Ann McKechin

Labour - Former Member for Glasgow North

First elected: 7th June 2001

Left House: 30th March 2015 (Defeated)


Ann McKechin is not a member of any APPGs
Committees on Arms Export Controls
24th Oct 2011 - 30th Mar 2015
Business, Innovation and Skills Committee
24th Oct 2011 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
8th Oct 2010 - 7th Oct 2011
International Development Committee
12th Jul 2010 - 2nd Nov 2010
Shadow Minister (Scotland)
12th May 2010 - 8th Oct 2010
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)
16th Sep 2008 - 6th May 2010
International Development Committee
12th Jul 2005 - 19th Jan 2009
Scottish Affairs Committee
16th Jul 2001 - 12th Jul 2005
Standing Orders
24th Oct 2001 - 5th May 2005


Division Voting information

Ann McKechin has voted in 1695 divisions, and 7 times against the majority of their Party.

19 Oct 2011 - Deferred Division - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 28 Labour Aye votes vs 71 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 306 Noes - 95
4 Mar 2010 - Chair (Terminology) - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 27 Labour Aye votes vs 124 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 106 Noes - 221
14 Mar 2007 - Trident - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 94 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 167 Noes - 413
14 Mar 2007 - Trident - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 89 Labour No votes vs 222 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 161
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 132 Labour Aye votes vs 177 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 392
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 156 Labour Aye votes vs 157 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 267
17 Oct 2006 - Gambling Act 2005 (Amendment) - View Vote Context
Ann McKechin voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 46 Labour No votes vs 49 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 55 Noes - 240
View All Ann McKechin Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat)
(30 debate interactions)
David Mundell (Conservative)
(26 debate interactions)
Vince Cable (Liberal Democrat)
(18 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(91 debate contributions)
Scotland Office
(66 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(31 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(28 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Ann McKechin has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all Ann McKechin's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Ann McKechin

Ann McKechin has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Ann McKechin, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Ann McKechin has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Ann McKechin

Wednesday 21st January 2015

Ann McKechin has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Ann McKechin has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
50 Other Department Questions
5th Feb 2015
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 on charities.

Section 39 of the Act provides for a review of the operation of the regulatory regime governing third parties at the 2015 General Election.

The Government announced on 28 January 2015 that Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbots will conduct this review.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the Government's policy is on increasing participation amongst young voters.

The introduction of online registration makes registering to vote quicker, simpler and more convenient than ever before. Over 1 million applications to register to vote have been made by young people.

On 4 February the Government announced that a number of national organisations will receive funding to promote voter registration. The organisations include the British Youth Council and UK Youth. We will also fund student organisations including the NUS.

In addition we have supported data sharing initiatives whereby universities share directly with Electoral Registration Officers the details of students who can then be contacted individually.

13th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 7 January 2015 to Question 219632, whether his Department received any direct or indirect information from people or organisations other than City Link or the administrators (a) orally or (b) in writing before 23 December 2014 that there was a possibility of City Link being placed into administration.

The Insolvency Service first received information that a national logistics firm was at risk via email on 9 December and passed this to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on 10 December. Requests for the company name were rejected as the information was commercially sensitive. On the basis of the available information, officials worked with the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus to be ready to provide support should a failure actually materialise.

It is not uncommon for BIS to receive commercially sensitive information about companies or facilities at risk in strict confidence, though not all of these result in a company or site closure or significant job losses. BIS treats any such information with the utmost discretion in order to avoid precipitating a failure, which we would all wish to avoid.

2nd Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether the Insolvency Service plans to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the administration of Citylink.

In the first instance, it will be for the appointed Administrators to investigate the events leading up to the collapse of Citylink. The Administrators also have a statutory obligation to report confidentially to The Insolvency Service about the conduct of the directors. If misconduct is alleged the Secretary of State then has a discretionary power to seek the disqualification of the directors where it is believed to be in the public interest

The Insolvency Service also has discretionary powers under the Companies Acts to conduct enquiries on behalf of the Secretary of State where it appears that there has been misconduct in relation to the affairs of any company, including those not subject to formal insolvency. Any individual or organisation with evidence of misconduct should send full details of their complaint and all the supporting evidence to: Intelligence Hub, Investigations and Enforcement Services, The Insolvency Service, 3rd Floor Cannon House, 18 Priory Queensway, Birmingham B4 6FD (email: intelligence.live@insolvency.gsi.gov.uk)

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has powers to use information arising from such enquiries, to seek the disqualification of the directors of the company, petition the court to wind up the company or bring criminal proceedings.

2nd Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when his Department (a) first became aware of the possible administration of Citylink and (b) was advised by Citylink or its advisers that the company might be placed into administration.

The Department was contacted by Better Capital on 23rd December 2014 and informed that they intended to put City Link into administration the following day.

4th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what equality impact assessment in relation to gender his Department carried out on the proposal to limit the new postgraduate student loan finance to students under 30.

A preliminary equality impact assessment undertaken by the Department suggests there is little difference between the proportions of men and women undertaking postgraduate taught courses under 30 and those who are older, or in their propensity to study part-time. We will gather further evidence as part of the consultation before finalising the terms of the postgraduate taught loan.

4th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of part-time UK postgraduate students of each gender were (a) under 30, (b) between 30 and 40 and (c) over 40 years of age on entry in each of the last three years.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects and publishes data on entrants at UK Higher Education Institutions. The proportion of entrants to part-time taught postgraduate qualifications by gender and age in the last three academic years is provided in the table.

Statistics on entrants at UK Higher Education Institutions in the academic year 2013/14 will become available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency in January 2015.

Proportion of UK Domiciled entrants to part-time (1) Postgraduate Taught Qualifications (2) by Age and Gender

UK Higher Education Institutions

Academic Years 2010/11 to 2012/13

Academic Year 2012/13

Under 30

Between 30-40

Over 40

Total

Female

61%

54%

60%

59%

Male

39%

46%

40%

41%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Academic Year 2011/12

Under 30

Between 30-40

Over 40

Total

Female

61%

54%

60%

58%

Male

39%

46%

40%

42%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Academic Year 2010/11

Under 30

Between 30-40

Over 40

Total

Female

62%

55%

63%

60%

Male

38%

45%

37%

40%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Notes: Percentages have been rounded, therefore the sum of components may not add up to the total.

1. Domicile refers to the student’s postcode or permanent address prior to entering their course

2. Entrants refers to those in their first year of study

3. Age of student as of 31st August

19th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of consolidating Government schemes relating to the accreditation of tradespeople.

The Government aims to foster greater collaboration between schemes aimed at protecting the consumer as it believes that such collaborations will both enhance clarity and protection to the consumer and thus further marginalise the unscrupulous trader. To support these ambitions relevant Departments are engaged in exploratory discussions to foster closer working between government-sponsored schemes in the home repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) market.

19th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will confirm whether his Department has conducted a sectoral impact assessment of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on UK business.

The Centre for Economic Policy Research’s assessment of the potential impact of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on the UK includes projections of the impact for 20 sectors. For details, please see the report which can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-and-investment-agreement-between-eu-and-usa-estimated-impact-on-uk

19th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in other EU member states on the proposed disputes procedure in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

The Government has ongoing discussions on investor-state dispute settlement provisions in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with EU member states, the European Commission, MEPs and other stakeholders. We want investment protection provisions that guarantee the right of governments to legislate in the public interest while ensuring access to justice for investors who are discriminated against or treated unfairly.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance line of credit facility have been small and medium-sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

Exporters do not apply for lines of credit. Lines of credit are umbrella buyer credit facilities put in place at the request of an overseas buyer to purchase goods and services from a number of UK exporters.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance export insurance scheme have been small to medium sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the total number of exporters UK Export Finance (UKEF) has supported broken down by UKEF product for the last five financial full years.

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

Buyer Credit

0%

0%

0%

11%

7%

Bond Support Scheme*

-

-

67%

78%

91%

Export Insurance Policy

20%

75%

75%

54%

63%

Export Working Capital Scheme*

-

-

0%

83%

100%

Letter of Credit Guarantee Scheme

0%

0%

0%

0%

50%

Supplier Credit Facility

0%

50%

29%

33%

0%

*Products launched in 2011/12

SMEs are defined by the EU as companies that have fewer than 250 employees, and either a turnover of less than €50m or a balance sheet total of less than €43m.

Information on UKEFs Bond Support Scheme has been included given that it was introduced specifically to support to smaller exporters, especially SMEs.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance export working capital scheme have been small to medium sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the total number of exporters UK Export Finance (UKEF) has supported broken down by UKEF product for the last five financial full years.

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

Buyer Credit

0%

0%

0%

11%

7%

Bond Support Scheme*

-

-

67%

78%

91%

Export Insurance Policy

20%

75%

75%

54%

63%

Export Working Capital Scheme*

-

-

0%

83%

100%

Letter of Credit Guarantee Scheme

0%

0%

0%

0%

50%

Supplier Credit Facility

0%

50%

29%

33%

0%

*Products launched in 2011/12

SMEs are defined by the EU as companies that have fewer than 250 employees, and either a turnover of less than €50m or a balance sheet total of less than €43m.

Information on UKEFs Bond Support Scheme has been included given that it was introduced specifically to support to smaller exporters, especially SMEs.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance supplier credit facility have been small to medium sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the total number of exporters UK Export Finance (UKEF) has supported broken down by UKEF product for the last five financial full years.

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

Buyer Credit

0%

0%

0%

11%

7%

Bond Support Scheme*

-

-

67%

78%

91%

Export Insurance Policy

20%

75%

75%

54%

63%

Export Working Capital Scheme*

-

-

0%

83%

100%

Letter of Credit Guarantee Scheme

0%

0%

0%

0%

50%

Supplier Credit Facility

0%

50%

29%

33%

0%

*Products launched in 2011/12

SMEs are defined by the EU as companies that have fewer than 250 employees, and either a turnover of less than €50m or a balance sheet total of less than €43m.

Information on UKEFs Bond Support Scheme has been included given that it was introduced specifically to support to smaller exporters, especially SMEs.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance direct lending facility have been small and medium-sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

UK Export Finance’s direct lending facility was launched in 2013-14. It was recently amended to make it more readily accessible, and has recently completed its first deal.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance buyer credit facility of credit guarantee scheme have been small to medium sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the total number of exporters UK Export Finance (UKEF) has supported broken down by UKEF product for the last five financial full years.

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

Buyer Credit

0%

0%

0%

11%

7%

Bond Support Scheme*

-

-

67%

78%

91%

Export Insurance Policy

20%

75%

75%

54%

63%

Export Working Capital Scheme*

-

-

0%

83%

100%

Letter of Credit Guarantee Scheme

0%

0%

0%

0%

50%

Supplier Credit Facility

0%

50%

29%

33%

0%

*Products launched in 2011/12

SMEs are defined by the EU as companies that have fewer than 250 employees, and either a turnover of less than €50m or a balance sheet total of less than €43m.

Information on UKEFs Bond Support Scheme has been included given that it was introduced specifically to support to smaller exporters, especially SMEs.

21st Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of successful applicants to the UK Export Finance letter of credit guarantee scheme have been small to medium sized enterprises in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the proportion, expressed as a percentage, of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the total number of exporters UK Export Finance (UKEF) has supported broken down by UKEF product for the last five financial full years.

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

Buyer Credit

0%

0%

0%

11%

7%

Bond Support Scheme*

-

-

67%

78%

91%

Export Insurance Policy

20%

75%

75%

54%

63%

Export Working Capital Scheme*

-

-

0%

83%

100%

Letter of Credit Guarantee Scheme

0%

0%

0%

0%

50%

Supplier Credit Facility

0%

50%

29%

33%

0%

*Products launched in 2011/12

SMEs are defined by the EU as companies that have fewer than 250 employees, and either a turnover of less than €50m or a balance sheet total of less than €43m.

Information on UKEFs Bond Support Scheme has been included given that it was introduced specifically to support to smaller exporters, especially SMEs.

16th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what his policy is on privatising part or all of the Student Loan book before May 2015.

This Government has sold £160 million of mortgage-style student loans on the condition that no terms of the loans can be changed. This follows the previous government’s record of selling £2 billion of mortgage-style student loans. At Autumn Statement 2013 the government committed to selling the pre-Browne Income Contingent Student Loan Book in a number of tranches, with a first sale intended to occur by the end of financial year 2015/16. There are no plans to conduct a sale during this parliament.

16th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of direct delivery competition on Royal Mail and the sustainability of the universal service obligation.

Under the Postal Services Act 2011, Parliament established Ofcom, as an independent regulator for postal services, and gave them the primary duty to secure the ongoing provision of the universal service in the United Kingdom. To this end Ofcom must have regard for the financial sustainability of the universal service and has the powers to intervene if the provision of the universal service is ever at risk.

Ofcom has put in place an ongoing and forward looking monitoring regime to closely track any potential impacts of postal competition on the provision of the universal service in the UK. Ofcom is committed to carrying out a full review on end-to-end competition next year, though it has made very clear that it would carry out an earlier review if market developments dictated the need to do so. At the present time, end-to-end competition accounts for less than 0.5% of letter volumes in the United Kingdom.

16th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of suppliers to his Department have been paid within the time specified on their invoice in each of the last three years.

Final Approved answer to 15933

The prompt payment of supplier invoices is very important to the Department and we aim to pay all supplier invoices as quickly as possible to meet the Government’s aim of ensuring that at least 80% of supplier invoices are paid within 5 working days. This goes beyond the Department’s standard payment terms and conditions that requires payment of a correctly submitted supplier invoice within 30 calendar days of receipt. The Department’s achievement over the last three years goes well beyond the aim and in doing so the vast majority of supplier invoices are paid within the standard time period. The detail of payment within 5 working days and standard 30 calendar days over the last three financial years is as follows:

F/Yr

% Paid in 5 Working Days

% Paid in 30 Calendar Days

11/12

95%

99.6%

12/13

94.8%

99.6%

13/14

97.7%

99.1%

9th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how his Department is supporting manufacturers to improve their performance on the recall of electrical appliances.

Manufactures and importers are responsible for taking corrective action, including recall, on products they have placed on the market which subsequently turn out to be defective. They have a duty to advise the relevant enforcement authority: either Trading Standards or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The enforcement authority provides assistance on the appropriate corrective action and can, if required, direct the specific course of action to be taken. This Department supports both Trading Standards and HSE in their duties. This Department also contributes to EU best practice guidance in this area and is working with interested parties to consider options for improving the effectiveness of product recalls.

9th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will review the guidance his Department issues on electrical appliance recalls to reflect the consequences of recent high-profile recall actions.

This Department contributes to the EU guidance for corrective action, including product recalls. This guidance provides best practice for any specific case where corrective action is required, including exceptional cases where a recall is justified. The guidance was last revised in 2011. BIS officials continue to work with interested parties, including other EU Member States, trade associations, such as AMDEA, and others such Electrical Safety First to consider options for improving the overall effectiveness of product recalls, including what, if any, additional guidance should be provided.

8th Jul 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what agreement has been reached with the Scottish Government on the devolution of funding for skills and training to the relevant local authorities as part of the City Deal for Glasgow.

The UK Government and Glasgow City Council are currently discussing with the Scottish Government how they will contribute to the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal.

8th Jul 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what notification his Department has received from the Scottish Government on the devolution from them of further decision-making powers to local authorities in the Clyde Valley area to allow them to attract further investment as part of the City Deal for Glasgow.

The UK Government and Glasgow City Council are currently discussing with the Scottish Government how they will contribute to the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal.

8th Jul 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what agreement has been reached with the Scottish Government on (a) support and (b) funding for the infrastructure plan to build a rail link between Glasgow and the airport as part of the City Deal for Glasgow.

The UK Government and Glasgow City Council are currently discussing with the Scottish Government how they will contribute to the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal.

8th Jul 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what agreement has been reached with the Scottish Government on the devolution of powers to allow the relevant local authorities to better regulate or procure bus services as part of the City Deal for Glasgow.

The UK Government and Glasgow City Council are currently discussing with the Scottish Government how they will contribute to the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal.

8th Jul 2014
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what meetings Ministers or officials of his Department have had with Ministers of the Scottish Government to discuss the City Deal for Glasgow in the last 12 months.

Ministers and officials from the UK Government are in regular dialogue with Ministers and officials from the Scottish Government on a range of issues including the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal.

7th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress he has made in negotiations with private publishers on the confidentiality clauses negotiated by them when supplying university libraries.

The Government remains committed to making publicly funded and published research freely and openly available. In the long term we believe the most effective form of Open Access (OA) will be Gold OA. I last commented on this subject in November 2013 in the Government's response to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee report on OA and this answer updates on progress since that statement.

I was very pleased that in May 2014 the Institute of Physics (IoP) Publishing, a major publisher of academic papers, introduced an ‘offsetting' arrangement that will allow institutions to publish more open access papers without incurring additional costs. I strongly encourage other publishers to follow the IoP Publishing's lead.

Further, the ‘Access to Research' initiative was launched in February 2014 through the support of the publishing community. It allows students, independent researchers and small businesses to access many of the world's best academic papers through their local libraries.

We intend to maintain this level of progress and I am pleased that Universities UK (UUK) have agreed to take on a co-ordinating role for the continued implementation of OA policy in the UK. This follows a recommendation in the Finch Group's report ‘Review of progress in Implementing the Recommendations of the Finch Report‘, UUK are in the process of setting up a group which will consist of key stakeholders similar to that of the Finch Group.

Additionally the Research Sector Transparency Board (RSTB) which I chair advises Government on how to increase access to research data. My intention is that the RSTB will also continue to play a role in OA and preservation of scientific data.

In relation to confidentiality clauses this Department continues to monitor the situation and is encouraged by recent developments in this area.

Finally, I wish to record my appreciation for the achievements of Ron Egginton, our lead official on OA who sadly and suddenly died on 8 June 2014. His expertise and commitment was instrumental in the progress that has been achieved in making the UK the leading major nation on OA.

7th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he is taking to promote the Open Access academic publishing movement in the UK.

The Government remains committed to making publicly funded and published research freely and openly available. In the long term we believe the most effective form of Open Access (OA) will be Gold OA. I last commented on this subject in November 2013 in the Government's response to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee report on OA and this answer updates on progress since that statement.

I was very pleased that in May 2014 the Institute of Physics (IoP) Publishing, a major publisher of academic papers, introduced an ‘offsetting' arrangement that will allow institutions to publish more open access papers without incurring additional costs. I strongly encourage other publishers to follow the IoP Publishing's lead.

Further, the ‘Access to Research' initiative was launched in February 2014 through the support of the publishing community. It allows students, independent researchers and small businesses to access many of the world's best academic papers through their local libraries.

We intend to maintain this level of progress and I am pleased that Universities UK (UUK) have agreed to take on a co-ordinating role for the continued implementation of OA policy in the UK. This follows a recommendation in the Finch Group's report ‘Review of progress in Implementing the Recommendations of the Finch Report‘, UUK are in the process of setting up a group which will consist of key stakeholders similar to that of the Finch Group.

Additionally the Research Sector Transparency Board (RSTB) which I chair advises Government on how to increase access to research data. My intention is that the RSTB will also continue to play a role in OA and preservation of scientific data.

In relation to confidentiality clauses this Department continues to monitor the situation and is encouraged by recent developments in this area.

Finally, I wish to record my appreciation for the achievements of Ron Egginton, our lead official on OA who sadly and suddenly died on 8 June 2014. His expertise and commitment was instrumental in the progress that has been achieved in making the UK the leading major nation on OA.

2nd Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent steps he has taken to improve transparency in the procurement processes of university libraries.

Higher education institutions are independent, autonomous bodies. As such, they are responsible for their own procurement policies and the transparency of their processes. Universities are able to draw upon the Higher Education Procurement Academy, a sector-led initiative to improve expertise and capacity in UK university procurement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many firms that advised his Department on the privatisation of Royal Mail were awarded a bonus payment.

No firms have received bonuses in relation to the sale of Royal Mail shares.

To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions either orally or in writing he or his Ministers or officials have had with (a) Pfizer and (b) AstraZeneca in the last two months regarding any bid for AstraZeneca.

We are committed to ensuring that the life sciences sector in this country continues to flourish and grow, with the UK at the forefront of life sciences R&D, and retaining our role as a leading manufacturing base. While ultimately the potential takeover bid is a matter for the respective boards and shareholders of the two companies, Ministers and officials across Government have engaged with both companies to ensure that the outcome is positive for the long-term future of this sector in the UK.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave at Prime Minister's Questions today.

To ask the Prime Minister, what criteria he used to select those who he has instructed to review any bid for AstraZeneca.

We are committed to ensuring that the life sciences sector in this country continues to flourish and grow, with the UK at the forefront of life sciences R&D, and retaining our role as a leading manufacturing base. While ultimately the potential takeover bid is a matter for the respective boards and shareholders of the two companies, Ministers and officials across Government have engaged with both companies to ensure that the outcome is positive for the long-term future of this sector in the UK.

I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave at Prime Minister's Questions today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what discussions either orally or in writing he or his Ministers or officials in his Department have had with (a) Pfizer and (b) AstraZeneca in the last two months regarding any bid for AstraZeneca.

There are ongoing interactions at senior level between Ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and senior executives from both AstraZeneca and Pfizer as part of the Department's wider interactions with the Life Sciences industry.

BIS Ministers have spoken with the Chief Executives and others from both companies in the last couple of weeks about recent market developments including the approaches from Pfizer to AstraZeneca.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the Industrial Strategy Sector Council for Aerospace has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for the nuclear industry has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for the information economy has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for construction has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for oil and gas has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for the automotive industry has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for life sciences has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for professional and business services has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for offshore wind has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for international education has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will publish the minutes of all meetings held by his Department's industrial strategy sector councils since they were formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times the industrial strategy sector council for agricultural technologies has met since it was formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many times (a) he or (b) Ministers in his Department attended a meeting of one of the industrial strategy sector councils since they were formed.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will publish the membership of each of his Department's industrial strategy sector councils.

The Government has worked with industry to establish Councils (where they did not already exist) for each of the eleven sectors. Each Council is a partnership that brings together industry representatives, Ministers and government officials but they operate in a way that best suits the individual needs of the sector. It is for each council to determine whether the membership and the minutes of meetings are published.

The International Education Council has met twice since it was formed. My Rt. Hon Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science (David Willetts) co-chaired the meeting in September 2013 with my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock) also in attendance. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise co-chaired the meeting in February 2014. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/international-education-council

The Construction Council has met three times since its formation. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has attended every meeting and I also attended the first. The membership for the Council is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Offshore Wind Industry Council has met three times and I attended on each occasion. The membership and minutes are available: http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/energy-infrastructure/offshore-wind-energy/working-with-us/offshore-wind-industry-council/

The Life Sciences Sector Councils includes the Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG). These groups have been in operation for many years. However, following the launch of the Industrial Strategy in September 2012, the groups have both met three times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my Rt. Hon. and noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality (Earl Howe) have attended each meeting but there has also been attendance from my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health (Jeremy Hunt) and my noble Friend the Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Deighton) on occasions. The membership and minutes are available:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-industry-strategy-group

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/ministerial-medical-technology-strategy-group

The Nuclear Industry Council has met four times and has been attended by at least one Minister on each occasion (including my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change (Edward Davey) and myself). The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/nuclear-industry-council#membership

The Information Economy Council has met four times. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science has attended three of these meetings and my Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries (Ed Vaizey) chaired the fourth meeting in his absence. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.techuk.org/about/information-economy-council/leadership

The Oil and Gas Council has met four times with Ministerial attendance from either my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or myself at each meeting. The membership and minutes are available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175480/bis-13-748-uk-oil-and-gas-industrial-strategy.pdf

The Agri-tech Council has met four times and has also held a telephone conference. There has been Ministerial attendance from both my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities and Science and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science (Lord De Mauley) at three of the meetings and attendance from my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Natural Environment and Science at the fourth. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/227259/9643-BIS-UK_Agri_Tech_Strategy_Accessible.pdf

The Professional and Business Services Council has met six times since it was formed in December 2012. On each occasion at least one BIS Minister (my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, myself and/or my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills – Viscount Younger of Leckie) attended. The Council's membership is available: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/211842/bis-13-922-growth-is-our-business-professional-and-business-services-strategy.pdf

The Aerospace Growth Partnership has met seven times since it was formed in 2011 with each meeting co-chaired by myself.

The Automotive Council has met on five occasions since the launch of industrial strategy. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has attended each meeting and I have attended on three occasions. Membership of the Council is available: http://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/what-we-do/members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department has taken to introduce customer service training in the apprenticeship programme.

An apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying skills development programme designed by employers in the sector to meet the key requirements of the job role. In many cases this will include an aspect of customer service as many jobs recognise the importance of such skills and these will be reflected in the apprenticeship framework.

More than 400 employers are involved in the development of new apprenticeship standards as part of our Trailblazers programme. Where they see customer service skills as crucial to an occupation, they will include these within the new employer-led standards.

For individuals in jobs that are specific customer service roles there is a dedicated Customer Service Apprenticeship available.