Mike Reader MP: written questions
73 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Sickle Cell Diseases: PrescriptionsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 24963More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate her Department has made of the cost to the public purse of adding sickle cell disease to the list of medical conditions conferring exemption from prescription charges; and what estima
Answer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to the Hon Member for North Devon on 18 August in response to Question 18253.No specific estimates regarding this matter have been made.
Answered 9 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordPrescriptions: Fees and ChargesDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 24962More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the equity implications of the list of medical conditions conferring exemption from prescription charges; and whether she has made an assessment of the po
Answer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to the Hon Member for North Devon on 18 August in response to Question 18253.No specific estimates regarding this matter have been made.
Answered 9 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordHeating: VATTreasuryTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8389More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending 0% VAT relief to clean heating technologies such as heat batteries, including on initial costs, the number of households adopting low-carbon heating
Answer: The Government is supporting heat batteries by including them in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a £2,500 grant to support homes that are not suitable for heat pumps. Heat batteries will become eligible once new product and installation standards are in p...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHeating: VATTreasuryTabled 9 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 8388More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending 0% VAT relief to clean heating technologies, including heat batteries.
Answer: The Government is supporting heat batteries by including them in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a £2,500 grant to support homes that are not suitable for heat pumps. Heat batteries will become eligible once new product and installation standards are in p...
Answered 17 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordTimber: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 3 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6613More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the quantity of (a) commercial forest timber and (b) waste wood products that will be needed to achieve the government’s target of 1.5million
Answer: We recognise the important role timber can play in supporting Net Zero, including through reducing embodied emissions in construction and storing carbon. The Government relaunched a more ambitious Timber in Construction Roadmap in February 2025 to increas...
Answered 8 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordTimber: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 3 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6611More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the extent to which imported timber will be used in future housing construction.
Answer: We recognise the important role timber can play in supporting Net Zero, including through reducing embodied emissions in construction and storing carbon. The Government relaunched a more ambitious Timber in Construction Roadmap in February 2025 to increas...
Answered 8 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordTimber: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 3 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 6610More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the volume of structural timber required to meet the government’s housing delivery ambitions during this Parliament.
Answer: We recognise the important role timber can play in supporting Net Zero, including through reducing embodied emissions in construction and storing carbon. The Government relaunched a more ambitious Timber in Construction Roadmap in February 2025 to increas...
Answered 8 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordGovernment Departments: CateringDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 1 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 5799More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her department will update the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services to require applicable government agencies to purchase higher welfare products, including ca
Answer: The National Procurement Policy Statement underscores the government’s commitment to increasing procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises, including sourcing products...
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordGovernment Departments: CateringDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 1 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 5798More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department will be strengthening the animal welfare provisions of the Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services.
Answer: The National Procurement Policy Statement underscores the government’s commitment to increasing procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises, including sourcing products...
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordGovernment Departments: CateringDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 1 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 5797More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when her Department expects to implement the policy of requiring government catering contracts to favour high-quality, high-welfare products.
Answer: The National Procurement Policy Statement underscores the government’s commitment to increasing procurement of food that meets higher environmental standards, supporting local suppliers and upholding ethical sourcing practises, including sourcing products...
Answered 10 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordPalace of Westminster: Repairs and MaintenanceDepartment for EducationTabled 27 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129924More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she has considered the skills needed for the Restoration and Renewal Programme and the funding of FE courses that contribute to the skills base required for the Programme.
Answer: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordLocal Housing Allowance: Older PeopleDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 27 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129923More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he has assessed the potential impact of the freeze on Local Housing Allowance on levels of poverty among older private renters.
Answer: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordFood: Supply ChainsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 27 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129922More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the cost of regulation introduced since 2019 on the food and drink supply chain, including in farming, manufacturing,
Answer: Food and drink inflation is determined by a range of factors and it is not always possible to isolate the direct impact of regulation on food prices. However, Defra is taking action to reduce cost pressures in the food system, including from regulation. I...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordFood: Manufacturing IndustriesTreasuryTabled 27 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129921More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing support for food and drink manufacturers.
Answer: The Government recognises the important role that food and drink manufacturers play in growing our economy, accounting for £37 billion in Gross Value Added in 2023. We understand, and are taking seriously, the possible impacts of the conflict in the Middl...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordHealth Lottery: OwnershipDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 24 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129791More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Gambling Commission on the suitability of the current ownership arrangements of the Health Lottery.
Answer: DCMS Ministers and officials have had no discussions with the Gambling Commission on the ownership arrangements of the Health Lottery.
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordNational LotteryDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129034More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the transformation of the National Lottery.
Answer: The National Lottery is a national institution and a unique source of national pride and funding for good causes. It is a huge contributor to the Government’s Plan for Change, providing £1.9 billion in 2024/25 to the arts, heritage, sport and community se...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordGambling Commission: Public AppointmentsDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129033More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her planned timetable is for appointing a permanent Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission.
Answer: The appointment of a permanent Chief Executive is a matter for the Gambling Commission. The Commission will identify a preferred candidate, with the appointment subject to the Secretary of State approving the terms and conditions. Officials are in regular...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordNational Lottery Community FundDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 21 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129032More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the time taken to complete the National Lottery licence transition on the change in the amount of funding provided through the National Lotte
Answer: Allwyn, as the new operator of the National Lottery, has successfully delivered its technical transformation programme. This marks the biggest investment in the National Lottery since 2009, and will support Allwyn’s commitment to double weekly good cause ...
Answered 29 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordFinancial Services: RegulationTreasuryTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126177More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what role her Department has in (a) monitoring and (b) supporting the governance and accountability of bodies established following Competition and Markets Authority remedies, where those bodies are funded by regula
Answer: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for ensuring that the obligations under Part 2 of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order (the Order), and the accompanying Agreed Arrangements, are satisfied. The Government is aware that O...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordOpen BankingTreasuryTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126176More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that decisions relating to the future regulatory framework for Open Banking and Open Finance reflect high standards of governance, transparency, and employment protectio
Answer: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for ensuring that the obligations under Part 2 of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order (the Order), and the accompanying Agreed Arrangements, are satisfied. The Government is aware that O...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordOpen Banking: Conditions of EmploymentTreasuryTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126175More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the CMA9 banks on the potential impact of reported employment practices at Open Banking Limited on public and industry confidence in the Open Banking and Open Finance framework.
Answer: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for ensuring that the obligations under Part 2 of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order (the Order), and the accompanying Agreed Arrangements, are satisfied. The Government is aware that O...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordOpen BankingTreasuryTabled 10 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 126174More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has held discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on the adequacy of Open Banking Limited's governance and accountability arrangements in the context of its role in open banking
Answer: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for ensuring that the obligations under Part 2 of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order (the Order), and the accompanying Agreed Arrangements, are satisfied. The Government is aware that O...
Answered 20 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordNeurological Diseases: Health ServicesDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 24 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 123473More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to develop a modern service framework for neurological conditions; and what steps he is taking to attract, train and retain specialist healthcare professionals for Parkinson’s.
Answer: The first wave of modern service frameworks will include cardiovascular disease, sepsis, mental health, palliative care and end-of-life care, and dementia and frailty. The Government will consider other conditions with significant health and economic impa...
Answered 7 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordEndometriosis: Diagnosis and Health EducationDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 26 Feb 2026AnsweredUIN 116399More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what work the Government is undertaking with regulators and professional bodies to strengthen expectations around endometriosis education and diagnosis.
Answer: The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it has on their lives, their relationships, and their participation in education and the workforce.The Government also acknowledges the importance of ensuring heal...
Answered 9 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordPlanning: Flood Control and SewersMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 2 Feb 2026AnsweredUIN 110273More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his planned timeframe is for consulting on national planning policy related to decision-making, including policies on flood risk and sustainable drainage systems.
Answer: The government is currently consulting on a new National Planning Policy Framework that includes clearer, ‘rules based’ policies for decision-making and plan-making. The consultation will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026 and can be found on g...
Answered 10 Feb 2026
Original Parliament record
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