Written questions by Roberts.

What discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on the potential merits of introducing a Graduate Driving License scheme in Wales.

Graduated Driving Licences and how these are implemented around the world vary, there is not one standard type. Whilst we are not considering further restrictions on newly qualified drivers such as carrying passengers or driving at night, we are consulting on a Minimum Learning Period in England, Scotland, and Wales before learner drivers can take their test. Additionally, we are considering further post-test measures as part of the motoring offences consultation, where views are being sought on a lower blood alcohol limit for novice drivers in England and Wales. My officials meet regularly with their counterparts in the Devolved Authorities, including those in Wales.

What assessment she had made of the effectiveness of the the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023.

The purpose of the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023 (the Order) is to enable prosecution of the dangerous use of watercraft. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is the relevant enforcement authority. 17 potential reports have been received, and one prosecution is currently underway following an incident that occurred in Pembrokeshire in 2024.

How many additional driving tests have been created in (a) Pwllheli and (b) Y Bala in each month since 23 April 2025.

Pwllheli test centre is an outstation with driving examiners (DE) deployed from Bangor/Rhyl driving test centres (DTC), where possible. Y Bala is also an outstation with DEs deployed from Wrexham DTC, where possible. The table below shows how many driving tests have been conducted in Pwllheli and Y Bala in each month since 23 April 2025. PwllheliY BalaMay6153June5980July7345Total193178

What the total cost in (a) 2019 prices and (b) today after being adjusted for inflation of HS2 as estimated by CEO of HS2 Ltd in his preliminary report to her Department.

Mark Wild is leading a comprehensive reset of the programme to deliver the remaining works at the lowest reasonable cost. As part of this work, he will advise the Department on a revised cost estimate for HS2. As Mark Wild set out in his letter, HS2 Ltd’s unassured estimate of the maximum cost of HS2 excluding Euston in June 2024 was £61.8bn in Q3 2019 prices, however he identified the programme was facing significant additional pressures which he will assess as part of the reset. Once a revised cost estimate is agreed, this will be expressed in an updated price base and better capture the inflation incurred since 2019, following a commitment made by the Department to the Public Accounts Committee in December.

With reference to the June 2025 Statement of Funding Policy, published on 11 June, and the oral contribution of the Secretary of State for Wales during the oral question on Devolution: Crown Estate of 11 June, Official Report, column 958, whether the East-West rail project is classified by her department as carrying a 100% comparability factor for Wales.

The East-West rail project is classified as an England and Wales project. This approach applies to investment in heavy rail by the Department for Transport, including HS2 and East-West Rail, and is consistent with the funding arrangements for all other policy areas reserved in Wales as set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.