Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The details of any ministerial severance payments can be found in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts.
The 2023/2024 Annual Report and Accounts for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology are to be published in due course.
Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Advice on the use of the forced swim test published on 5 July 2023 by the Animals in Science Committee, whether she plans to fund the further development of human-specific, non-animal methods for research into (a) potential treatments for depression and (b) any other areas where the forced swim test is used.
Answered by George Freeman
The Government welcomes the Committee’s advice on the use of the forced swim test. The report and its recommendations are being carefully considered, and the Government will respond in due course.
The National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) recently published a paper in collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the use of the forced swim test in rodents, calling for more research into alternatives to the test. Funded through UK Research and Innovation, the NC3Rs has a range of funding schemes available to support the development of alternatives to the use of animals, including developing non-animal approaches to the test.
Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the regulation of (a) optional and (b) essential website cookies.
Answered by Julia Lopez
We are taking steps in the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill (DPDI Bill) to reform the provisions in the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PEC Regulations) which set the rules on the use of cookies (and similar technologies).
The current legislation prohibits organisations from placing cookies on a person’s computer, or other connected device without consent, unless they are essential for the provision of a requested service (for example, to remember what is in their online basket).
In practice, this means that web users may experience multiple cookie ‘pop-up’ notices on every website they visit which can negatively affect their browsing experience. That is why
the Bill will remove the need to seek consent for the placement of some types of cookies that pose low privacy risks, such as those used to count the number of visitors to a web page. As a result of these changes, web users will know that if they continue to see cookie pop up banners, it is because their personal data may be used for more intrusive purposes, such as profiling for advertising purposes.
The Bill will also allow the Secretary of State to update the list of cookies that do not require consent through the use of regulations. This could be useful if other non-intrusive uses of cookies are identified or, when people become more confident about using different technology, such as browser and device settings, to set their online preferences.
The DPDI Bill was published on 8 March 2023 and can be found here.
Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the Government is taking to help maintain the UK’s position near the top of the International IP Index.
Answered by George Freeman
The UK intellectual property system and enforcement framework is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) delivers high quality, timely rights granting with record levels of customer satisfaction. It is undergoing a transformation programme to modernise and improve the efficiency of its services to customers.
The Government is also committed to a world leading intellectual property framework that keeps pace with technological developments and that remains world class during global trade negotiations. On enforcement, the IPO’s ambitious counter-infringement strategy continues to build on important partnership working in combatting illicit activity.
Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has made an assessment of the adequacy of requirements for representation in ensuring only regulated and qualified practitioners can appear before the Intellectual Property Office.
Answered by George Freeman
The Government supports appropriate regulation of intellectual property practitioners where this is necessary to ensure that applicants and rights holders are effectively represented.
The Government has not seen a need to change the current regulatory framework but continues to welcome evidence from practitioners and consumers if they consider there to be deficiencies in the current system.
Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is taking steps to increase funding for (a) projects that involve the sophisticated use of human cells and tissues, (b) organ-on-a-chip technology, (c) (i) electroencephalography and (ii) other non-invasive approaches to recording brain activity and (d) other human-specific research into mental health disorders.
Answered by George Freeman
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funds a portfolio of research projects involving humans, human materials, animal models, and non-animal technologies. For example, last year their Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research launched a £4.7 million joint funding call focussed on supporting next generation non-animal technologies, such as organ-on-a-chip.
UKRI also funds a significant amount of research into non-invasive neuroimaging to advance our understanding of human brain and mental health. For instance, since 2010 their Medical Research Council has invested £3.8 million into non-invasive neuroimaging in mental health research.
Asked by: Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat - Bath)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of increasing capital investment to ensure full broadband access to allow people to apply for (a) benefits and (b) jobs.
Answered by Paul Scully
My department engages with colleagues across Government, including Cabinet Office, to discuss matters relating to how we improve connectivity for the whole of the UK.
Over 74% of UK premises can now access gigabit-capable broadband, up from 6% in January 2019. The competitive and pro-growth regulatory environment we have created has given investors the confidence to provide billions of pounds of investment to enable broadband suppliers to expand their networks across the UK. But we recognise that some parts of the country will not attract commercial investment and therefore we already have substantial capital investment programmes in place. Our £1 billion superfast programme has extended superfast broadband of at least 30 Mbps to over 97% of UK premises, and we are making excellent progress with Project Gigabit, the government’s £5 billion mission to deliver even faster, and more reliable broadband to rural and hard to reach parts of the UK.
My department has negotiated a range of high-quality, low-cost fixed broadband and mobile social tariffs for households in receipt of Universal Credit and other means tested benefits for as little as £10 per month. These offers are available in 99% of the UK.
Support is also available for those seeking employment. Jobcentre Plus work coaches can provide free broadband connections for 6 months to eligible claimants who are not online. This is administered by the DWP’s Flexible Support Fund.