Gregory Stafford MP: written questions 2026
267 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Water Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25251More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the UK Health Security Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate on the potential merits of for further research into inhalation and derma
Answer: The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenari...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25250More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing a requirement for households undertaking significant plumbing alterations to be provided with information on potential ch
Answer: The Water Fittings Regulations protect human health by preventing fittings from being installed, connected, arranged or used in such a manner that it causes or is likely to cause contamination of drinking water supplies. Defra would recommend that anyone...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25249More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of providing guidance to households on the potential impact of significant plumbing alterations on (a) water quality and
Answer: The Water Fittings Regulations protect human health by preventing fittings from being installed, connected, arranged or used in such a manner that it causes or is likely to cause contamination of drinking water supplies. Defra would recommend that anyone...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25248More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of additional independent research into potential inhalation and dermal exposure associated with domestic water supply arrang
Answer: The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenari...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25247More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has commissioned an assessment by a public body of potential inhalation and dermal exposure arising from domestic water supply arrangements.
Answer: The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenari...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25246More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason the precautionary principle was not applied in relation to potential inhalation and dermal exposure arising from domestic water supply arrangements.
Answer: The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenari...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 28 Aug 2026AnsweredUIN 25245More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the application of the precautionary principle to potential public health risks arising from domestic water supply arrangements.
Answer: The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) commissioned research in 2010 on the dermal and inhalation toxicity of regulated trihalomethanes (THM), which are byproducts of drinking water disinfection. The review found that even in "extreme exposure scenari...
Answered 8 Sept 2026
Original Parliament recordEndometriosis: EmploymentDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 13 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 18481More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the level of workforce understanding of endometriosis.
Answer: The Government acknowledges the challenges faced by women with endometriosis and the impact it can have on their lives, relationships, education, and participation in the workforce. We also recognise the importance of ensuring healthcare professionals are...
Answered 20 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordMBR Acres: DogsHome OfficeTabled 10 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 17916More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any inspections were undertaken by the Animals in Science Regulation Unit following reports concerning the welfare of dogs during the recent period of extreme temperatures at MBR Acres.
Answer: On 10 July 2026, the Animals in Science Regulation Unit carried out an announced visit to MBR Acres to inspect compliance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) following the recent period of high temperatures in Grea...
Answered 20 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordPigs: Animal HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 9 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 17667More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she intends to publish the consultation on phasing out the use of farrowing crates for sows.
Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given the hon. Member for Bolton South and Walkden on 10 July 2026, PQ UIN 15938.
Answered 16 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordPigs: Animal HousingDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 9 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 17666More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she can confirm that the forthcoming consultation on phasing out farrowing crates will be based on a transition to free farrowing systems rather than permitting the continued u
Answer: The recently published animal welfare strategy sets out that ending the use of farrowing crates is a key priority for this Government. We want to work with the industry to help them transition away from the use of farrowing crates to alternative systems: ...
Answered 16 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordChildren: Armed ForcesDepartment for EducationTabled 6 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16336More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her department has considered the potential merits of introducing a statutory requirement for all local authorities to appoint a lead officer for children from Armed Forces families, including those wit
Answer: We recognise that Armed Forces life may present particular challenges for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families, particularly because of the need to move regularly. As part of our consultation on reforms of the...
Answered 28 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordSpecial Educational Needs: Armed ForcesDepartment for EducationTabled 6 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16335More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of strengthening statutory guidance to local authorities on accepting existing assessments and plans when Service children with special or additio
Answer: We recognise that Armed Forces life may present particular challenges for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families, particularly because of the need to move regularly. As part of our consultation on reforms of the...
Answered 28 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordSpecial Educational Needs: Armed ForcesDepartment for EducationTabled 6 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16334More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what is the latest assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of access to special educational needs or disabilities provision on a) Armed Forces family satisfaction and b) personnel retention.
Answer: We recognise that Armed Forces life may present particular challenges for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families, particularly because of the need to move regularly. As part of our consultation on reforms of the...
Answered 28 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordInland Waterways and Rivers: SewageDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 2 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 900905More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Thames Water on the prevention of sewage overflows into rivers and waterways.
Answer: Between April 2025 and April 2026, the Environment Agency carried out more than 850 inspections of Thames Water assets, identifying breaches and driving improvements through enforcement action. We have also strengthened accountability, with Ofwat’s new ex...
Answered 9 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordChlorine: Health HazardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 30 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 14685More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether water companies are required to retain records of chlorine residual measurements taken at individual domestic properties.
Answer: Water companies are required to monitor for chlorine as set out in Schedule 3 of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016. Chlorine residual measurements are part of companies’ routine compliance sampling programmes and are recorded and submitted...
Answered 8 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordChlorine: Health HazardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 30 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 14684More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance is issued to water companies on monitoring chlorine residuals at consumers' taps following alterations to domestic plumbing arrangements.
Answer: Water companies are not obliged to conduct monitoring of any sort following alterations to domestic plumbing arrangements. If there is an issue, water companies can be asked to inspect the arrangements under the water fittings regulations.
Answered 8 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordWater Supply: Health HazardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 30 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 14683More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether any epidemiological studies commissioned or conducted by her Department have examined health outcomes associated with changes in household water-supply configuration from indir
Answer: Defra has not commissioned or conducted any epidemiological studies that have examined health outcomes associated with changes in household water-supply configuration from indirect tank-fed to direct mains-fed systems. Defra welcomes any new research find...
Answered 8 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordChlorine: Health HazardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 30 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 14682More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of absorption of chlorine or chlorine by-products through the skin or by inhalation during bathin
Answer: The Drinking Water Inspectorate has a consumer leaflet on chlorine which can be found here: Chlorine - Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Answered 8 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordChlorine: Health HazardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 30 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 14681More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research his Department has commissioned or reviewed since 2000 into potential health effects associated with long-term domestic exposure to chlorinated mains water through bathin
Answer: Chlorine has a long history of about 100 years of safe use for hygiene purposes worldwide. It is the most widely used disinfectant in the home. It is also a disinfectant used by the water industry to maintain hygienic conditions within the public water su...
Answered 8 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordSodium Valproate and Surgical Mesh Implants: CompensationDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 30 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 14674More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department intends to respond to the Patient Safety Commissioner's call for a decision on a compensation scheme for patients harmed by pelvic mesh and sodium valproate by 16th July 2026
Answer: The Patient Safety Commissioner wrote to the Prime Minister on 16 June, requesting information regarding internal and cross-Government discussions in relation to the Hughes Report, actions that have been taken beyond the Department, and the future plans r...
Answered 6 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordInsolvency: Domestic AbuseDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 18 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 11367More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the safeguards in the Insolvency Rules 2016 against the misuse of insolvency proceedings as an instrument of economic abuse or coercive contro
Answer: Insolvency proceedings are a regulated process designed to protect both debtors and creditors.An individual can only be declared bankrupt by a court order following the presentation of a bankruptcy petition. The process is overseen by the court through th...
Answered 26 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordInsolvency: Domestic AbuseDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 18 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 11366More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Insolvency Service is taking to (a) identify and (b) respond to cases in which (i) statutory demands and (ii) bankruptcy petitions are used as an instrument of economic abuse or coercive
Answer: Bankruptcy is generally considered a last resort due to its serious financial and legal consequences, but can also provide a route out of problem debt for vulnerable debtors. Creditors presenting a bankruptcy petition to the courts must meet strict requir...
Answered 26 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDomestic AbuseHome OfficeTabled 18 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 11365More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what data her Department holds on the number of domestic abuse reports closed or recorded as a Domestic Incident rather than as a recorded crime, on the basis that the conduct reported was financial o
Answer: The Home Office collects information from the police forces of England and Wales on the crime outcomes of domestic abuse-related offences. These are published annually by the Office for National Statistics. The most recent data, for the year ending March ...
Answered 29 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDomestic AbuseHome OfficeTabled 18 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 11354More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance the Home Office and the College of Policing have issued to ensure that frontline officers recognise coerced debt and the misuse of civil and insolvency proceedings as domestic abuse.
Answer: The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 makes clear that domestic abuse extends beyond physical injury to include non-physical forms of harm, including controlling or coercive behaviour and economic abuse, such as coerced debt.The College of Policing is the standard ...
Answered 29 Jun 2026
Original Parliament record
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