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1654250

registered interest
date	19/07/2023
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	Special Educational Needs: Sign Language
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Education, Health and Care Plans included funding for courses in British Sign Language in each of the last five years.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	195121
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/09/2023 answer text <p>Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans must specify the special educational provision required to meet each of the child or young person’s special educational needs. It is the responsibility of the local authority to secure the special educational provision specified in the plan. The department does not collect data on the specific types of special educational provision that are included in EHC plans.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Wantage answering member printed David Johnston question first answered 07/09/2023 12:57:29 answering member 4761 label Biography information for David Johnston
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1653498

registered interest
date	17/07/2023
answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
answering dept id	17
answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
hansard heading	Cancer: Screening
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent progress his Department has made on the rollout of the direct access scheme for GPs to order diagnostic tests for patients with symptoms of cancer.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	194458
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/07/2023 answer text <p>In November 2022, NHS England announced that general practitioners (GPs) would have direct access to a range of key diagnostic tests. NHS England is rolling out this direct access scheme across all GP practices in England for patients with concerning symptoms, but who fall outside the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline threshold for an urgent suspected cancer referral.</p><p>Phase 1 of the direct access scheme will deal with urgent cancer referral pathways, and Phase 2, which will be built up in 2023/24, will include a wider range of tests, which will involve dialogues with GPs, integrated care boards and key stakeholders.</p><p>Alongside this, the introduction of Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) provides additional diagnostic capacity, with 114 CDCs currently in operation, supporting primary care teams to boost the number of GP Direct Access tests available</p><p>NHS England continues to actively support those trusts requiring the greatest help to cut cancer waiting lists, and the Department is working with NHS England to make further improvements.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 20/07/2023 16:09:10 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1652719

registered interest
date	13/07/2023
answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
answering dept id	17
answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
hansard heading	Glioblastoma: Genetics
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the number and proportion of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who had received whole genome sequencing of their tumours before the end of 2022.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	193957
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2023 answer text <p>NHS England, supported by a Genomics Clinical Reference Group and Test Evaluation Working Groups, continually review the National Genomic Test Directory to keep pace with scientific and technological advances, while delivering value for money for the National Health Service. This review will include the genomic testing offer for patients with a suspected glioblastoma diagnosis, as per the eligibility criteria outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory.</p><p> </p><p>A robust, evidence-based process and policy is in place to ensure testing continues to be available for all patients for whom it would be of clinical benefit. The policy is available at the following link:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Updating-the-National-Genomic-Test-Directory-v1-Dec-2020.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Updating-the-National-Genomic-Test-Directory-v1-Dec-2020.pdf</a></p><p> </p><p>The performance of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service is monitored quarterly through an assurance framework, which ensures all seven NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs are operating to national quality standards. This identifies and minimises any potential variation and ensures consistent delivery of the criteria outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 18/07/2023 16:33:01 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1652720

registered interest
date	13/07/2023
answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
answering dept id	17
answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
hansard heading	Glioblastoma: Genetics
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of glioblastoma patients who are offered whole genome sequencing.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	193958
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2023 answer text <p>Genomic testing for glioblastoma is included in the National Genomic Test Directory. Testing can be delivered using a range of technologies, including whole genome sequencing or Next Generation Sequencing technology (large cancer gene panels) to ensure that a patient receives the most appropriate genomic testing depending on their individual circumstances. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory will be able to access this genomic testing.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, glioblastomas are one of four cancer indications included in an innovative £26 million programme, led by Genomics England in partnership with the National Health Service, to evaluate cutting-edge genomic sequencing technology to improve the accuracy and speed of cancer diagnosis.</p><p>Genomics England are also collaborating with a lead researcher to support research into glioblastomas through the Brain Matrix study. Patients who have consented to this study will have whole genome sequencing performed via the NHS Genomic Medicine Service. Further information about the study is available at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/media-centre/news/research-news/brain-matrix-pioneering-research-to-improve-treatments-for-gliomas/" target="_blank">https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/media-centre/news/research-news/brain-matrix-pioneering-research-to-improve-treatments-for-gliomas/</a></p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 18/07/2023 12:24:03 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1650830

registered interest
date	06/07/2023
answering body	Department for Education
answering dept id	60
answering dept short name	Education
answering dept sort name	Education
hansard heading	British Sign Language: Adult Education
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of British Sign Language classes for parents of (a) deaf children and (b) children with hearing loss who are ineligible for grants under the adult education budget; and what alternative steps the Government is taking to help support those parents to learn how to communicate with their children.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	192889
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/07/2023 answer text <p>The government has not assessed the accessibility of British Sign Language (BSL) classes for those who are ineligible for the adult education budget (AEB). However, the AEB targets a wide range of individuals, including, but not limited to, UK nationals, other non-UK nationals, certain EU nationals and their family members, and individuals with certain types of immigration status (such as refugee status and those with indefinite leave to remain) and some asylum seekers.</p><p>Funding is available through the AEB for qualifications in or focussing on BSL up to and including level 2. About 60% of the AEB has been devolved to Mayoral Combined Authorities and the Greater London Authority, who determine which provision to fund for learners who live in their areas. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) provides the remaining funding for learners who live in non-devolved areas, which includes St Ives Constituency.</p><p>ESFA funded AEB qualifications include, for example, the Level 1 Award in BSL which allows learners to communicate in BSL on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use, thereby giving them the basic skills and confidence in production and reception of BSL. It will depend on an individual’s circumstances as to whether they are entitled to free provision or expected to meet part of the cost, through co-funding. Where community learning providers offer BSL courses, those providers are responsible for determining the course fees, including levels of fee remission.</p><p>For parents learning BSL on an AEB funded course, there is also additional support available. The AEB provides funding to colleges and providers to help adult learners overcome barriers preventing them from accessing learning. Providers have discretion to help learners meet costs such as transport, accommodation, books, equipment, and childcare. Learning support funding also helps colleges and training providers to meet the additional needs of learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and the costs of reasonable adjustments, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency East Surrey answering member printed Claire Coutinho question first answered 12/07/2023 16:39:36 answering member 4806 label Biography information for Claire Coutinho
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1649624

registered interest
date	03/07/2023
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Court of Protection
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to make it easier for parents of young people with learning difficulties to apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	192127
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/07/2023 answer text <p>The Government is committed to addressing barriers to provide better support to all individuals who lack mental capacity.</p><p>For example, the Court of Protection has reviewed its application processes, and at the beginning of the year launched a new, simpler online system which has reduced wating times from 24 weeks to 8 weeks following the results of a successful pilot. We have also recently published new guidance for families on how to make financial decisions on behalf of a young person who lacks mental capacity, which includes a guide to the Court of Protection application process. Families may also now be eligible for a fee remission for their applications, even after their child has turned 18.</p><p>We will continue to review and revise the process and the court will continue to identify areas for improvement.</p> answering member constituency Finchley and Golders Green answering member printed Mike Freer question first answered 06/07/2023 09:09:34 answering member 4004 label Biography information for Mike Freer
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1648896

registered interest
date	29/06/2023
answering body	Ministry of Defence
answering dept id	11
answering dept short name	Defence
answering dept sort name	Defence
hansard heading	Reserve Forces: Recruitment
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of expanding the existing network of bases to facilitate recruitment to the reserve forces.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	191848
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/07/2023 answer text <p>The Armed Forces recruit nationally and do not operate a specific policy of increasing recruitment from particular geographic areas. Armed Forces Careers Offices and wider recruiting staff are spread across the UK and are complemented by dedicated call centres and online recruiting operations, ensuring that all communities have the same recruitment opportunities.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 06/07/2023 12:24:05 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1647772

registered interest
date	26/06/2023
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Uganda: Terrorism
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will (a) review sanctions on the Allied Democratic Forces leadership and (b) make an assessment of the potential merits of sanctioning additional bodies following the attack on Lhubirira Secondary School in Mpondwe.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	191184
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/06/2023 answer text <p>The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are designated under both the UN and UK domestic sanctions regimes. We do not speculate about future sanctions designations, as to do so might reduce their impact.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 29/06/2023 09:27:42 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1647776

registered interest
date	26/06/2023
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Democratic Republic of Congo: Uganda
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department plans to commission a new Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability assessment for the (a) Democratic Republic of Congo and (b) Uganda border regions.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	191185
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/06/2023 answer text <p>Conflict analysis is an integral way in which HMG ensures UK policy and programming is both effective and conflict sensitive. The last Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) assessment for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was in 2017. There has not been one undertaken for Uganda. There are no plans in place to commission a new JACS at present, but we regularly review the need for cross HMG conflict analysis and will continue to do so.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 29/06/2023 10:53:57 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1647806

registered interest
date	26/06/2023
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Nigeria: Human Rights
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recommendations the Government plans to make to the UN Human Rights Council for the Universal Periodic Review into Nigeria (a) overall and (b) on freedom of religion and belief.
tabling member constituency	St Ives
tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
uin	191189
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/06/2023 answer text <p>The UK Government strongly supports the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. We are committed to supporting Nigeria to protect human rights and provided recommendations on this during Nigeria's previous UPR in 2018, including on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). We will consider recommendations and advance questions as part of Nigeria's next UPR in early 2024, and once it has submitted its national report in October this year.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 29/06/2023 09:30:12 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas