Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the availability of submarine personnel to crew the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent currently and in future years.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Navy has successfully maintained Operation RELENTLESS – the Continuous At Sea Deterrent – without interruption for over 56 years. We do not disclose details of the operation, including the duration of time spent at sea, as such information could be used to undermine the security and capability of the mission and our personnel.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the entitlement of a shareholder to choose whether to attend public company annual general meetings in person or digitally.

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

It is clear that the use of digital or “virtual” platforms can provide benefits to both companies and shareholders in the context of annual general meetings and indeed “hybrid” meetings, which provide a combination of physical and virtual access, are already relatively commonplace. While the Government committed last Autumn to clarifying the law around wholly virtual general meetings, we fully recognise the importance of shareholder rights. Therefore, the appropriate safeguards will be considered as part of any legislative changes. My officials will continue to develop this policy and work towards a position that balances the interests of all relevant stakeholders.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government how tax relief through independent savings accounts allowing investment overseas contributes to (1) the UK economy, or (2) the growth agenda.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to incentivising greater saving and investment, to help people save for their future goals and build greater financial resilience. The Government offers a generous tax treatment on Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to support people of all incomes and at all stages of life to save.

Individuals can currently save or invest up to £20,000 per year in an ISA, with all income and gains received in the wrapper received tax-free.

The Financial Services Growth & Competitiveness Strategy Call for Evidence, which closed on 12 December, asked how increasing retail participation in capital markets could support long-term sustainable growth within the sector and the wider economy. The call for evidence welcomed further evidence on how to improve consumer engagement with investing, and the Government is considering the feedback provided.

The Government is looking at options for reforms to ISAs that get the balance right between cash and equities to earn better returns for savers, boost the culture of retail investment, and support the growth mission.

The Government keeps all aspects of tax and savings policy under review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have plans to develop battlefield nuclear weapons.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

It will remain the case that none of the UK’s nuclear weapons are designed for tactical use during a conflict.