Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the road safety and crime prevention benefits of introducing compulsory number plates for motor-assisted cycles.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

“Motor-assisted cycles” or e-bikes as they are otherwise referred to, are only road-legal where they comply in full of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983. This includes their maximum assisted speed being limited to 15.5mph.

Where the above regulations are not complied with, the e-bike is treated as a motor vehicle. This means it must be approved and registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, as a well as being taxed and insured. It must therefore have a compulsory number plate in order to be legally ridden on the road as a motor vehicle.

It would not be practical to fit compulsory number plates to e-bikes which are road-legal in their own right. The Department previously considered the case for such a system for of all cyclists and concluded that the costs and complexities of introducing it would far outweigh the benefits.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government where the Great British Railways signature station clock will be produced.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The railway timepiece unveiled at London Bridge station on 16 October was the result of an international competition run by Network Rail. The winning team ‘Design Bridge and Partners’ are based in London. The clock in London Bridge was built in Tamworth.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government which components of the supply chain for nuclear power stations will be manufactured in the UK, and which components will be brought in from abroad.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The use of components manufactured in the UK will differ on a project-by-project basis. However, the building of nuclear power stations creates significant opportunities for UK companies, with EDF estimating that the current Hinkley Point C project spends 64% of construction value with British businesses. Sizewell C Ltd plan to award 70% of construction value to UK businesses, while separately Great British Energy – Nuclear’s ambition is to deliver 70% UK content across the small modular reactor fleet.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Lloyd of Effra on 20 October (HL10843), whether the Department and Minister have any oversight or responsibility for the Certification Officer and the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Certification Officer accounts to Parliament by making their annual report, which is laid before Parliament and published by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State has the power to remove the Certification Officer, but only where the Certification Officer has been adjudged bankrupt, convicted of a criminal offence, has demonstrated misconduct, is incapacitated, or is otherwise unable or unfit to hold the office.

However, the Certification Officer is independent in how they exercise their statutory functions.