Written questions by Taylor.

Whether he has had recent discussions with Royal Mail on taking steps to provide timely deliveries during (a) adverse weather events and (b) periods of high staff sickness absence.

Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider. Royal Mail is an independent, privately‑owned business, and the government does not have a role in its operational decisions. Ofcom, the independent regulator for postal services, monitors and assesses Royal Mail’s provision of the universal service. It can take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification. Royal Mail is required, under Ofcom’s regulations, to maintain, implement, and review appropriate contingency plans to provide the universal service in the event of an emergency or a natural disaster at the local, regional, and national level.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence legislation as part of the Responsible Business Conduct Review.

The Government is committed to rooting out human rights, labour and environmental abuses from global supply chains. To this end, the Government is progressing the Responsible Business Conduct Review at pace, while ensuring that we harness the insights of a range of stakeholders.The review is considering the effectiveness of the UK's current approach and assessing the merits of alternative policy options to support responsible business practices, including mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence. We shall notify Parliament when the Review is complete.

Whether he has considered introducing a ban on the use of indoor pyrotechnics in nightclubs.

To inform any future decisions in relation to all fireworks, I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and the impact of fireworks. Particularly given the recent tragic events in Switzerland, this will include any evidence on the risks and use of indoor firework products.

If he will publish in full the UK-US pharmaceuticals deal, including a full assessment of the cost implications for the NHS and wider public purse.

In December 2025 we agreed a landmark deal with the US that results in 0% tariffs on pharmaceutical exports to the US for 3 years – the lowest rate offered to any country. As you’d expect, there will now be further work to finalise underpinning details. Costs will start smaller but will increase over time as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves more life improving and lifesaving medicines. Total costs over the spending review period are expected to be around £1bn. The final costs will depend on which medicines NICE decides to approve and the actual uptake of these.

Whether he will review current fireworks legislation in relation to noise levels.

The Government recognises that many people are concerned about the use of fireworks. Ministers will consider how best to minimise harm while recognising the role that fireworks play in cultural and community life. Any work will take into account experiences from individuals alongside the data provided by local authorities, emergency services, animal welfare organisations and the fireworks industry.No recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of fireworks noise or the impact on pets or on the welfare of people living with PTSD and other noise-sensitive health conditions.I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on issues relating to fireworks, including noise, to inform future action.

Whether he plans to require supermarkets to publish data comparing food price increases with payments to suppliers.

The Government has no current plans to require supermarkets to publish data comparing food price increases with payments to suppliers.The Government continues to work closely with retailers, suppliers, trade associations and regulators to monitor developments in this sector and to understand any issues that may affect transparency, competition and outcomes for consumers and businesses.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of fireworks noise on the welfare of pets.

The Government recognises that many people are concerned about the use of fireworks. Ministers will consider how best to minimise harm while recognising the role that fireworks play in cultural and community life. Any work will take into account experiences from individuals alongside the data provided by local authorities, emergency services, animal welfare organisations and the fireworks industry.No recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of fireworks noise or the impact on pets or on the welfare of people living with PTSD and other noise-sensitive health conditions.I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on issues relating to fireworks, including noise, to inform future action.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Groceries Code Adjudicator in protecting consumers from rising food prices.

The Government is undertaking the fourth statutory review into the effectiveness of the GCA and the report will be published as soon as practicable. The Groceries Code, a competition measure owned by the Competition and Markets Authority, aims to ensure the fair treatment of direct suppliers to large grocery retailers but does not regulate prices paid by consumers.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of fireworks noise on the welfare of people living with PTSD and other noise-sensitive health conditions.

The Government recognises that many people are concerned about the use of fireworks. Ministers will consider how best to minimise harm while recognising the role that fireworks play in cultural and community life. Any work will take into account experiences from individuals alongside the data provided by local authorities, emergency services, animal welfare organisations and the fireworks industry.No recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of fireworks noise or the impact on pets or on the welfare of people living with PTSD and other noise-sensitive health conditions.I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on issues relating to fireworks, including noise, to inform future action.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the National Hair and Beauty Federation entitled Straightening out the costs, published on 5 March 2025.

This Government recognises the immense economic and social value of the hair and beauty industry, which is why we have committed to reforming business rates from 2026-27 with a permanently lower multiplier for retail, leisure and hospitality properties, including hair and beauty salons.For national insurance contributions, increasing the employment Allowance to £10,500 will mean that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all and more than half of employers see no change or gain overall from this package including many businesses in the hair and beauty industries.

Whether he plans to take steps with local councils to help increase footfall on the high street.

Revitalising our high streets is a priority for this government. Improving footfall on the high street is essential to create strong high streets. The Secretary of State and I are working with MHCLG to consider how we can deliver a cross-government approach for high streets and supporting their businesses to thrive. This means addressing anti-social behaviour and crime, working with the banking industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, reforming business rates, stamping out late payments, empowering communities to make the most of the vacant properties, strengthening the Post Office network and reforming the apprenticeship levy. Furthermore, the government is investing in local growth with local allocations for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2025-26 now announced, which places may choose to invest in rejuvenating high streets.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on trends in the level of growth of small and medium-sized businesses.

The Government has protected the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to Employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 meaning, that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all next year, and more than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package. All eligible employers will be able to employ up to four full-time workers on the National Living Wage and pay no Employer NICs. Additionally, 4.1million SMEs do not employ anyone aside from the business owner and will not be affected by these tax rises.

Whether his Department is taking steps to help support small and medium-sized businesses to compete with online retailers.

SMEs remain a key part of the high street, and a thriving high street will need a strong retail offering.This is why the Government is creating a fairer business rate system and transforming the apprenticeship levy to support business and boost opportunities. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper next year.Through the Retail Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector, including high street regeneration, skills and sustainability.