Written questions by Perkins.

What steps he is taking to reduce the waiting time for children to access an autism spectrum disorder assessment.

NHS England publishes quarterly Autism Waiting Time Statistics, which are available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statisticsThese set out the waiting times for children to access an autism spectrum disorder assessment for each integrated care board (ICB) in England. These are statistics in development and do not yet represent a complete picture of waiting times for autism assessments in England. Work to determine which provider organisations should be submitting data for autistic people is ongoing.The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism has grown significantly in recent years and that people of all ages are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future, and reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus on improving early intervention and support.ICBs are responsible for planning and commissioning services to meet the needs of their local populations, including making decisions about how best to manage demand and capacity within available resources. The Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October 2025, was explicit that ICBs and providers are expected to optimise existing resources to reduce long waits for autism assessments and improve the quality of assessments by implementing existing and new guidance, as published.In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance/ This guidance intends to help the NHS improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service. In December 2025, we launched an independent review into the Prevalence and Support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. The review’s interim report, published at the end of March, sets out the evidence reviewed so far on prevalence, describes the impact of rising demand for diagnosis and support, identifies where the evidence is uncertain, and outlines the key questions for the next phase. It does not offer final conclusions or recommendations. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

What is the average waiting time for children to access an autism spectrum disorder assessment in each ICB area.

NHS England publishes quarterly Autism Waiting Time Statistics, which are available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statisticsThese set out the waiting times for children to access an autism spectrum disorder assessment for each integrated care board (ICB) in England. These are statistics in development and do not yet represent a complete picture of waiting times for autism assessments in England. Work to determine which provider organisations should be submitting data for autistic people is ongoing.The Government has recognised that, nationally, demand for assessments for autism has grown significantly in recent years and that people of all ages are experiencing severe delays for accessing such assessments. The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will make the National Health Service fit for the future, and reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities focus on improving early intervention and support.ICBs are responsible for planning and commissioning services to meet the needs of their local populations, including making decisions about how best to manage demand and capacity within available resources. The Medium-Term Planning Framework, published 24 October 2025, was explicit that ICBs and providers are expected to optimise existing resources to reduce long waits for autism assessments and improve the quality of assessments by implementing existing and new guidance, as published.In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services, which can be found at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/autism-diagnosis-and-operational-guidance/ This guidance intends to help the NHS improve autism assessment services and improve the experience for those referred to a service. In December 2025, we launched an independent review into the Prevalence and Support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. The review’s interim report, published at the end of March, sets out the evidence reviewed so far on prevalence, describes the impact of rising demand for diagnosis and support, identifies where the evidence is uncertain, and outlines the key questions for the next phase. It does not offer final conclusions or recommendations. The final report, due in the summer, will make recommendations on how the Government, the health system, and wider public services can respond to increasing demand for support more fairly and effectively so that people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

If the Government will introduce a statutory duty in England to calculate and take reasonable steps to maintain safe nurse staffing on adult acute wards, with ward-level public reporting and mandatory escalation when recognised staffing risk indicators are breached.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

How he plans to enforce new minimum NHS staff standards, and measure them at ward level.

The NHS Staff Standards will be mandatory. Trust performance against them will be measured via the NHS National Oversight Framework.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made with relevant Overseas Territories on developing clear, time-bound action plans to come into line with UK requirements and international standards on money laundering and transparency.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave on these issues at departmental oral questions on 21 April, and to my written ministerial statement updating the House on the outcome of discussions at the Joint Ministerial Council on 13 January (HCWS1237).

Food and Rural Affairs, what the total budget for Darwin Plus dedicated to the UK Overseas Territories will be in 2026.

Since 1 January 2024, the Darwin Plus programme had awarded nearly 130 projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories with a lifetime value of over £20 million across its four funding schemes. The full details of funded Darwin Plus projects can be found on the programme website at www.darwinplus.org.uk. Darwin Plus funding schemeNumber of projects awarded since 1 January 2024Lifetime value of projectsDarwin Plus Main24£9,942,990Darwin Plus Local94£4,002,814Darwin Plus Strategic2£5,564,500Darwin Plus People & Skills (previously named “Darwin Plus Fellowships”)8£602,180Total128£20,112,484 At the Joint Ministerial Council in November, the UK Government reaffirmed its joint ambition with the UK Overseas Territories to protect their ecosystems and address the climate and nature crises. The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy marks a new era of collaboration and communication between the UK and Territory governments, united for nature. Defra has now confirmed internal business planning allocations to its programmes leading to March 2029. The Darwin Plus programme’s plan for spending its allocation is currently progressing through Defra’s internal assurance processes before it is approved. This plan includes spending both for projects and to support the implementation of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy and reflects the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget as a result of the necessary increase in defence spending last year. Applications for Darwin Plus Local Round 6 are currently being reviewed internally and applicants will be kept informed of developments. No date has yet been confirmed for the next funding round of Darwin Plus. Defra will provide an update in due course, and information will be published on the Darwin Plus website once future rounds are scheduled to open.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reduction in Overseas Development Assistance funding on the allocation of funding for Darwin Plus in 2026.

Since 1 January 2024, the Darwin Plus programme had awarded nearly 130 projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories with a lifetime value of over £20 million across its four funding schemes. The full details of funded Darwin Plus projects can be found on the programme website at www.darwinplus.org.uk. Darwin Plus funding schemeNumber of projects awarded since 1 January 2024Lifetime value of projectsDarwin Plus Main24£9,942,990Darwin Plus Local94£4,002,814Darwin Plus Strategic2£5,564,500Darwin Plus People & Skills (previously named “Darwin Plus Fellowships”)8£602,180Total128£20,112,484 At the Joint Ministerial Council in November, the UK Government reaffirmed its joint ambition with the UK Overseas Territories to protect their ecosystems and address the climate and nature crises. The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy marks a new era of collaboration and communication between the UK and Territory governments, united for nature. Defra has now confirmed internal business planning allocations to its programmes leading to March 2029. The Darwin Plus programme’s plan for spending its allocation is currently progressing through Defra’s internal assurance processes before it is approved. This plan includes spending both for projects and to support the implementation of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy and reflects the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget as a result of the necessary increase in defence spending last year. Applications for Darwin Plus Local Round 6 are currently being reviewed internally and applicants will be kept informed of developments. No date has yet been confirmed for the next funding round of Darwin Plus. Defra will provide an update in due course, and information will be published on the Darwin Plus website once future rounds are scheduled to open.

Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding has been allocated to help deliver the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy.

Since 1 January 2024, the Darwin Plus programme had awarded nearly 130 projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories with a lifetime value of over £20 million across its four funding schemes. The full details of funded Darwin Plus projects can be found on the programme website at www.darwinplus.org.uk. Darwin Plus funding schemeNumber of projects awarded since 1 January 2024Lifetime value of projectsDarwin Plus Main24£9,942,990Darwin Plus Local94£4,002,814Darwin Plus Strategic2£5,564,500Darwin Plus People & Skills (previously named “Darwin Plus Fellowships”)8£602,180Total128£20,112,484 At the Joint Ministerial Council in November, the UK Government reaffirmed its joint ambition with the UK Overseas Territories to protect their ecosystems and address the climate and nature crises. The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy marks a new era of collaboration and communication between the UK and Territory governments, united for nature. Defra has now confirmed internal business planning allocations to its programmes leading to March 2029. The Darwin Plus programme’s plan for spending its allocation is currently progressing through Defra’s internal assurance processes before it is approved. This plan includes spending both for projects and to support the implementation of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy and reflects the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget as a result of the necessary increase in defence spending last year. Applications for Darwin Plus Local Round 6 are currently being reviewed internally and applicants will be kept informed of developments. No date has yet been confirmed for the next funding round of Darwin Plus. Defra will provide an update in due course, and information will be published on the Darwin Plus website once future rounds are scheduled to open.

Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Government's document entitled Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, published on 20 January 2026, which teams a) produced the key judgements listed on page 2, b) produced the assessments outlined on pages 9 and 10 and c) conducted the literature review and workshops mentioned on page 12.

The Government published the Nature Security Assessment on 20 January. It is a cross-government strategic analysis and was not produced by any single department. The assessment brings together expertise from teams across the Government, combining scientific evidence, policy analysis and national security judgment to inform long-term resilience and security planning. This assessment builds on existing cross-government work to strengthen understanding of how biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation can affect national and global stability. It forms part of routine cross-government resilience planning and complements the National Security Strategy, National Risk Register, and Chronic Risks Analysis.

Food and Rural Affairs, when applications will be open for the 2026 round of Darwin Plus Main and Darwin Plus Strategic funds.

Since 1 January 2024, the Darwin Plus programme had awarded nearly 130 projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories with a lifetime value of over £20 million across its four funding schemes. The full details of funded Darwin Plus projects can be found on the programme website at www.darwinplus.org.uk. Darwin Plus funding schemeNumber of projects awarded since 1 January 2024Lifetime value of projectsDarwin Plus Main24£9,942,990Darwin Plus Local94£4,002,814Darwin Plus Strategic2£5,564,500Darwin Plus People & Skills (previously named “Darwin Plus Fellowships”)8£602,180Total128£20,112,484 At the Joint Ministerial Council in November, the UK Government reaffirmed its joint ambition with the UK Overseas Territories to protect their ecosystems and address the climate and nature crises. The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy marks a new era of collaboration and communication between the UK and Territory governments, united for nature. Defra has now confirmed internal business planning allocations to its programmes leading to March 2029. The Darwin Plus programme’s plan for spending its allocation is currently progressing through Defra’s internal assurance processes before it is approved. This plan includes spending both for projects and to support the implementation of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy and reflects the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget as a result of the necessary increase in defence spending last year. Applications for Darwin Plus Local Round 6 are currently being reviewed internally and applicants will be kept informed of developments. No date has yet been confirmed for the next funding round of Darwin Plus. Defra will provide an update in due course, and information will be published on the Darwin Plus website once future rounds are scheduled to open.

Food and Rural Affairs, which Departments commissioned the Government's document entitled Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, published on 20 January 2026.

The Government published the Nature Security Assessment on 20 January. It is a cross-government strategic analysis and was not produced by any single department. The assessment brings together expertise from teams across the Government, combining scientific evidence, policy analysis and national security judgment to inform long-term resilience and security planning. This assessment builds on existing cross-government work to strengthen understanding of how biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation can affect national and global stability. It forms part of routine cross-government resilience planning and complements the National Security Strategy, National Risk Register, and Chronic Risks Analysis.

Food and Rural Affairs, what projects have been funded and for what amount since 1 January 2024 under a) the Darwin Plus Local, b) Darwin Plus Main and c) Darwin Plus Strategic funding schemes.

Since 1 January 2024, the Darwin Plus programme had awarded nearly 130 projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories with a lifetime value of over £20 million across its four funding schemes. The full details of funded Darwin Plus projects can be found on the programme website at www.darwinplus.org.uk. Darwin Plus funding schemeNumber of projects awarded since 1 January 2024Lifetime value of projectsDarwin Plus Main24£9,942,990Darwin Plus Local94£4,002,814Darwin Plus Strategic2£5,564,500Darwin Plus People & Skills (previously named “Darwin Plus Fellowships”)8£602,180Total128£20,112,484 At the Joint Ministerial Council in November, the UK Government reaffirmed its joint ambition with the UK Overseas Territories to protect their ecosystems and address the climate and nature crises. The new UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy marks a new era of collaboration and communication between the UK and Territory governments, united for nature. Defra has now confirmed internal business planning allocations to its programmes leading to March 2029. The Darwin Plus programme’s plan for spending its allocation is currently progressing through Defra’s internal assurance processes before it is approved. This plan includes spending both for projects and to support the implementation of the UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy and reflects the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget as a result of the necessary increase in defence spending last year. Applications for Darwin Plus Local Round 6 are currently being reviewed internally and applicants will be kept informed of developments. No date has yet been confirmed for the next funding round of Darwin Plus. Defra will provide an update in due course, and information will be published on the Darwin Plus website once future rounds are scheduled to open.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she plans to take to encourage industry to stop the practice of culling male laying hen chicks.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 January 2026 to the hon. Member for Mid Dorset and North Poole, PQ UIN 105878.

What estimate he has made of the completion rate of apprenticeships since the introduction of end point assessment.

The apprenticeship ‘National achievement rate tables’ are published in the Apprenticeships statistics publications.Academic YearsLink2017/18 and 2018/19https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/6ec3295a-7b23-401b-7d16-08de89b19a352019/20 and 2020/21https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f46f50b3-ab4e-41ea-cd9e-08de94ac311c2021/22 and 2022/23https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/12038166-ced9-4d01-d48e-08de94ac41332023/24 and 2024/25https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/d8f3a9eb-44d8-4f4d-cda2-08de94ac311c

If he will make an estimate of the potential impact of the expiry of the Renewables Obligation scheme in April 2027 on the number of landfill gas to energy plant closures.

The Department recognises that the planned expiry of Renewables Obligation accreditation in April 2027 for many landfill gas generators, could affect their commercial viability. The Government is exploring implementation of a long-term methane capture scheme with appropriate transitional arrangements. DESNZ, with support from Defra, intend to consult on a potential transitional arrangement later this year. Any support provided will be subject to rigorous value for money and impact assessments.

What information her Department holds on which EU countries have imposed a Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF cap within their SAF mandate.

Significant analysis was undertaken during the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate. Government considered global production capacity and the UK’s ability to access SAF for a range of SAF conversion processes, including hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). To ensure the SAF Mandate reflects the latest technological and commercial developments, there is continuous monitoring of trends and impacts of the Mandate. HEFA will play an important role in the global SAF sector, particularly in the early years of the Mandate. However, the HEFA cap is to encourage the development of new technology pathways so that meeting the SAF Mandate is not reliant on HEFA feedstocks, which are likely to become scarcer. We have carefully balanced setting the HEFA cap in a way that recognises the fact HEFA is the only currently commercially available type of SAF to mitigate against unintended consequences. The corresponding EU SAF Mandate does not place a cap on HEFA, however, the EU’s overarching Renewable Energy Directive does place a limit on certain feedstocks that can be used across transport uses. Officials regularly engage with European counterparts and stakeholders to understand policy developments in the EU and share learnings from SAF policy.

For what reason there is a Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF cap within the SAF mandate.

Significant analysis was undertaken during the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate. Government considered global production capacity and the UK’s ability to access SAF for a range of SAF conversion processes, including hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). To ensure the SAF Mandate reflects the latest technological and commercial developments, there is continuous monitoring of trends and impacts of the Mandate. HEFA will play an important role in the global SAF sector, particularly in the early years of the Mandate. However, the HEFA cap is to encourage the development of new technology pathways so that meeting the SAF Mandate is not reliant on HEFA feedstocks, which are likely to become scarcer. We have carefully balanced setting the HEFA cap in a way that recognises the fact HEFA is the only currently commercially available type of SAF to mitigate against unintended consequences. The corresponding EU SAF Mandate does not place a cap on HEFA, however, the EU’s overarching Renewable Energy Directive does place a limit on certain feedstocks that can be used across transport uses. Officials regularly engage with European counterparts and stakeholders to understand policy developments in the EU and share learnings from SAF policy.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the definition of hunting in the Hunting Act 2004.

The department has made no such assessment.

What conversations she has had with her European counterparts about the UK’s cap on Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF within the SAF mandate.

Significant analysis was undertaken during the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate. Government considered global production capacity and the UK’s ability to access SAF for a range of SAF conversion processes, including hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). To ensure the SAF Mandate reflects the latest technological and commercial developments, there is continuous monitoring of trends and impacts of the Mandate. HEFA will play an important role in the global SAF sector, particularly in the early years of the Mandate. However, the HEFA cap is to encourage the development of new technology pathways so that meeting the SAF Mandate is not reliant on HEFA feedstocks, which are likely to become scarcer. We have carefully balanced setting the HEFA cap in a way that recognises the fact HEFA is the only currently commercially available type of SAF to mitigate against unintended consequences. The corresponding EU SAF Mandate does not place a cap on HEFA, however, the EU’s overarching Renewable Energy Directive does place a limit on certain feedstocks that can be used across transport uses. Officials regularly engage with European counterparts and stakeholders to understand policy developments in the EU and share learnings from SAF policy.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the cap on Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on fulfilling the SAF mandate.

Significant analysis was undertaken during the development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate. Government considered global production capacity and the UK’s ability to access SAF for a range of SAF conversion processes, including hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). To ensure the SAF Mandate reflects the latest technological and commercial developments, there is continuous monitoring of trends and impacts of the Mandate. HEFA will play an important role in the global SAF sector, particularly in the early years of the Mandate. However, the HEFA cap is to encourage the development of new technology pathways so that meeting the SAF Mandate is not reliant on HEFA feedstocks, which are likely to become scarcer. We have carefully balanced setting the HEFA cap in a way that recognises the fact HEFA is the only currently commercially available type of SAF to mitigate against unintended consequences. The corresponding EU SAF Mandate does not place a cap on HEFA, however, the EU’s overarching Renewable Energy Directive does place a limit on certain feedstocks that can be used across transport uses. Officials regularly engage with European counterparts and stakeholders to understand policy developments in the EU and share learnings from SAF policy.