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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to place conditions relating to water recycling and usage on the construction of data centres.

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

The Government recognises the importance of sustainable water use as digital infrastructure grows. BIST works with Defra, the Environment Agency and others to ensure data centre growth does not compromise public water supply resilience. Water resources are managed through statutory water company and regional plans and the Environment Agency’s National Framework. The Government supports water-efficient cooling technologies, including closed-loop systems, and alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting. National planning policy promotes sustainable water use and resource efficiency.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Hayman of Ullock on 18 March (HL15295) and the Marine Management Organisation’s announcement on 16 September that it is preparing to resume enforcement of Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems (I-VMS) compliance for English fishing vessels under 12 metres, when they expect to lay the statutory instrument to extend the I-VMS requirement to all UK and non-UK fishing vessels under 12 metres operating in English waters.

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

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has resumed the roll-out of the IVMS programme. This Government intends to lay the SI once the roll-out is complete and the MMO is satisfied devices are operating correctly.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current VAT treatment of heat batteries in light of the different rates applied to other clean heat technologies supported through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Decisions on tax policy are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events in the context of overall public finances.

Installations of qualifying energy-saving materials in residential accommodation, and buildings used solely for a charitable purpose, benefit from a temporary VAT zero rate until March 2027, after which they will revert to the reduced rate of VAT at five per cent.

When evaluating whether to add energy-saving materials to this relief, the Government uses three criteria. The technology must be primarily intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions; relieving the technology of VAT must be cost-effective; and it must be practical for HMRC and businesses to operate.

The Government plans to support the installation of heat batteries by making them eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This will offer grants of £2,500 for heat battery installation in homes that are not suitable for heat pumps.

Found: Hill Baroness Drake Lord Fuller Baroness Harding Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Chair) Lord Teverson

Found: Apologies and notices Apologies were received from Lord Udny-Lister, Lord Teverson and Specialist Adviser

Found: Baroness Carberry of Muswell Hill Baroness Drake Lord Fuller Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Lord Teverson