Written questions by Allin-Khan.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2025 to Question 78382 on Members: Correspondence, when he plans to respond to the correspondence of 24 June, 1 August and 15 September 2025 from the hon. Member for Tooting relating to case reference RA69084.

The Department of Business and Trade aims to respond to correspondence in 15 working days. The case from 24 June was transferred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) to answer, who accepted in error. This case has now been passed back to DBT and I have asked my officials to investigate this. I apologise for the delay.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that NHS IT suppliers with dominant market positions do not engage in anti-competitive practices.

The Competition and Markets Authority, the “CMA”, is responsible for investigating anti-competitive practices. As an independent authority, the CMA has discretion to investigate competition cases which, according to its prioritisation principles, it considers most appropriate. It would therefore not be appropriate for government to intervene on such matters. Any concerns regarding anti-competitive conduct can be raised directly with the CMA. Details of how to submit information, along with general guidance, can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-anti-competitive-or-market-issues-to-the-cma

When he plans to respond to the correspondence of 24 June, 1 August and 15 September 2025 from the hon. Member for Tooting relating to case reference RA69084.

The Department of Business and Trade aims to respond to correspondence in 15 working days. This case has been transferred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) to answer.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the merits of flexible working patterns in (a) the Civil Service and (b) the wider public sector.

The government continues to monitor the impact of flexible working. There are numerous benefits of flexible working, which apply to both the public and private sectors.Flexible working is essential in helping people achieve a better work life balance, which can lead to happier, healthier and more productive employees. This is good for employees and good for businesses. Flexible working can help make work more accessible to several groups by helping people to balance work with other responsibilities and needs in their personal lives. This includes those with disabilities, parents, and others with caring responsibilities.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that public sector employers provide adequate support to employees returning from maternity leave.

Starting with the Employment Rights Bill, we will put in place legislation that makes it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, mothers on maternity leave, and mothers who return to work for a six-month period after they return - except in specific circumstances. The Government will also make flexible working the default, except where it is not reasonably feasible. This will benefit employees returning to work from maternity leave by making it easier to balance work and childcare needs.These changes will apply to eligible employees, regardless of whether they work in the public sector or elsewhere.

What discussions he has had with Royal Mail on recent service disruptions in the SW17 postcode.

Ofcom is the independent regulator of postal services, and the Government does not collect or hold information concerning service issues in specific areas.However, Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider. In November, I met with Royal Mail’s CEO, Emma Gilthorpe, and stressed the importance of a reliable postal service.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of consumer protection provided by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

The additional consumer rights provided to travellers under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (“PTRs”) have played an important role in ensuring consumers are supported through supplier insolvencies. The Department is currently working with stakeholders and consumer representatives to review the framework and identify whether it can be further strengthened. This has taken the form of:a Call for Evidence,stakeholder engagement sessions and,consumer research.Our conclusions from this evidence gathering will be published in due course. Separately, the Department for Transport is continuing work with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exploring how the ATOL scheme should operate in the future.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of consumer protection provided by (a) package travel and (b) ATOL regulations.

The rights provided under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Regulations 2018 (PTRs) have been key to resolving many consumer issues in recent years- including supplier insolvencies. DBT is looking to expand options for businesses to protect consumer deposits, while working with stakeholders and consumer organisations to identify whether the framework can be further strengthened.In relation to ATOL, the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport. The ATOL Regulations have provided valued protection to consumers for over 50 years. The Department for Transport is continuing work with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exploring how the ATOL scheme should operate in the future.

What steps his Department is taking to prevent fraudulent practices by online shopping sites

DBT is implementing the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act which strengthens consumer law enforcement by giving the CMA new administrative powers, and the CMA and courts the ability to impose significant monetary penalties. The Act also updates the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, setting out new ‘banned practices’ relating to the buying, selling, and publishing of fake consumer reviews and prohibiting ‘drip pricing’. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill was introduced on 4 September and aims to address the gap in consumer protections which allow online marketplaces to facilitate the sale of unsafe and illegal products.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) reduce and (b) prevent fraud against consumers.

DBT supports broader government efforts to tackle fraud through its funding of Citizens Advice and National Trading Standards to advise on and enforce consumer law, including fraud.DBT is also implementing the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, which strengthens consumer law enforcement powers and introduces significant new monetary penalties to better deter wrongdoers.Through the Consumer Protection Partnership, Citizens Advice run an annual Scams Awareness campaign to give consumers the skills to identify scams, share their experiences and gain the confidence to report scams. The next campaign, focusing on financial scams launches on 21 October.