As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future and that is there when people need it, we will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers across child and adult mental health services in England to reduce delays and provide faster treatment, which will also help ease pressure on busy mental health services. We will also introduce access to a specialist mental health professional in every school in England, and roll out Young Futures hubs in every community.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has made clear his commitment to ongoing engagement and collaboration with the devolved governments. The next Health and Social Care Interministerial Group is scheduled for 11 December 2024.

In addition, officials have established a regular Four Nations Meeting on mental health reform, in which the Mental Health Bill’s measures and potential implications for the devolved administrations are discussed.

Departmental officials have regular discussions with the devolved administrations to share best practice and information related to general practitioner provision in the United Kingdom.

The UK government has worked closely with the Devolved Administrations throughout the COVID-19 response. While public health is a devolved matter in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, our joint statement last September demonstrates our commitment to seek a coordinated approach where the evidence and the science shows this would save lives or make the response more effective, and work together to protect lives and livelihoods across the UK.

Departmental officials responsible for suicide and self-harm prevention attend regular meetings with officials from devolved administrations to discuss best practice, share learning and look at emerging issues.

Although no formal assessment has been made, we acknowledge that there is evidence about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer genes also giving a higher risk of prostate cancer. As health is a devolved matter, Ministers do not regularly hold discussions on these matters with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations. However, research and evidence of best practice is made widely available throughout the United Kingdom.

We remain committed to a cross-Government approach to undertaking the most significant reform of the benefits system for a generation. The Devolved Administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are integral to this approach and there is regular contact between both Ministerial and official counterparts. Further, at a working level, officials from the Devolved Administrations are represented on a number of Universal Credit boards, taskforces and advisory groups.

Ministers and officials at the Department for Work and Pensions have regular contact with their counterparts in the devolved administrations to discuss a range of issues.

The dairy sector is a vital part of the food and farming sector. Long term prospects are good but current prices are causing some of our farmers to struggle. Government is doing all it can to help during this difficult period. We are working with HMRC to allow farmers to access “Time to Pay” arrangements, urging banks to treat dairy farmers sympathetically, and giving the Groceries Code Adjudicator powers to fine retailers if necessary.

We want a competitive and resilient dairy industry that can take advantage of opportunities. We are helping the dairy industry to take advantage of opportunities such as opening new export markets and pushing for better country of origin labelling for British dairy products.

The Secretary of State chairs regular meetings with the Devolved Administrations (DAs) on issues of mutual interest. Defra officials maintain regular contact with their counterparts in the DAs on a range of dairy issues.

I discussed the current position in the dairy industry with colleagues from Devolved Administrations at an Agrifish Council of Ministers in Brussels on 16 March.

I have frequent meetings with the Devolved Administrations (DA) on a wide range of matters. Defra officials have monthly meetings on bovine TB involving all the DAs which are normally attended by Chief Veterinary Officers as well as policy and veterinary staff.

As health is a devolved matter Ministers do not routinely discuss health issues with their counterparts. However, research and evidence of best practice is made widely available throughout the United Kingdom.

I discussed the Smith Commission with Nicola Sturgeon on 19 November following her election as First Minister of Scotland. I made clear the Government’s commitment to continue to deliver on the vow made by the three pro-UK parties for further powers to the Scottish Parliament and to stick to the clear timetable set out.

I look forward to further discussion with the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on improving inter-governmental working, one of the key recommendations of the Smith Commission.

Research and evidence of best practice in health is shared widely across the United Kingdom. However, as health is a devolved matter Ministers do not routinely discuss health issues with their counterparts.

Research and evidence of best practice in health is shared widely across the United Kingdom. However, as health is a devolved matter Ministers do not routinely discuss health issues with their counterparts.

I certainly agree that there is no straitjacket solution to devolution across the United Kingdom or even in areas in England. One thing we must avoid is the trap of excessive neatness. Each part of our diverse nation is different. I share the hon. Gentleman’s disappointment that there is this stand-off, which, in the long run, will mean that if budgetary gridlock ensues it will be the poorest and most vulnerable in Northern Ireland who will suffer most.

I regularly hold discussions with Treasury Ministers, including the Chancellor, on a wide range of economic issues including the potential devolution of corporation tax powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

As set out in ‘Building a Prosperous and United Community’, the Government will make a final decision on the devolution of corporation tax powers no later than the autumn statement 2014.

We regularly have a range of conversations with the devolved Governments on youth justice matters.

Youth justice is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland. However, the Secretary of State for Justice had an introductory meeting with David Ford, the Northern Ireland Justice Minister on 6 February 2013 in Belfast, at which they discussed a range of matters in relation to justice policy.

My officials are presently having discussions with officials from the Welsh Government on our plans to reform youth custody across England and Wales, as set out in our consultation paper, “Transforming Youth Custody: Putting education at the heart of detention”.

Legal aid policy is devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Legal aid issues are an occasional feature of ministerial discussions with colleagues in the devolved Administrations. Ministry of Justice officials are also in contact with their counterparts in the devolved Administrations.

The Government is working with the devolved Administrations to share evidence on suicide prevention and effective interventions. A five nations official level joint working forum facilitates the sharing of best practice between the nations and enhances co-operation on mutually beneficial areas of work.

I last met the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the 26 March 2013 with the Prime Minister. The meeting discussed next steps on the potential for devolving corporation tax powers and wider measures to boost growth in Northern Ireland and promote a shared society that can maximise its economic potential.