Written questions by Huq.

What steps she is taking to provide affordable childcare to parents in (a) work and (b) further education.

It is the department’s ambition that parents have access to high quality, affordable and flexible early education and childcare.Next year alone, the department plans to provide over £8 billion for the early years entitlements, a more than 30% increase compared to 2024/25, as we roll out the expansion of the entitlements, so eligible working parents of children aged from nine months can access 30 hours of funded childcare.From the start of September 2024, eligible working parents have been entitled to 15 hours a week of early education and care from the term after their child turns nine months old. So far, over 320,000 additional parents are now accessing a place.The department is expanding the childcare entitlements so that from September 2025, eligible working parents can access 30 hours of early education and childcare a week, over 38 weeks of the year, from the term after their child turns nine months old until they start school.As we grow the childcare system, it is important it remains fair and accessible to all parents. We have taken action to protect parents from reported instances of very high additional charges or ‘top-up fees’ on top of their entitlement, ensuring the funded hours remain accessible and affordable for families, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds where it makes the biggest difference. We have updated the statutory guidance on government-funded entitlements that relates to additional charges, helping local authorities ensure there is clarity and consistency for parents and providers.Parents may also be eligible for childcare support through Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit Childcare.The department wants to ensure that parents are aware of and accessing all government funded childcare support they are eligible for. The department is raising awareness of the government funded childcare support available via the Childcare Choices website to stimulate increased take-up by eligible families.Students who are parents are eligible for the universal 15 hours of free early education which is available to all three and four year-olds, regardless of family circumstances. Students who work in addition to studying are eligible for the working parent entitlement if they meet the income requirements. If they meet the eligibility criteria, students can apply for the Childcare Grant and Parental Learning Allowance.Additionally, the Care to Learn scheme provides funding for childcare to help young parents, defined as those aged under 20, continue in education after the birth of a child. The scheme provides funding for childcare while the young parent is engaged in a study programme and is not able to provide care for their child. It can also help the young parent with any additional travel costs involved in taking the child to the childcare provider.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent student and pensioner protests in Serbia.

We are following closely developments in Serbia where large-scale peaceful street protests have been underway for several weeks, following the tragic collapse of a station canopy last November. When I visited Belgrade last month, I noted the Serbian government's commitment to transparency in investigating the incident and their undertaking to act against corruption. During my visit I discussed with the Serbian government and others the importance of respect for citizens' rights of freedom of expression and assembly.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of anti-epileptic medication.

The Department is working hard with industry to help resolve the intermittent supply issues with some epilepsy medications. As a result of ongoing activity and intensive work, including directing suppliers to expedite deliveries, most issues, including with carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and oxcarbazepine presentations, have been resolved.We are currently aware of an ongoing supply issue with all strengths of topiramate tablets from one manufacturer. This supply issue is expected to resolve by the end of May 2025. We are also aware of a shortage of phenobarbital 15 milligram tablets from one manufacturer, with the resupply date to be confirmed. In both cases, alternative suppliers are in stock with sufficient supply to support patients, and these issues have been communicated to the National Health Service.

If he will respond to the recommendations on the use of sodium valproate in the Hughes report, published 7 February 2024.

The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report. The report sets out options for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. The Government will be providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s Report at the earliest opportunity.

What the cost to the public purse was of spending on railway station lift maintenance in (a) 2014 and (b) 2024.

Network Rail reported that in 2013/14 it spent £4.2 million maintaining 1127 lift assets, compared to £8.3 million in 2023/24 to maintain 1516 lift assets.

What data her Department holds on the number of days when lifts were out of service at (a) underground and (b) overground stations in (i) 2014 and (ii) 2024.

The Department does not hold this information as transport in London is devolved to the Mayor, and TfL is responsible for managing the London Underground and the London Overground.

How many (a) underground and (b) overground railway station lifts were in place in (a) 2014 and (b) 2024.

The Department does not hold this information as transport in London is devolved to the Mayor, and TfL is responsible for managing the London Underground and the London Overground.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing introducing individual (a) licencing and (b) partnerships for AI companies.

The Government’s consultation on AI and Copyright sets out its goal of strengthening right holders’ control of their material and ability to be renumerated for its use through licensing. This would help deliver a balanced copyright framework for AI, alongside increased transparency and enhanced access to material for AI training.

What steps she is taking to ensure that businesses comply with the Equality Act 2010 in granting access to disabled individuals accompanied by guide dogs.

The Equality Act 2010 is clear that disabled people should not be refused access to businesses or services because they have a guide dog. Any such refusals are likely to be unlawful. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published a range of guidance on this matter to ensure that businesses and service providers are aware of their legal responsibilities towards customers with guide dogs and are equipped with the knowledge to ensure the Equality Act 2010 is complied with.

What steps he is taking to increase provision for NHS dentists in Ealing Central and Acton constituency.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild den...

What steps he is taking to improve rates of (a) prevention and (b) early diagnosis of liver disease.

The Department is aware of the burden of undiagnosed liver disease in the population, and its impact on health and the working years of life lost.Community Liver Health Checks are being piloted in 19 areas to identify patients with cirrhosis or advanced f...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of potential irregularities in the recent elections in Georgia.

I made clear in a statement on 27 October my support for the findings of the preliminary report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights election monitoring mission. I also outlined the need for irregularities to be investigated tho...

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to support the rollout of full-fibre broadband.

The Government is committed to the rollout of fast, reliable broadband to all parts of the UK. As of February 2024, over 1 million premises had been upgraded to gigabit-capable broadband through government-funded programmes. In total, 36 Project Gigabit c...

What steps he is taking to improve diagnosis times for pancreatic cancer in Ealing Central and Acton constituency.

The Department is supporting the National Health Service in taking steps to improve diagnosis times for pancreatic cancer across England, including for the Ealing Central and Acton constituency. The Government is committed to meeting all three NHS cancer ...

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the average cost to leaseholders of marriage value in the last 12 months; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of abolishing

The Government intend to act quickly to provide homeowners with greater rights, powers, and protections over their homes by implementing the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. These include measures that will make it easier for leas...

What steps he is taking to increase (a) recruitment and (b) retention of NHS staff in Ealing Central and Acton constituency.

The National Health Service has been facing chronic workforce shortages for years, and bringing in the staff and investment the NHS needs will take time. We are determined to fix our NHS, and restore it to a service we are proud of. We are committed to tr...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of imposing sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion.

The Interim Government in Bangladesh has the UK Government's support as it works to restore peace and order and ensure accountability following recent protests. We are aware of reports of human rights violations by the Rapid Action Battalion. We have expressed support for a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events. Sanctions are one tool in our foreign policy toolkit. Our sanctions policy will be guided by the situation on the ground. We do not speculate on who may be designated in the future.

What steps she is taking to implement Section 8 of the Public Order Act 2023.

Section 8 of the Public Order Act 2023.This section came into force on 3 May 2023.In addition, the previous Government committed to carrying out post-legislative scrutiny of the Public Order Act 2023 two years after it received Royal Assent rather than the usual three to five years, in line with the recommendation made by the Home Affairs Select Committee.

Communities and Local Government, when she plans to publish the report of the Older People's Housing Taskforce.

This Government recognises the need to provide greater choice, quality and security of housing for older people.No decision has yet been taken with regard to the publication date for this report.

What steps he is taking to tackle equipment waste in the NHS.

In 2020, NHS England set out its commitment to reducing its environmental impact, including by increasing the reuse and recycling of medical equipment. This commitment is then applied locally, taking into account local priorities, through local Green Plans.NHS England also collaborates with NHS Supply Chain to increase availability of reusable products and supports local NHS organisations through the publication of guidance and resources to help with implementing changes.The Department is also currently considering further opportunities for more efficient and sustainable use of medical technology. We look forward to updating the House at the earliest opportunity.