Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on the Integrated National Transport Strategy: a call for ideas, published on 28 November 2024.

Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport launched the Integrated National Transport Strategy: a call for ideas on GOV.UK on 28 November 2024, with more information available at the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/integrated-national-transport-strategy-a-call-for-ideas/integrated-national-transport-strategy-a-call-for-ideas.

The Call for Ideas document is published in line with the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance and is in HTML format, making it easier for users to read and navigate. The survey for users to respond to is also hosted on an accessible platform and the option to respond via post is provided.

Any requests for an alternative format can be requested by emailing INTS@dft.gov.uk.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Ransomware: proposals to increase incident reporting and reduce payments to criminals, published on 14 January 2025.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office Cyber Policy Unit launched the Ransomware: proposals to increase incident reporting and reduce payments to criminals consultation on 14 January 2025.

As per the Governments Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the document will be published in HTML format. We provided a PDF version, as per Government guidance on publishing official documents.

As with all of our publications, users can request an alternative format by emailing ransomwareconsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of HMRC's Consultation on changes to HMRC statistics publications 2025, published on 16 January 2025.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) launched the consultation on changes to HMRC statistics publications on GOV.UK on 16 January 2025. The consultation will remain open until 10 April 2025 and the consultation response, setting out confirmed plans, will be published in summer 2025.

When publishing the consultation, HMRC have followed the Government Digital Service guidance on publishing accessible documents on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/publishing-accessible-documents), including publishing the consultation document in HTML format, making it easier for users to find and navigate. Responses to this consultation are able to be submitted via email.

As well as publishing on GOV.UK, invitations to participate were sent directly to known users of HMRC statistics publications such as local authorities, business groups, academia and other government departments.

Users can find further information and advice in the accessibility statement for GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/help/accessibility-statement), as well as contact details should they wish to provide feedback on accessibility or request information in a different format.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation entitled Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process, published on 17 January 2025.

Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency launched the consultation ‘Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process’ on 17 January 2025. The consultation is presented on Gov.uk, with a direct link to the consultation on the Citizen Space website: Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process - GOV.UK

As per the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the consultation document is published in HTML format on Citizen Space, to make it easier to read and to find. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform. The consultation document is alternatively also available as a PDF on GOV.UK. As stated on the website, users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in a more accessible format by emailing enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Developing an energy smart data scheme, published on 13 January 2025.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department launched the call for evidence ‘Developing an energy smart data scheme’ on 13 January 2025, with more information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/developing-an-energy-smart-data-scheme (opens in a new tab)

As per the Department's accessible documents policy, the call for evidence document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the call for evidence is also hosted on an accessible platform.

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the call for evidence in an accessible format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the call for evidence can also contact digitalisation@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Funding mechanism for the Hydrogen Production Business Model: proposed design of the Gas Shipper Obligation, published on 16 January 2025.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department launched the consultation ‘Funding mechanism for the Hydrogen Production Business Model: proposed design of the Gas Shipper Obligation’ on 16 January 2025, with more information available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/funding-mechanism-for-the-hydrogen-production-business-model-proposed-design-of-the-gas-shipper-obligation
(opens in a new tab)

As per the Department's accessible documents policy guidance, the consultation document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform.

Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an accessible format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact GasShipperObligation@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Natural Environment Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Geospatial Commission on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Economic and Social Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Science and Technology Facilities Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Innovate UK on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

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

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Found: Caliskan (Labour; Barking) Mr Luke Charters (Labour; York Outer) Anna Dixon (Labour; Shipley) Peter Fortune

Found: Caliskan (Labour; Barking) Mr Luke Charters (Labour; York Outer) Anna Dixon (Labour; Shipley) Peter Fortune

Found: Caliskan (Labour; Barking) Mr Luke Charters (Labour; York Outer) Anna Dixon (Labour; Shipley) Peter Fortune

Found: Caliskan (Labour; Barking) Mr Luke Charters (Labour; York Outer) Anna Dixon (Labour; Shipley) Peter Fortune

Found: members present: Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Chair); Mr Clive Betts; Nesil Caliskan; Anna Dixon; Peter Fortune