Ruth Jones MP: written questions
507 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Motability: Excise DutiesTreasuryTabled 11 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 99251More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a) changes to Vehicle Exercise Duty and b) introduction of a Electric Vehicle Excise Duty on users of the Motability scheme leasing an electric vehicle.
Answer: As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay...
Answered 18 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordMotability: WheelchairsDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 11 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 99250More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Government's changes to the Motability scheme on wheelchair users who do not use a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Answer: The Motability Scheme is a lifeline for many disabled people and families, supporting their independence by enabling them to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for an eligible disability benefit allowance...
Answered 18 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordAnimal ExperimentsDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 10 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 98967More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with OECD) about updating the OECD counterparts on recognised methods for assessing toxicity in the context of the Government's commitment to phase out the
Answer: The UK has OECD representatives who were involved in developing our strategy to replace animals in science, and will be involved in its delivery. The strategy groups animal tests according to their readiness for replacement, based on maturity of potential...
Answered 18 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordBreast Cancer: ScreeningDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 10 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 98943More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with Welsh Government counterparts about sharing best practice around increasing screening uptake for breast cancer.
Answer: The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) advises ministers and the National Health Service in the four nations of the United Kingdom about all aspects of screening. The implementation of any UK NSC screening recommendation is a devolved matter.
Answered 19 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordSouth Asia: Religious FreedomForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 98889More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the level of discrimination affecting religious-minority women in the garment sector
Answer: We remain concerned by the discrimination that affects religious minority women in South Asia's garment sector, and we continue to advocate for their fair treatment, equal opportunities and safe working conditions. UK-funded programmes across South Asia a...
Answered 18 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordBreast Cancer: Medical TreatmentsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97925More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what action his Department is taking to ensure that 85 per cent of breast cancer patients start treatment within 62 days of urgent referral.
Answer: We will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. The Government is investing an extra £26 billion in the NHS ...
Answered 5 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordBreast Cancer: DiagnosisDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97924More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase clinic capacity to help ensure that urgent breast referrals meet the 28 day Faster Diagnosis Standard.
Answer: We will support the National Health Service to increase capacity to meet the demand for diagnostic services through investment in new magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanners. The Government is investing an extra £26 billion in the NHS ...
Answered 5 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordBreast Cancer: ScreeningDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97923More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when NHS England will publish the breast screening uptake improvement plan.
Answer: In 2026, NHS England is planning to publish a Breast Screening Programme Uptake Improvement Review to help improve uptake and address inequalities.They aim to publish a review of actions taken at a national level by the NHS Breast Screening Programme so f...
Answered 5 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordDigital Technology: DisadvantagedDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97916More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when will her Department publish the Government's response to its call for evidence following the publishing of its Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps.
Answer: The Government wants everyone to benefit from the digital world—whether that’s saving money on bills, finding a better job, or accessing vital services like the NHS more easily.On 17 July the government published a summary of responses to our call for evi...
Answered 15 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordDigital Technology: DisadvantagedDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97915More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she had with (a) the Financial Conduct Authority, (b) Ofwat, (c) Ofgem and (d) Ofcom on ensuring (i) services are accessible to residents who are not online and (ii) is
Answer: Digital inclusion can transform people’s lives for the better. Families can save money on their groceries and energy bills when they shop online; those looking for work can find better job opportunities and earn more; and people can more easily access the...
Answered 16 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordElectronic GovernmentDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97913More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she taking to assess the digital inclusivity of services offered through (a) Gov.uk and (b) the wider public sector.
Answer: Central Government assesses digital inclusivity of GOV.UK and wider public sector services through service assessment teams within GDS and Departments. These teams review services against the Government Service Standard, requiring user research with diver...
Answered 16 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordDigital Technology: DisadvantagedDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97912More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with the Chancellor the Exchequer on funding to support delivery of the long-term objectives in the Digital Inclusion Action Plan.
Answer: DSIT ministers and officials have worked closely with His Majesty’s Treasury to secure funding for digital inclusion that demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering digital inclusion for everyone across the UK, regardless of their circumstance...
Answered 15 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordMotabilityDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97888More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to the Motability scheme on the lived experience of users.
Answer: The package of reforms to the Motability Scheme announced as part of the Budget will ensure the Scheme delivers fairness for the taxpayer, while continuing to support disabled people. The Scheme will continue to offer a choice of affordable vehicles to me...
Answered 15 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordMotabilityDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 8 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 97887More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he intends to meet representatives of the Motability Collective Campaign Group.
Answer: Ministers regularly meet representative groups of a range of types and every request to meet a Minister is given consideration.
Answered 15 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordAnimal ExperimentsDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 3 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 96753More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of animal-free tests such as the AcutoX for phasing out the LD50 test.
Answer: The strategy uses ‘baskets’ to group animal tests according to their readiness for replacement, based on maturity of potential alternative methods. These initial baskets will be refined in consultation with stakeholders, noting that two LD/LC50 tests are ...
Answered 10 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordAnimal ExperimentsHome OfficeTabled 3 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 96751More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the number of animals involved in LD50 tests by type of animal; and what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of those tests.
Answer: The Home Office publishes detailed annual statistics on the use of animals in science, including procedures for acute and sub-toxicity testing methods such as LD50 (Lethal Dose 50) and LC50 (Lethal Concentration 50). According to the latest published figu...
Answered 10 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordAnimal ExperimentsDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 3 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 96750More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to accelerate the phasing out of the use of the LD50 test; and if she will set out a timetable for that phasing out.
Answer: The strategy uses ‘baskets’ to group animal tests according to their readiness for replacement, based on maturity of potential alternative methods. These initial baskets will be refined in consultation with stakeholders, noting that two LD/LC50 tests are ...
Answered 10 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordShellfish: Animal Welfare and ConservationDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 2 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 96253More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the current legal protection regime for decapod crustaceans; and what steps is she taking to strengthen protections of the welfare of de
Answer: The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod crustaceans. Defra has commissioned research to address a knowledge gap about how live decapods move from sea to plate. This is due to fin...
Answered 8 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordShellfish: Animal WelfareDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 2 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 96220More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to protect the welfare of live decapod crustaceans while held in commercial premises prior to sale.
Answer: The Government is committed to an evidence-based and proportionate approach to setting welfare standards for decapod crustaceans. Defra has commissioned research to address a knowledge gap about how live decapods move from sea to plate. This is due to fin...
Answered 9 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordCuba: Gender Based ViolenceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 1 Dec 2025AnsweredUIN 95869More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Cuban counterpart on reports of gender-based violence against women human rights defenders.
Answer: Our relationship with Cuba allows for frank dialogue, including on matters on which we do not agree. Our Ambassador in Havana has raised recent human rights cases with the Ministry of External Relations, and we work with likeminded partners to make clear ...
Answered 8 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordMotabilityDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 28 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 95448More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Government's proposed changes to Motability on those with standard leases.
Answer: The Motability Scheme will continue to offer a choice of vehicles to meet a range of accessibility needs. The Scheme will continue to offer vehicles which require no advance payment, meaning that people will be able to access a suitable vehicle using only...
Answered 8 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordLivestock: Animal WelfareDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 27 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 95228More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to page 89 of the Annual Report for 2023 on Official Controls performed in Great Britain under the OCR Multi-Annual National Control Plan published by her Department, wh
Answer: The reference to game birds (p89) in the Multi Annual National Control Plan reflects increased public interest in a relatively new and emerging area of welfare oversight. In contrast, farmed livestock have long been a priority for both regulators and the ...
Answered 4 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordLivestock: Animal WelfareDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 27 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 95227More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to page 89 of the Annual Report for 2023 on Official Controls performed in Great Britain under the OCR Multi-Annual National Control Plan, what assessment she has made o
Answer: The Annual Report notes that inspection frequency for game bird establishments was increased in response to public interest. This was an exceptional measure for that sector.Public perception is an important consideration, but for livestock farms animal we...
Answered 4 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordFarms and Slaughterhouses: InspectionsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 27 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 95222More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of a) farms and b) slaughterhouses are inspected each year; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that proportion on animal welfare standards.
Answer: a). In 2023, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) undertook 1381 visits, inspecting 3001 herd and flocks. APHA operates an intelligence- and risk-based inspection regime, prioritising cases where significant animal suffering has been identified. Ther...
Answered 5 Dec 2025
Original Parliament recordSlaughterhouses: InspectionsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 27 Nov 2025AnsweredUIN 95220More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she will consider increasing the transparency of operations by the Animal and Plant Health Agency in line with the Food Standards Agency's audits of slaughterhouses.
Answer: The Government acknowledges the importance of transparency in animal welfare regulation. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) publish details of successful prosecutions in its annual report to Parliament, as required by Section 80 of the Animal Healt...
Answered 4 Dec 2025
Original Parliament record
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