol (DES) could cause a distinct type of cancer in the daughters of women who took DES in early pregnancy. It was subsequently contraindicated in pregnancy, pre-menopausal women, children, and young adults. The issue of DES and vaginal carcinoma in the daughters of women who took DES in pregnancy was reviewed by the predecessor to the Commission on Human Medicines, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) in the early 1970s. In 1973, the CSM wrote to all doctors to inform them of the results of the US study and the absence of identified cases in the UK.A small increased risk of breast cancer in women who received DES whilst pregnant was first identified in the 1980s and confirmed in further studies in the 1990s, when a longer follow up of women who had taken DES was available. No increased risk of other cancers has been established, including endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer. Since 1992, the National Cancer Institute at the US National Institutes of Health has been conducting the DES Follow-up Study of more than 21,000 mothers, daughters, and sons exposed in the womb during the mother’s pregnancy, to better understand the long-term health effects of exposure to DES. The findings of this follow up have been published in scientific literature. Daughters of individuals exposed to DES are at increased risk of clear cell cancer of the cervix and vagina. The current advice from the UK Health Security Agency, formerly Public Health England, is that routine cervical screening is appropriate for those who believed they were exposed to DES in utero. Further information on the UK Health Security Agency’s advice is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individuals Participation in the National Breast Screening Programme is also recommended. Pregnant women who know that they were exposed in utero to DES should inform their obstetrician and be aware of the increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour.

What steps he is taking to identify people exposed to Diethylstilbestrol.

In 1971, it was identified in a US study that DES could cause a distinct type of cancer in the daughters of women who took DES in early pregnancy. It was subsequently contraindicated in pregnancy, pre-menopausal women, children and young adults. The issue of DES and vaginal carcinoma in the daughters of women who took DES in pregnancy was reviewed by the predecessor to the Commission on Human Medicines, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) in the early 1970s. In 1973, the CSM wrote to all doctors to inform them of the results of the US study and the absence of cases identified in the UK.Since 1992, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at the US National Institutes of Health has been conducting the DES Follow-up Study of more than 21,000 mothers, daughters, and sons, exposed in the womb during the mother’s pregnancy, to better understand the long-term health effects of exposure to DES. The findings of this study have been published in the scientific literature.As such, work has been undertaken to contact historic users of DES. Our sympathies are with anyone harmed by its historic use.The UK Health Security Agency advises that routine cervical screening is appropriate for those who believe they were exposed to DES in utero. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cervical-screening-programme-and-colposcopy-management/5-screening-and-management-of-immunosuppressed-individualsParticipation in the National Breast Screening Programme is also recommended. Pregnant women who know that they were exposed in utero to DES should inform their obstetrician and be aware of the increased risks of ectopic pregnancy and preterm labour.The MHRA continuously assesses the benefit risk balance of all medicines at the time of initial licensing and throughout their use in clinical practice, carefully evaluating any emerging evidence on their benefits and risks.

What steps he is taking to ensure that NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (a) guidance and (b) training is adequate to ensure that NHS staff are compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation when working (i) at their place of work and (ii) remotely.

The main source of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and information governance (IG) guidance and advice for health and care is the NHS England IG portal, which is available at the following link:https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/The Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) includes IG elements to ensure that organisations meet UK GDPR standards. Accompanying DSPT guidance created for small and large health and social care organisations signposts to the IG portal, with further information for both small and large health and social care organisations available, respectively, at the following two links:https://digital.nhs.uk/cyber-and-data-security/guidance-and-assurance/data-security-and-protection-toolkit-assessment-guideshttps://digital.nhs.uk/cyber-and-data-security/guidance-and-assurance/2024-25-caf-aligned-dspt-guidanceThe IG portal guidance is produced on behalf of NHS England, the Department, and key national stakeholders. It is approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office, the United Kingdom’s regulatory authority for data protection, and the National Data Guardian, the independent advisory body for ensuring people’s confidential data is safe.The IG portal provides guidance on a range of topics, including when working remotely, as, for example, it includes guidance on video conferencing and frequently asked questions on accessing information when working from home, with further information on both video conferencing and the frequently asked questions available, respectively, at the following two links:https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/guidance/using-video-conferencing-and-consultation-tools/https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/frequently-asked-questions/#covid-19-questions-for-health-and-care-organisationsTo comply with the DSPT training requirements, the vast majority of health organisations use the centrally provided NHS England Data Security Awareness (DSA) course. NHS England reviews the DSA training on an annual basis to ensure that it reflects current best practice for using, sharing, and protecting information.In addition, the Joint Cyber Unit of NHS England and the Department provides online IG training modules, including simple and engaging training for front line staff on information sharing, with further information available at the following link:https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Component/Details/750310

What steps he is taking to help support hospitals to (a) recruit and (b) retain clinical staff in Oxfordshire.

Decisions about recruitment are matters for individual National Health Service trusts. NHS trusts manage their recruitment at a local level, ensuring they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.That said, we are committed to training the staff the NHS needs, including clinical staff, and ensuring that the NHS remains an attractive place to work for our staff across the country. NHS England already has an extensive retention programme which is addressing matters that are important to staff, such as good occupational health support, options for working more flexibly, and better culture and leadership.This summer we will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to ensure the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.

How many vacancies for (a) administrative staff, (b) clinical staff and (c) managers there are in the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and what the average time was for a vacancy to be open in (i) Oxfordshire and (ii) the UK in the last five years.

The Department does not hold information on trust level vacancies by staff groups, or information on the lengths of time that vacancies have been open at a local or national level.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the guidance on services for children with hearing loss.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) in England are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health needs of their local populations, including services for non-hearing children. NHS England supports ICBs to make informed decisions about the provision of audiology services so that they can provide consistent, high quality, and integrated care to non-hearing children.In 2019, NHS England, with input from the National Deaf Children’s Society, produced a guide for commissioners and providers who support children and young people with hearing loss. The guide provides practical advice on ensuring non-hearing children receive the support they need. In July 2016, NHS England published Commissioning Services for People with Hearing Loss: A Framework for Clinical Commissioning Groups. This framework supports ICBs to make informed decisions about what is good value for the populations they serve and to provide more consistent, high quality, integrated care, including for children with hearing loss. It also addresses inequalities in access and outcomes between hearing services.The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) prioritisation board considered childhood hearing loss as a potential guideline topic last August, but concluded that there is limited evidence available in this area and that the NHS England Action Plan on Hearing Loss addresses care for this population. Later this year, the NICE’s prioritisation board will consider if it should develop a guideline on paediatric audiology following a topic suggestion. It will also consider if the NICE should update its technology appraisal guidance on cochlear implants for children and adults.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that ICBs are providing clear and consistent guidance on help for deaf children in developing language and communication skills.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) in England are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health needs of their local populations, including services for non-hearing children. NHS England supports ICBs to make informed decisions about the provision of audiology services so that they can provide consistent, high quality, and integrated care to non-hearing children.In 2019, NHS England, with input from the National Deaf Children’s Society, produced a guide for commissioners and providers who support children and young people with hearing loss. The guide provides practical advice on ensuring non-hearing children receive the support they need. In July 2016, NHS England published Commissioning Services for People with Hearing Loss: A Framework for Clinical Commissioning Groups. This framework supports ICBs to make informed decisions about what is good value for the populations they serve and to provide more consistent, high quality, integrated care, including for children with hearing loss. It also addresses inequalities in access and outcomes between hearing services.The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) prioritisation board considered childhood hearing loss as a potential guideline topic last August, but concluded that there is limited evidence available in this area and that the NHS England Action Plan on Hearing Loss addresses care for this population. Later this year, the NICE’s prioritisation board will consider if it should develop a guideline on paediatric audiology following a topic suggestion. It will also consider if the NICE should update its technology appraisal guidance on cochlear implants for children and adults.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of certified Auditory Verbal Therapists.

Audiology services in the National Health Service, including provision of therapies for children with hearing loss, are locally commissioned. In summer 2025, we will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again.

Whether her Department consulted the Environment Agency on the flooding components of the Oxford Rail Station Phase 2 project.

Network Rail consulted the Environment Agency on its Environmental Impact Assessment as part of the planning approval process for the Oxford Rail Station Phase 2 project.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of frequent flooding on the (a) economy and (b) social cohesion of areas impacted.

Flood defences are critical to the protection of life and property and the effective functioning of the economy. Resilience and adaptation to the changing climate provide economic resilience and are key to supporting the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth. The Environment Agency gathers data on how flooding affects the economy. The economic losses from the winter 2019 to 2020 flooding are estimated to be about £333 million. However, the economic damage avoided because of the protection provided is at least 14 times greater, at around £4.6 billion to £9.3 billion. Around 36% of the damages caused by floods are to publicly owned infrastructure like roads, railways, schools and hospitals.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to open the Property Resilience Repair Grant Scheme in the context of the floods in Oxfordshire on 22-24 November 2024.

The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant scheme can provide up to £5000 for eligible households and businesses to install PFR measures. The PFR grant scheme is typically activated alongside the Flood Recovery Framework (FRF) coordinated by MHCLG and only activated where there is large scale and widespread flooding. With localised flooding incidents, we expect Local Authorities to have well established contingency arrangements in place and to be able to respond and support their local communities within existing budgets. Below that local authorities provide support as needed. The flooding in November was not at the scale where we would expect to open FRF and PFR schemes. To ensure we protect the country from the devastating impacts of flooding, we will invest £2.4 billion in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience, by building, maintaining, and repairing flood defences. Included in this programme, the Environment Agency is working proactively with local authorities to deliver Property Flood Resilience (PFR) projects, where it is cost beneficial to do so, in areas where PFR is the best solution for reducing flood risk. The EA’s PFR programme is focused on reducing risk to those households and businesses at the highest risk.

Whether his Department plans to issue Severe Shortage Protocols for (a) methylphenidate, (b) dexamfetamine, (c) atomoxetine, (d) lisdexamfetamine, (e) guanfacine, (f) oestrogel, (g) buproprion and (h) lamotrigine.

Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) enable community pharmacists to supply a specified medicine or device in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription, with the patient’s consent, and without needing to seek authorisation from the prescriber. SSPs are additional tools that have been used in recent years, alongside a range of other mechanisms, to manage and mitigate medicine and medical devices shortages. SSPs are not introduced unless sufficient supplies of the alternative product to be supplied in accordance with the SSP are available to support the market.Furthermore, SSPs are not suitable for all medicines and patients. For example, patients with complex health needs may not be considered suitable for a supply in accordance with an SSP. In these cases, patients would always be referred back to the prescriber for any decision about their treatment before any therapeutic or generic alterative is supplied. SSPs are not issued for controlled drugs in Schedule II, such as methylphenidate, except under very restricted circumstances.The Department is aware of a supply issue affecting methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets. These supply issues are taking longer to resolve than the Department originally anticipated, and the Department is working with the respective suppliers to further improve the United Kingdom’s supply for the short and long-term as soon as possible. There are no plans to issue a SSP for methylphenidate.The Department is currently unaware of any medicine supply issues affecting dexamfetamine, atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine, guanfacine, oestrogel, bupropionand, lamotrigine. Therefore, there are no plans to issue SSPs for these medicines.