Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what the budget provision is for British Steel in (1) 2026–27, and (2) 2027–28.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

Budgets for British Steel are subject to the usual government approvals processes and ministerial decisions. The need for HMG support is kept under constant review and all efforts are being made to secure a viable future for the company, while delivering the best outcome for the taxpayer. All support for British Steel has been drawn from existing HMG budgets, with no additional borrowing required.

To date, we have provided approximately £751 million for working capital, covering items such as raw materials and salaries. This will be reflected in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade’s accounts for 2026-27.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential economic impact of expanding statutory paternity leave allowances on female labour market participation.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises that the design of parental leave and pay can affect parents’ participation in the labour market. The Parental Leave and Pay Review is considering how the current system supports economic growth through labour market participation, including its impact on the gender pay gap and motherhood penalty.

All existing parental leave and pay entitlements are within scope, including paternity leave and pay.

The Review will conclude in early 2027 with a set of findings in which the Government will outline next steps for taking any potential reforms forward to implementation.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of ending the practice of Daylight Savings time in the UK.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government believes the current daylight-saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the UK. We have no plans to introduce single summertime, double summertime or other such changes. Since the Government does not intend to make changes to the existing system, we will not be conducting an assessment on the potential merits of ending the practice of Daylight Savings Time.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what research his Department has commissioned into the impact of worker representation on listed company boards on corporate capital investment.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

UK listed companies are subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code which includes provisions for workforce representation on company boards by having either a worker on the board, a director responsible for engaging with the workforce or a formal workforce advisory panel. While the Department has not commissioned research in this area, the Financial Reporting Council’s annual review of reporting under the Code considers how boards have followed these provisions. The Government expects state-owned enterprises to follow the Code to the extent appropriate, and also expects directors of state-owned enterprises to comply with fiduciary duties followed by directors of private companies under the Companies Act 2006, including the need to have regard to employee and other stakeholder interests, and to the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department has sought advice from the Government Digital Service, Government Cyber Unit, or the National Cyber Security Centre regarding its procurement of AI products, models, or services.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

Yes. The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade draws on advice and guidance from the Government Digital Service (GDS), the Government Cyber Unit and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) when procuring AI products, models and services. This includes GDS guidance on the use and procurement of AI across government, including the AI Playbook for the UK Government, and NCSC guidance on the secure development and deployment of AI. The Department also works with these bodies to share information on risks and emerging threats, and buys through cross-government commercial frameworks to secure value for money.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, when he expects the consultation on the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme to be published; whether the time taken to publish the consultation will affect the timetable for implementation; and whether any changes arising from the consultation are expected to be in place by April 2027.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade intends to consult on the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme, and all relevant stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the review when the opportunity arises. The Government continues to review the impact of high energy costs and regularly works with industry to consider potential further support beyond what is currently delivered, including the British Industry Supercharger.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he has assessed the extent to which the time taken to publish the consultation on the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme has affected the competitiveness of UK container and flat glass manufacturers relative to their EU counterparts, which now are eligible for indirect carbon cost compensation.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) officials are aware of the competitiveness challenges that the glass industry faces, and that EU container and flat glass manufacturers currently receive indirect carbon cost compensation. While no specific assessment has been conducted on the impact of the Energy-Intensive Industries (EII) Compensation Scheme’s consultation publication timeline, the Government encourages the glass industry to engage with the EII Compensation Scheme review when the opportunity arises. BIST officials also regularly engage with the glass sector’s main trade association, British Glass, to explore potential further support for the sector.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what the total Official Development Assistance expenditure by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade was in financial year 2025/26; and if they will provide a table detailing the specific programme names, budget line items, and individual spending figures for that period.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

Official Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure is reported on a calendar year rather than financial year basis. There was no ODA expenditure by the former Department for Business and Trade in 2025. The former Department for Science, Innovation and Technology reported preliminary ODA expenditure of £199.0 million for 2025 in its 2025/26 Annual Report and Accounts. The final figure, including analysis of spend, was published by the FCDO in September 2026 here: Statistics on International Development.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking through the Modern Industrial Strategy to protect regional manufacturing networks from market concentration pressures.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government recognises that strong regional manufacturing networks are critical to growth and resilience, with 85% of direct Advanced Manufacturing jobs located outside London and the South East. As set out in our Modern Industrial Strategy and Sector Plans, we are supporting manufacturing clusters across the UK through Investment Zones, strengthening and transforming local supply chains, backing innovation and technology adoption among SMEs, and working with city regions to build connected industrial ecosystems. These measures will help ensure firms of all sizes can invest, grow and compete, supporting diverse and resilient regional manufacturing networks.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of worker governance models within state-owned enterprises.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

UK listed companies are subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code which includes provisions for workforce representation on company boards by having either a worker on the board, a director responsible for engaging with the workforce or a formal workforce advisory panel. While the Department has not commissioned research in this area, the Financial Reporting Council’s annual review of reporting under the Code considers how boards have followed these provisions. The Government expects state-owned enterprises to follow the Code to the extent appropriate, and also expects directors of state-owned enterprises to comply with fiduciary duties followed by directors of private companies under the Companies Act 2006, including the need to have regard to employee and other stakeholder interests, and to the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to patient capital for co-operative and mutual enterprises.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to removing barriers to the growth of the co-operative and mutuals sector, and the Department is commissioning further research into financing challenges facing the sector.

The Department will shortly be publishing its response to the call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which will set out our position to improving access to finance and co-operative business support more generally.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to raise awareness in rural communities of suspicious activity of rogue traders and encourage reporting to help police build evidence and prosecute offenders effectively.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government is helping consumers, including those in rural communities, to identify and report rogue traders through advice, awareness campaigns and effective local enforcement. My Department funds Citizens Advice, which provides consumer advice across England and Wales and runs an annual Scams Awareness campaign to help people recognise, avoid and report suspicious activity.

Responsibility for investigating reports of rogue traders primarily sits with Trading Standards, working alongside local police forces. Where criminality is identified, enforcement agencies can take action, including the use of closure powers against businesses engaged in unlawful activity.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that agriculture and horticultural businesses in Northern Ireland are eligible for support under the British industrial competitiveness scheme.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The scheme does not apply in Northern Ireland as energy policy is devolved to the NI Executive which operates in the Single Electricity Market.

The Northern Ireland Executive is establishing a separate scheme for Northern Ireland. The Government will provide funding to deliver this scheme and will continue to work with you in partnership to ensure that the Industrial Strategy benefits people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the growing number of cyber security threats on European supermarkets operating in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of cyber resilience across the retail sector. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides expert guidance and support to organisations to help manage cyber risks and improve resilience, including through its sector-focused Trust Groups it runs across the wider economy. No assessment has been made by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade of the number of cyber security threats affecting European supermarkets operating in the UK. Government continues to work with industry and relevant partners to promote strong cyber security practices.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with Royal Mail regarding take-up of the NHS option for correspondence.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

I have heard the concerns of some Honourable Members about the take-up of the NHS barcode in recent debates in the House, and I will raise this in my engagement with Royal Mail. As an independent business, responsibility for managing the NHS barcode system rests with Royal Mail’s management and they are best placed to provide details of the take-up and success of the NHS barcode option.

The government also encourages NHS bodies to work with their Royal Mail account manager to find practical solutions that suit their needs.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what total software and digital development cost was incurred in establishing the online application system for BICS.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The software and digital development cost incurred in establishing the online application system for BICS, along with the eligibility checker in being managed in line with departmental accounting processes. Data will be available after year end in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what arrangements will be established to monitor the effect of the proposed secondary legislation on Argentine measures targeting UK commercial activity connected with the Falkland Islands.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has announced its intention to introduce measures under the Protection of Trading Interests (PTI) legislation as part of the UK’s response to Argentine measures targeting lawful commercial activity linked to the Falkland Islands. PTI will provide additional protection for UK businesses against attempts to compel compliance with specified Argentine measures applied outside Argentina’s jurisdiction, including by providing legal grounds for UK persons to seek recovery of damages arising from their application.

The Government is prepared to use the tools available to defend lawful British commercial activity, and will continue to consider appropriate measures, consistent with our legal framework and wider policy objectives, as needed. BIST Ministers and officials are aware of a number of companies affected by recent Argentine actions, and have engaged closely with them to understand their concerns and demonstrate Government support. BIST will continue to engage affected businesses and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s response.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to take account of international relations when considering the nationalisation of a private company with overseas investors and lenders.

Answered by Lord Sarwar - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government welcomes overseas investment and recognises the important contribution it makes to the UK economy. The Government is committed to maintaining the UK as an open, stable, and attractive destination for international investment, and takes appropriate account of the UK’s international relationships and obligations in developing policy.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many full-time equivalent staff within his Department are dedicated to processing BICS applications.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

I refer the member to the answer I gave to the member for South Basildon and East Thurrock to UIN 33188 on 19 October.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade press release entitled Businesses set to be protected from Argentinian economic coercion, published on 13 October 2026, what enforcement mechanisms will be available to UK businesses as a result of the announced action that face legal action, financial penalties or other forms of pressure from Argentina for undertaking lawful commercial activity connected with the Falkland Islands.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has announced its intention to introduce measures under the Protection of Trading Interests (PTI) legislation as part of the UK’s response to Argentine measures targeting lawful commercial activity linked to the Falkland Islands. PTI will provide additional protection for UK businesses against attempts to compel compliance with specified Argentine measures applied outside Argentina’s jurisdiction, including by providing legal grounds for UK persons to seek recovery of damages arising from their application.

The Government is prepared to use the tools available to defend lawful British commercial activity, and will continue to consider appropriate measures, consistent with our legal framework and wider policy objectives, as needed. BIST Ministers and officials are aware of a number of companies affected by recent Argentine actions, and have engaged closely with them to understand their concerns and demonstrate Government support. BIST will continue to engage affected businesses and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s response.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade press release entitled Businesses set to be protected from Argentinian economic coercion, published on 13 October 2026, what contingency plans the Government has made for the event that the proposed secondary legislation does not prevent Argentine authorities from taking action against UK businesses engaged in lawful activities connected with the Falkland Islands.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has announced its intention to introduce measures under the Protection of Trading Interests (PTI) legislation as part of the UK’s response to Argentine measures targeting lawful commercial activity linked to the Falkland Islands. PTI will provide additional protection for UK businesses against attempts to compel compliance with specified Argentine measures applied outside Argentina’s jurisdiction, including by providing legal grounds for UK persons to seek recovery of damages arising from their application.

The Government is prepared to use the tools available to defend lawful British commercial activity, and will continue to consider appropriate measures, consistent with our legal framework and wider policy objectives, as needed. BIST Ministers and officials are aware of a number of companies affected by recent Argentine actions, and have engaged closely with them to understand their concerns and demonstrate Government support. BIST will continue to engage affected businesses and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s response.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade press release entitled Businesses set to be protected from Argentinian economic coercion, published on 13 October 2026, what assessment he has made of whether the proposed secondary legislation will provide sufficient protection for UK businesses with commercial interests in Argentina.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has announced its intention to introduce measures under the Protection of Trading Interests (PTI) legislation as part of the UK’s response to Argentine measures targeting lawful commercial activity linked to the Falkland Islands. PTI will provide additional protection for UK businesses against attempts to compel compliance with specified Argentine measures applied outside Argentina’s jurisdiction, including by providing legal grounds for UK persons to seek recovery of damages arising from their application.

The Government is prepared to use the tools available to defend lawful British commercial activity, and will continue to consider appropriate measures, consistent with our legal framework and wider policy objectives, as needed. BIST Ministers and officials are aware of a number of companies affected by recent Argentine actions, and have engaged closely with them to understand their concerns and demonstrate Government support. BIST will continue to engage affected businesses and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s response.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate he has made of the number of UK businesses and individuals potentially affected by Argentine domestic measures targeting commercial activity connected with the Falkland Islands.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has announced its intention to introduce measures under the Protection of Trading Interests (PTI) legislation as part of the UK’s response to Argentine measures targeting lawful commercial activity linked to the Falkland Islands. PTI will provide additional protection for UK businesses against attempts to compel compliance with specified Argentine measures applied outside Argentina’s jurisdiction, including by providing legal grounds for UK persons to seek recovery of damages arising from their application.

The Government is prepared to use the tools available to defend lawful British commercial activity, and will continue to consider appropriate measures, consistent with our legal framework and wider policy objectives, as needed. BIST Ministers and officials are aware of a number of companies affected by recent Argentine actions, and have engaged closely with them to understand their concerns and demonstrate Government support. BIST will continue to engage affected businesses and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s response.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the export controls on artificial intelligence proposed by China on 16 October 2026 on United Kingdom businesses.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

We are aware of China’s proposed export controls on artificial intelligence and will continue to monitor the potential impact. We recognise the right of governments to implement export controls for legitimate purposes in the same way that we apply our own measures, but controls must be proportionate to not cause unnecessary disruption to legitimate trade and global value chains. The department will continue to engage with China on export controls, including through our Export Control Working Group with the Ministry of Commerce, and to engage with affected businesses.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the total savings to businesses under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme in financial year 2027–28.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is expected to be worth around £600 million per year from April 2027. Eligible businesses are expected to save up to £40 per megawatt hour on their electricity costs.

The Government will also provide an additional payment for eligible firms in 2027. The amount of this payment will be proportionate in value to what businesses would have been entitled to had BICS been in operation from April 2026.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the likely number of appeals and reviews following the initial issue of British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility decisions.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not made a formal estimate of the likely number of appeals or reviews following initial eligibility decisions under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), as this will depend on the decisions on individual applications.

The Department has published initial information on the appeals and review process in its business guidance.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of current and planned changes to the export control licensing process on approval times, transparency and predictability for nuclear dutyholders and licensees.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to maintaining a proportionate and effective export control regime that supports legitimate civil nuclear exports while protecting the UK's national security and non-proliferation objectives.

On coming into office, this Government made it a key priority to create a more modern, responsive, transparent and predictable export licensing service that is easier to navigate for exporters. The successful delivery of our new licensing platform, LITE, will be fundamental to this transformation.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether research and development funding has been reallocated to support technological development in line with the National Security Strategy 2025.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Security Strategy 2025 emphasises the importance of increasing competitiveness in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum and semiconductor technologies. UKRI is already investing £4 billion over the next four years in frontier technologies, and is also investing £555 million in defence-related R&D as part of its defence and national security priority programme. Through this programme, UKRI will work with its partners to develop a strategic framework that anticipates future defence and security requirements and guides a programme of investments to deliver a pipeline of talent and skills and strategic advantage for a safer UK.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what progress he has made in reducing the use of animals in regulatory testing.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is reducing the use of animals in regulatory testing through the Replacing Animals in Science strategy, which supports the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods. Progress includes regulatory reforms by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to support the use of non-animal data, work to establish the UK Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (UKCVAM), and action to replace specific regulatory tests where validated alternatives are available. The Government is also working with regulators and international partners to increase acceptance of alternative methods while maintaining high standards of human, animal and environmental safety.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether either a) MBR Acres and b) Labcorp within Huntingdon constituency are considered to be critical national infrastructure.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

At present, neither facility has been registered as critical national infrastructure, but both are considered key national infrastructure under section 7 of the Public Order Act 2023.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the UK provides globally competitive electricity prices that can continue to attract AI data centre investment.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) is developing proposals for electricity bill support for eligible data centres located in AI Growth Zones where they help to reduce overall electricity system costs.

We are putting AI at the centre of our plans for good growth in every postcode: bringing together innovation, business and industry. We are undertaking further policy development on how to support data centres, and the government remains committed to supporting the UK’s ambitions for AI growth and investment.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to help deliver economic growth through advanced manufacturing in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

BIST is the core engine for reindustrialisation, resilience, growth and good jobs in every postcode. A place-led Industrial Strategy remains our primary framework for supporting manufacturers, attracting investment and helping businesses start, scale and stay in the UK.

Building a skilled workforce is key to the sector’s growth potential. In Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, we have invested in two Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges to provide specialist training and opportunities.

More broadly, the DRIVE35 Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund, delivered with the West Midlands Combined Authority, supports businesses to scale, diversify, and build critical capacity for EV supply chains.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what fiscal steps he plans to take to support the brick industry in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) is currently developing the Ceramics Industry Support Scheme which intends to deliver £120 million to the ceramics sector, including the brick manufacturing sector, to support its long-term competitiveness.

BIST officials have been engaging with the ceramics industry, including with businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, to ensure the scheme is accessible to a wide section of the ceramics industry.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what criteria his Department uses to verify 6-month historical grid electricity consumption data submitted by BICS applicants.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department applies a risk-based approach to preventing fraudulent claims to the BIC Scheme, as with all its funding.

Applicants are required to provide evidence supporting their application and confirm that the information provided is true and accurate. Sub-metering and energy-consumption information is subject to validation and internal consistency checks, with evidence corroborated against independent data. Where discrepancies or indicators of possible fraud or error are identified, cases are subject to enhanced checks.

Where fraud or error is identified, the Department may take appropriate action, including reviewing eligibility, adjusting or revoking exemptions. The scheme also includes post-award assurance activity throughout the five-year eligibility period.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department takes to prevent fraudulent claims under BICS regarding sub-metering data.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department applies a risk-based approach to preventing fraudulent claims to the BIC Scheme, as with all its funding.

Applicants are required to provide evidence supporting their application and confirm that the information provided is true and accurate. Sub-metering and energy-consumption information is subject to validation and internal consistency checks, with evidence corroborated against independent data. Where discrepancies or indicators of possible fraud or error are identified, cases are subject to enhanced checks.

Where fraud or error is identified, the Department may take appropriate action, including reviewing eligibility, adjusting or revoking exemptions. The scheme also includes post-award assurance activity throughout the five-year eligibility period.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions he has had with the European Commission on the eligibility of UK automotive manufacturers and suppliers under proposed Made in Europe requirements.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is engaging constructively with the EU on its Made in Europe agenda and has been clear about the challenges it could represent for British industries. The UK and Europe have shared economic challenges that we believe are best met by working together. Where measures like the EU’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act could disadvantage the UK’s automotive sector, or integrated UK-EU automotive supply chains, the Secretary of State, Minister Sarwar and I have been engaging positively with the European Commission, EU Member States and Members of the European Parliament to make that case.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the Department's Answer to Question 27512, answered on 17 September 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the number of medical appointments missed where Royal Mail's NHS option has been used.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

I have heard the concerns of some Honourable Members about the take-up of the NHS barcode in recent debates in the House, and I will raise this in my engagement with Royal Mail. As an independent business, responsibility for managing the NHS barcode system rests with Royal Mail’s management and they are best placed to provide details of the take-up and success of the NHS barcode option.

The government also encourages NHS bodies to work with their Royal Mail account manager to find practical solutions that suit their needs.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact on steelwork fabricators of products classified under HS code 7308.90 being eligible for support under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme with businesses operating under SIC code 2511 are ineligible.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

BICS is a targeted scheme designed to support a defined group of sectors within the Industrial Strategy, where electricity cost relief is expected to have the greatest impact on growth in its agreed cost envelope. A multi-stage review process was undertaken to assess relevant codes, which included reviewing codes suggested from consultation responses. There is no scope to amend the eligibility criteria of this scheme ahead of the scheme commencing in April 2027.

The Government nevertheless recognises the importance of steelwork fabricators to UK supply chains and remains committed to supporting and strengthening the wider steel sector. In March we published the UK's first ever Steel Strategy, backed by up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the sector and strengthen UK steelmaking.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the impact of BICS on reducing carbon leakage risk in energy-intensive manufacturing sectors.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has considered the interaction between the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme as part of the wider framework supporting industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation.

BICS will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers through exemptions from the indirect costs of the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and Capacity Market. The aim of BICS is to support the competitiveness of British businesses in key manufacturing sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy. Although not objectives of the scheme, in some cases narrowing the electricity cost gap with international competitors may also help to reduce the risk of indirect carbon leakage or support electrification.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the interaction between BICS and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has considered the interaction between the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) and the UK Emissions Trading Scheme as part of the wider framework supporting industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation.

BICS will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers through exemptions from the indirect costs of the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and Capacity Market. The aim of BICS is to support the competitiveness of British businesses in key manufacturing sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy. Although not objectives of the scheme, in some cases narrowing the electricity cost gap with international competitors may also help to reduce the risk of indirect carbon leakage or support electrification.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what total administrative cost is budgeted for running BICS over its first three years.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

I refer the member to the answer I gave to the member for South Basildon and East Thurrock to UIN 33188 on 19 October.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what metrics his Department will use to monitor the effectiveness of BICS in improving industrial competitiveness relative to EU countries.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a targeted scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible electricity intensive manufacturing businesses.

The Government will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of BICS, including uptake and relief received by businesses. Effectiveness will be assessed through investment, productivity, employment and exit rates among supported businesses compared with similar non-eligible businesses, alongside, for example, GB industrial electricity costs relative to major European economies.

A process evaluation of the scheme’s first year of delivery is planned. A formal review will take place in 2030, informed by an impact evaluation, which will include consideration of the scheme's eligibility criteria.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure smaller businesses are aware of the BICS application window.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to ensuring smaller businesses are aware of and able to access BICS. This includes writing directly to potentially eligible businesses, working with business organisations to raise awareness, running webinars and publishing practical guidance on how to apply.

The Government has also launched a free online eligibility checker, enabling businesses to quickly assess whether they are likely to be eligible by providing basic business information.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many businesses currently receive 100 per cent exemption from renewable energy policy levies under the Supercharger.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As of this October, there are approximately 610 businesses receiving support through the Supercharger scheme. All beneficiaries receive 100% exemption for the eligible proportion of their electricity consumption.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate he has made of the average time between a company applying for Network Charging Costs compensation and receiving payment.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Under the Network Charging Compensation Scheme, eligible businesses submit evidence of their network charging costs for each relevant quarter. Payments are subsequently made 13 months in arrears. This is to accommodate the scheme’s funding cycle under which claims are registered and the funding required to make payments is raised through the EII Support Levy which is paid by electricity suppliers and consumers. The Department works closely with the third-party administrator, Elexon, to ensure that exemption certificates are issued and that eligible businesses receive compensation in accordance with the scheme's established payment timetable.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making steelwork fabricators operating under SIC code 2511 eligible for support under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

BICS is a targeted scheme designed to support a defined group of sectors within the Industrial Strategy, where electricity cost relief is expected to have the greatest impact on growth in its agreed cost envelope. A multi-stage review process was undertaken to assess relevant codes, which included reviewing codes suggested from consultation responses. There is no scope to amend the eligibility criteria of this scheme ahead of the scheme commencing in April 2027.

The Government nevertheless recognises the importance of steelwork fabricators to UK supply chains and remains committed to supporting and strengthening the wider steel sector. In March we published the UK's first ever Steel Strategy, backed by up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the sector and strengthen UK steelmaking.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many business queries regarding landlord-tenant electricity recharge agreements under BICS have been processed.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to supporting businesses to apply for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). This includes an enquiry service, an online eligibility checker and published guidance to support businesses applying.

Management information on enquires to BICS support services are collected for operational purposes and are not currently published.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what proportion of BICS applicants have requested guidance on Harmonized System (HS) product code classification.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to supporting businesses to apply for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). This includes an enquiry service, an online eligibility checker and published guidance to support businesses applying.

Management information on enquires to BICS support services are collected for operational purposes and are not currently published.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many enquiries his Department’s BICS helpdesk has handled since the launch of the eligibility checker.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to supporting businesses to apply for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). This includes an enquiry service, an online eligibility checker and published guidance to support businesses applying.

Management information on enquires to BICS support services are collected for operational purposes and are not currently published.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department plans to expand the list of eligible Harmonised System product codes under BICS in future review cycles.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a targeted scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible electricity intensive manufacturing businesses.

The Government will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of BICS, including uptake and relief received by businesses. Effectiveness will be assessed through investment, productivity, employment and exit rates among supported businesses compared with similar non-eligible businesses, alongside, for example, GB industrial electricity costs relative to major European economies.

A process evaluation of the scheme’s first year of delivery is planned. A formal review will take place in 2030, informed by an impact evaluation, which will include consideration of the scheme's eligibility criteria.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department plans to conduct an interim evaluation of BICS before the end of the 2027–28 financial year.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a targeted scheme designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible electricity intensive manufacturing businesses.

The Government will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of BICS, including uptake and relief received by businesses. Effectiveness will be assessed through investment, productivity, employment and exit rates among supported businesses compared with similar non-eligible businesses, alongside, for example, GB industrial electricity costs relative to major European economies.

A process evaluation of the scheme’s first year of delivery is planned. A formal review will take place in 2030, informed by an impact evaluation, which will include consideration of the scheme's eligibility criteria.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what guidance his Department has provided to electricity suppliers regarding the implementation of BICS exemptions on customer bills.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has worked closely with energy suppliers on the design and implementation of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Engagement has included regular workshops, updates, webinars and two formal consultations.

Further guidance will be published shortly to support suppliers in implementing the exemptions for their customers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that public procurement can demonstrate the proportion of steel used in major infrastructure projects that is manufactured in the UK.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government publishes steel procurement data annually on gov.uk. Under Procurement Policy Note 022, in-scope organisations report the value, volume, product type and country of origin of steel procured in the previous financial year, enabling an analysis of the proportion of UK made steel in public procurement projects. Alongside this the Government also publishes a pipeline of projected steel requirements detailing what steel is needed in future for government infrastructure projects, enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for contracts.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure work provides a sufficient, secure and reliable income for workers in Wales.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

This Government is committed to raising living standards across every part of the UK. We are boosting productivity and regional growth by reforming the skills system, expanding apprenticeships, and delivering the Youth Guarantee so more people can access better-paid jobs.

We continue to raise pay through annual increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW), in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. On 1 April 2026, the NLW increased by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over, while the NMW rose by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour. These increases provided a direct pay rise to around 140,000 workers in Wales.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, over what period Isambard-AI hardware is being depreciated in the accounts of the University of Bristol and UKRI; and what plan exists for its replacement or refresh.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

Isambard-AI is hosted and owned by the University of Bristol. As the asset is controlled by the University, the Department and UKRI are not responsible for the accounting treatment applied to it. Hewlett Packard Enterprise provides support for Isambard-AI until 3 September 2030. Their contract extends beyond this date to cover the decommissioning of the system. No date has been set for this.

The Compute Roadmap sets out the Government’s long-term strategy for ensuring the UK has sufficient public AI compute capability. Decisions on future investment, including the refresh or replacement of existing capability, will be considered in due course.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Answer of 16 October 2024 to Question 7968 on Medicine: Animal Experiments, what the outcome was of UK Research and Innovation’s strategic review of the NC3Rs; and whether the findings of that review will be published.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The strategic review recognised the world leading role of the NC3Rs. Following the review, the Centre will now receive ongoing support through UKRI’s Life Sciences Programme, providing greater stability and enabling the NC3Rs to maximise opportunities across UKRI and its research councils. Alongside this, grant funding previously administered by the NC3Rs will instead now be delivered through UKRI and its research councils’ response-mode and targeted funding schemes in order to enable wider support of government priorities in the 3Rs. As with other reviews of MRC investments, the findings inform corporate strategic decision-making and are not routinely published.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what training is underway to upskill regulators in the evaluation of alternative methods to animal testing for life sciences.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 24 June 2026 in response to Question 10421.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, approximately how many students from Queens University and Ulster University have benefited from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme in each of the past three years.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The following number of projects have been awarded to each university. Each project would have employed a student to support its delivery. These figures include projects up to KTP Round 1, for which grant offer letters were issued in July 2026.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, (i) in which countries the former Member for Lagan Valley undertook business, trade promotion, investment, consultancy or related activities on behalf of the Government; (ii) on what dates those visits took place; (iii) what the purpose of each visit was; (iv) which organisations, businesses or other entities were engaged with during each visit; and (v) what costs were met from public funds in relation to each visit.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The former Member for Lagan Valley was a United Kingdom Trade Envoy for Egypt and Cameroon from 2015 under the previous Conservative government until he was removed in 2024. During this time, he undertook multiple visits to both countries in his role to promote the UK governments Trade and Investment agenda.

All Trade Envoy activity was undertaken under the direction of UK Officials in country, and all expenses came from the programme budget, however the specific itemised costs incurred are not centrally held and could only be produced at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what routes to financial redress are available to people who incur losses as a result of misconduct by an insolvency practitioner; and whether the Department has assessed the affordability of accessing those routes.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Insolvency Practitioner Complaints Gateway plays an important role in maintaining confidence in the insolvency regulatory framework. The complaints system provides a means of investigating concerns about the professional conduct of insolvency practitioners and, where appropriate, taking disciplinary action.

The regulatory process is distinct from determining legal disputes or providing financial redress. Where action is taken by an insolvency practitioner on behalf of an insolvent estate, it is for the courts to determine the outcome of legal disputes and whether financial redress is appropriate.

The Department has no plans to change the frameworks for financial redress where losses have been incurred as a result of misconduct by an insolvency practitioner.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, if the Department will review the effectiveness of the insolvency practitioner complaints system in cases where disciplinary action cannot provide compensation or resolve the underlying legal dispute.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Insolvency Practitioner Complaints Gateway plays an important role in maintaining confidence in the insolvency regulatory framework. The complaints system provides a means of investigating concerns about the professional conduct of insolvency practitioners and, where appropriate, taking disciplinary action.

The regulatory process is distinct from determining legal disputes or providing financial redress. Where action is taken by an insolvency practitioner on behalf of an insolvent estate, it is for the courts to determine the outcome of legal disputes and whether financial redress is appropriate.

The Department has no plans to change the frameworks for financial redress where losses have been incurred as a result of misconduct by an insolvency practitioner.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he has any plans to extend the remit of the Fair Work Agency.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Fair Work Agency (FWA) was established on 7 April 2026 and is being implemented in phases.

Phase one brought enforcement together into a single body, established the Advisory Board, and introduced a unified set of enforcement and investigatory powers.

Over time, we will extend the Fair Work Agency’s remit to additional employment rights, starting with holiday pay.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department plans to strengthen the regulation of lithium-ion batteries and conversion kits available to modify e-bikes.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

Under existing UK product regulations, lithium-ion batteries and e-bike conversion kits must be safe before being placed on the market. Businesses are responsible for complying with all relevant regulatory requirements, including providing necessary information and warnings to enable safe use.

The Government sought views on whether targeted regulations may be appropriate for product types raised in the passage of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act, including lithium-ion batteries in our product safety framework consultation. We are carefully considering the responses and will publish our response in due course.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 19 October to Question 33553, what evidence his Department would consider in determining whether to introduce mandatory registration for hairdressers and barbers; which Minister has responsibility for this policy area; and whether he plans to meet representatives of the Hair and Barber Council to discuss evidence relating to consumer safety, unlawful business practices and trends in apprenticeships.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

We have no current plans for additional regulation for hairdressers and barbers but remain open to evidence. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, through voluntary registration. Businesses are subject to a range of existing requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation. As the Minister responsible for this industry, my officials and I regularly engage the Hair and Barber Council to discuss these matters, including through the Personal Care Services roundtables which I chair.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to help ensure reliable postal deliveries in Chepstow.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

I have been frank in my conversations with Royal Mail’s leadership and with my statements to the House in recent debates that Royal Mail’s service has been unacceptable for too long, and that the pace of improvement must increase. I will continue to raise issues relating to service performance directly with Royal Mail, including the impact of delays on communities.

Ofcom, as the independent regulator, is responsible for setting, monitoring and enforcing Royal Mail’s service standards under the universal service obligation.

Ofcom is currently investigating Royal Mail’s service performance for 2025-26 and will take regulatory action where necessary to hold the company to account for improving service standards.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to paragraph 33 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan published 8 July 2025, how the strengthened internal audit and red teaming capabilities within the Government Office for Science are operating.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government Office for Science has established a new red teaming function to add an additional layer of challenge and assurance on national security and resilience priorities. To date it has completed a number of projects focused on UK resilience, including providing red teaming for the 2026 National Capabilities Assessment. This function can be deployed to support national security and resilience projects and decisions across government. The approach taken to each project is bespoke enabling the appropriate methods and techniques to be used to provide effective challenge and assurance on a wide range of issues and projects depending on requirements.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration has been given by his Department to the adequacy of safety standards for consumers using kitchen knives.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department has not specifically considered regulations on kitchen knife design. However, all consumer products must be safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. Manufacturers, importers and businesses must ensure kitchen knives are safe and provide appropriate safety information and warnings. Trading Standards, Environmental Health in Northern Ireland and the Office for Product Safety and Standards can investigate unsafe products and require proportionate corrective action, including recalls. The Government has also consulted on modernising the product safety framework to strengthen consumer protection and tackle unsafe products sold online.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what consideration has been given by his Department to regulations to improve kitchen knives design to ensure consumer safety.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department has not specifically considered regulations on kitchen knife design. However, all consumer products must be safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. Manufacturers, importers and businesses must ensure kitchen knives are safe and provide appropriate safety information and warnings. Trading Standards, Environmental Health in Northern Ireland and the Office for Product Safety and Standards can investigate unsafe products and require proportionate corrective action, including recalls. The Government has also consulted on modernising the product safety framework to strengthen consumer protection and tackle unsafe products sold online.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department plans to review the employment status framework for gig-economy workers to ensure that riders and delivery companies have enforceable health and safety responsibilities in relation to E-bikes and the way they are ridden.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The proposals in the employment status consultation seek to make it easier for people, including those in the gig economy, to access core employment rights.

The Government expects those driving or riding for work to keep both themselves and other road users safe. As such we have committed to piloting a new voluntary Work-Related Road Safety Charter that is being developed in partnership with industry. The Charter will be informed by existing schemes such as Driving for Better Business and encourage everyone involved in driving or riding for work to improve road safety. That includes consideration of delivery drivers on E-bikes.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Competition and Markets Authority on the potential impact of regulatory compliance costs on market entry for small businesses.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Secretary of State has not had any recent discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority regarding the potential impact of regulatory compliance costs on market entry for small businesses. Ministers and officials regularly engage with the CMA on various topics, including the role of regulation in supporting growth.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Lloyd of Effra on 5 March (HL14704), how many potential private investors or purchasers they have formally approached regarding British Steel since its transfer into public ownership; and what timetable they have established for seeking private investment.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises that securing the long-term future of the UK’s steel sector relies on both public and private investment for modernisation. Following acquisition of British Steel in July, we have now started to test private sector sentiment around potential investment to inform any Government decisions on the future of steelmaking at Scunthorpe. Government’s ambition is a sustainable steel company that can stand on its own two feet, which is the best way of delivering long term stability for those employed at British Steel. While no decisions on investment in British Steel have been taken, my department will keep the House updated as a timetable emerges.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to publish a business plan for restoring British Steel to financial sustainability; and whether that plan will include a timetable for achieving commercial viability without ongoing taxpayer support.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

Since British Steel came under public ownership in July, the Government has put in place a new Board, chaired by Alan Lovell. The new Board has been tasked with developing a plan for the long-term transformation and competitiveness of British Steel. Information regarding the transformation plan is expected to be published once it is agreed.

Ministers and the company are very cognisant of the need to provide as much transparency as possible in relation to future plans for the company, and we will work with the company to determine what information should be published at the appropriate time.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the viability of establishing a statutory worker buy-out framework.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the important role that employee ownership and co-operative business models can play in supporting business succession and growth.

Our call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals sought to gather evidence, including on barriers affecting business conversion and mutualisation. The Government response to this Call for Evidence will be published shortly.

We will continue to consider all options which can help ensure the policy and regulatory environment can best support businesses seeking to transition to employee and worker ownership.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have undertaken a risk assessment on the impact of (1) the rate of closures in the hospitality sector, (2) job losses in the hospitality sector, and (3) the impact of lost investment in high streets.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government recognises the vital contribution hospitality businesses make to jobs, high streets and the economy.

We keep pressures on the sector under review and are taking action to support resilience, jobs and investment. At Budget, the Chancellor announced the government is introducing a two-year real-terms freeze for all retail, hospitality and leisure properties to cap bill increases at inflation. The Government is also increasing the Small Business Rates Relief thresholds for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, taking a further 70,000 properties out of business rates altogether and meaning half of all RHL properties will pay no business rates.

We continue to engage closely with businesses and representative bodies, including through the Hospitality Sector Council, to understand the challenges facing the sector and opportunities for growth.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for the UK's national radio astronomy facilities, including the e-MERLIN network and the Lovell Telescope.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government remains committed to maintaining the UK’s leadership in radio astronomy.

Jodrell Bank will continue to host the international SKAO headquarters and world-leading scientific research led by the University of Manchester (UoM). The government is supporting this commitment through £327 million of investment in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) between 2021 and 2030. Furthermore, as part of its wider prioritisation approach, STFC has maintained grant funding for Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics postdoctoral researchers at 2025/26 levels, and protected PhD studentships and fellowships. The e-MERLIN network, including the Lovell Telescope, is owned and operated by UoM.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with industry stakeholders on the potential reuse of the former Blue Streak rocket testing facilities at RAF Spadeadam for heavy-lift rocket testing.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK is building a competitive launch sector that supports growth, reindustrialisation and national security. Testing infrastructure is also an important part of the launch ecosystem. The UK has facilities supporting rocket engine testing and their suitability for heavy lift vehicles depends on the operators’ technical or safety requirements. The Government continues to engage with industry on strengthening the UK’s launch ecosystem, including ways to develop infrastructure in the UK at new or existing sites such as RAF Spadeadam. Any proposal for public investment would be assessed against strategic priorities, deliverability and value for taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what discussions he has had with aerospace companies on the development of sites suitable for static-fire testing of heavy-lift rocket engines and launch vehicle stages.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK is building a competitive launch sector that supports growth, reindustrialisation and national security. Testing infrastructure is also an important part of the launch ecosystem. The UK has facilities supporting rocket engine testing and their suitability for heavy lift vehicles depends on the operators’ technical or safety requirements. The Government continues to engage with industry on strengthening the UK’s launch ecosystem, including ways to develop infrastructure in the UK at new or existing sites such as RAF Spadeadam. Any proposal for public investment would be assessed against strategic priorities, deliverability and value for taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he plans to consult on introducing mandatory accessibility information standards for businesses to support disabled consumers and help businesses.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

My department currently has no plans to consult on introducing mandatory accessibility information standards for businesses. Businesses should treat all their customers fairly.

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination in wider society. The Office for Equalities and Opportunities has published guidance on GOV.UK to help businesses in specific sectors to comply with their obligations under the Act.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many complaints have been investigated by the Insolvency Service about the way a Recognised Professional Body has dealt with a complaint about an Insolvency Practitioner in the last three years.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Insolvency Service monitors the effectiveness of the regulatory framework through its oversight of the Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs). This includes where there are concerns about an RPB’s conduct of investigations into complaints about insolvency practitioners.

The following complaints have been investigated by the Insolvency Service in the last three years:

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether the Government has identified any sites in the UK with existing infrastructure capable of supporting the testing of heavy-lift rocket engines, stages or launch vehicles.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK is building a competitive launch sector that supports growth, reindustrialisation and national security. Testing infrastructure is also an important part of the launch ecosystem. The UK has facilities supporting rocket engine testing and their suitability for heavy lift vehicles depends on the operators’ technical or safety requirements. The Government continues to engage with industry on strengthening the UK’s launch ecosystem, including ways to develop infrastructure in the UK at new or existing sites such as RAF Spadeadam. Any proposal for public investment would be assessed against strategic priorities, deliverability and value for taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing debt-leverage restrictions on private sector investment in regulated infrastructure.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises the importance of maintaining an attractive investment environment for regulated infrastructure while ensuring that companies operate on a financially resilient basis.

Requirements relating to company financing are determined through the relevant statutory and sector-specific regulatory frameworks. My Department has made no recent assessment of the potential impact of introducing economy-wide debt-leverage restrictions on private sector investment in regulated infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing dividend distribution limits on private sector investment in regulated infrastructure.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises the important role private investment plays in delivering and maintaining the UK’s regulated infrastructure. Regulatory frameworks are kept under review to ensure they support investment, protect consumers and promote long-term resilience.

My Department has made no recent assessment of the potential impact of introducing economy-wide dividend-distribution limits on private sector investment in regulated infrastructure.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of BICS on business investment decisions in key foundation sectors.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is expected to support investment in eligible sectors by cutting electricity costs by up to £35–£40 per Megawatt-hour, improving competitiveness and reducing the risk of plant closure and relocation. Higher investment is expected to raise productivity and economic growth through capital deepening and sector expansion.

BICS will also support economic resilience and supply chain security by reducing the vulnerability of strategically important foundational manufacturing sectors to relatively high electricity costs.

The BICS Impact Assessment estimates that across sectors eligible for BICS, there will be social benefits relating to investment of around £16bn over the 8-year period (2027/28 – 2034/35).

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure BICS compliance with international subsidy control regimes.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme support has been developed and assessed in accordance with the requirements of the Subsidy Control Act 2022, which implements the UK's subsidy control commitments under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and gives effect to the UK's wider international obligations on subsidy control, including under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether his Department has assessed the feasibility of developing a heavy-lift rocket testing facility in the UK.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK is building a competitive launch sector that supports growth, reindustrialisation and national security. Testing infrastructure is also an important part of the launch ecosystem. The UK has facilities supporting rocket engine testing and their suitability for heavy lift vehicles depends on the operators’ technical or safety requirements. The Government continues to engage with industry on strengthening the UK’s launch ecosystem, including ways to develop infrastructure in the UK at new or existing sites such as RAF Spadeadam. Any proposal for public investment would be assessed against strategic priorities, deliverability and value for taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the infrastructure requirements for testing heavy-lift launch vehicles.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The UK is building a competitive launch sector that supports growth, reindustrialisation and national security. Testing infrastructure is also an important part of the launch ecosystem. The UK has facilities supporting rocket engine testing and their suitability for heavy lift vehicles depends on the operators’ technical or safety requirements. The Government continues to engage with industry on strengthening the UK’s launch ecosystem, including ways to develop infrastructure in the UK at new or existing sites such as RAF Spadeadam. Any proposal for public investment would be assessed against strategic priorities, deliverability and value for taxpayers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, when his Department plans to respond to the letters dated 7 July and 2 October on the closure of East Hagbourne Post Office, from the hon. Member for Didcot and Wantage.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade aims to respond to correspondence within 15 working days, although in some instances responses can take longer. Following changes to ministerial portfolios, responsibility for the Post Office portfolio transferred to me. Regrettably, the Honourable Member's letter of 7 July was not progressed following its transfer to my correspondence team. A response was sent on 29th October 2026.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what timeline his Department has published for issuing formal BICS qualification certificates.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not made a formal assessment of the average processing time for assessing applications to the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Processing time will depend on the individual circumstances of each case.

Businesses that apply during the application window, which runs from 1 October to 30 November 2026, are expected to receive eligibility decisions in early 2027.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what average processing time his Department projects for assessing a standard BICS application.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not made a formal assessment of the average processing time for assessing applications to the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Processing time will depend on the individual circumstances of each case.

Businesses that apply during the application window, which runs from 1 October to 30 November 2026, are expected to receive eligibility decisions in early 2027.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what incentives or support mechanisms are offered to major commercial corporations to stress-test their supply chains.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department is establishing an Economic Security Advisory Service (ESAS) which will work provide businesses with advice and guidance on identifying, understanding and mitigating economic security risks. The Government Office for Science published the Global Supply Chains: a Foresight report on risk and resilience in June 2026. This provides a publicly available resource, including scenarios for users to stress-test their own supply chains.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what changes have been made to the export control licensing regime for nuclear-related exports following the Nuclear Regulatory Review and the Government’s response, Building our Nuclear Nation.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This department took an action from the Nuclear Regulatory Review to where appropriate, issue longer term licences and to nominate a single point of contact. We have completed both of these actions.

HM Government takes its export control responsibilities seriously and operates a robust, transparent regime supporting UK prosperity and national and global security.

The Nuclear Regulatory Review did not alter the UK’s international obligations on nuclear non-proliferation or controls governing specified nuclear-related goods, software and technology. The Government’s response recognised the importance of maintaining an effective and proportionate regulatory framework.

Accordingly, the Department committed to issuing longer-term licences where appropriate and nominating a single point of contact for exporters. Both actions have been completed, supporting civil nuclear growth while maintaining the UK’s high standards of safety, security, non-proliferation and regulatory oversight.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether discussions regarding the UK re-joining the Galileo Public Regulated Service will be on the agenda during the upcoming UK-EU summit.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We do not comment on the details of ongoing negotiations. The UK continues to work closely with European partners to improve our shared PNT resilience.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what regional distribution of BICS applicant businesses has been recorded across English regions, Scotland, and Wales.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The application window for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme remains open until 30 November 2026. As applications continue to be received and assessed, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual applications or provide detailed breakdowns of applicants at this stage.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many companies receiving British Industry Supercharger support have also submitted applications under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The application window for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme remains open until 30 November 2026. As applications continue to be received and assessed, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual applications or provide detailed breakdowns of applicants at this stage.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what proportion of total BICS application submissions required follow-up requests for additional evidence.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The application window for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme remains open until 30 November 2026. As applications continue to be received and assessed, it would not be appropriate to comment on individual applications or provide detailed breakdowns of applicants at this stage.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what safeguard measures are in place to recover funds in cases of over-allocation of BICS exemptions.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department applies a risk-based approach to preventing and identifying fraud and error under the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, as with all its funding.

Applicants are required to provide evidence supporting their application and confirm that the information provided is true and accurate. Where discrepancies or indicators of possible fraud or error are identified, cases are subject to enhanced checks.

Where fraud or error is identified, the Department may take appropriate action, including reviewing eligibility, and adjusting or revoking exemptions. Over-exemptions relating to the Renewables Obligation and Feed-in Tariffs may be recovered by the Department, while Capacity Market over-exemptions will be recovered automatically through electricity suppliers.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how BICS interacts with existing Climate Change Agreements for industrial sites.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to supporting businesses with high industrial energy costs. Businesses with a Climate Change Agreement or who currently benefit from a reduced Climate Change Levy will be eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) provided they meet its eligibility criteria.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate he has made of the aggregate reduction in electricity levy burdens for UK manufacturers under BICS.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

I refer the member for Stoke-on-Trent Central to the answer I gave to UIN 37619 on 28 October.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what proportion of funding allocated through the Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder programme has been directed towards projects designed to improve transport connectivity in rural areas.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Connected and Automated Mobility Pathfinder programme currently has one project supporting commercially focused automated vehicle services across urban and rural areas.

Found: Letter from the Chair to Lord Sarwar, Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: Letter to the Chair from Lord Sarwar, Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: Letter to the Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: Letter from the Chair to Lord Sarwar, Minister of State at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Department

Found: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, and Department for Business, Innovation, Science

The Committee are launching an inquiry into the UK export support system. The inquiry examines whether the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade alongside UK Export Finance:

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the National Police Chiefs' Council's 2025 guidance on the management of abnormal loads; what steps her Department is taking to encourage consistent adoption by police forces; and whether Ministers plan to meet industry representatives to discuss consistency of adoption and the potential impact of secondary legislation on it.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport is encouraged that the industry response to the publication of guidance on the movement of abnormal loads by the National Police Chiefs' Council has been largely positive. We continue to engage with the Home Office on this issue, but operational decisions are for chief constables.

Department for Transport officials have established an abnormal loads working group with counterparts from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the Home Office and also involving National Highways. This group is sharing information on the regime and future demand for abnormal load movements in key sectors and is taking forward actions to improve industry understanding of the process for moving abnormal loads.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has she made on the implementation of Make Work Pay policies for merchant seafarers regularly working from UK ports; and when he last had discussions with the Secretary of State for (a) Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and (b) Energy Security and Net Zero on these policies.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport concluded its consultation on regulations to strengthen seafarer protections on UK-France and UK-Channel Island services, using new powers introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025, on 17 July 2026. We will be responding to the consultation in the coming weeks.

We have already made changes to collective redundancy rules, ensuring that employers of seafarers working on vessels calling at a UK port at least 120 times a year must notify the UK government of collective redundancies, even if the vessel is registered outside the UK.

Department for Transport officials are in regular contact with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade about the application of employment rights, including those included in the Make Work Pay programme, to seafarers, and with the Department of Energy, Security and Net Zero on the application of employment rights to seafarers working in the offshore energy sector.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many staff does the Chief of Staff to the AI Minister (a) direct and (b) line manage.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Technology)

The Minister for AI does not have a chief of staff.

As with all other MPs the Minister is supported in his parliamentary and constituency business by a team of individuals, funded by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for the UK's Science and Technology Network Overseas; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that network supports international cooperation on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The UK's Science and Technology Network (STN) is jointly led and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. In advance of the 2025 Spending Review, an assessment was undertaken to ensure the STN is adequately resourced securing the right capacity, capability and funding to deliver high impact outcomes for the UK.

The previously titled SIN was relaunched in February 2025 as the Science and Technology Network (STN) to reflect the rising focus on technologies including Artificial Intelligence. STN priorities are revisited annually to ensure the network is strategically aligned.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will issue guidance warning universities against collaborating with China’ s University of International Relations in the context of the MI5 alert on the China General Technology Research Institute.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The recent espionage alert on the China General Technology Research Institute is an operational decision taken by MI5. It would not be appropriate to comment on action relating to other institutions.

However, the Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT) in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) work directly with research institutions across the country to help them identify, manage and mitigate national security risks in international research.

RCAT's work is underpinned by Trusted Research guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and by a robust legislative framework that includes the Academic Technology Approvals Scheme, Export Controls and the National Security and Investment Act.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade to align the Government's life sciences priorities with its ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department of Health and Social Care works closely to deliver all the Government’s life science priorities with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. In relation to the ambition to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke, this joint effort includes extensive funding of research, and the Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework highlights innovation-focused challenge areas which recognise the potential for technologies to support this aim. We will work with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade to promote the spread and adoption of innovation via Health Innovation Networks and will ensure that National Health Service patients have timely access to cutting edge new medicines.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether reforms will be made to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme in the context of MI5’s alert over the China General Technology Research Institute’s links to UK universities.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We have no current plans to reform the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) in connection with this issue. We keep the scheme constantly under review to ensure it remains relevant and appropriately targeted.

ATAS requires certain international students and researchers to obtain clearance before undertaking postgraduate programmes or research in areas that could present proliferation risks to the UK.

Universities remain responsible for due diligence on their international research collaborations, supported by advice on research security from the Research Collaboration Advice Team in the Department for Business Innovation Science and Trade.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to review the current definition of horticulture within the relevant standard industrial classification code in order to recognise horticulture as an energy intensive industry for the purposes of the network charging compensation scheme.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) is maintained by the independent Office for National Statistics and is used to classify economic activity across the economy. Decisions on eligibility for the Network Charging Compensation Scheme are a matter for BIST. Defra continues to work closely with BIST to share evidence and case studies on the energy challenges felt by parts of the horticulture sector.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps have been taken to track the reduction of strategic dependencies on foreign adversaries.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

The National Security Strategy 2025 makes clear the UK’s national security and growth objectives will be profoundly affected by tensions between the major powers. Increasing our sovereign and asymmetric capabilities is a key part of the Strategy's response to the risk posed by strategic dependencies on foreign adversaries. As a trade-reliant nation, the UK must also balance economic openness with addressing risks and vulnerabilities. The Government is taking steps to deliver this.

The Supply Chain Centre, based in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, is building the resilience of the supply chains critical to the UK’s security and prosperity, including working closely with industry. The Critical Minerals Strategy defines success criteria for foreign supply of critical minerals.

The Government is actively investing in and onshoring the industrial capabilities necessary for national security. For example, through the Sovereign AI fund we are developing a baseline level of sovereign AI technology capability and strengthening the UK’s position within the broader international ecosystem.

Found: A copy may also be inspected by contacting the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: Human Rights Memorandum from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: • These Explanatory Notes have been drafted by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: • These Explanatory Notes have been drafted by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: EXPLANATORY NOTES Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: EXPLANATORY NOTES Explanatory notes to the Bill, prepared by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: BIST Co-develop support with industry to help SMEs adopt productivity- enhancing digital technologies

Found: BIST New work experience, training, and job opportunities in retail and hospitality for young people

Found: It is a joint unit between No. 10, HM Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: It is working with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade to develop Green Book

Found: ministerial and official-level discussions • Engage with relevant government departments including HMT, BIST

Found: The BRE will work in close partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: The BRE will work in close partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: The BRE will work in close partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: The BRE will work in close partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: regulation action plan update Measure and description Methodology and sources for administrative saving BIST

Found: President of the Board of Trade Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) has also introduced the British

Found: bonding option a trader must be a member of an approved body (approved by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TRADE NOTICE OF PUBLICATION 0143/26 of

Found: In July 2026, DSIT was replaced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST)

Found: Produced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), this publication contains

Found: General Export Licence (Military Goods, Software and Technology), issued by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: extend our digital and data public infrastructure6 In partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: BIST) Firearms Import Licence.

Found: THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TRADE NOTICE OF PROPOSAL TO PUBLISH 0145/26

Found: THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TRADE NOTICE OF PROPOSAL TO PUBLISH 0155/26

Found: THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TRADE NOTICE OF PROPOSAL TO PUBLISH 0156/26 of

Found: bonding option a trader must be a member of an approved body (approved by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: organisations, trade bodies, and/or investors to raise regulatory barriers to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS INNOVATION SCIENCE AND TRADE NOTICE OF PUBLICATION 0143/26 of

Found: change in July 2026 the Met Office’s new owning department will be the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: (BIST).

Found:

Found: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade 02/09/2026 Grant-In-Aid to

Found:

Found: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade 04/08/2026 Grant-In-Aid to

Found: July 2026, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) was replaced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: July 2026, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) was replaced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: single-identity brand__border-color" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-innovation-science-and-trade

Found: July 2026, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) was replaced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: single-identity brand__border-color" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-innovation-science-and-trade

Found: July 2026, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) was replaced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: With the additional support for the programme by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: (BIST), the Government Chemist will be able to expand the definition of measurement frameworks

Found: (BIST), the Government Chemist will be able to expand the definition of measurement frameworks

Found: Reynolds MP Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: (BIST) and Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC).

Found: Produced by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), this publication contains

Found: President of the Board of Trade Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: this request The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: Out of hours  For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Found: This publication is available from: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade - GOV.UK

Found: pregnancy or otherwise becomes eligible through a Final Stage Impact Assessment Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade