Written questions by Pritchard.

What plans he has to improve access to clinical trials for brain cancer treatments.

The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with brain cancers, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.The Department is supporting the delivery of brain cancer clinical trials through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) that funds research and research infrastructure to support patients and the public to participate in high-quality research.In January 2026, the NIHR announced a total investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium to accelerate research into new brain tumour treatments across the United Kingdom. The consortium will develop and enhance innovative clinical trials.As set out in our National Cancer Plan, the Government will implement the Rare Cancers Act 2026 to make it easier for clinical trials on brain cancer to take place in England, by ensuring the patient population can be more easily contacted by researchers.Additionally, NIHR provides an online service called Be Part of Research which promotes participation in health and care research, by allowing users to search for relevant studies and register their interest.

Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to reform the conveyancing process for residential property in England.

Awaiting answer.

Whether training is provided to asylum seekers on British (a) law and (b) culture while asylum applications are being processed.

While asylum applications are being processed, asylum seekers do not receive formal training on British law or culture. However, at the point a claim is made, asylum seekers are provided with written information, including a point of claim information leaflet, which sets out key information about the asylum process and the standards of behaviour expected while their claim is under consideration.In addition, upon arrival into Home Office‑provided accommodation, asylum seekers receive an induction briefing explaining what constitutes appropriate behaviour. This sets out acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, as well as their responsibilities as individuals to act as good neighbours.Asylum seekers are clearly advised of the expectations the Home Office and accommodation providers have for them to behave responsibly while they are accommodated in Home Office properties, and not to engage in any form of criminal or anti‑social activity.No one in the UK, including foreign nationals, asylum seekers or refugees, is above the law. The Home Office does not tolerate criminal behaviour, and asylum seekers who commit criminal offences are subject to the law in the same way as anyone else. Any criminality will be taken into account when considering an individual’s asylum claim, and serious offending can have consequences for a person’s immigration status, including refusal of asylum and removal from the UK where appropriate. Criminal and anti-social behaviour can also lead to removal of asylum support.

Whether he plans to appoint a men's health ambassador.

Awaiting answer.

Whether his Department has researched the potential need for Venning Barracks in delivering future strategic defence policy.

Both Parsons and Venning Barracks have been identified for future disposal when they become surplus to military requirements as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Estate Optimisation work and Future Soldier: Transformation of the British Army reforms. As this is not forecast to be before 2030, our assessments are still underway.

What plans he has for the disposal of land at Parsons Barracks; and what land at MOD Donnington he plans to retain for strategic defence purposes.

Both Parsons and Venning Barracks have been identified for future disposal when they become surplus to military requirements as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Estate Optimisation work and Future Soldier: Transformation of the British Army reforms. As this is not forecast to be before 2030, our assessments are still underway.

Whether he has undertaken analysis on the likelihood of (a) Egypt, (b) Japan, (c) Saudi Arabia, (d) South Korea, (e) Turkey and (f) Taiwan obtaining independent nuclear deterrents.

Awaiting answer.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that universities provide students with sufficient teaching time to deliver value for money for the cost of tuition.

Higher education (HE) providers in England have the autonomy to design and deliver their courses. Providers should be transparent about the amount of contact hours, and balance of face-to-face and online teaching, that students can expect so they can make informed choices about what and where to study. The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of HE in England. It does not mandate specific levels of face‑to‑face teaching, but its conditions of registration set minimum quality standards for student experience. These require effective student engagement, up‑to‑date resources, and adequate support. The OfS can investigate providers that do not meet these standards. The department expects the HE sector to demonstrate that it delivers the very best outcomes for both students and the country, in return for the investment students are asked to make. To support this, we intend to link future inflationary fee uplifts to judgements on HE providers’ quality.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the HM Armed Forces Veteran ID card is accepted as photo identification by (a) banks, (b) foreign exchange services and (c) polling stations.

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card was introduced to improve recognition of our veterans and provide an easier way to prove veteran status when accessing the services, discounts and concessions available to veterans. The Veteran Card is now accepted within the identity checking policies of many organisations including as identification for voting in elections, where it is included on the list of photographic identifications accepted in polling stations as voter ID, in addition to the already accepted MOD Form 90 Defence Identity Card. The Veteran Card can also be used as evidence in Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks and for some domestic flights with some airlines.It is important to note that it is not a formal identity document, and different organisations will have their own policies in this regard. Banks are required to follow specific regulations and standards for identity verification, which specify a small number of official identity documents, such as a passport or driving licence.The Office for Veterans’ Affairs continually advocates for wider acceptance of the Veteran Card where possible within legislative and sector-specific constrains.

What research his Department has undertaken on the (a) disposal of Parsons Barracks and (b) use of that site for strategic defence purposes.

Both Parsons and Venning Barracks have been identified for future disposal when they become surplus to military requirements as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Estate Optimisation work and Future Soldier: Transformation of the British Army reforms. As this is not forecast to be before 2030, our assessments are still underway.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make representations to her Chinese counterpart on Chinese naval and commercial shipping blocking the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided in the House of Lords on 23 July 2025 in response to Question HL9318.

If he will publish an emergency jet fuel plan for the airline industry.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Whether he has undertaken analysis on the likelihood of (a) Egypt, (b) Japan, (c) Saudi Arabia, (d) South Korea, (e) Turkey and (f) Taiwan obtaining independent nuclear deterrents.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

If she will commission research into the impact of noise pollution from (i) repeating passenger information announcements and (ii) the decibel levels used for passenger information announcements on the customer experience and health of railway passengers.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) is currently leading a research project, 'Cost Benefit Analysis of Noise Mitigation on the Rail Network', to support the Government's Noise Action Plans and development of future rail noise policy. There are no plans at the current time to commission research specifically on the impact of noise pollution from passenger information announcements.

Whether her Department has considered including guidance on autistic burnout in future SEND Code of Practice revisions.

In February, the government published the ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ Schools White Paper and consultation on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform. This included a commitment to update the SEND Code of Practice to clarify the responsibilities of education settings and local partners, as well as making the guidance easier to use and navigate. The update will place a stronger emphasis on an evidence-based approach and early intervention as part of a whole-setting commitment to inclusion.Furthermore, the development of the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages will provide a clear framework for how children are best supported. Educators will be able to draw on these to put in place evidence-based support as needs are identified, including for autistic children and young people.We will undertake a separate, full public consultation on the proposed changes to the Code.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure continued funding for astronomical and space science research.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. This includes £38.6 billion allocated to UKRI.The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) within UKRI is maintaining its budget across this period and is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its portfolio in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). The impacts of different modelled scenarios across the broad and diverse range of STFC-funded facilities and programmes will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions.The UK will also continue to invest in collaborative space science through the UK Space Agency, which has been allocated £2.8 billion over the next 4 years.DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its specific investment decisions are informed by meaningful consultation with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability, research institutions and international standing.

Communities and Local Government, how the government will ensure rural counties are not disadvantaged in future allocations for economic growth and place-based investment.

Our flagship Pride in Place programme provides up to £5.8 billion over ten years to 284 neighbourhoods facing the greatest social and economic challenges, using a robust, published methodology that targets need wherever it occurs, including in rural areas. This methodology draws on established datasets such as the Index of Multiple Deprivation and the Community Needs Index, and has identified rural communities in areas including Wiltshire, East Lindsey and Somerset, amongst others. A constituency cap ensures geographic spread across all parts of the country. Beyond Pride in Place, all areas will benefit from the powers and opportunities included in our wider Pride in Place strategy.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he will take to avoid disruption to successful programmes previously supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

While the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) ended in March 2026, funding for 2025-26 can still be used to support investment in activities up to 30 September 2026, to allow local authorities and partners time to maximise spend of their existing allocations. The Government’s new approach emphasises more stable, longer-term funding and clearer planning horizons through the Local Government Finance Settlement, alongside targeted interventions that support growth and strengthen communities, including the Local Growth Fund and the Pride in Place Programme.

Whether he plans to appoint a men's health ambassador.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What steps his Department is taking to secure alternative treatments for people at risk of adrenal crisis following the discontinuation of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate solution, which is commonly known as liquid hydrocortisone, in the UK.

The Department is aware of the discontinuation of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 100 milligram/1 millilitre solution for injection, and we continue to work with industry to find a longer-term solution.Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100 milligram powder remains available for patients. We have issued comprehensive management guidance to healthcare professionals on how to manage patients while supply is disrupted. The guidance highlighted the differences between the two hydrocortisone injections. It also included resources for patients and healthcare professionals on how to administer the alternative hydrocortisone injection. We also understand that The Addison’s Self Help Group have also published information on this discontinuation to keep patients informed, along with resources for patients on how to administer the alternative hydrocortisone.