Julian Smith MP: written questions 2026
187 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Cancer: Medical TreatmentsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 6 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 103263More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local cancer treatment facilities, such as mobile chemotherapy units and hospital breast cancer clinics, have sufficient resources to meet demand
Answer: As set out in the plan for reforming elective care, the Government is committed to improving performance on cancer waiting times.To improve access to cancer treatment, the Government is investing an extra £26 billion in the National Health Service and pro...
Answered 15 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordBreast Cancer: ScreeningDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 6 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 103262More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the current age limits for routine breast cancer screening; and whether he plans to review these limits to improve early detection for patients outside of
Answer: The Government is guided by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), an independent scientific advisory committee which makes its recommendations based on internationally recognised criteria and a rigorous evidence review and consultation process. It...
Answered 15 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordAgricultural Products: SalesDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 6 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 103261More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to encourage businesses and individuals to buy local farming produce.
Answer: The Government recognises the key role that regional and local food systems can play in supporting delivery of the growth, health, sustainability, and food security/ resilience outcomes. Defra wants to create an environment that champions UK food cultures...
Answered 13 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordCivil Proceedings: Legal CostsMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101745More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he intends to bring forward legislation regarding litigation funding agreements.
Answer: We intend to introduce legislation to mitigate the effect of the PACCAR judgment when parliamentary time allows. The new legislation will clarify that Litigation Funding Agreements are not Damages Based Agreements and introduce proportionate regulation of...
Answered 19 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordMediationMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101744More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has had conversations with colleagues in the English Law Promotion Panel on the potential effects of greater use of mediation within the civil justice system on a) investment, b) economic growth, and c
Answer: The English Law Promotion Panel has been established to support the growth of the legal sector and to strengthen the global competitiveness of English and Welsh law. This initiative forms part of the Government’s mission to drive economic growth, as outli...
Answered 19 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordMediationMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101743More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, in the context of trends in levels of success of mediation for claims under £10,000, whether he has considered the expansion of mediation for higher value claims.
Answer: The Government recognises the benefits of mediation in resolving disputes swiftly and consensually.Mandatory mediation for small money claims below £10,000 is now integrated into the county court process, saving time and costs. A formal evaluation will be...
Answered 19 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordMediationMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101742More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the expansion of mediation within the civil justice system on a) delays in the courts, and b) resultant business productivity.
Answer: We recognise the benefits of mediation to individuals and businesses in resolving disputes in a less adversarial manner. Where mediation is successful, both businesses and their customers will be spared the time and stress of litigation.The impact assessm...
Answered 19 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordCivil Proceedings: StandardsMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101741More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, a) what steps the Government is taking to reduce delays within the civil justice system, and b) whether he has considered the use of mediation as a potential solution.
Answer: The Government is committed to improving performance of, and to reducing demands on, the civil courts. We have put in place measures such as the introduction of digital systems through the HMCTS Reform Programme to drive performance improvements and are f...
Answered 23 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordMediationMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101740More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect on business productivity of expansion of mediation within the civil justice system.
Answer: We recognise the benefits of mediation to individuals and businesses in resolving disputes in a less adversarial manner. Where mediation is successful, both businesses and their customers will be spared the time and stress of litigation.The impact assessm...
Answered 19 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordCivil Proceedings: StandardsMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101739More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of current waiting times in the civil justice system on the competitiveness of the justice system in England and Wales compared to other jurisdictions.
Answer: The Government understands the importance of timely and effective civil justice to England and Wales’ position as an international centre of dispute resolution. We are working towards our goal of a civil justice system in which people and businesses can r...
Answered 23 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordCommercial Court: TrialsMinistry of JusticeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101738More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to help reduce the time taken for cases to go to trial in the commercial court.
Answer: I am pleased to say there are currently no undue delays in listing trials in the commercial court. However, we are constantly seeking improvements in timeliness.Listing and case management in the Commercial Court are matters for the judiciary. HM Courts &...
Answered 19 Jan 2026
Original Parliament recordHospitality Industry: Operating CostsDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 2 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 101737More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to review the cumulative effect of operating costs, including energy, staffing, compliance, and taxation, on the viability of hospitality businesses; and what consul
Answer: My department works closely with hospitality businesses to assess impact of rising operating costs across energy, staffing, compliance and taxation.This includes regular engagement with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council which pr...
Answered 12 Jan 2026
Original Parliament record
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