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

To ask His Majesty's Government what contribution will the British steel sector, including Speciality Steel UK, play in (1) delivering their Industrial Strategy, and (2) supporting growth in key sectors across the UK.

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

A strong British steel sector is fundamental to delivering the Industrial Strategy, strengthening national and economic security, and supporting growth in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, infrastructure and digital technologies. Through the Steel Strategy, backed by up to £2.5 billion, the Government is working to rebuild the sector, attract investment, increase demand for UK-made steel and support clean, modern production. It is a major employer in one of the UK’s most deprived areas, and it occupies a unique place in our steel ecosystem. Working towards public acquisition will preserve strategic control and enable the Government to assess all credible future opportunities, including how SSUK’s specialist capabilities can support growth, skilled employment and resilient domestic supply chains.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of maintaining continuity in specialist steel production in response to the lengthy accreditation and homologation processes required by customers in the (1) automotive, (2) aerospace, and (3) defence sectors.

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

The Government recognises that accreditation and homologation processes in the automotive, aerospace and defence sectors can take time, making the continuity of specialist steel capability important to customers and national resilience. We are working towards the public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK to preserve strategic control and enable all credible options for its future to be assessed. No final decisions have yet been taken. Options will be considered thoroughly, including on their economic and industrial benefits, contribution to regional growth and national resilience, and value for money.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to prioritise heat batteries as a tool to cut the cost of bills.

Answered by Baroness Curran - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government recognises that heat batteries can play a role in decarbonising domestic heating, noting their ability to take advantage of time-of-use electricity tariffs through charging at off-peak times. The government has committed to provide grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a value of £2,500, that can support the installation of heat batteries, once appropriate standards have been implemented.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the system benefits created by heat batteries which shift demand away from peak times.

Answered by Baroness Curran - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government recognises that heat batteries can play a role in decarbonising domestic heating, noting their ability to shift demand away from peak times through charging at off-peak times. The government has committed to provide grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with a value of £2,500, that can support the installation of heat batteries, once appropriate standards have been implemented.

Officials within DESNZ are in regular contact with the heat battery industry including through trade bodies.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to remove the barriers to access to omaveloxolone for patients with Friedreich's ataxia; and what plans they have to establish an interim access pathway for eligible patients while reimbursement negotiations continue.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Unfortunately, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has so far been unable to evaluate omaveloxolone because the company responsible withdrew from the evaluation process last year. However, NICE stands ready to resume the process if the company decides to make a new submission.

In the interim, we are determined to ensure that all those suffering from this debilitating condition get the help and support that they need, and NHS England already provides a number of services to help individuals manage their symptoms, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Found: Baroness Andrews Lord Bailey of Paddington Baroness Barran Lord Gascoigne (Chair) Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe

Found: Bailey of Paddington Baroness Barran Lord Bassam of Brighton Lord Gascoigne (Chair) Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe

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