Written questions by Vaughan.

If he will provide an update on the status of the Royal Mail Statutory Scheme Pension deficit.

The administration of the Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme (RMSPS) is the responsibility of the Cabinet Office. The RMSPS was created in April 2012 when the UK government assumed responsibility for the historic liabilities (accrued before 2012) of the Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP). The scheme is closed to new members and further benefit accrual. It will continue to operate until all members and their beneficiaries have received their entitlements. The scheme holds no investment assets. All liabilities are met by annual parliamentary votes for funding. The RMSPS’ deficit at 31 March 2025 is £28.2 billion. This information can be found in the annual report and accounts:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/royal-mail-statutory-pension-scheme-2024-2025 It should be noted that on 22 April 2026, the Government announced the termination of the new Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme (RMSPS) contract with Capita. This decision was taken following Capita’s failure to meet critical transition milestones and IT automation requirements over an 18-month planning period. To ensure no member is detrimentally impacted, service delivery will continue under the existing contract while the Government assesses a new delivery model.

What commemorations are being planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1928.

We are very much aware of this significant milestone and the opportunity it represents; both for celebrating women being granted equal voting rights, and inspiring women and girls to get involved in politics. We are working with other Departments and with women’s organisations to determine the best ways to mark the occasion.

What steps he is taking to ensure that Government procurement practices help to promote ethical supply chains.

The Government expects the highest standards of conduct throughout public sector supply chains.The Procurement Act will strengthen the grounds on which unethical suppliers can be excluded and introduce a new debarment list.