VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Mental Health: Reading

Asked by James NaishLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 30 June 2025UIN 60566

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) parents and (b) carers reading to young children on the mental wellbeing of (i) children, (ii) parents and (iii) carers.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

No such assessment has been made. We know that, according to research, reading helps to reduce stress levels and could be beneficial to mental health and well-being.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim