Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

What assessment he has made of the potential contribution of lithium extraction in Cornwall to achieving the aims of the Industrial Strategy.

I am very aware of Cornwall’s contribution to the UK economy and I welcome any responsible exploitation of its natural resources including lithium which as my hon Friend knows is a key element in battery technology. That technology has great potential, which we are backing with £246m through a Faraday Challenge to boost expertise in the UK.