Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the terms of reference are of her Department’s investigation into the possible use of defeat devices by automotive manufacturers; how many brands and models are in the scope of the investigation; when she expects that investigation to conclude; and what steps her Department is considering taking against manufacturers who have been found to have broken the rules.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The DVSA’s investigations are being conducted under their obligations as the delegated the market surveillance authority within Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

There are currently 95 vehicle models from 28 brands under investigation.

Due to the nature of the investigations, it is not possible to say when they are expected to conclude.

The investigations are focused on achieving real-world improvements in air quality. Non-compliant manufacturers will be required to rectify their vehicles and bring them into compliance with the relevant emissions regulations. If enforcement action is required, it will be taken in line with DVSA’s published enforcement policy.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to work with transport operators to mitigate the risks posed by cyber attacks.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport (DfT) works across Government to introduce relevant standards, guidance, and policy to ensure the cyber security and resilience of our essential services.

DfT uses both policy and regulatory levers to support the transport sector to effectively manage cyber risk and assist the sector to secure its networks and systems. We work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), operators across all four modes of transport, and others to continuously assess and mitigate emerging cyber threats to the sector.

As Competent Authority under the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018 for road, rail and maritime and joint Competent Authority for aviation with the Civil Aviation Authority, DfT regulates transport Operators of Essential Services (OES) to ensure that services which are most critical to the British public are compliant with relevant cyber standards. We will use the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) to strengthen our regulatory powers, improve incident reporting, and expand the type of entities in scope.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 for responding to cyber attacks.

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

The Civil Contingencies Act (CCA) 2004 and the associated Regulations deliver a single framework for civil protection in the UK. The Cabinet Office has a legal obligation to review the CCA every five years. The most recent review was published in March 2022 and concluded that the Act continues to achieve its stated objectives. The next review will be by 2027.

The legislation is deliberately broad ranging and sets out the requirements to consider all emergencies that threaten serious damage to human welfare in the UK; the environment of a place in the UK; or war, or terrorism, which threatens serious damage to the security of the UK.

We have been clear that cyber security is an absolute necessity to protect the British people, our public services and businesses. The UK has arrangements in place for a range of potential emergencies, including cyber attacks.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department plans to review the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 in response to new threats from (a) state actors and (b) non-state actors.

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

The Civil Contingencies Act (CCA) 2004 and the associated Regulations deliver a single framework for civil protection in the UK. The Cabinet Office has a legal obligation to review the CCA every five years. The most recent review was published in March 2022 and concluded that the Act continues to achieve its stated objectives. The next review will be delivered by 2027.

The legislation is deliberately broad ranging and sets out the requirements to consider all emergencies that threaten serious damage to human welfare in the UK; the environment of a place in the UK; or war, or terrorism, which threatens serious damage to the security of the UK.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an equalities impact assessment of the provisions within the (a) Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 and (b) Jews Relief Act 1858 in the context of the appointment of bishops within the Church of England on the advice of (i) Catholic and (ii) Jewish Prime Ministers.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government recognises that there are historical restrictions in statute on Roman Catholic and Jewish people making and advising the Crown on Church appointments. The Government will keep this matter under review but, given other pressing issues, this is not a current priority.

Found: EHC0005 - Elections within the House of Commons Ruth Cadbury Written Evidence

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Mrs Elsie

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Ruth Cadbury (Chair); Steff Aquarone; Dr Scott Arthur; Mrs Elsie

Found: 4DR Tel: 0300 330 3000 E-Mail: heidi.alexander@dft.gov.uk Web site: www.gov.uk/dft Ruth Cadbury