Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has commissioned research on the level of airborne particulate matter on the A283 in Storrington.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport has not commissioned research on the level of airborne particulate matter on the A283 in Storrington. However, the Environment Agency does record air quality in Storrington as part of the national air quality monitoring network on behalf of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps National Highways is taking to help reduce congestion at the A27 Crossbush junction.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This government is committed to maintaining and renewing our road networks to ensure they work for all road users and to future investment on the Strategic Road Network. However, as the Chancellor has said, we face the worst set of circumstances since the Second World War. She has committed to presenting to Parliament, before the summer recess, an assessment of the state of the new Government’s spending inheritance and has made clear that she will not shrink from difficult choices.

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 his European counterparts on the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, EU Regulation 2024/1689.

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

I am pleased that we committed in the King's Speech to a targeted approach to AI regulation. As we develop these regulations, we recognise the need to engage with a range of international partners. This includes engaging with the EU, who are a key science and technology partner, to discuss our respective approaches, as well as working alongside them and other partners in the G7, OECD, UN, and other international fora.

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 Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals on artificial intelligence.

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

As set out in the King’s Speech, we will establish appropriate legislation to ensure the safe development of AI models by introducing targeted requirements on a handful of companies developing the most powerful AI systems. We will work with other departments and consult publicly on the details of these proposals before legislation is brought forward.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is for completing the transfer of the (a) Government Digital Service, (b) Central Digital and Data Office and (c) Incubator for AI from the Cabinet Office to his Department.

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

I refer the Honourable Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister about Machinery of Government changes on 24 July 2024. Preparations for the planned Machinery of Government change between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office are underway. This includes the move of Government Digital Service, Central Digital and Data Office and Incubator for AI into Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The planned timetable and details for completing the transfer of staff as part of this Machinery of Government change has not yet been confirmed and we will advise in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what funding has been allocated to transfer the (a) Government Digital Service, (b) Central Digital and Data Office and (c) Incubator for AI from the Cabinet Office to his Department.

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

I refer the Honourable Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister about Machinery of Government changes on 24 July 2024. Preparations for the planned Machinery of Government change between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office are underway. This includes the move of Government Digital Service, Central Digital and Data Office and Incubator for AI into Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The planned timetable and details for completing the transfer of staff as part of this Machinery of Government change has not yet been confirmed and we will advise in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to publish a Space Workforce Action Plan.

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

The Government is determined to develop the skilled workforce that the UK needs across the whole economy, including in Space. That is why it is creating Skills England and will bring forward a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education to break down barriers to opportunity, support the development of a skilled workforce, and drive economic growth through our industrial strategy. Decisions about sector specific workforce action plans will be taken in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what funding his Department has allocated to help reach (a) full gigabit, (b) full superfast and (c) national 5G coverage by 2030.

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

Over £1.6 billion of contracts have already been announced as part of Project Gigabit, to extend the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband beyond commercially viable areas across the UK. A further £1 billion of funding is proposed in live and upcoming procurements.

Superfast broadband is already available in 98% of homes and business premises.

Non-standalone 5G is available outside 92% of UK premises and two of the four Mobile Network Operators have begun to deploy standalone 5G. The previous government set an ambition for nationwide standalone 5G coverage in populated areas by 2030, but attached no government subsidy to this.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he plans to take to help improve the Office for Life Sciences.

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

The life sciences sector will play a crucial role in both kickstarting economic growth and building an NHS fit for the future. We plan to strengthen the Office for Life Sciences, so that it is politically empowered to truly drive delivery across government. We will bolster the Office for Life Science’s operation across departments to cement this sector’s world-leading status.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is to appoint the chair of Building Digital UK.

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

Following the announcement of Simon Blagden’s resignation on 19 July 2024, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is working at pace to appoint an interim Chair of Building Digital UK. We will confirm in due course the timelines for the permanent Governance of BDUK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Independent review of university spin-out companies, published on 21 November 2023, what steps his Department plans to take to support the growth of university spin-out companies.

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

Universities have a vital role to play in supporting the Government’s growth mission; in 2021/22 university spin-outs raised £5.29 billion in investment. As stated in our manifesto, the Government will work with universities to support spin-outs which play a vital role in creating the innovations that will support our national Missions. We welcome the work that Irene Tracey and Andrew Williamson produced for the independent review and will consider their recommendations carefully.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his (a) projected budget and (b) planned timetable is for the creation of the National Data Library.

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

The Government will create a National Data Library to make it easier to access public sector data, help deliver data-driven public services, support our research sector, and create opportunities for economic growth. The National Data Library will include strong safeguards and maximise public benefit.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is leading planning of the National Data Library, including the projected budget and delivery milestones.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when he plans to establish the Regulatory Innovation Office; and what the budget will be for that office.

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

In our manifesto, the government announced its intent to establish a Regulatory Innovation Office. I am working with officials to define initial areas of focus, whilst developing long term plans to ensure the RIO can support economic growth through regulatory innovation. Further detail will be announced 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 his US counterpart on the potential introduction of expanded AI regulation.

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

In the King’s speech we committed to establishing appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models. As we develop these, we recognise the need to engage with a range of international partners. This includes engaging with the US, who are a key science and technology partner, to discuss our respective approaches, as well as working alongside them and other partners in the G7, OECD, UN and other international fora.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information the Intellectual Property Office holds on the number of patents registered in June 2024.

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

There were 691 patents granted (registered) by the Intellectual Property Office in June 2024.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans he has for efficiency savings in (a) his Department and (b) each of his arms-length bodies, beyond those planned by the previous Government; and which efficiency savings planned by the previous Government he no longer plans to implement.

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

The Department will take forward a programme of work to identify and deliver efficiency savings going forward as part of the upcoming Spending Review process.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to publish an AI strategy.

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country. Over the next few months, we will be ensuring that AI is used to drive the government’s missions and priorities, including the Industrial Strategy, the AI Opportunities Action Plan, and wider commitments.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what amount of his 2024-25 departmental budget was underspent on 24 May 2024.

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

The Department reports in year spend to Ministers and the Permanent Secretary through the monthly reporting cycle. As and when underspends or pressures emerge, the Department works with HM Treasury to take appropriate action.

The Department’s audited accounts for Financial Year 2024-25 will be published at the appropriate time once the Financial Year has concluded.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many diversity, equality and inclusion officers his Department employs.

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

Currently, the Department employs two staff whose role is solely dedicated to diversity and inclusion the focus of these roles is on compliance with the statutory obligations, including the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), and delivering key priorities, as set out in the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and the Civil Service People Plan.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will publish the (a) Job Evaluation for the appointment of the new Director General Digital Centre Design, (b) membership of the Job Evaluation Panel for the creation of the post and (c) scores the Panel members gave the position.

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

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 4. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will provide a list of the expected underspends in (a) his Department and (b) each of his arms-length bodies (i) in the current financial year and (ii) across the Spending Review period.

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

As the Chancellor set out in her statement on July 29, the government’s spending audit has identified a forecast Resource DEL overspend of £21.9 billion against the plans set out for departments at Spring Budget 2024. This already factors in the Treasury’s assessment of a £7.1bn fallaway over the course of the year, as set out in Table 1 of Fixing the foundations: public spending audit 2024-25.

The government has announced £5.5 billion of savings in 2024-25, bringing the in-year pressures down to £16.4 billion.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what metrics his Department plans to use to monitor the UK's progress on (a) developing and (b) supporting clinical trials.

Answered by Andrew Gwynne - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department publishes a UK Clinical Research Delivery Performance Indicators Report monthly, which is available at the following link:

https://sites.google.com/nihr.ac.uk/thefutureofukclinicalresearch/home/news-updates/performance-indicators-report?erca=1

The metrics of the report include, but are not limited to:

- the proportion of all studies receiving combined regulatory review achieved within 60 days, measured from submission to combined regulatory decision;

- the proportion of commercial contract studies open to recruitment within 60 days of the Health Research Authority’s approval letter, or equivalent process used by the devolved administrations;

- the proportion of commercial contract studies recruiting their first participant within 30 days of the sites opening to recruitment, except where this is not expected in the study milestone plan, for example rare disease studies;

- the proportion of all open studies on track, delivering on time and target; and

- the recruitment to all studies, including all commercial studies.

By monitoring these key performance indicators, the Department is committed to improving clinical trial performance in the United Kingdom.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether approval was sought from the Cabinet Office’s Senior Leadership Committee for the appointment of the new Director General for digital centre design.

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

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 4. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of announcing the appointment of the new Director General: Digital Centre Design on Gov.UK.

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

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 4. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the (a) First Civil Service Commissioner and (b) Civil Service Commission agreed to the appointment of the new Director General for digital centre design.

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

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 4. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the new Director General: Digital Centre Design was appointed through open competition.

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

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 4. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his Department's policy is on the future of the National Academy for Mathematical Sciences.

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

The General Election was called during the open competition period for an incipient National Academy focused on mathematical sciences. My Department recognises the value that the mathematical sciences community brings to innovation, science and growth and will confirm the outcome of the competition in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his Department's policy is on the future of the Life Sciences Council.

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

The Life Sciences Council is a crucial forum for convening the sector and advancing UK Life Sciences. We will bolster the Council and have it report directly to the Industrial Strategy Council. It will meet again in due course.

Found: the Commander at Joint Force Command Brunssum, NATO • Shanker Singham, CEO of Competere Ltd • Andrew

Found: Treasury (from 27/10/22 to 12/11/23) 46 21,120 (31,680)- 5,000 26,000 13,626 (31,680)- 3,000 17,000 Andrew

Found: the Commander at Joint Force Command Brunssum, NATO • Shanker Singham, CEO of Competere Ltd • Andrew