Oral Answers to Questions

Leo Docherty Excerpts

Thursday 1st November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Margot James]

Having completed the consultation on the new licensing system, we are now working closely with Ofcom on the detailed arrangements, including spectrum planning, on which Ofcom has the lead. Our aim is to bring forward the secondary legislation required for the first stages next year.

[Leo Docherty (Aldershot) (Con)]

9. What recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the digital sector to the UK economy.

[Alan Mak (Havant) (Con)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the contribution of the digital sector to the UK economy.

[The Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries (Margot James)]

The UK’s digital sector is a global powerhouse, and the most recent official statistics show that the sector has contributed over £116 billion to the UK economy and is growing faster than the average for the rest of the economy by two and a half times. From 2015 to 2016, the digital sector’s contribution increased by 5.8%.

[Leo Docherty]

Does the Minister agree that the remarkable growth of UK digital companies—UKCloud in Farnborough in my constituency was the fastest growing tech company in the UK last year—shows that the digital sector is in rude health?

[Margot James]

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. Indeed, I visited UKCloud a few months ago and was extremely impressed by not just its fast growth but its innovation. The UK cloud sector is a strongly performing part of the overall digital sector. Earlier this year I spoke at the UK cloud awards and was very impressed by the success, innovation and growth potential of the cloud sector.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jeremy Wright]

I do not think the hon. Lady will be surprised to know that I had not heard of this incident. Now that I have, perhaps she will allow me to look into it and write to her about what might be the best way forward.

[Leo Docherty (Aldershot) (Con)]

T5. What steps is the Department taking to increase the participation of young people in sport?

[Jeremy Wright]

It is extremely important that young people participate in sport. My hon. Friend will be aware of our recently announced school sport strategy to enable just that to happen. We think it important that young people remain active and, of course, that they participate in competitive sport, too, for all the many benefits we know it brings.