Written questions by Glindon.

What discussions her Department has had with Amazon regarding the rollout of parcel delivery drones.

Decisions on whether and how parcel delivery drones may operate are a matter for the independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates UK airspace. All drone operators are required to comply with aviation regulations, including the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which makes clear that drones must be used responsibly and with due regard to people’s privacy. Operators using drones fitted with cameras are also subject to the UK’s data protection and privacy legislation. As part of the approval process, the CAA requires operators to demonstrate that all relevant risks are properly assessed and mitigated, including environmental considerations where appropriate. This can include restrictions on where and how drones operate, particularly in or near sensitive wildlife locations. Planning applications for drone operations, where required, also consider impacts on biodiversity, habitats, protected species and wildlife.Noise impacts are similarly considered through the regulatory and operational approval process. We have asked the CAA to examine the implications of emerging aviation technologies on aviation noise policy in the UK. Developing a proportionate, evidence-led and adaptive approach will be critical to sustainable development of Future of Flight technologies and maintaining public trust.

What steps her Department is taking to minimise noise pollution caused by parcel delivery drones.

Decisions on whether and how parcel delivery drones may operate are a matter for the independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates UK airspace. All drone operators are required to comply with aviation regulations, including the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which makes clear that drones must be used responsibly and with due regard to people’s privacy. Operators using drones fitted with cameras are also subject to the UK’s data protection and privacy legislation. As part of the approval process, the CAA requires operators to demonstrate that all relevant risks are properly assessed and mitigated, including environmental considerations where appropriate. This can include restrictions on where and how drones operate, particularly in or near sensitive wildlife locations. Planning applications for drone operations, where required, also consider impacts on biodiversity, habitats, protected species and wildlife.Noise impacts are similarly considered through the regulatory and operational approval process. We have asked the CAA to examine the implications of emerging aviation technologies on aviation noise policy in the UK. Developing a proportionate, evidence-led and adaptive approach will be critical to sustainable development of Future of Flight technologies and maintaining public trust.

What steps her Department is taking to minimise the potential impact of parcel delivery drones on wildlife.

Decisions on whether and how parcel delivery drones may operate are a matter for the independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates UK airspace. All drone operators are required to comply with aviation regulations, including the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which makes clear that drones must be used responsibly and with due regard to people’s privacy. Operators using drones fitted with cameras are also subject to the UK’s data protection and privacy legislation. As part of the approval process, the CAA requires operators to demonstrate that all relevant risks are properly assessed and mitigated, including environmental considerations where appropriate. This can include restrictions on where and how drones operate, particularly in or near sensitive wildlife locations. Planning applications for drone operations, where required, also consider impacts on biodiversity, habitats, protected species and wildlife.Noise impacts are similarly considered through the regulatory and operational approval process. We have asked the CAA to examine the implications of emerging aviation technologies on aviation noise policy in the UK. Developing a proportionate, evidence-led and adaptive approach will be critical to sustainable development of Future of Flight technologies and maintaining public trust.

What steps her Department is taking to minimise the potential impact of parcel delivery drones on privacy.

Decisions on whether and how parcel delivery drones may operate are a matter for the independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which regulates UK airspace. All drone operators are required to comply with aviation regulations, including the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which makes clear that drones must be used responsibly and with due regard to people’s privacy. Operators using drones fitted with cameras are also subject to the UK’s data protection and privacy legislation. As part of the approval process, the CAA requires operators to demonstrate that all relevant risks are properly assessed and mitigated, including environmental considerations where appropriate. This can include restrictions on where and how drones operate, particularly in or near sensitive wildlife locations. Planning applications for drone operations, where required, also consider impacts on biodiversity, habitats, protected species and wildlife.Noise impacts are similarly considered through the regulatory and operational approval process. We have asked the CAA to examine the implications of emerging aviation technologies on aviation noise policy in the UK. Developing a proportionate, evidence-led and adaptive approach will be critical to sustainable development of Future of Flight technologies and maintaining public trust.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a guest beer agreement in England.

Government recognises the importance of a diverse and competitive beer market, including the role of independent breweries in supporting local economies and consumer choice. We have conducted a review of the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small breweries from accessing pubs. Its findings are currently being reviewed alongside hearing evidence directly from industry stakeholders and representative bodies with whom I am meeting over the next months. This includes meeting with small brewery owners and representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers.Separate to the beer market review, the Government is currently conducting a statutory review into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Alongside this statutory review, the Government is also conducting a Post Implementation Review (PIR) which will consider the Pub Code’s impact since it was introduced in 2016. I will be announcing the outcome of the review in due course.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Pubs Code to cover all leased pubs.

Government recognises the importance of a diverse and competitive beer market, including the role of independent breweries in supporting local economies and consumer choice. We have conducted a review of the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small breweries from accessing pubs. Its findings are currently being reviewed alongside hearing evidence directly from industry stakeholders and representative bodies with whom I am meeting over the next months. This includes meeting with small brewery owners and representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers.Separate to the beer market review, the Government is currently conducting a statutory review into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Alongside this statutory review, the Government is also conducting a Post Implementation Review (PIR) which will consider the Pub Code’s impact since it was introduced in 2016. I will be announcing the outcome of the review in due course.

What recent discussions he has had with Ofcom on the adequacy of internal investigations into (a) parcels and (b) replacement parcels that are determined missing by (i) Evri and (ii) other delivery companies.

I met senior officials from Ofcom on 17 December and again on 11 March.I am clear delivery companies must do more to meet the rightful expectations of customers.Ofcom has written to delivery operators to remind them of their obligations and is gathering evidence of compliance with applicable Consumer Protection Conditions.Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, sellers are responsible for the delivery of goods bought online until they are in the consumer’s physical possession and is responsible if anything goes wrong with the consumer’s parcel, including goods delivered damaged or lost in transit, to liaise with the courier to find out what went wrong.

What assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of employers using ordinary unfair dismissals ahead of the extension of unfair dismissal rights on 1 January 2027.

The Government does not collect data on the level of ordinary unfair dismissals made by employers. The Government does publish data on the number of unfair dismissal claims awarded compensation at Employment Tribunal:2020/21: 4212021/22: 6332022/23: 7872023/24: 646Tribunals statistics quarterly: April to June 2024 - GOV.UKNote that from September 2022, the Employment Tribunal has moved to a new case management system (Reform ECM). Cases in the new system are not included in these statistics.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) discourage potential increases in the number of ordinary unfair dismissals ahead of planned changes to dismissal rights on 1 January 2027.

The Government will undertake proportionate monitoring and evaluation of reforms implemented through the Employment Rights Act. To determine whether the policy has met its objectives, we will be monitoring its impacts and will undertake a proportionate review of this policy within 5 years following the policy taking effect.The Government will work to raise awareness among businesses and employers so that they can modify their dismissal practices before implementation. We will also be working closely with delivery partners such as Acas to ensure that employer guidance and support is adequately updated ahead of January 2027.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 57634 on World War I and World War II: Women, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to sponsor a memorial for munitions workers in both world wars.

The Government recognises the hard work of the Munitions workers and is extremely grateful for their input and sacrifices made during both world wars.Munitions workers are included on the women's war memorial in Whitehall. In addition, several trees have also been planted at the National Arboretum in Litchfield and many of the former factories have their own small memorials including, ROF Swynnerton, ROF Rotherwas and Aycliffe Newton.A commemorative badge is available thanks to the support of the BAE Systems Heritage Department and the efforts of the Munitions Workers Association. Surviving munitions workers and their families can approach the Munitions Workers Association to arrange to receive this commemorative badge munitionsworkersassociation@gmail.com

If he will make an assessment of the potential (a) costs and (b) merits of making internal audit functions a mandatory requirement for all contractors delivering public sector infrastructure projects.

The Government announced that it would publish a draft audit reform and corporate governance bill in the King’s Speech, which is expected to include extending enhanced Public Interest Entity audit requirements to very large private companies. The financial resilience of major suppliers to government, including firms working on infrastructure projects, is monitored on an ongoing basis by the Crown Commercial Service.

If he has made an assessment of the potential merits of giving the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority the statutory power to sanction all company directors.

As announced in the King’s speech, the Government intends to publish a draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill in due course. We expect the Bill to include further details on the proposed directors’ enforcement regime, including in respect of the scope of the regime.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of widening the definition of a public interest entity in the context of (a) BHS, (b) Bulb and (c) ISG.

The Government’s plans to widen the definition of a Public Interest Entity were announced in the King’s Speech as part of the announcement on the draft Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill.

If he will take steps to require the largest (a) public and (b) private companies to have (i) an Audit Committee and (ii) an internal audit function, in the context of the collapse of ISG.

Companies whose securities are traded on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and banks, building societies and insurers are required to have an audit committee. Other private companies are not required to have an audit committee, but may choose to have one. Outside of the regulated financial sector, companies are not required to have an internal audit function. The Government plans to extend the scrutiny of the largest private companies’ external audits through the draft Audit and Corporate Governance bill and will set out full details of what that will include in due course.

What his planned timeline is for the review of the implementation of unpaid carer's leave.

The Plan to Make Work Pay set out a commitment to review the implementation of Carer’s Leave, and that work is now underway. To deliver on this, we are bringing forward the Post Implementation Review of this legislation to complete before the end of this parliament.

If he will review the list of people granted the right to take time off work to perform public duties under section 50 of the Employment Right Act 1996.

The entitlement to time off for public duties helps to ensure that unpaid roles within our public services attract a broad range of people, including those who are in work, while breaking down a barrier to participation in civic life for people who need to work full time.The initial legislation that introduced this entitlement is over 50 years old. I have asked my officials to consider how we can ensure this legislation remains effective.

What steps he is taking to help increase labour productivity in the North East.

Labour productivity in the UK has stagnated over the past fourteen years. It is essential that we act decisively to change this in all nations and regions, including in the North East of England.We are currently working closely with both the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities as they develop their Local Growth Plans, to identify their highest-potential sectors and growth priorities.This will enable a focus on the North East's economic strengths, make the most of mayoral leadership and help create the best conditions for lasting change, driving up labour productivity and growth.

What steps he is taking to increase foreign direct investment in the (a) UK and (b) North East.

Growth is the government’s central economic mission and we are currently developing an Industrial Strategy which aims to drive growth across the UK through investment in key sectors and regions. We are also hosting the International Investment Summit in October, to bring together global investors and regional leaders to advance opportunities for investment and growth across the country. Additional measures to improve the business environment and increase investment into the UK will be announced at the summit. For the North East specifically, we will support delivery of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan. We will continue showcasing investment opportunities across the North East to potential investors, and provide account management services for investors already in the region to help them build and scale.