Written questions by Dhesi.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the number of welders to meet demand in the (a) infrastructure, (b) construction and (c) manufacturing sector.

We are working across Government to understand the demand impacts for the construction sector to deliver our built environment and infrastructure commitments. This includes working with Skills England, who will bring businesses, training partners and unions together with national and local government to develop a clear assessment of the country’s skills need – and map pathways by which they can be filled.On 23 March, Government announced reforms that will get young people into well paid, high skilled, jobs in the construction sector by funding additional placements, establishing Technical Excellence Colleges, launching new foundation apprenticeships, and expanding Skills Bootcamps.

If she will make an assessment of recent trends in the levels of welding training courses available.

The department supports learners who wish to have a career in welding through our technical education offer, with a range of high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities available at all levels. This includes the level 2 welder apprenticeship standard and the plate welder and pipe welder apprenticeship standards at level 3. T Levels in engineering, manufacturing, processing and control are now being taught across the country, providing students with the core knowledge and skills in fabrication and welding technologies. Welding is predominately a level 2 occupational entry point and, at level 1 and 2, there are seventeen qualifications in welding available to young people and adults, including two new reformed level 2 technical qualifications approved for funding from 1 August 2025.

Media and Sport, what recent steps she has taken to help increase the number of tourists from Canada.

The UK Government is committed to strengthening tourism ties with Canada, recognising its importance as a key inbound market. Travellers from Canada made 37.2 million outbound visits in 2023, with a total international tourism expenditure of US$38.3 billion. In 2023, the UK welcomed a record 1.0 million visits from Canada. During the travellers’ visits, their total expenditure was a record £969.6 million, with an average spend of £966 per visit.DCMS works closely with VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, to promote the UK as a top destination for Canadian visitors. For example, VisitBritain has launched a new international marketing campaign this year - Starring Great Britain - to ensure that tourism remains a key driver of economic growth across the country.Additionally, the UK’s expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme with Canada from 2024 allows more young Canadians to live and work in the UK, generating deeper cultural connections and encouraging repeat visits.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of referring the sentencing of Nicholas Prosper to the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme allows the Law Officers to refer a sentence which appears unduly lenient to the Court of Appeal for it to review. If referred, the Court has the power to increase the sentence if it agrees that it is unduly lenient. There is a high threshold for a successful ULS reference. The sentence must be not just lenient but unduly so, for example if the sentencing judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range of sentences reasonably available in the circumstances of the offence. In this specific case, I can confirm my office has received a number of requests to review the sentencing of this individual under the ULS scheme. The Attorney General and I have 28 days from the date of sentence to consider the case and decide whether to refer it to the Court of Appeal.

What steps he is taking to increase trade between the UK and Canada.

The UK is taking various steps to strengthen our bilateral trade relationship with Canada, which was worth £27 billion in the 12 months to September 2024, up 7% on the previous 12 months.This includes our work with Canada on their ratification of the UK’s membership of the multilateral Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Once ratified, this will provide additional benefits for UK firms seeking to do business in Canada, building on our existing bilateral trade agreement with Canada which already supports trade between our two countries.

Whether she plans to update the national maritime security strategy, CP 724, published on 15 August 2022.

The Secretary of State for Transport has no current plans to publish a new national maritime security strategy. As announced by the PM, a new national security strategy will be published this summer.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the criteria used to determine the amount allocated for the Personal Expenses Allowance for residents in care homes.

The personal expenses allowance (PEA) sets the statutory minimum amount of income an individual residing in a care home must be left with after being charged for their care. These rates are reviewed annually, and local authorities also have the discretion to set higher rates where they choose.The 2025 Local Authority Circular, published on 3 March 2025, sets out that the rates of the PEA will be uprated in line with consumer price index (CPI) inflation for 2025/2026, to £30.65 per week.This aligns with the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024 announcement that benefits will be uprated in line with CPI inflation.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of school uniform costs on families in Slough.

The department published its latest research on the cost of school uniform in September 2024, which surveyed parents and carers of children aged 4 to 16 attending state-funded schools in England. The research can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms-survey-2023.This research found that the average total expenditure on school uniform and physical education (PE) kit, based on the items required in 2023, was £381.92. There were higher levels of expenditure for children in secondary schools, at £442.25, than in primary schools, at £343.28, and within both phases for girls (secondary: £454.31; primary: £357.28) compared to boys (secondary: £430.40; primary: £330.78).The data was sampled to be representative of the population at primary and secondary level. The sample size was not large enough to make robust comparisons at a regional level.Too many families still tell the department that the cost of school uniform remains a financial burden. ​This is why we have introduced legislation to limit the number of branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require to bring down costs for parents and remove barriers from children accessing sport and other school activities. This will give parents more choice in where to purchase uniform and allow them greater flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.

What recent discussions she has had with NatWest on the adequacy of the provision of its banking facilities in Slough.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the personal expenses allowance for residents of care homes.

The personal expenses allowance (PEA) sets the statutory minimum amount of income an individual residing in a care home must be left with after being charged for their care. These rates are reviewed annually, and local authorities also have the discretion to set higher rates where they choose.The 2025 Local Authority Circular, published on 3 March 2025, sets out that the rates of the PEA will be uprated in line with consumer price index (CPI) inflation for 2025/2026, to £30.65 per week.This aligns with the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024 announcement that benefits will be uprated in line with CPI inflation.

What the (a) proportion and (b) value was of steel from the (i) US and (ii) EU used in UK military shipbuilding in each of the last five years.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) contributes to the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) steel public procurement return. The information is published annually and can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/steel-public-procurement The data available from the information published includes steel purchased for MOD shipbuilding projects. The response to this question assumes that UK military shipbuilding relates solely to the building of surface warships, and does not include submarine construction. The tables below set out a summary of the details available, for each of the last five years. Data for Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 has not yet been published. The data gathered and subsequently published by DBT has matured and become more detailed since the start of publishing steel data for FY 2017-18 in January 2019. Therefore, the origin of the steel is only available for FY 2022-23. Financial Year 2022-23 ProjectSteel product typeEU / UK / USCountries of originValue of steel £Type 31Flat rolled, Plate, Sections & shapesEUFinland, Spain£41,850,500 Sections & shapes, Tubes/Pipes/Hollow sectionsUKUK£1,311,790 Type 26Plate, Sections & shapesEUSweden, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain£3,162,171 Plate, Sections & shapesUKUK£1,537,996 Financial Year 2021-22 ProjectSteel product typeCountries of originValue of steel £Type 31Plate, Bulb bar, SectionsNot detailed£43,600,000Type 26PlateNot detailed£465,498 Financial Year 2020-21 ProjectSteel product typeCountries of originValue of steel £Type 31Structural steel, SectionsNot detailed£391,949Type 26Plate, Sections, Sheet, Non-shipNot detailed£3,758,269 Financial Year 2019-20 ProjectSteel product typeCountries of originValue of steel £Type 26Various gradesNot detailed£3,401,994 Financial Year 2018-19 No steel was recorded as having been purchased in FY 2018-19 for any UK shipbuilding projects.

Whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to help ensure public access to cash.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

What steps she plans to take to help support small businesses with cash banking, in the context of trends in the number of closures of physical banks.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of bank closures on people requiring in person banking services in Slough.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of banking facilities in (a) Slough and (b) Berkshire.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

With reference to the oral statement by the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, columns 631 to 634, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the announcements on defence spending on the publication timescale for the new Defence Industrial Strategy.

This Government recognises the vital role the UK defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK. Raising defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP has the potential to enhance the security and economic prosperity of the entire UK. The announcement of increased defence spending does not affect the schedule for the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the availability of homeless shelter services in (a) Slough and (b) Thames Valley.

The government is clear levels of homelessness and rough sleeping are too high. As announced at the Budget, funding for homelessness services is increasing next year by £233 million compared to this year (2024/25). This increase brings total homelessness grant funding to nearly £1 billion in 2025/26. The eight local authorities in the Thames Valley area have been allocated a total of £23,007,657, including an allocation of £3,943,746 in Slough, through the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant in 2025/26. This funding is to enable local authorities to provide the services needed to tackle rough sleeping locally.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of access to cash.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance expects firms to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on their customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs and put in place alternatives where reasonable. This seeks to ensure that branch closures are implemented in a way that treats customers fairly. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and businesses, including in areas such as Slough and Berkshire, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. While the ongoing trend in payments in the UK has been away from cash and towards card and digital payment methods, the Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those who may be in vulnerable groups. Furthermore, businesses need access to cash deposit services in order to keep accepting cash and, therefore, support people’s ability to continue to transact using cash. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the FCA the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. In September 2024, The FCA introduced regulatory rules for access to cash. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts. Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 106 ATMs in Slough, including 70 free-to-use ATMs. Where a branch closure is announced or a community has submitted a cash access assessment request, LINK assesses a community’s access to cash withdrawal and deposit needs, and can recommend a new service if necessary. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding.

The potential impact of US steel tariffs on UK military shipbuilding is still being explored. The UK benefits from a strong and balanced trade relationship with the US and we continue to share a longstanding, close relationship on all defence issues.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with UK Export Finance on funding for the Mozambique liquefied natural gas project.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regularly engages with UK Export Finance officials on funding for the Liquified National Gas Project in Mozambique. UK Export Finance is currently in talks with project sponsors and other lenders regarding the latest status of the project. These discussions are commercially sensitive and remain ongoing.