Julian Smith MP: written questions 2026
187 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Rural Areas: CrimeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16404More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to tackle rural crime.
Answer: This Government is committed to tackling rural crime and safeguarding rural communities. That is why Defra has worked closely with the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to deliver the 2025-28 Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy which was p...
Answered 14 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordFertilisersDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16403More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure the availability of nitrogen fertilisers.
Answer: The UK supply is sufficient for this season. The UK sources fertiliser both domestically and through diverse imports, helping to keep supply chains flexible and maintain a diverse nutrient supply. Fertiliser prices have stabilised and slightly reduced in ...
Answered 14 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordFertilisers: UK Carbon Border Adjustment MechanismDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16402More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on the availability of fertiliser.
Answer: The Government remains committed to implementing CBAM from 1 January 2027. This will support UK decarbonisation efforts to lead to a true reduction in global emissions and give industry confidence to invest in the UK knowing their decarbonisation efforts ...
Answered 14 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordAgriculture: British Industrial Competitiveness SchemeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 7 Jul 2026AnsweredUIN 16401More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to include the agricultural sector.
Answer: BICS is a targeted scheme designed to support a defined group of sectors within the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors (IS-8), where electricity cost relief is expected to have the greatest impact on growth; and within that, focusing on manufacturing ac...
Answered 13 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordVisitor LevyTreasuryTabled 25 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 900762More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the introduction of an overnight visitor levy on hospitality businesses.
Answer: The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy. The precise design and scope of the power ...
Answered 2 Jul 2026
Original Parliament recordYorkshire Dales National Park Authority: StandardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 10602More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will commission an independent review of the adequacy of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's internal audit and risk management arrangements in the context
Answer: There are currently no plans to commission an independent review of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's internal audit and risk management arrangements. This Government recognises the importance of providing access to nature for people’s health ...
Answered 25 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordYorkshire Dales National Park Authority: StandardsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 10601More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the performance of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in relation to its statutory duty under section 62 of the Envi
Answer: Defra monitors and reviews delivery of each National Park Authority, in line with its grant agreement and their statutory National Park Management Plan. These plans are developed and agreed in partnership with local organisations and communities and show ...
Answered 25 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordYorkshire Dales National Park AuthorityDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 10600More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) direct and (b) indirect public funding the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has received for programmes designed to increase visitor numbers from ethnic minority and un
Answer: Between 2022 and 2026, England’s 44 Protected Landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales, received £15.47 million capital funding under the Access for All programme. The programme was designed to make Protected Landscapes more accessible to people of all a...
Answered 26 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: North YorkshireDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 15 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 9564More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of how the hospitality sector supports local economies and tourism in North Yorkshire, and what support is available to help the sector remain resilient in the long term.
Answer: The Government has not made a specific assessment of how the hospitality sector supports local economies and tourism in North Yorkshire. The Government recognises the hospitality sector’s vital role in supporting local economies, tourism, and high streets...
Answered 22 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: VATTreasuryTabled 15 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 9563More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she is considering reducing VAT for the hospitality sector.
Answer: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Reduced rates of VAT come at a significant cost to the Exchequer and reduce the revenue available for vital public services. Any reduction in ta...
Answered 22 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: VATTreasuryTabled 15 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 9562More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reducing the rate of VAT for the hospitality sector on (a) business viability, (b) job retention, and (c) the affordability of food and drink for consumers.
Answer: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Reduced rates of VAT come at a significant cost to the Exchequer and reduce the revenue available for vital public services. Any reduction in ta...
Answered 22 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDriving Instruction: TrainingDepartment for TransportTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7414More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that trainee driving instructors are able to complete the Approved Driving Instructor qualification process within the validity period of their theory test certific
Answer: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has seen unprecedented numbers of applications from people wishing to become approved driving instructors (ADI) - a 152% increase since 2018-19. Alongside this, the pass rate for the part 3 test has declined,...
Answered 15 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDriving Instruction: TrainingDepartment for TransportTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7413More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has assessed the effect of delays in Part 2 driving instructor qualification tests on the supply of qualified driving instructors and access to driving lessons for learner drivers.
Answer: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has seen unprecedented numbers of applications from people wishing to become approved driving instructors (ADI) - a 152% increase since 2018-19. Alongside this, the pass rate for the part 3 test has declined,...
Answered 15 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordDriving Instruction: TrainingDepartment for TransportTabled 8 Jun 2026AnsweredUIN 7412More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of recent changes to DVSA driving instructor test allocations on waiting times for Part 2 Approved Driving Instructor qualification tests.
Answer: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has seen unprecedented numbers of applications from people wishing to become approved driving instructors (ADI) - a 152% increase since 2018-19. Alongside this, the pass rate for the part 3 test has declined,...
Answered 15 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordClinical Trials: North YorkshireDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 29 May 2026AnsweredUIN 4103More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase clinical research activity in North Yorkshire.
Answer: The Department is committed to increasing clinical research activity across all parts of England, including North Yorkshire, to ensure patients have equitable access to opportunities to take part in research.The Department invests in research through the ...
Answered 9 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordHealth: ResearchDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 29 May 2026AnsweredUIN 4102More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help reduce regional disparities in health research funding; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of funding distribution on a) patient outcomes and
Answer: The Department funds health and care research via its research operational arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), across England. The Department is committed to ensuring that research is inclusive and representative of the popula...
Answered 8 Jun 2026
Original Parliament recordCompetition: Civil ProceedingsDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 23 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 129471More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to publish his Department's (a) review of and (b) consultation on the opt-out collective actions regime.
Answer: The Government’s call for evidence on the opt-out collective actions regime closed on 14 October 2025. Careful consideration is being given to responses received and a consultation on potential changes to the regime will be published in spring of this yea...
Answered 28 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordRoads: HousingDepartment for TransportTabled 17 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128038More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that rural local authorities, such as North Yorkshire, are able to access the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund on equal terms with urban areas.
Answer: The £165 million Growth and Housing Acceleration Fund (GHAF) in the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will bridge funding gaps for critical transport works on or near the Strategic Road Network to unblock stalled housing and employment sites across En...
Answered 24 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordRoads: HousingDepartment for TransportTabled 17 Apr 2026AnsweredUIN 128037More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how the Growth and Housing Accelerator Fund will support stalled housing developments in rural areas such as North Yorkshire; and what criteria National Highways will use to ensure that rural communities receiv
Answer: The £165 million Growth and Housing Acceleration Fund (GHAF) in the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) will bridge funding gaps for critical transport works on or near the Strategic Road Network to unblock stalled housing and employment sites across En...
Answered 24 Apr 2026
Original Parliament recordAmmunition: LeadDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 23 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 122672More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2026 to Question 119270 on Ammunition: Lead, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of a decrease in the size of UK orders for ammuni
Answer: The decision to restrict the use of Lead in Ammunition under UK REACH was made following a consideration of the risk, the availability of alternatives and the socio-economic impacts. The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition does not include the use ...
Answered 26 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAmmunition: LeadDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 23 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 122671More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2026 to Question 119270 on Ammunition: Lead, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of restrictions on the production of ammunition c
Answer: The decision to restrict the use of Lead in Ammunition under UK REACH was made following a consideration of the risk, the availability of alternatives and the socio-economic impacts. The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition does not include the use ...
Answered 26 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAmmunition: LeadDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 23 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 122670More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2026 to Question 119270 on Ammunition: Lead, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the proposed restricti
Answer: The decision to restrict the use of Lead in Ammunition under UK REACH was made following a consideration of the risk, the availability of alternatives and the socio-economic impacts. The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition does not include the use ...
Answered 26 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAmmunition: LeadDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 23 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 122669More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2026 to Question 119270 on Ammunition: Lead, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of a decrease in demand f
Answer: The decision to restrict the use of Lead in Ammunition under UK REACH was made following a consideration of the risk, the availability of alternatives and the socio-economic impacts. The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition does not include the use ...
Answered 26 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAmmunition: LeadDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 23 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 122668More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2026 to Question 119270 on Ammunition: Lead, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure, following the introduction of restrictions o
Answer: The decision to restrict the use of Lead in Ammunition under UK REACH was made following a consideration of the risk, the availability of alternatives and the socio-economic impacts. The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition does not include the use ...
Answered 26 Mar 2026
Original Parliament recordAmmunition: LeadDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 23 Mar 2026AnsweredUIN 122667More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2026 to Question 119270 on Ammunition: Lead, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of restrictions on the production of ammunition c
Answer: The decision to restrict the use of Lead in Ammunition under UK REACH was made following a consideration of the risk, the availability of alternatives and the socio-economic impacts. The UK REACH Restriction on lead in ammunition does not include the use ...
Answered 26 Mar 2026
Original Parliament record
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