Written questions, answers and statements

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of a national take up strategy for later life entitlements, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the affordability of compulsory school uniform items for families; and if she will consider introducing a (a) recommended maximum price (b) price cap for such items.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date his Department met with the Government of Mauritius to discuss the Chagos Islands deal in a) July, b) August and c) September 2026.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of school attendance Fixed Penalty Notices issued in the most recent year for which data is available were preceded by documented support interventions under the Department's suppor...

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for NHS capacity of the increase in the ophthalmology waiting list since July 2024 despite reductions in waiting lists across 20 of the NHS's 23 outpatient specialties; and...

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce the ophthalmology waiting list, including through expanding the use of optometry-led diagnostic and treatment pathways.

To ask His Majesty's Government which body will be accountable for assessing variation in waiting times for specialist interstitial lung disease centres between integrated care boards and between regions in England; and when that assessment will be made.

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to establishing a hospital helipad infrastructure contingency fund to address urgent funding requirements when unforeseen needs arise beyond the capacity of the HELP Appeal.