Written questions by Wrigley.

If his Department will work with Versus Arthritis to increase funding in musculoskeletal research.

The Department funds health and care 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, charities, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public.The NIHR supports and delivers research across a variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, which includes osteo, rheumatoid, psoriatic and juvenile arthritis, osteoporosis and joint and back pain. In 2023/24, the NIHR funded £17.3 million in musculoskeletal research.The NIHR works in collaboration with Versus Arthritis on a joint initiative, the UK Musculoskeletal (MSK) Translational Research Collaboration, aligning investment in MSK translational research, and creating a United Kingdom-wide ambition and focus to drive cutting edge research and improve outcomes for patients.The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions through its research programmes.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 38216, tabled on 13 March 2025.

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Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to support the Climate and Nature Bill.

This Government is absolutely committed to tackling the climate and nature crises. We do not believe that more legislation is needed in the areas of climate and nature, where there is already a well-developed legislative framework, especially the Climate Change Act and the Environment Act. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when its Second Reading debate is scheduled to resume.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if the Government will seize the interest that has accrued on Roman Abramovich’s assets associated with the sale of Chelsea Football Club.

In a statement announcing the sale of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich stated the proceeds would be used to establish a foundation for the benefit of all the victims of the war in Ukraine. The Government is determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as quickly as possible, and we are exploring all options to bring that about.

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2025 to Question 42193 on Digital Technology: Taxation, what recent discussions she has had with her G20 counterparts on the taxation of the digital economy.

G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met in February 2025. International taxation was among the topics discussed, including OECD/G20 work on addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy through ‘Pillar 1 and 2’ reforms to international corporate taxation. South Africa subsequently published a Chair’s summary of these meetings which is indicative of G20 members’ views.

If he will publish the Defence Planning Assumptions before the Defence Spending Review.

Defence Planning Assumptions (DPAs) will be revised following the Strategic Defence Review. We remain committed to transparency and will release a public version of updated DPAs once this detailed work is complete and tested.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of Government policy on visas on long term residency for Ukrainians.

We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes. This is why the temporary sanctuary Ukraine Visa Schemes do not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements. We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 34414, tabled on 27 February 2025.

Question 34414 was answered on 3 April 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 38211, tabled on 13 March 2025.

Question 38211 was answered on 8 April 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to answer Question 36241, tabled on 6 March.

An answer to Question 36241 was provided on 25 April 2025.

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2025 to Question 41578 on Nurses: Training, if he will take steps to increase the number of nursing positions in Devon.

Decisions about the number of nursing positions in Devon are a matter for individual National Health Service trusts. NHS trusts manage their recruitment at a local level to ensure they have the right number of staff in place, with the right skill mix, to deliver safe and effective care.We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has plans to repeal part 1, Schedule 13 of the Elections Act 2022.

I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 23541 on 22 January 2025.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of funding research into the use of Diethyl Ether fuel.

The Department has no plans to fund research into the merits of Diethyl Ether fuel. Renewable transport fuels that deliver significant greenhouse gas emissions savings relative to fossil fuel and meet stringent sustainability criteria are eligible for support under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme. The RTFO has successfully promoted a market for renewable fuels used in road transport since 2008.

What steps his Department is taking to help support pubs in Devon.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries in Devon, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.The Government is creating a fairer business rate system and reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.

If she will take steps to ensure the digital service tax is not repealed.

The Digital Services Tax (DST) is an interim tax measure to ensure that digital services providers pay UK tax on digital services that reflects the value they derive from UK users. The UK remains committed to reaching a global solution on the taxation of the digital economy through Pillar 1 of the G20-OECD Inclusive Framework project. It is UK’s intention to repeal our Digital Services Tax (DST) when this international solution is in place.

What recent discussions she has had with South Western Railway on extending London Waterloo Services past Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot.

The Department and South-Western Railway (SWR) are in regular discussion regarding its service provision, which aims to balance the needs of both passenger and taxpayer. There have, however, been no recent discussions with SWR regarding extending London Waterloo services via Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot.

Whether she plans to introduce a contactless payment system for commuter rail services in Devon.

At this stage there are no plans for such a scheme. However, this Government remains committed to making ticketing simpler and more flexible for passengers and to working with local authorities to support integrated transport plans in their areas. We want to expand ticketing innovations such as Pay As You Go (PAYG) where possible and further details on any wider expansion of PAYG will be announced in due course.

If she will take steps to enable disabled bus pass users to use their passes at peak times.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as extending the travel time criteria, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability. The government recently conducted a review of the ENCTS, which included considering travel times for disabled passholders and is currently considering next steps. Currently, local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as extending the travel time criteria for the ENCTS. The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Devon County Council has been allocated £11.6 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the take up of means-tested benefits among households with children in poverty.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 27 March 2025 to question UIN 41344.

Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on the number of 16-week old puppies brought into the UK for animal testing purposes in the latest period for which data is available.

Defra does not hold the data requested. Imports data drawn down from the import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS) does not record the age of the animal. The Home Office assures that, in every research proposal, animals are replaced with non-animal alternatives wherever possible, the number of animals are reduced to the minimum necessary to achieve the result sought, and that, for those animals which must be used, procedures are refined as much as possible to minimise their suffering. Dogs are a specially protected species under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The Home Office will only grant a project licence for a programme of work using dogs where the purpose of the programme of work specified in the licence can only be achieved by their use, or where it is not practicable to obtain other suitable animals.