Written questions by Wilson.

What estimate she has made of the number of primary schools which will be exposed to noise pollution from Heathrow expansion proposals above (a) 45dB, (b) 51dB and (c) 54dB.

The government supports airport expansion and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow. It expects any proposals to be brought forward by the summer and is clear that any scheme must be delivered in line with the UK’s legal, climate and environmental obligations. Once proposals have been received the government will review the Airports National Policy Statement, which sets clear requirements to mitigate the impacts of expansion on the environment and affected communities, and which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow.

Whether she plans to establish an independent noise authority.

The Government is committed to a strong aviation noise policy and funds the Civil Aviation Authority to provide noise advisory functions, including provision of best practice on noise mitigation, as well as funding two major noise studies. There are no current plans to establish an independent noise authority.

What her Department's timetable is for bringing forward plans to reform SEND provision.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed and thrive in their education and as they move into adult life.We are aware of the challenges in the current SEND system, and the government is urgently considering how it needs to be reformed. However, these are complex issues which need a considered approach to deliver sustainable change.The department is working closely with experts on reforms, including appointing a strategic advisor for SEND, who is playing a key role in convening and engaging with the sector, including leaders, practitioners, children and families.The department has also established an expert advisory group for inclusion to improve the mainstream education outcomes and experiences for those with SEND, and a Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group to provide a shared understanding of what provision and support in mainstream educational settings should look like for neurodivergent children and young people within an inclusive system.The department is working at pace to address these challenges and will be setting out our plans to do so in due course.

When he plans to answer Question 49434 tabled on 30 April 2025 by the hon. Member for Twickenham.

With apologies to the hon. Member, a response has now been issued.

When she plans to respond to the correspondence of 11 March 2025 from the hon. Member for Twickenham, case reference MW55193.

The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention replied on 19 May 2025.

Innovation and Technology, when he plans to respond to the correspondence of 13 March 2025 from the hon. Member for Twickenham, case reference MC2025-00007485.

The Department attaches great importance to providing timely responses to correspondence and is working hard to improve our processes, including through greater digitisation. A response to this letter was regrettably delayed by administrative error, for which the Department sincerely apologises. We issued a full response on 16 May 2025.

Whether the publication entitled Government Property Strategy 2022-2030, published on 29 August 2022, remains his policy.

The Cabinet Office is currently working to update the Government Property Strategy. The existing strategy will remain in place until a new strategy is published.

When she plans to respond to Question 49038 tabled by the hon. Member for Twickenham on 29 April 2025.

The response to Written Parliamentary Question 49038 was published on 16 May 2025.

What the status is of each of the 19 special free schools that have been in pre-opening phase since 2021 or prior.

For those schools that have been in the pre-opening phase since 2021 or prior, the department is engaging with local authorities and trusts in the usual way and progressing work in line with our vision for the special educational needs (SEN) system.As the hon. Member for Twickenham will appreciate, pipeline projects are at different stages of development and the department is prioritising operational decisions on those that are due to open in the shorter term. The department is, however, pleased to note that one of those 19 schools, Carew Academy, has recently officially opened and pupils have moved in as of April 2025.The government is clear it wants to make sure all children with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to achieve and thrive. The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, and ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs, restoring parents’ trust that their child will get the support they need.As with all government investment, special and alternative provision free school projects will be subject to value for money consideration through their development, in line with the government’s vision for the SEN system.

If he will ensure that the National Cancer Plan includes vaccine treatments for brain tumours.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced that a National Cancer Plan for England will be published this year. The Prime Minister’s Health Mission sets the objective of building a National Health Service fit for the future, and an essential part of this is achieving our goal to reduce the number of lives lost to cancer.The National Cancer Plan will have patients at its heart and will cover the entirety of the cancer pathway, from referral and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care, and will apply to all cancer types, including brain tumours. It will seek to improve every aspect of cancer care, to improve the experiences and outcomes for people with cancer. Our goal is to reduce the number of lives lost to cancer over the next 10 years.The Department, NHS England, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) are taking several steps to help improve outcomes for brain tumour patients. Research will be a key focus of the National Cancer Plan, which will continue to maximise the access to, and the impact of, clinical trials in diagnostics and treatments, building on the success of projects such as the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.The plan will also consider the ways that we can accelerate the uptake of innovative, life-saving treatments so all NHS patients can benefit. We will work closely with partners, including the National Institute for Health and Care Research, on this.

How many applicants for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support fund were unsuccessful in each year since 2015.

The table below shows the number of rejected applications for the adoption and special guardianship support fund by financial year:Financial YearRejected Applications2015/16112016/17932017/18482018/19242019/2002020/2102021/2202022/2302023/2412024/250 The reduction in rejected applications is largely the result of improved systems, and of close working between local authorities, Regional Adoption Agencies and the department’s delivery partner to address queries and support re-work of applications. This means that, although some applications are withdrawn for a range of reasons, few are ultimately rejected.

What steps he is taking to restrict dual-use technology from being exported to Israel.

All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.On 2 September we took decisive action, suspending certain licences for exports of items for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that might be used in military operations in Gaza – whether such licences covered military or dual-use goods – and we continue to review licence applications on this basis.

Innovation and Technology, when he plans to make a policy announcement on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, following the consultation on which closed on 25 February 2025.

The Government received over 11,500 responses to the consultation on copyright and AI. It is now carefully considering these responses, and a Government response will be published when this work is complete. Government amendments to the Data (Use and Access) Bill commit the Government to publishing a full report on some of the issues covered in the consultation within 12 months of Royal Assent.

Whether funding for climate adaptation will be included in the spending review.

The Government recognises that preparing for the future means adapting to the effects of climate change. Without action, flooding, coastal erosion and other climate hazards will pose greater risks to lives, livelihoods and people’s wellbeing. As set out in the Autumn Budget, the Government is investing in climate adaptation to protect the economy from the impacts of climate change, confirming investment of £2.4 billion over two years to support flood resilience and over £400 million for tree planting and peatland restoration, which will contribute to resilience. The allocation of funding beyond 2025-26 will be confirmed through Phase 2 of the Spending Review in June.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Climate Resilience Board in coordinating climate resilience.

Defra, working with Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, uses the Climate Resilience Steering Board (CRSB) to provide senior-level oversight and strategic direction to address and strengthen resilience to climate change related risks that threaten the UK economy, security, critical national infrastructure, and the life and health of its citizens. The CRSB is well placed to provide and improve strategic responses to climate change across government. It carries out the coordination across Government that ensures climate risks to all sectors are monitored and key departmental actions are delivered that will combat the cross-cutting impacts of climate change.

What steps her Department is taking to prevent bots booking driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. In 2023/2024 DVSA: Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce the backlog of driving tests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. In 2023/2024 DVSA: Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

Which public bodies have processes for disposing of surplus assets below market rate in the community interest; and what form these processes take.

Information on the disposal of surplus assets by public bodies is not held centrally.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the DVSA.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps Britain moving, safely and sustainably by:Regulating the driver training industry and conducting theory and practical driving tests on goods vehicles, motorcycles and cars.Testing heavy goods vehicles and buses on an annual basis; it also regulates and accredits providers of the car MOT scheme.Carrying out roadside checking of commercial drivers and vehicles and monitoring companies that operate goods vehicles, buses, and coaches. In 2023/2024 DVSA: Oversaw 41,862,000 MOT tests, with 89% of MOT centres satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Delivered 692,000 heavy vehicle tests largely through a network of Approved Testing Facilities (ATF), with 96% of ATFs satisfied with the service they receive from DVSA Carried out 131,000 vehicle and driver checks and licensed 73,000 vehicle operators. DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. Significant progress has already been made as part of DVSA’s 7-point plan to reduce waiting times, with 1.95 million tests provided last year. However, further action is required.On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures to reduce driving test waiting times for learners. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK. To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA launched a call for evidence, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 44 warnings, 120 suspensions, and closed 270 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

Whether the Government Property Agency has a process allowing for the disposal of surplus government assets below market rate when a disposal is in the community interest.

Government organisations including the Government Property Agency must follow the provisions for the disposal of surplus government property established in guidance issued by HM Treasury, specifically that disposal decisions should take account of wider social costs and benefits and should form part of any appraisal, and when appropriate it may be justifiable to choose an option that does not generate the highest Exchequer receipt, for example to support a wider government policy objective such as regeneration.HMT guidance sets out the method for calculating wider social, economic and environmental benefits in policy and project appraisal, and how to treat disposals at less than market value.