Written questions by Wrigley.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of aligning UK General Product Safety Regulations with those in the EU to remove the need for an EU Responsible Person when trading with the EU.

Amending the General Product Safety Regulations that apply in Great Britain to align with the EU’s new GPSR would not remove the requirement that exists for a Responsible Economic Operator based within the EU or Northern Ireland when trading with the EU. The Responsible Economic Operator responsibilities can be fulfilled by the manufacturer, authorised representative appointed by the manufacturer, importer, or where none of these are based in the EU or Northern Ireland, the fulfilment service provider of the product. The Department’s Export Support Service provides help to businesses, including by signposting them to Responsible Economic Operator service providers.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that ending enhanced payments for NHS nurses covering staff shortages does not increase reliance on agency staff.

These specific assessments have not been made.We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade. This will ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.It is the responsibility of local organisations to ensure they have the right numbers of staff with the right skills to deliver services, supported by guidelines by national and professional bodies, including the management of any staff shortages. The Department does not hold information on any locally negotiated arrangements for enhanced payments that individual NHS organisations might offer as incentives to cover staff shortages.The national provisions for payment of unsocial hours premia and overtime are set out in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. These provisions are specific to Agenda for Change staff and include nurses.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of ending enhanced payments for NHS nurses covering staff shortages on staffing levels at (a) Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, (b) North Devon District Hospital and (c) Torbay Hospital.

These specific assessments have not been made.We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade. This will ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.It is the responsibility of local organisations to ensure they have the right numbers of staff with the right skills to deliver services, supported by guidelines by national and professional bodies, including the management of any staff shortages. The Department does not hold information on any locally negotiated arrangements for enhanced payments that individual NHS organisations might offer as incentives to cover staff shortages.The national provisions for payment of unsocial hours premia and overtime are set out in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. These provisions are specific to Agenda for Change staff and include nurses.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that NHS nurses providing additional cover for staff shortages are adequately compensated.

These specific assessments have not been made.We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade. This will ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.It is the responsibility of local organisations to ensure they have the right numbers of staff with the right skills to deliver services, supported by guidelines by national and professional bodies, including the management of any staff shortages. The Department does not hold information on any locally negotiated arrangements for enhanced payments that individual NHS organisations might offer as incentives to cover staff shortages.The national provisions for payment of unsocial hours premia and overtime are set out in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. These provisions are specific to Agenda for Change staff and include nurses.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of ending enhanced payments for NHS nurses covering staff shortages on the finances of nurses; and what estimate his Department has made of the potential change in agency staffing costs of ending those payments.

These specific assessments have not been made.We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade. This will ensure the National Health Service has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.It is the responsibility of local organisations to ensure they have the right numbers of staff with the right skills to deliver services, supported by guidelines by national and professional bodies, including the management of any staff shortages. The Department does not hold information on any locally negotiated arrangements for enhanced payments that individual NHS organisations might offer as incentives to cover staff shortages.The national provisions for payment of unsocial hours premia and overtime are set out in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. These provisions are specific to Agenda for Change staff and include nurses.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 February 2025 to Question 30796 on Childcare: Finance, if she will collect data from councils on (a) how childcare providers deliver entitlements and (b) how many and what proportion of childcare providers allow parents to stretch the 38 weeks of paid childcare to cover 52 weeks.

The department collects data directly from childcare providers on how many deliver early years entitlements, and how these can be used by families.For example, Table 7.5 of the most recent survey report, published in 2024, shows the proportion of providers where parents can use funded hours throughout the year, by entitlement. This can be found in the additional supporting files section at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/childcare-and-early-years-provider-survey/2024.

Whether all trains on the Great Western Mainline will be required to call at the proposed Old Oak Common station.

Future timetables for Great Western services will be continuously developed in the years to come, and timetable option assessment always evaluates the options for calling at Old Oak Common; but GWR trains will only stop there when there are good reasons for them to do so.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35024 on Overseas Trade: Russia, if the Department will publish the licenses issued on trade insurances by UK-based companies with a final destination of Russia.

Between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023, the latest period covered by statistic publications covering licensing decisions for Professional and Business Services (PBS) and Individual Financial Services, no licences were issued for insurance services, and 9 licences were issued for PBS. The PBS licences also cover IT consultancy and design services. The Russia Sanctions statutory guidance sets out specific PBS activities which DBT deems likely to be consistent with the aims of the sanctions and may consider licensing. Pensions and Travel Services are not directly caught under the Russia sanctions. The Russia Sanctions Statutory Guidance outline what goods and services are sanctioned: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-sanctions-guidance. The Export Control Joint Unit publishes information on services licences linked to trade sanctions on an annual basis as part of the United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls Annual Report which includes PBS and Individual Financial Services licences. The 2023 Report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-strategic-export-controls-annual-report-2023. The 2024 Annual Report is due to be published before Summer Recess.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2025 to Question 29983 on Parking: Fees and Charges, whether she has had discussions with parking companies on the potential impact of a parking code of practice on (a) those companies' profit models (b) the number of parking charge notices issued and (c) contracts based on the financial model of profits from the number of FPN notices issued.

My officials have regular meetings with both parking Trade Associations and representatives for motorists. Meetings with the Trade Associations are scheduled monthly, and meetings with the motorist group are quarterly. In addition to regular meetings, my officials also have ad hoc meetings with both groups dependent on the business needs. Dates for my meetings have not been confirmed. On representations on the potential impacts of implementing a Private Parking Code of Practice on businesses and operations, in 2023 the Department published a draft Private Parking Code of Practice Impact Assessment, alongside a Call for Evidence to improve the evidence base within the draft Impact Assessment. Both are available online from https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/private-parking-code-of-practice-call-for-evidence My officials have used the responses to the Call for Evidence to review previous proposals and develop new ones on which, as per my previous answer, we intend to consult shortly. A Final Impact Assessment will be published following the consultation.

If he will convene a stakeholder roundtable to help tackle the shortage of Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy medication with (a) manufacturers, (b) patient advocacy groups and (c) other relevant stakeholders.

There are no current plans to convene such a roundtable. The Department is in regular discussion with the suppliers of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) on the latest stock availability and the actions that are being taken to mitigate the supply issue that is affecting the whole of the United Kingdom. Through these discussions, we have managed to secure additional volumes for 2025 for the UK. The Department has also reached out to specialist importers who have sourced unlicensed stock to assist in covering the remaining gap in the market.In the longer term, the Department has had interest from non-UK suppliers of PERT wishing to bring their products to the UK and, along with colleagues in the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, we are working with these potential suppliers; if authorised these products could further diversify and strengthen the market. The Department will continue to meet with all suppliers to understand what more can be done to add further resilience to the UK market.In December 2024, the Department issued additional management advice to healthcare professionals. This directs clinicians to consider the unlicensed imports when licensed stock is unavailable and includes actions for integrated care boards to ensure local mitigation plans are put in place and implemented.The Department meets regularly with the affected patient advocacy groups and charities to ensure they are kept informed on the latest supply picture and any communications issued.The Department will continue collaboration with clinicians and representatives from the impacted patient advocacy groups and charities so that they are informed on the supply situation and the mitigation actions being taken.

Pursuant to the Answer of 7 February 2025 to Question 27704 on Russia: Shipping, if she will list the Russian shadow fleet vessels that have entered UK waters in the last 12 months.

It is not possible to provide a list of suspected Russian shadow fleet vessels, due to national security considerations. However, the UK Government monitors vessels in UK waters which are of interest to the safety of mariners, the marine environment and the UK’s national security.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 34422 on Overseas Trade: Russia; if his Department will ban UK-Russian imports and exports that are not directly linked to (a) humanitarian organisations and (b) UK and Russian embassies.

Together with our international partners, we have unleashed the largest and most severe package of trade sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. As a result, Russian imports into the UK have fallen by more than 99 per cent, and UK exports to Russia are down by more than 75 per cent. Examples of unsanctioned goods include food and pharmaceutical items. UK sanctions provide for a range of exceptions and licensing grounds, including relating to humanitarian and diplomatic activity.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce teaching to the test in primary schools to improve pupils' (a) engagement and (b) learning outcomes.

Key stage 2 assessments are essential to check all pupils’ progress in mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. They are also essential to identify any children who may need extra support and prepare them to achieve and thrive at secondary school. The assessments help teachers identify where pupils need more support in comparison to national expectations. They also allow the department to hold schools to account to ensure they support all pupils, regardless of background or prior attainment, to achieve sufficient progress and attainment, helping secure high and rising standards.It is important that schools encourage their pupils to do their best in the tests, however, the department does not recommend that pupils in primary school devote excessive preparation time for the assessment and not at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.Our independent Curriculum and Assessment Review panel have been clear that SATs assessments are an important part of assessing children’s progress throughout primary school, and that the system of primary assessment is currently working well. As the Review moves into its second phase, it will consider how to build on effective systems to support the attainment of all children.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 35451 on USA: Defence, what information his Department holds on (a) spending on the procurement of defence-related (i) items and (ii) services from the US and (b) projected defence spending on US (A) goods, (B) services and (C) land rents in the next five years.

The Department does hold information relating to contract duration, spend to date, and total contract value, which could allow for basic modelling. However, information to identify projected spending over the next five years with US suppliers is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35862 on Beer: Excise Duties, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of variations in (a) beer and (b) other alcohol taxation policy in the (i) UK and (ii) Europe.

A Tax Information and Impact Note was published alongside the changes to alcohol duty announced at Autumn Budget. This is available here: Alcohol Duty uprating - GOV.UKAs with all taxes, the Government keeps alcohol duty rates under review during its Budget process.

Whether her Department has considered replacing Ofsted with a new HM Inspector of Schools with a (a) revised inspection framework and (b) assessments of (i) staff and (ii) pupil wellbeing.

In 2024, Ofsted conducted its Big Listen, which was the largest consultation in its history, receiving more than 20,000 responses. It listened to the views of a wide range of parents, teachers, school leaders and others about the impact of inspection and where change was needed. Ofsted published its ‘Big Listen action monitoring report’ in December 2024 to show what progress it has made in responding to feedback from parents, pupils and education staff and an updated report was published earlier this month. It can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/big-listen-action-monitoring-reports.In February 2025, the department and Ofsted launched public consultations on proposals for a better accountability system. Ofsted’s consultation includes proposals for a revised school inspection framework, with the outcomes of inspection presented in a report card. The report card will cover key areas, including the school’s curriculum and pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Ofsted has proposed a new role of ‘Nominee’, a member of staff who works closely with the inspection team, with the intention of making the inspection event more of a professional dialogue.

What steps her Department is taking to improve the \(a) accuracy and (b) breadth of school performance indicators to ensure they reflect (i) pupil wellbeing and (ii) teacher satisfaction alongside academic outcomes.

The department currently publishes school and college performance data on its compare school and college performance service. This service can be accessed at: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/.The department continues to keep the performance measures published on compare school and college performance under review. We draw on a range of data, including school censuses and Individualised Learner Records, and data submitted directly by Awarding Organisations. We carry out extensive validation and quality assurance checks on the data as well as the resulting performance measures.The department is currently consulting on school accountability reform. This includes a proposal to introduce school profiles, an accessible one-stop shop for information on schools, incorporating new Ofsted report cards but also presenting a range of up-to-date performance data and other information that matters to parents, all in one place. We are inviting views on which information we should include on school profiles, which could include, for example, school workforce information or information about pupil wellbeing. The consultation on school accountability reform is inviting responses until 28 April 2025 and can be accessed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/school-accountability-reform.

What research her Department has conducted on the effectiveness of lighter-touch testing compared to mandatory SATs in assessing pupil progress.

Key stage 2 assessments are essential to check all pupils’ progress in mastering the basics of reading, writing and mathematics. They are also essential to identify any children who may need extra support and prepare them to achieve and thrive at secondary school. The assessments help teachers identify where pupils need more support in comparison to national expectations. They also allow the department to hold schools to account to ensure they support all pupils, regardless of background or prior attainment, to achieve sufficient progress and attainment, helping secure high and rising standards.It is important that schools encourage their pupils to do their best in the tests, however, the department does not recommend that pupils in primary school devote excessive preparation time for the assessment and not at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.Our independent Curriculum and Assessment Review panel have been clear that SATs assessments are an important part of assessing children’s progress throughout primary school, and that the system of primary assessment is currently working well. As the Review moves into its second phase, it will consider how to build on effective systems to support the attainment of all children.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the impact of Ofsted inspections on teacher (a) wellbeing and (b) retention in the past five years.

In 2024, Ofsted conducted its Big Listen, which was the largest consultation in its history, receiving more than 20,000 responses. It listened to the views of a wide range of parents, teachers, school leaders and others about the impact of inspection and where change was needed. Ofsted published its ‘Big Listen action monitoring report’ in December 2024 to show what progress it has made in responding to feedback from parents, pupils and education staff and an updated report was published earlier this month. It can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/big-listen-action-monitoring-reports.In February 2025, the department and Ofsted launched public consultations on proposals for a better accountability system. Ofsted’s consultation includes proposals for a revised school inspection framework, with the outcomes of inspection presented in a report card. The report card will cover key areas, including the school’s curriculum and pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Ofsted has proposed a new role of ‘Nominee’, a member of staff who works closely with the inspection team, with the intention of making the inspection event more of a professional dialogue.

If he will make an estimate of the potential impact of the EU General Product Safety Regulation on costs to UK businesses (a) before and (b) after the UK left the EU.

The Government is not required to make an assessment of the costs to businesses of the EU GPSR. The UK already enjoys a high level of product safety. The updated GPSR therefore largely formalises the reality of how businesses are already operating across the UK, and UK businesses will often already be going further than many of these requirements.