Written questions by Jarvis.

What steps his Department is taking to support children and young people with arthritis.

The Government is committed to supporting children and young people with arthritis to ensure they get timely, quality care.Services for children with suspected arthritis are commissioned in line with the national service specification for paediatric rheumatology services.The national service specification helps to reduce waiting times for diagnosis by mandating clear referral pathways and rapid access to specialist paediatric rheumatology teams. It sets national standards requiring timely triage of suspected cases, prioritisation of urgent referrals, and availability of multidisciplinary expertise for early assessment. The specification ensures consistency across regions, minimises delays caused by local variation, and supports faster initiation of diagnostic tests and treatment planning.NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time Paediatric Rheumatology programme is aimed at improving care for children and young people with inflammatory, autoimmune, and rheumatic conditions. Led by specialists, it uses data-driven, "deep-dive" peer reviews of all National Health Service trusts to reduce unwarranted variations, improve transition services, and standardise best practice.Additionally, the 10-Year Health Plan’s commitments to expand community diagnostic centres for quicker access to tests, introduce digital tools to support early symptom monitoring and triage, and improve the integration between primary care and specialist services will further streamline referral pathways and ensure children receive timely assessment and treatment.

If his Department will make an assessment of (a) the prevalence of respiratory disease and (b) the number of emergency hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in Eastleigh constituency compared with national averages.

Data is available for emergency Finished Admission Episodes (FAEs) where there was a primary diagnosis of 'respiratory conditions’. The following table shows the number of FAEs where there was a primary diagnosis of 'respiratory conditions’ for Eastleigh and England, for activity in English National Health Service hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector, for 2024/25 and provisionally for 2025/26:Westminster Parliamentary Constituency of Residence2024/25 (August 2024 to March 2025)2025/26 (April 2025 to November 2025)Eastleigh1,170935England612,855511,558Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, NHS England Available data on trends in respiratory conditions can be found on the Department’s Fingertips dataset. Data is not available by parliamentary constituency. Data is available at regional, county, unitary authority, and integrated care board level. Information for Eastleigh can be found at the following link: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/Respiratory#page/1/gid/1/pat/6/ati/501/are/E07000086/iid/40701/age/163/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1

What assessment his Department has made of the access to (a) treatment and (b) support services for people with musculoskeletal conditions.

The Government recognises the importance of access to treatment and support services for people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.To improve access to treatment for those with MSK conditions, we are working to deliver the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) MSK Community Delivery Programme. GIRFT teams are working with health system leaders to further reduce MSK community waiting lists, which are the highest of all community waiting lists in England, and improve data, metrics, and referral pathways to wider support services.The 10-Year Health Plan will also support people including those with MSK conditions to better manage their condition and access services and support through the three health shifts.For example, as part of a major transformation of the National Health Service under the 10-Year Health Plan, patients with MSK conditions will also soon be able to bypass their general practices (GPs) and directly access community services, including physiotherapy, pain management, and orthopaedics, in the NHS App. The landmark change will deliver faster treatment for the flare up of existing conditions including arthritis, backpain, and joint pain, while enabling GPs to focus on more complex cases, reducing pressure on hospitals, and freeing up GPs.

If his Department will take steps to help support private gym and health facilities facing rising operating costs.

The Government recognises pressures from rising operating costs on small businesses, including private gyms and health facilities. From April 2026, we are introducing permanently lower business‑rate multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, worth nearly £900 million a year and benefiting over 750,000 premises.We remain committed to supporting businesses across the economy by reducing the administrative burden of regulation by £5.6 billion this Parliament and providing a £4.3 billion package to protect ratepayers from increases in business rates bills.

What discussions he has had with the Department for Transport on their priorities for the 2026 UK-EU summit.

Cabinet Office Ministers and officials have regular and ongoing discussions with counterparts across the Department for Transport regarding a wide range of policy issues, including preparations for the upcoming 2026 UK-EU summit. These discussions are facilitated through established Cabinet Committee structures.

What steps his Department is taking to support research into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome; and what steps he is taking to improve training for NHS healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of that condition.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR funds clinical, public health, and social care research and works in partnership with the National Health Service, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public, and the NIHR also funds global health research.The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including mast cell activation syndrome. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/suggest-a-research-topicNHS England Specialised Commissioning has published a Service Specification for Specialist Allergy Services, which covers the responsibilities of specialised commissioned providers with regard to patients with mastocytosis and related disorders. This includes the expectation for specialist allergy services to be provided by multidisciplinary teams, led by physicians with evidence of training and/or experience in the practice of allergy or immunology. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/specialist-allergy-services-adults-service-specification-v2.9.pdfThe management of service users with mastocytosis is provided by specialised allergy/immunology, dermatology, and haematology services. The lead clinician will vary at different centres, but specialist allergy input should be readily available.

What steps he is taking to improve awareness and prevention of all strains of meningitis among students and school staff; and whether he has reviewed the adequacy of current guidelines relating to meningococcal group B.

Meningococcal disease, both meningitis and septicaemia, is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. The MenACWY vaccine offers good protection against several strains of meningococcal disease and is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, it does not protect against all strains. Other strains, such as Meningitis B (MenB), can circulate among young adults. From 2015, the MenB vaccine has been available on the National Health Service as part of routine childhood immunisations, but most students would not be vaccinated.The importance of raising awareness in parents, teenagers, and other adults about the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia remains key. There are a range of resources developed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), co-branded with the NHS, that set out these key messages and their importance, such as the teenage guide to immunisation. The guide is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immunisations-for-young-peopleThe UKHSA collaboratively produces a university vaccine communications toolkit. This is shared with the distribution lists of Universities UK and the Association of Managers of Student Services in Higher Education, and is available at the following link:https://find-public-health-resources.service.gov.uk/University%20vaccine%20communications%20toolkit/UNI24In addition, United Kingdom guidance on the public health management of meningococcal disease provides clear advice on the management of confirmed and probable cases of invasive meningococcal disease, including MenB, to minimise onward transmission and further associated cases. This guidance is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-disease-guidance-on-public-health-managementThe Department makes decisions on vaccination programmes following careful consideration of independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI does not currently recommend a routine MenB booster vaccination for adolescents and young adults. JCVI routinely reviews new evidence as it emerges, and my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced on 17 March that the JCVI has been asked to reexamine eligibility for meningitis vaccines. Decisions on routine vaccination programmes are taken on the basis of independent advice from the JCVI. As ever, we will carefully consider its advice.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of Bereavement Support Payment for widows and widowers raising dependent children; and what steps he is taking to provide longer-term support for widows and widowers who are raising bereaved children following the end of Bereavement Support Payment.

Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) aims to provide support during the acute period following a bereavement by way of an initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly instalments with a higher amount paid for those with children. Where longer-term financial support is needed, benefits such as Universal Credit have been specifically designed to provide assistance with ongoing living costs. The Government keeps the eligibility of all benefits under review.

What steps he is taking to support businesses with their operating costs.

We are committed to reducing operating costs for all UK businesses, including those in Eastleigh and across Hampshire.We are reducing the annual administrative burden of regulation by £5.6bn by 2029, enabling UK businesses to unlock growth and boost innovation.Introducing e-invoicing will also increase efficiency and streamline tax administration.Tackling late payments will give the UK the strongest legal framework in the G7, intending to legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows. We will publish our response to the late payment consultation setting out the measures we will take forward.In addition, we are protecting full apprenticeship funding and extending it up to under 25s reducing administrative barriers further.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of regulatory protections against occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica; whether he plans to review workplace exposure limits and enforcement arrangements in high-risk sectors including construction, stone working and manufacturing; what guidance has been issued to the Health and Safety Executive on inspections of workplaces where engineered stone or other high-silica materials are processed; what arrangements are in place to monitor the respiratory health of workers in occupations with elevated exposure risks; what support is available through Government schemes for workers diagnosed with silicosis linked to workplace exposure; and what further steps he will take to restrict or regulate engineered stone products with high crystalline silica content.

Great Britain has a well-established regulatory framework under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) (COSHH) that requires employers to control exposure to substances that can cause ill health, such as respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Under this framework the risk of exposure to RCS can be properly managed using recognised control measures meeting well established standards. This framework also requires the effectiveness of controls to be maintained and workers trained to use such controls. Employers must also ensure that employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to RCS are under suitable health surveillance. The current workplace exposure limit (WEL) for RCS has been in place in Great Britain since 1st October 2006. It provides a long-term exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3. In 2020, the EU adopted the same limit as Great Britain. COSHH also requires that, regardless of any limit set for RCS, dutyholders must continuously strive to control exposure in line with the principles of good practice, as defined in Schedule 2A of the regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has no plans to review the WEL for RCS. HSE is taking a multi-phase approach to address the risk of silicosis from working with engineered stone. This includes inspection and enforcement activity combined with targeted research, the publication of guidance, and engagement with suppliers, trade associations, and other representative bodies. HSE inspectors make proportionate enforcement decisions that can include provision of advice, service of enforcement notices and prosecution, in line with HSE’s Enforcement Policy Statement and Enforcement Management Model. In January 2025, HSE published guidance for installers of stone worktops and anyone who cuts or works with stone, outlining the steps necessary to control exposure risks. This guidance emphasises the importance of competent, trained staff and safe processes. Multi-lingual guidance has also been published for workers exposed to RCS. (https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/artificial-stone/). The COSHH regulations require employers to ensure that employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to RCS are under suitable health surveillance. The current health surveillance guidance states that if there is a risk of developing conditions, such as accelerated silicosis, the timing and performance of health surveillance should be adapted with suitable timescales if there is history of significant over-exposure to RCS. HSE has not proposed restriction on the use of engineered stone as silica is a naturally occurring material and natural stone can have similar RCS content to engineered stone, as such restricting the use of engineered stone does not remove the risk to stoneworkers. HSE has undertaken research to investigate the use of lower silica products and is confident that lower silica products are as useable as high silica content products and pose a lower risk for workers. The range of lower silica products on the market has continued to increase and the take up of these low alternatives is growing reinforced by the wider sharing and promotion of HSE ’s research results and regulatory expectations for exposure control with trade associations, suppliers and employers. People diagnosed with silicosis may be eligible to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). Silicosis is recognised as an industrial disease, and the level of benefit awarded is based on an assessment of the individual's degree of disablement by an independent medical professional. In some cases, additional allowances may also be available depending on individual circumstances. Where the entitlement criteria are met, individuals may also be eligible for a lump‑sum payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979, which provides further financial support for people with certain dust‑related diseases, including silicosis.

What his Department's expected timetable is for completing consideration of reforms to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme; and when he expects to bring forward proposals for reform of that scheme.

We would like to reiterate our deepest sympathies to all those individuals who have experienced harm following vaccination, and to their families.The Government recognises that concerns have been raised in relation to the Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme. Ministers remain committed to looking at the issues raised and to considering a range of options. I will update the House in due course on progress, as appropriate.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she plans to review guidance and regulations on the promotion of hunting trips involving species listed as (a) endangered and (b) critically endangered at exhibitions in the UK.

The Government is committed to banning the import of hunting trophies from species of conservation concern, which is the most effective approach the Government can take on this matter. The Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can implement a robust ban. Timeframes for introducing legislation will be provided once the Parliamentary timetable for future sessions is determined. There are no plans to review guidance or regulations relating to the promotion of hunting trips at exhibitions in the UK. Where the import of any Appendix I or II species is involved, such activities are governed by existing rules under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the British ambassador in Washington has had discussions with US officials on (a) the safety and welfare of British nationals attending 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in the context of immigration enforcement activity undertaken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and (b) levels of attendance by British supporters.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 January in response to Question 101336.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce UK exposure to potential global LNG market volatility, after the suspension of LNG production by QatarEnergy.

The UK benefits from a wide variety of gas supply sources, including the UK Continental Shelf, pipeline imports from reliable partners like Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as significant LNG import capability. This limits our reliance on any one source of supply. The Department is working closely with key industry partners, like National Gas, the transmission system operator, to ensure adequate supply during this period of global disruption, and we are confident that this diverse supply portfolio will continue to meet the country’s energy needs, just as in previous geopolitical events. Ultimately the best way to retain our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels, reducing our reliance on natural gas and moving towards home-grown clean energy. That is why making Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 is one of the Prime Minister’s five missions, with the biggest investment in home-grown clean energy in British history.

What steps his Department is taking to mitigate the potential impacts of fuel supply disruption arising from surges in demand.

The Government is closely monitoring fuel supply and demand in light of the situation in the Middle East. The UK benefits from strong and diverse security of fuel supplies and we are engaging with industry to ensure supply and demand remains resilient.

What estimate she has made of the number of teachers made redundant while on maternity leave in the last five years; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that school funding arrangements enable schools to retain experienced teachers and support flexible working for staff with caring responsibilities.

Pregnant women and new mothers have enhanced protections against redundancy dismissals, which cover the pregnancy period, the time spent on maternity leave, and a return-to-work period. The protections give those employees priority for being offered suitable and alternative roles if any are available and place them ahead of other employees who are also at risk of redundancy.The government will put in place legislation that makes it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, mothers on maternity leave and for at least six months after they return to work, except in specific circumstances. This starts with the Employment Rights Act, with regulations to follow. We intend for the measure to come into force in 2027.As announced in the Schools White Paper, we will fund schools to improve maternity pay, doubling the period of full pay from the current offer of four weeks to eight weeks for school teachers and leaders.Additionally, building on the success of the current Flexible Working Ambassador Programme, as announced in the Schools White Paper, the government is investing in a new teacher retention programme from Autumn 2026. The programme will support schools to promote flexible working which will help schools to better support staff with caring responsibilities.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the 2024–25 Health and Care Worker visa changes on access to domiciliary and residential care services; how many social care providers have had their sponsorship licences (a) suspended and (b) revoked in the past 24 months; and what proportion of those workers were left without a viable route to remain in social care employment.

The Government published the immigration white paper ‘Restoring control over the immigration system' last year which set out how we will move the UK away from a dependence on international care workers and end overseas recruitment for social care visas. The new immigration rules which prohibit overseas recruitment took effect in July 2025, however transitional arrangements exist for individuals already in the UK to switch into the route. The transitional arrangements are due to expire in 2028 but will be subject to regular review.The Home Office continues to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)-funded Regional Partnerships to support care workers, who have been impacted by exploitative employers. DHSC are funding 15 regional hubs in England, made up of Local Authorities and Directors of Adult Social Services, working together to support displaced workers into new roles within the care sector. These regional hubs have received £12.5 million this financial year to support them to prevent and respond to unethical practices in the sector.The Government remains committed to supporting Health & Care visa holders who wish to pursue a career in the adult social care sector.The impact assessment for the changes made in 2024 and 2025 can be found at the following links:2024 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-immigration-rules-impact-assessments/2024-spring-immigration-rules-impact-assessment-accessible2025 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-997-1-july-2025/spring-2025-immigration-rules-impact-assessment-skilled-worker-and-care-worker-july-2025-accessible-versionThe Home Office does not publish revocation data broken down by business type. As a result, the specific information requested is not available within existing published statistics. Collating and verifying the relevant data solely for the purpose of this request would incur disproportionate cost.However, the Home Office does publish general information on visa sponsors who are subject to suspension or revocation in available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/migration-transparency-data

Whether his Department has issued guidance to GP practices on the wording of appointment reminder messages to patients; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of encouraging practices to use confirmation-based reminders rather than cancellation-based reminders to reduce non-attendance rates.

General practices are independent businesses that hold contracts with the National Health Service, and each sets its own policies on managing missed appointments to best meet the needs of its local population. We know that many practices already use automated reminder systems that include the option for patients to cancel if they no longer need their appointment.98.9% of practices now use cloud-based telephony systems, which can provide built‑in functionality to support appointment cancellation. It is for individual practices to determine how and if these functionalities are implemented.The 10-Year Health Plan sets out that the NHS App will be the front door to the NHS, where patients will be able to book, move, and cancel their appointments, and communicate with their health team, with ease, helping reduce no-shows by allowing easier management and notifications.

What steps his Department is taking to increase access to clinical psychology services.

The Government is committed to improving access to high‑quality mental health support, including clinical psychology services. Through our 10-Year Health Plan, we are expanding NHS Talking Therapies so more people can receive effective, evidence‑based treatment for common mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. By March 2029, we have committed to providing 915,000 courses of NHS Talking Therapies treatment.For people with more complex needs, we are transforming adult community mental health services by establishing community‑based mental health centres, which bring together community, crisis, and inpatient care to provide open‑access, local support before people reach crisis.We are also expanding Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which provides tailored employment support for people with severe mental illness. By March 2029, 73,500 people will be able to access this programme, helping more people to recover and stay well.To increase capacity across mental health services, we are recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health workers by the end of this Parliament. Almost 8,000 of these workers have already been recruited, strengthening the workforce that supports clinical psychology and other specialist services.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 2G and 3G mobile network switch-off on individuals who rely on simplified or accessibility-focused mobile handsets that do not support Wi-Fi Calling; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that vulnerable users are not digitally excluded.

The 3G switch-off in the UK was completed early 2026. We understand that this was a smooth process, and Ofcom and the mobile operators have reported no significant negative impacts on consumers.The 2G switch-off will take place between 2029 and 2033. Ofcom have reported in its Connected Nations 2025 report that there are around 2 million 2G-only mobile users remaining (including 2G-only accessible handsets).Government is working with the industry to ensure that 2G-only mobile customers are upgraded to 4G and/or 5G devices that support voice calls before 2G is switched off. This includes ensuring that customers are given sufficient notice by their operator to upgrade their devices, and vulnerable consumers are offered additional support where needed.The Department is also assessing what the impact of the 2G switch-off will be on other use cases across critical sectors through cross-government and sector engagement.