Written questions by Bailey.

If he will publish information held in National Archives document reference DEFE13/1870/1 on nuclear testing veteran health studies.

The Government is deeply grateful to all those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. We recognise their service and the huge contribution they have made to the UK's security. As the hon. Member will be aware from our previous discussions, I am committed to looking into questions regarding medical records. That is why I have commissioned officials to look into what information the Department holds in relation to the medical testing of Service personnel who took part in the UK nuclear weapons tests. I am committed to regular engagement with individuals and families associated with the Nuclear Test Veteran community. As part of this engagement, I have already met with parliamentarians and representatives from Nuclear Test Veteran groups to discuss their concerns further and officials are also maintaining regular contact.

With reference to the Written Statement of 21 May 2024 entitled Nuclear Test Veterans: Atomic Weapons Establishment Records, HCWS45, when he plans to publish the results of the review into the historic files in the ES and AB series relating to the UK’s nuclear weapons programme.

Since the security review commenced in 2018, almost 70,000 of around 74,000 records withdrawn from public access have been released back to the National Archives. Updates on the progress of the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-nuclear-archive-records

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 December 2024 to Question 18945 on Ministry of Defence: Recruitment, how his Department measures the performance of those executive search firms.

For Senior Civil Servant (SCS) appointments using an Executive Search firm, performance is measured as described in the commercial agreement. Each commercial agreement (via the cross-Government Executive Search RM6290 framework) includes clear terms of business and expectations, and fees are only paid on completion of agreed deliverables. All SCS recruitment activity, including those managed by an Executive Search firm, is overseen by either a Civil Service Commissioner (SCS Pay Bands 2 to 4) or a Ministry of Defence Campaign Manager (SCS Pay Band 1), including regular meetings with appointed Executive Search firms throughout various operational stages to check in on process, candidate support and adherence to policy.

How many private recruitment agencies his Department uses to fill senior vacancies; what the potential cost to the public purse is of these services; and what steps his Department is taking to monitor performance.

To date in financial year 2024-25, there have been three permanent Senior Civil Servant (SCS) Payband 1 or 2 recruitment campaigns, and three SCS Payband 3 or 4 campaigns that have engaged a private sector Executive Search firm. The cost of these services is commercial-in-confidence so cannot be provided at this time. Top Level Budgets in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) hold individual commercial contracts with Executive Search firms and are responsible for monitoring performance, with the MOD also overseeing this centrally.