Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department is taking steps to help support the transition from animal testing to new approach methodologies.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is committed to supporting the uptake and development of alternative methods to the use of animals in science. The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal.

We recognise that any work to phase out animal testing and support the transition to new approach methodologies must be science-led and in lock step with partners.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has issued guidance to local authorities on providing offline options for people to access public services.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

We have not done so as yet, but digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and we understand that some people will remain offline by choice, so alternative, accessible pathways need to be readily available and advertised. We are developing our approach on digital inclusion and will be working closely with the third sector, industry and local authorities.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure copyright is protected regarding the increasing development of generative AI.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recognises the value of human-centred creativity underpinned by copyright and is committed to supporting the creative industries and AI sectors to grow in partnership.

We are urgently considering the issues concerning generative AI training and copyright. Most recently, the Minister for AI and Digital Government and the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism held roundtables with the creative and AI sectors in September.

Whilst clarity is needed, this is a complex topic and we must take time to hear and carefully consider stakeholder views, so DSIT and DCMS continue to engage with them to inform our approach.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 27 September (HL1033), whether the Government Digital Service has a list of banned words and phrases.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Digital Service issues guidance outlining how to write in the GOV.UK style, which is used by teams across government when publishing information to the website. This guidance is publicly available on GOV.UK. It provides examples of words and terms to avoid and specifies that publishers must not use offensive language.

GDS continuously reviews and updates this guidance to ensure content across the website is consistent, easy to understand and accessible to everyone.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7064 on Digital Technology: Disadvantaged, whether he plans to update the digital inclusion strategy.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Yes, because digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and we have already set up the Digital Inclusion and Skills Unit (DISU) to address it.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 3.70 of the Autumn Budget 2024, HC 295, published on 30 October 2024, what funding his Department has allocated to extend the Innovation Accelerators programme.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government will extend the Innovation Accelerators pilot for a year to continue to bolster high-potential innovation clusters in the Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. We will announce further details on the allocation of the R&D budget in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on ensuring that people who (a) cannot and (b) choose not to be online are not excluded by the NHS’s planned transition from analogue to digital.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Digital inclusion is a priority for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. We understand, however, that some people will remain offline by choice, and that alternative, accessible pathways to access public services need to be readily available and advertised. We are working across government departments to develop our approach on tackling digital exclusion, including colleagues at DHSC and NHS England.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many Government services have moved to the GOV.UK One Login system; and what his planned timetable is for moving all Government services to this system.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As of November 2024, users can access 50 government services within GOV.UK One Login. Approximately 100 services are expected to be onboarded in 2025, with more to follow thereafter. Government departments are actively developing delivery plans to onboard their services to GOV.UK One Login.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to support the Scottish space sector; and whether his Department provides support for UK entities bidding for European Space Agency contracts.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

From 2018-2025, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) will have enabled and invested ~£126 million in Scotland through national programmes and European Space Agency (ESA) funding, including funding to establish launch services, co-funding for Space Scotland, and funding via the Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund to expand access to key engineering infrastructure.

The UKSA supports the UK sector in bidding for ESA contracts through initiatives including ESA 101 courses and Bid Writing Workshops. Over 1,000 individuals from 558 different organisations have signed up to take part, equipping them with skills to enhance their ESA bidding success.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding his Department plans to provide for research into musculoskeletal treatments in each of the next five years.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government does not generally ringfence funding for particular areas of research. In line with the Haldane principle, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other Government funders award grants to the best proposals that are submitted through a process of expert peer review. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects spanning understanding musculoskeletal biology through to the development of therapies for arthritis, pain, neuromuscular disease, and osteoporosis. The recent Budget set out DSIT’s overall R&D funding, of £13.9bn for 2025/26. Further details regarding this funding allocation will be announced in due course, and before the start of the financial year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 4.94 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 August 2024, HC 295, whether this applies to all UK universities; and what metric she will use to assess whether a university is world leading.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Autumn Budget 2024 announces at least £6.1 billion of funding for core research, growing this allocation at least in line with inflation. Core research funding directly and indirectly supports universities through a range of programmes, including competitive research grants through UKRI’s research councils, investment in PhDs and fellowships, and Quality-Related research funding provided through Research England, informed by the outcomes of the Research Excellence Framework (REF). DSIT will work closely with the sector to effectively prioritise our R&D settlement, and will announce further details on funding allocations in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle digital exclusion among Arab women in the UK.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Digital inclusion is a priority for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. Digital exclusion disproportionately impacts certain demographics, creating new inequalities and exacerbating existing ones. As we develop our approach on tackling this issue we will be working closely with local communities, local authorities, businesses and charities to ensure everything we do is well targeted. We hope to announce more on this in the near future.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential use of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector to improve patient outcomes.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is working closely with Departments, including DHSC, to support better adoption of AI. For example, through the £21m AI Diagnostics fund, DHSC is supporting the deployment of technologies in high-demand areas such as chest X-Ray and chest CT scans to enable faster diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in over half of acute trusts in England.

At the recent International Investment Summit, over £24 billion of investment was pledged to harness the opportunity AI offers. DSIT will continue working closely with Cabinet colleagues to ensure AI is safely deployed to deliver service enhancements, earlier diagnostics and improved patient outcomes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to hold social media platforms to account for enabling offences involving catfishing; and how they plan to ensure that social media platforms protect children.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The impact of ‘catfishing’ can be devastating for victims. Under the Online Safety Act all in-scope services will need to protect users from illegal content and criminal behaviour, including communications offences such as the false communications offence.

In addition, those services that are likely to be accessed by children will need to take steps to protect child users from content which is harmful. Ofcom will have robust powers enforce to against companies who do not comply with their duties

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of catfishing on users of social media platforms.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The impact of ‘catfishing’ can be devastating for victims. Under the Online Safety Act all in-scope services will need to protect users from illegal content and criminal behaviour, including communications offences such as the false communications offence.

In addition, those services that are likely to be accessed by children will need to take steps to protect child users from content which is harmful. Ofcom will have robust powers enforce to against companies who do not comply with their duties

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UKRI funding in helping innovative projects scale-up.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Criteria assessing the impact and effectiveness of UKRI funding to support scale-up of innovative projects are consistently tracked through the UKRI Commercialisation Monitoring Framework, as well as Innovate UK’s Impact Management Framework.

All evaluations are published on UKRI’s website and are used to inform future approach and investments.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 4.96 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, by what process the figure of £500 million to invest in Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network was arrived at; and what that funding is expected to achieve.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Autumn Budget set out funding of over £500m in 2025/26 for Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network. This only referred to the capital funding for these programmes, resource is allocated separately.

The funding allocation is based on estimated delivery for the two programmes. For Project Gigabit this is based on the contracts we have signed and have planned. We remain committed to delivering gigabit connections to at least 99% of premises by 2030. Funding for the Shared Rural Network is based on agreements with the mobile industry to roll out new and upgraded masts to meet our target of hitting 95% geographic 4G coverage next year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 4.94 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 August 2024, HC 295, whether he has made an estimate of the return on investment in Horizon (a) this year and (b) in the future.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We expect to contribute over £8bn to Horizon Europe between 2024-2027, and are aiming for UK researchers to be awarded the maximum amount possible through successful funding bids. Our priority is to boost UK application and success rates to maximise this return. As we re-joined the programme in January of this year, and there is a lag between applications and awards, it is too early to properly assess UK success in the programme.

We have secured financial protections that ensure the UK can clawback funds if contributions to Horizon Europe exceed receipts that go to UK researchers and businesses and researchers by 16%.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many government departments met the June target for having a costed and reviewed artificial intelligence adoption plan in place; and which, if any, did not meet that target.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

At the start of the year, Departments were sent a commission to submit initial returns on their plan for AI adoption: 17 Departments responded. Workshops were then held with a smaller number of prioritised departments to understand their AI adoption opportunities and challenges in detail, ahead of an expected spending review. This work was paused due to the general election.

The new government is fully committed to harnessing AI and other technologies to deliver the government’s five missions and improve citizens’ lives. However, rather than being bound by the commitments of the previous government, the government will instead set out revised plans for accelerating the adoption of AI in public services, in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to attract more AI experts to the UK.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The AI Opportunities Action Plan will outline steps needed to support the growth of the AI sector, including training and attracting top AI talent. This will build on existing programmes including the AI and Data Science Masters Conversion courses. This year over 4,000 students are expected to graduate from these courses, and historically 90% employed graduates from these programmes work in a role related to AI or data science.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect creative industries from the unlicensed use of creative works for training generative AI; and what assessment they have made of the risk this poses to the livelihoods of the people behind these works.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government supports growth in both the creative industries and the AI sector, recognising the value of human-centred creativity.

This is a complex topic, and we want to take the time to hear stakeholder views and carefully consider the issues and their impacts – including the use of creative works to train generative AI.

The Minister for AI and Digital Government and the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism held roundtables with the creative and AI sectors in September.

DSIT and DCMS continue to engage with stakeholders to inform and develop our approach.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department is taking steps with private mobile network operators to improve (a) mobile phone signal and (b) 5G coverage in London.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government wants all areas of the UK, including London, to benefit from reliable and good quality mobile coverage. Our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030, and to increase 4G coverage to 95% of the UK landmass by the end of 2025.

Vodafone, Virgin Media O2 and BT/EE have all launched standalone 5G services in London.

We work closely with the mobile industry and are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework to support investment and competition in the market.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support and invest in the technology industry.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government is taking action to support the UK’s world-leading technology industry, which will be at the heart of our new industrial strategy. The Budget will see Research and Development spending rising to a record level of over £20 billion, with DSIT’s R&D budget increasing by 8.5% in real terms. The new Regulatory Innovation Office will reduce red tape for our most innovative companies and speed up technology development. And we are unlocking further investment in industries of the future, including from institutional investors, through the British Growth Partnership, the National Wealth Fund and the Pensions Review.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help ensure benefits of technological development are felt by all demographics.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Digital inclusion is a priority for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. I know that digital exclusion disproportionately impacts certain demographics, including older people, those with disabilities and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, creating new inequalities and exacerbating existing ones. As we develop our approach on tackling this issue we will be working closely with the third and private sector and local authorities to ensure interventions are targeted to individual needs.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to increase investment in women-led start up technology businesses.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

This Government is committed to strengthening diversity in the tech sector, including supporting female-led start-ups, and has made breaking down barriers to opportunity one of our five national missions.

Programmes like DSIT’s £12m Digital Growth Grant and Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards are supporting female-led businesses through grants and wider business support.

In September, the Chancellor announced Government support for the Invest in Women Taskforce. The Taskforce aims to establish a funding pool of more than £250 million for female-founded businesses through private capital, making it one of the world’s largest investment funding pools aimed solely at female founders.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make it his policy to require (a) unused and (b) decommissioned (i) laptops, (ii) mobile phones and (iii) other public sector devices to be donated to device banks.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is committed to extending the life of its equipment and devices, to reduce our environmental impact and provide more people with access to devices. Device donation is one of the issues we shall be looking at as we develop our approach on digital inclusion.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the harmful effects of pornography in Gower constituency.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must proactively tackle the most harmful illegal content including extreme pornography. The Act requires services in scope to understand risks from illegal content online and take mitigating action.

Separate to provisions in the Online Safety Act, the Independent Pornography Review, led by Independent Lead Reviewer Baroness Gabby Bertin will explore the effectiveness of regulation, legislation and the law enforcement response to pornography. The government expects the Review to present its final report by the end of the year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in determining the eligible entity criteria and procedural requirements for the Online Safety Act 2023's super-complaints function; and when they will introduce the regulations to bring it into effect.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government consulted on the eligible entity criteria and procedural requirements for the super-complaints’ regime under the Online Safety Act 2023 earlier this year. We are carefully considering responses to the consultation to inform secondary legislation, which we intend to lay in spring next year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on artificial intelligence and its role in economic growth.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers great economic potential for the whole of the UK.

The UK’s AI Sector was valued at £72.3bn in 2024 - larger than any country in Europe. Forecasts suggest it could eventually be worth over £800 billion by 2035.The AI Opportunities Action Plan will outline recommendations for Government, to harness AI's potential, including boosting economic growth, productivity, and job quality through widespread AI adoption.

DSIT's Secretary of State collaborates closely with cabinet colleagues on AI-related matters.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the finding in the Internet Matters report The new face of digital abuse: Children's experiences of nude deepfakes, published on 22 October, that nearly half a million children have encountered AI deepfake nudes online, what plans they have to ban apps that create deepfake nudes.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Any child sexual abuse material, whether AI generated or not, is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to share or threaten to share an AI-generated intimate image of an adult without consent. The government will take further action by delivering the manifesto commitment to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes.

The Online Safety Act requires services in scope to proactively tackle child sexual abuse content and intimate image abuse content. The Act also requires services to use highly effective age assurance to prevent children from encountering pornography. These requirements apply to AI-generated content.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to widen access to digital skills training.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Digital skills are a priority for the Government’s missions to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity. We are working across government departments to widen access to digital skills training as part of our wider approach to digital inclusion. We are also engaging with key industry partners through the Digital Skills Council to ensure the digital skills system is joined up and comprehensive, and that it meets the needs of both employers and individuals, across the UK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the Communications Ombudsman's powers to increase the accountability of telecommunications providers.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Communications Ombudsman is one of two Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes accredited by Ofcom, the independent regulator of services, in the telecoms sector.

Ofcom launched a review of ADR in November 2023 which examines the extent to which schemes are working effectively, whether customers are receiving an accessible and fair service; and the potential need for changes to the monitoring of performance. Ofcom expect to provide an update on their review by the end of the year.

The government will consider any potential next steps once Ofcom’s review has concluded.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Healthy Ageing Challenge in helping companies scale up projects.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

An independent evaluation of the Healthy Ageing Challenge has been published on UKRI’s website. The evaluation found that the Challenge has:

• Contributed to firm-level growth, as evidenced by increased turnover, R&D expenditure, and staff numbers among participating companies.
• Largely achieved its short- to medium-term outcomes. Even against a backdrop of a global pandemic and cost of living crisis
• Supported research and innovation across the entire innovation pipeline from early-stage research to adoption and scaling research, and commercialisation.

The medium- to long-term outcomes are likely to be achieved over the next 3 to 5 years.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had recent discussions with the Office for Budget Responsibility on accounting for public sector funding for research and development in fiscal forecasts.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Engagement with the Office for Budget Responsibility is led by HM Treasury. The Department engages with HM Treasury on a regular basis to discuss a wide number of topics.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 25 October 2024 to Question 9826 on Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Buildings, how many civil servants are assigned to work in his Department's headquarters in London; and how many individual desks are available in the headquarters office.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 November to Question 9825.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the (a) quality and (b) total area coverage area for (i) 5G and (ii) other wireless data reception in (A) Wokingham and (B) along intercity transport routes; and what steps he is taking to improve in 5G coverage in those areas.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Our ambition is for all populated areas to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030, and 95% 4G geographic coverage by the end of 2025. We are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework to support investment and competition, alongside improving mobile connectivity for rail passengers.

Although I am conscious that reports of mobile coverage often do not accurately represent people’s lived experience and have written to Ofcom to urge them to review their reporting, they state that 98% of the Wokingham constituency area has 4G geographic coverage from all four mobile operators, and 93% of all roads have in-vehicle 4G coverage from all four operators. Also according to Ofcom, basic (non-standalone) 5G is available from at least one mobile operator outside 91% of premises. Ofcom does not currently publish data on 5G in-vehicle coverage, or coverage data for the rail network, but my own anecdotal experience suggests that 5G coverage along inter city routes is intermittent, poor and at times nonexistent.

The Shared Rural Network programme will improve mobile connectivity on an additional 16,000 kilometres of roads across the UK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the rate of return to public investment in UK R&D.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Public R&D generates significant benefits for the UK, with each pound of public R&D investment estimated to leverage, on average, £2 of private R&D investment in the long run. We know businesses grow faster because of public R&D. In the 6 years after receiving their first R&D grant funding, employment increases in the average business by 21% and turnover grows by 23%.

The measurable returns of R&D projects will vary, depending on the specific area of research. Returns for closer-to-market research are generally less challenging to quantify than those for fundamental, curiosity-driven research. To ensure that public R&D investments continue to have high impact all new significant DSIT investments are assessed for their value for money and the Department evaluates programmes’ impact.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the UK Space Agency to help develop high-skilled jobs in the space sector; and whether the agency supports (a) apprenticeships and (b) development programmes.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The UK Space Agency Education and Future Workforce programme aims to build and strengthen a diverse workforce. This includes formal and informal educational activities, as well as specific support for developing a skilled workforce. Development programmes include the Space Placements in Industry internship programme, where 119 students were placed in UK space organisations in Summer 2024, alongside scholarship funding and the £2.1m Training Programmes Fund to address known skills gaps in the sector.

In July 2023, the Department for Education launched the Level 6 space degree apprenticeship, developed by a trailblazer group of space industry experts and building on the Level 4 space engineering technician apprenticeship launched in August 2020.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2024 to Question 10824 on Instagram: Politics and Government, if he will ask Ofcom to investigate Instagram's limiting of political content.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act has safeguards for freedom of expression and will give platforms that cross a certain threshold (known as ‘Category 1’ services under the framework) specific duties to safeguard news journalism and content of democratic importance. Ofcom will be able to review providers’ compliance with these duties when they come into effect. As an independent regulator, any investigations and enforcement decisions are a matter for Ofcom.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of R&D investment in (a) clean energy, (b) AI and (c) quantum technology on (i) the University of Nottingham and (ii) Nottingham Trent University.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government will accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world class science, research and development. Advanced science and engineering in fields such as clean energy, AI and quantum technologies support economic growth and the industrial strategy. University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University were both recognised for their world leading research including in engineering in REF2021. Decisions about public investment of R&D funding are made by experts on behalf of UK Research and Innovation in line with the Haldane Principle. For example, University of Nottingham has been awarded £6.4m to lead an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training on Resilient Chemistry which will tackle challenges including synthetic fuels and next generation battery materials.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to increase the amount spent on research outside the Greater South East by 40%.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

This public R&D regional investment target is set out in the statement of missions laid in relation to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Increasing productivity right across the UK is fundamental to our mission to kickstart economic growth. Through our Industrial Strategy and the development of Local Growth Plans, we will build on local strengths to ensure that public and private R&D investment right across the UK helps local places to reach their potential.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Assuring a Responsible Future for AI, published on 6 November 2024, what assessment he has made of the role that Government procurement can have in driving demand for AI assurance.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We know that Government procurement is a powerful lever to drive innovation, giving businesses confidence to invest in and shape markets by signalling Government needs and intent, and this is no different with AI assurance. By embedding them in public sector procurement, Government can likely drive demand for proven AI assurance practices and support improvements in the quality of the AI supply chain. We are continuing to assess this potential, and last week we launched a public consultation on our AI Management Essentials tool, with questions as to the potential market effects of including these practices in Government procurement processes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the (a) annual and (b) consolidated take up is of cyber essentials by small and medium sized businesses.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

a) Cyber Essentials certificates awarded to small and medium sized businesses:

i. November 2023 to October 2024: 41,162, including 9,680 Cyber Essentials Plus certificates.

ii. November 2022 to October 2023: 26,674, including 7,966 Cyber Essentials Plus certificates.

iii. November 2021 to October 2022: 20,773, including 4,938 Cyber Essentials Plus certificates.

iv. November 2020 to October 2021: 18,136, including 3,694 Cyber Essentials Plus certificates.

b) From 1 May 2020 to 31 October 2024 (the period for which IASME Consortium have been government’s sole delivery partner for Cyber Essentials), 131,339 Cyber Essentials certificates have been awarded to small and medium businesses. This includes 27,217 Cyber Essentials Plus certificates.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7010 on Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Official Cars, how many of those vehicles are electric.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

For security reasons specific details of allocations including make and model of vehicles are not issued.

The arrangements relating to the usage of vehicles in the Government Car Service are set out in the Civil Service Management Code.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 7011 on Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Official Cars, if she will publish a list of senior officials in his Department with access to a government car; and whether those officials had access to a government car before the general election.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

For security reasons specific details of allocations including make and model of vehicles are not issued.

The arrangements relating to the usage of vehicles in the Government Car Service are set out in the Civil Service Management Code.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 4.99 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, over what period will £80 million be invested in corporate services across Government; and whether this investment will be in (a) IT, (b) human resources and (c) training.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The multi-year investment relates to the Matrix Shared Services Transformation programme, which plays an important part in driving a modern digital government, giving people a more satisfying experience and their time back in nine government departments. The £80m investment will take place in the year from April 25 to March 26 inclusive with the programme running through to FY27/28. The scope of the investment covers the implementation of a new system, the associated service transformation and the staff costs to prepare for and enact the changes for the first tranche of departments. With this investment we'll move closer to reaching our overall ambition - to transform shared services and technology to enable civil servants to focus on what they value most, serving the public.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 4.94 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, by what process the figure of £37 million for the Made Smarter programme was arrived at; how many firms that figure is planned to cover; and what the expected return is.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We will announce further details on the allocation of the R&D budget in 2025/26 in due course. We will ensure we continue to build on the success of the Made Smarter Innovation Challenge, which has supported more than 400 organisations, of which over half are SMEs.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 4.94 of the Autumn Budget 2024, published on 30 October 2024, HC 295, by what process the support for the commercialisation of university research will be allocated; and what the expected return is.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT and UK Research and Innovation are designing a new process to allocate this funding. This will build on engagement earlier in the year with the university sector on how to design proof-of-concept funding. While the benefits realised will depend on the precise design, evaluations of existing UKRI programmes show strong benefits. For example, the Medical Research Council’s evaluation of their developmental pathway funding scheme found that spin-outs from those awarded funding raised on average £4 million, whereas most spin-outs from projects marginally rejected for funding raised very little, or nothing.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of public sector funding for research and development on private sector investment in research.

Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Public Sector funding for research and development has been found to leverage additional private investment in R&D. Each pound of public R&D investment is estimated to leverage, on average, £2 of private R&D investment in the long run and some studies estimate even higher levels of private investment.

Businesses grow faster because of public R&D grants. In the 6 years after receiving their first R&D grant funding, employment increases in the average business by 21% and turnover grows by 23%.

We believe that lies, fraud, and media toxicity threaten our way of life. We think new mechanisms are needed to preserve confidence. How else can people know what to trust?

We believe social media companies should be banned from letting children under 16 create social media accounts.

Found: infrastructure strategy that is being led by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and will work across DSIT

Found: It has been great to see with the new Government that the depth of support in DSIT and beyond for ARIA

Found: I think DSIT still has three reports on its books that the Government have not fully responded to,

Found: We know that DSIT and Ministers have said the Online Safety Act 2023 will cover this—again I am going

Found: fraud campaign, the Online Safety Act and some of the work that came out of the Online Safety Act and DSIT

Found: As a result, DSIT will become experts in data, digital and AI.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11881 on Research Finance, if her Department will publish a tabular summary of Capital DEL allocated in the Budget to research and development by Department for 2024-25.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The departmental research and development (R&D) allocations for 2024-25 are set out in the table below. The numbers represent departmental plans as of Autumn Budget 2024, which reflect underspends identified through the Public Spending Audit 2024-25, including as a result of lower Horizon association costs than previously budgeted for.

In 2025-26, the government has allocated £20.4 billion for investment in R&D – more than ever before which reflects its focus on growth. This includes the protection of £6.1 billion for core research.

*rounded to nearest £100m

**rounded to nearest £10m

Individual departments have been rounded to reflect the possibility that allocations can change as a result of in-year inter-department budget transfers.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps her Department has taken to protect the welfare of beagles bred for sale to animal testing facilities.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

animals bred in the UK for use in scientific procedures. All establishments licenced to breed protected animals under ASPA are required to comply with the published Code of Practice, which sets out standards for the appropriate care and accommodation of animals, including dogs.

The majority of Beagles bred for use in science (85%) are for the purposes of regulatory testing under legislation on pharmaceutical products for human use. The number of Beagles bred is largely determined by the forecast needs of the pharmaceutical industry that require testing of medicines, and the Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts both announced and unannounced audits to ensure establishments compliance with the terms of their licences, the Code of Practice and with ASPA.

The Home Office assures that, in every research proposal, animals are replaced with non-animal alternatives wherever possible, the number of animals are reduced to the minimum necessary to achieve the result sought, and that, for those animals which must be used, procedures are refined as much as possible to minimise their suffering.

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is leading on plans to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternatives to animal testing.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of number of beagles needed for use in laboratory experiments in the UK.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

animals bred in the UK for use in scientific procedures. All establishments licenced to breed protected animals under ASPA are required to comply with the published Code of Practice, which sets out standards for the appropriate care and accommodation of animals, including dogs.

The majority of Beagles bred for use in science (85%) are for the purposes of regulatory testing under legislation on pharmaceutical products for human use. The number of Beagles bred is largely determined by the forecast needs of the pharmaceutical industry that require testing of medicines, and the Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts both announced and unannounced audits to ensure establishments compliance with the terms of their licences, the Code of Practice and with ASPA.

The Home Office assures that, in every research proposal, animals are replaced with non-animal alternatives wherever possible, the number of animals are reduced to the minimum necessary to achieve the result sought, and that, for those animals which must be used, procedures are refined as much as possible to minimise their suffering.

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is leading on plans to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternatives to animal testing.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the number of beagles being bred for use in laboratory experiments in the UK.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

animals bred in the UK for use in scientific procedures. All establishments licenced to breed protected animals under ASPA are required to comply with the published Code of Practice, which sets out standards for the appropriate care and accommodation of animals, including dogs.

The majority of Beagles bred for use in science (85%) are for the purposes of regulatory testing under legislation on pharmaceutical products for human use. The number of Beagles bred is largely determined by the forecast needs of the pharmaceutical industry that require testing of medicines, and the Animals in Science Regulation Unit conducts both announced and unannounced audits to ensure establishments compliance with the terms of their licences, the Code of Practice and with ASPA.

The Home Office assures that, in every research proposal, animals are replaced with non-animal alternatives wherever possible, the number of animals are reduced to the minimum necessary to achieve the result sought, and that, for those animals which must be used, procedures are refined as much as possible to minimise their suffering.

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is leading on plans to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternatives to animal testing.

Found: Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/over-500-companies-named-for-not-paying-minimum- wage DSIT

Found: for Science, Innovation & Technology (2023), https://assets.publishing.se rvice.gov.uk/media/651d79d86a6955000d78b2fb

Found: DSIT are unable to provide data until they transfer into their new HQ 22-26 WH which is now due to happen

Found: TV ITV Local TV Network Paramount S4C Sky STV Tech UK Infrastructure Richard Lindsay-Davies, Chair DSIT

Found: A number of re-appointments were also confirmed by DSIT.

Found: DSIT media enquiries Email press@dsit.gov.uk Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm

Found: DSIT media enquiries Email press@dsit.gov.uk Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm

Found: Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Home Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: cost-benefit awareness tool has been designed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA secretary.state@dsit.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA secretary.state@dsit.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: Committee House of Lords London SW1A 0PW secretary.state@dsit.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA secretary.state@dsit.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: Committee House of Lords London SW1A 0PW secretary.state@dsit.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA secretary.state@dsit.gov.uk www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: Baroness Jones of Whit church DBT Responsibilities include: ● Business policy in Lords legislation DSIT

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Accounting Officer System Statement 2024.

Found: Baroness Maggie Jones Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation