theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of environmental protection legislation to limit noise pollution from roadworks in built-up areas on weekends. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is committed to ensuring that noise is managed effectively to promote good health and minimise disruption to people’s quality of life.

Section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act allows Local Authorities to address noise from construction sites, including roadworks, by serving a notice imposing requirements as to how the construction may be carried out. This notice may specify a range of conditions, including hours during which the work can be carried out, and the level of noise that may be emitted during specific hours. While there the law does not specify permitted hours for works, weekend work involving noise is commonly restricted to the hours between 8am and 1pm on a Saturday, although there may be circumstances where a Local Authority deems the work to be of sufficient priority for work to be carried out outside of these hours.

In all cases, Local Authorities are required under the Control of Pollution Act to ensure best practicable means are employed to minimise noise and protect people in the locality from the effects of noise. The law is designed to enable decisions to be made while taking into account the specifics of a local context.
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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to legislate to mandate the introduction of rising block tariffs for water bills. \p Emma Hardy: The Government has no plans to mandate the introduction of rising block tariffs for water bills.

Several water companies are currently trialling rising block tariffs. Through these trials the sector will learn how to best support customers, including families, with their water bills. Companies must consult with the Consumer Council for Water to protect or exclude vulnerable customers, which ensures customers are protected.

As the trials progress, we will continue to engage with companies and customer advocates on emerging outcomes.
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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has issued to builders on building on historic dump sites for fly ash. \p Emma Hardy: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued the following guiding principles on how planning can deal with all forms of land contamination: Land affected by contamination - GOV.UK.

In addition to this, the Environment Agency publishes guidance on land contamination risk management, which can be found here: Land contamination risk management (LCRM) - GOV.UK.

Technical guidance on investigating and remediating land affected by contamination is often issued by industry as well as by Government. Much industry-led guidance can be found online, such as through the CL:AIRE Water & Land Library.
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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on sites previously used for the dumping of fly ash. \p Emma Hardy: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued the following guiding principles on how planning can deal with all forms of land contamination: Land affected by contamination - GOV.UK.

In addition to this, the Environment Agency publishes guidance on land contamination risk management, which can be found here: Land contamination risk management (LCRM) - GOV.UK.

Technical guidance on investigating and remediating land affected by contamination is often issued by industry as well as by Government. Much industry-led guidance can be found online, such as through the CL:AIRE Water & Land Library.
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Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 July 2025 to Question 63553 on Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution Control, what nitrogen dioxide concentrations were monitored in the Greater Manchester reporting zone at (a) A34 Bridge Street, (b) A34 Quay Street, (c) A664 Shudehill, (d) Lever Street in Manchester, (e) A49 Chapel Lane and (f) King Street West in Wigan. \p Emma Hardy: Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan modelling predicted localised nitrogen dioxide (NO2) hotspots in 2026 at A34 Bridge St, A34 Quay St, A664 Shudehill and Lever St in Manchester, and at A49 Chapel Lane and King St West in Wigan.

The monitored annual mean NO2 concentrations in 2023 on A34 Bridge Street, A664 Shudehill and Level Street in Manchester were 44.9, 58.6 and 55.7 µg/m³ respectively. Defra does not currently hold finalised 2023 monitoring data for the localised hotspots on A34 Quay Street in Manchester, and A49 Chapel Lane and King Street West in Wigan. We are working with Greater Manchester to obtain up to date monitoring data and this will be assessed as it becomes available.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Environment Agency on their decision to remove opposition to new housing developments that would be connected to the Oxford Sewage treatment works in Oxfordshire. \p Emma Hardy: A multidisciplinary EA team worked with Thames Water to develop a strategic approach to managing wastewater capacity challenges in Oxford. This provided a framework for the EA to no longer object to developments, instead providing clear advice on the risks and how the regulatory process is now ensuring water quality is protected and environmental objectives would be met.

Following this outcome, the EA are continuing to engage with local authorities, Thames Water and developers through quarterly meetings to track delivery of the improvements to the Oxford STW and ensure wastewater capacity is delivered in this critical growth area.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help support the game keeping industry. \p Mary Creagh: We do not currently have specific policies that support the gamekeeping profession. However, in addition to our work to support the farming sector, Defra works across Government to ensure policies are rural proofed with the aim of supporting rural businesses and communities.
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance her Department has issued on whether (a) nutrient credits, (b) biodiversity net gain payments, (c) Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space payments and (d) mitigation payments under the Habitats Regulations are required for development which is covered by permitted development rights that have not been removed by Article 4 directions. \p Mary Creagh: Permitted development rights (PDRs) are subject to national conditions and limitations and therefore do not remove the need to comply with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Where a development that benefits from PDR is likely to have a significant effect on a habitats site, a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) must be carried out, and mitigation may be required. Where appropriate this could be delivered through nutrients credits or through payments which contribute towards the delivery of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space.

Further advice is available at Habitats regulations assessments: protecting a European site and via Planning Practice Guidance: When is permission required? - GOV.UK.

Government guidance confirms Biodiversity net gain (BNG) does not apply to development granted permission by General Permitted Development Order. See: Understanding biodiversity net gain - GOV.UK.
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance (a) her Department and (b) Natural England has issued on whether a habitats regulation assessment screening is required for the exercise of 28 day camping allowed by permitted development rights. \p Mary Creagh: Permitted development rights (PDRs) are subject to national conditions and limitations and therefore do not remove the need to comply with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

HRAs require an evaluation of whether a plan or project, including those benefiting from PDR, is likely to adversely affect any habitat site designated under the Habitats Regulations and/or its qualifying feature(s), and for any harm to be mitigated before the plan or project proceeds (unless there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, no alternatives and necessary compensation is secured).

Guidance on the HRA process is available on Habitats regulations assessments: protecting a European site - GOV.UK, and via Planning Practice Guidance: When is permission required? - GOV.UK.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on the implementation of the Automatic-sorting for Circularity in Textiles UK pilot; what funding he has provided to that pilot; and what safeguards are in place to ensure that materials processed through that scheme are retained for domestic reprocessing. \p Mary Creagh: The total cost of the Autosort for Circular Textiles Innovation Demonstrator was £4,128,228, with nearly £1.5 million of funding provided by industry and private investors.

One of the project’s aims was to ensure that the processed material was retained through domestic reprocessing. UK Fashion and Textile served as the lead partner, with supporting the UK textile manufacturing sector as one of their key objectives.

In addition, Innovate UK provided robust monitoring throughout the project to ensure it remained within its original scope, which we can confirm it did.

Although the funding phase has concluded, we continue to support this project and its partners to generate economic value that can be retained within the UK.

This Government is committed to transitioning towards a circular economy where resources are kept in use for longer and waste is designed out. The Government has convened a Circular Economy Taskforce of experts to help develop the first ever Circular Economy Strategy for England, which we plan to publish for consultation in the coming autumn. The Circular Economy Taskforce will initially focus on six sectors that have the greatest potential to grow the economy: textiles; agri-food; built environment; chemicals and plastics; electrical and electronic equipment; and transport. The Circular Economy Taskforce will assess what interventions may be needed across the textiles sector.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of recycling infrastructure in handling textile waste from fast fashion. \p Mary Creagh: While we do not hold any internal estimates on fast fashion waste volumes in the UK, industry partners provide some insight. WRAP estimates that the UK generated approximately 1.45 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles in 2022, which includes clothing, household linens and more. WRAP-Textiles-Market-Situation-Report-2024.pdf

WRAP does not isolate a proportion of this as fast fashion. However, they note that low-quality textile goods are saturating secondary markets, with the average person in the UK throwing 35 items of unwanted textiles straight into the general waste each year, demonstrating the fast turnover of clothing. The price of our addiction to cheap fast fashion as pressure builds on UK second hand clothing market | WRAP - The Waste and Resources Action Programme

Meanwhile, figures from BusinessWaste indicate that 300,000 tonnes of clothing waste enter household bins annually in the UK, with much of this likely being fast fashion. Fashion Waste Statistics & Facts | Textile & Clothing Waste Facts

The department hasn't made any recent assessments on the effectiveness of recycling infrastructure, however we continue to monitor evidence. Within the Circular Economy Strategy, the Government is developing policy measures to improve circularity in the textiles sector.
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Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the powers of employment tribunals to seize and destroy lists of blacklisted workers. \p Kate Dearden: As part of the Plan to Make Work Pay, the Department for Business and Trade intends to publish a consultation on blacklisting protections in due course. The consultation will cover, amongst other things, the powers of employment tribunals in regard to lists of blacklisted workers. The government will carefully consider responses to the consultation before outlining next steps.
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Jenny Riddell-Carpenter:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help protect consumers from exploitative practices in the (a) holiday park and (b) static caravan sector. \p Kate Dearden: Consumers who purchase holiday and static caravans, often for significant sums, are protected under consumer legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 strengthens consumer law enforcement by giving the CMA new administrative powers, and the CMA and courts the ability to impose significant monetary penalties.

It is crucial that consumers seek appropriate legal advice to clearly understand the terms and conditions of any caravan purchase, so they can make a fully informed decision.

My department is also engaging with enforcement bodies to understand more about exploitative practices taking place in the sector and how they can be tackled.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to introduce additional safeguards to prevent the mislabelling of jobs as apprenticeships. \p Kate Dearden: Employers are required by law to pay their apprentices the correct rate of the National Minimum Wage. An apprenticeship combines on the job learning and classroom-based learning. Employers cannot call a worker an apprentice if they are not genuinely an apprentice.

The existing enforcement mechanisms in place already protects workers and we are creating the Fair Work Agency to deliver a much-needed upgrade to enforcement of employment rights. The Fair Work Agency will provide better support to businesses on how to comply with the law and will take tough action against rogue employers who exploit their workers.

If a worker believes they are not being paid correctly, they can seek confidential advice. If HMRC finds an employer has underpaid their workers, the employer is required to pay back the full amount owed to the worker and a penalty to the government.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department have included diversity quotas as part of selection criteria for contracts awarded since 5 July 2024. \p Kate Dearden: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave on 25th March 2025 to question UIN 38901 (Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament).

The Department has not included diversity quotas as part of selection criteria in any contracts awarded by the Department since the answer previously provided.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what pipeline of future inward investment opportunities is being managed by the Office for Investment as of 10 September 2025. \p Chris Bryant: OfI teams actively work across government to scope out potential future projects. The Government does not comment on active commercial negotiations.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many jobs have been created in each region by the Office for Investment since October 2024. \p Chris Bryant: The Official Statistics for inward investment at DBT inward investment results 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK show the number of new jobs that have been created by DBT supported investment projects which landed in the 2024-25 financial year. These are split by region in table 4.2 of the results tables. Figures are presented on a financial year basis and partial years are not published.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, when he expects the Office for Investment to establish a new national investment partnership framework to help Mayoral Strategic Authorities to build their investment (a) capacity and (b) capability. \p Chris Bryant: The Office for Investment (OfI) aims to support the integration of more seamless investment services through deepened partnership working with key regional partners and building of local investment capacity and capacity. The OfI is already taking steps in line with its commitment in the Modern Industrial Strategy through the delivery of the Strategic Investment and Engagement Framework programme in 2025/26. This is designed to support Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MCAs) and other local authority partners in the North of England and the Midlands to fund locally impactful investment services. We will continue to review this framework to ensure we are effectively supporting MCAs to build investment capacity and capability.
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Liz Jarvis:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the growth of the night-time economy in Eastleigh constituency. \p Blair McDougall: The Government recognises the vital role that night-time venues, including those in Eastleigh constituency play in supporting local economies.

In April, the Government established the Licensing Taskforce, bringing together representatives from the hospitality industry to help shape reform. The Government’s response, published on 31 July, set out proposals for a new National Licensing Policy Framework designed to simplify outdated licensing rules and protect long-standing venues from noise complaints, which are particularly relevant to the night-time economy.

Additionally, we are reforming the business rates system to support high street investment, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000.
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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to increase the level of hydrogen and fuel cell technology exports. \p Blair McDougall: As a frontier sector in the Industrial Strategy, the government has committed targeted support to boost exports of hydrogen technologies by showcasing UK capabilities through our global network, greater access to international supply chains and — as outlined in the new Trade Strategy — by expanding clean energy sector agreements, like the UK-Germany Hydrogen Partnership. To support these opportunities, UKEF aims to deliver £10bn in clean growth financing by 2029, DRIVE35 will provide £2.5bn for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing including fuel cells, and the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme offers grants to UK fuel cell manufacturers investing in UK-based research and development.
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Navendu Mishra:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has (a) made an assessment of the barriers faced by Hong Kong BNO visa holders in transferring professional qualifications into the British labour market and (b) issued guidance to employers on the employment rights of Hong Kong BNO visa holders. \p Chris Bryant: Many British National Overseas (BNO) visa holders have professional qualifications. Recognition of overseas qualifications is determined by independent occupational regulators, many of which accept Hong Kong qualifications.

The recognition process can be challenging for BNO visa holders and refugees. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) developed the Regulated Professions Register, which Hongkongers can use to find information on entry requirements and regulators. DBT also published guidance on GOV.UK to support refugees, including those from Hong Kong, navigate the recognition process.

BNO visa holders have the right to work in the UK, and employer guidance on right to work checks is available on GOV.UK.
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Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61511 on F-35 Aircraft: Israel, whether his Department holds a list of military exports transiting the UK that do not require a licence; and whether the decision on whether a license is needed is made by the ECJU or another body. \p Chris Bryant: Military exports transiting the UK do not require a licence if they comply with certain handling conditions, do not include specific goods and are not bound for specific destinations, as set out in Article 17 of the Export Control Order 2008. Consequently, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) does not hold any information on these transhipments.

DBT receives advice from multiple government departments when assessing whether exports require a licence, and in reviewing export licence applications. DBT is the decision-making authority and has ultimate responsibility for all export licensing decisions.
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Patricia Ferguson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has considered the potential merits of ending the export of demolition equipment to Israel. \p Chris Bryant: Exports to Israel of demolition equipment that is specifically designed or modified for military use are subject to export controls.

Such controlled exports fall under the scope of the decision announced in September 2024 to suspend export licences for military equipment to Israel that might be used in operations in Gaza, based on our assessment that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law. We have maintained the suspension and have refused new licence applications on the same basis.

Other demolition equipment is not routinely subject to export controls unless it is intended for military use in a country subject to a formal arms embargo.

We keep our export controls including in Israel under close and continual review.
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the press release entitled Red tape slashed to revamp high streets with new cafes and bars, published on 26 July 2025, who will decide (a) where the new dedicated hospitality zones will be introduced and (b) what their boundaries will be; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of these proposals on the (i) licensing hours and (ii) wider operation of (A) new and (B) existing (1) pubs, (2) clubs and (3) restaurants that are not in designated hospitality zones. \p Blair McDougall: The Government wants to ensure we have a licensing system that not only addresses crime and protects communities but supports businesses and promotes growth. Councils already use designated zones to preserve hospitality, leisure, and cultural areas, and we are keen to work collaboratively to understand how these approaches are working and explore whether Councils have the tools they need to create and maintain designated zones effectively. Businesses within and outside designated zones will benefit from a more balanced licensing regime. We will issue a Call for Evidence to gather insights and inform policy discussions shortly.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will have discussions with retailers on the potential impact of trends in the level of business costs on (a) staffing levels and (b) lone working practices. \p Blair McDougall: Staffing levels and business lone working policies are commercial matters for individual businesses to decide. An employer must identify the risks to lone workers and put control measures in place to protect them. It is for the employer to determine the best way to manage those risks taking account of the circumstances of their business and work activity. HSE provide guidance on lone working: Lone working: Protect those working alone - HSE.

The government is protecting the smallest businesses by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500. This means that this year, 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all, more than half of employers see no change or gain overall from this package and employers will be able to employ up to four full-time workers on the National Living Wage and pay no employer NICs.
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Mike Martin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many cases of alleged covid-19 Bounce Back Loan Fraud the National Investigation Service investigated under its contract with the Government; and how many people were arrested because of these investigations but not charged. \p Blair McDougall: The National Investigation Service have investigated 254 Bounce Back Loan Fraud cases in total (including both open and closed cases).

There have been 6 arrests resulting in no charge.

There have been 56 arrests where the cases are still ongoing, and the suspect has been released pending investigation, a number of these may result in no charge.
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the press release entitled Red tape slashed to revamp high streets with new cafes and bars, published on 26 July 2025, whether hospitality zones can be designated in cumulative impact areas. \p Blair McDougall: Designating zones and cumulative impact policies are a matter for local authorities, and the two are not mutually exclusive. The Government’s considers that both designating zones and implementing cumulative impact policies should be fully considered, clearly evidenced, monitored, and subject to review to ensure they remain effective and proportionate.

We are committed to working with councils, businesses and local partners to understand how these approaches are being applied and to ensure councils have the tools they need to create and maintain designated zones effectively. We will issue a Call for Evidence to gather insights and inform policy discussions shortly.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, what progress he has made in developing the new business growth service. \p Blair McDougall: The Modern Industrial Strategy, our 10-year growth plan, will unlock our economic potential and forge a new relationship between business and government. We will make it easier for businesses to invest, cutting bureaucracy and exploring new digital technologies.

In July 2025, alongside the Plan For Small Business, we launched the Business Growth Service (BGS), a national service bringing together all existing core services and new, improved elements of the business support offer.

We have designed and implemented the BGS by working closely with local and devolved governments, the Growth Hubs network and key partners, such as Innovate UK and the British Business Bank.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many small businesses have used the tribunal system to pursue late payments in each of the last five years. \p Blair McDougall: The information requested is not collated centrally and judgments produced by the courts and tribunal system do not actively include information on whether the parties are small businesses.
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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will have discussions with the Co-operative Group on Project Lunar. \p Blair McDougall: Project Lunar is an internal policy that the Co-op is introducing and is not a matter that DBT can comment on.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the policy lead for regulation of workplace health and safety in Great Britain. The primary responsibility for managing risk to health and safety lies with employers. An employer is the person or organisation that is legally responsible, under health and safety law, for managing and controlling risks created by their work activities. It is for the employer to determine the best way to manage those risks taking account of the circumstances of their business and work activity. There may be greater risks for lone workers without direct supervision or someone to help them if things go wrong, and an employer must identify the risks to lone workers and put control measures in place to protect them.

HSE provide guidance on lone working: Lone working: Protect those working alone - HSE.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what was the value of inward investment deals secured by the Office for Investment in (a) October 2024, (b) June 2025 and (c) September 2025. \p Chris Bryant: The Official Statistics for inward investment at DBT inward investment results 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK show both the capital expenditure and estimated economic impact as examples of value for DBT supported investment projects which landed in the 2024-25 financial year. The projects had a capital expenditure amount of £27.7bn and an estimated economic impact of £6.0bn. Monthly figures are not published, however the monthly average for 2024-25 was a capital expenditure of £2,307m and an additional estimated economic impact of £503m.

Figures related to 2025-26 will be published in June 2026.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) veterinary certification guidance, (b) trade missions and (c) inclusion in mentorship schemes on Lancashire producers. \p Blair McDougall: We will continue to work with Defra colleagues to support businesses and producers where appropriate.

Trade missions are promoted widely to companies in Lancashire through direct marketing and partners. Following the mission to Food & Hospitality China, in November 2024, Lancashire companies have forecast increased sales from new international business.

International Trade Advisers provide support for eligible businesses that require tailored advice to grow their international sales. DBT has seven Food & Drink Export Champions in the North, one of which is based in Lancashire.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. \p Chris Bryant: Details of the meetings held by Ministers of the Department for Business and Trade are available on the transparency pages of gov.uk.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbt-ministers-transparency-publications
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_458

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what gross value added has been measured for the Office for Investment in each month since its initial launch in 2020. \p Chris Bryant: The Official Statistics for inward investment at DBT inward investment results 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK show the estimated economic impact of DBT supported investment projects on a financial year basis. These figures have been published since 2019-20. Monthly figures are not published, however the average estimated economic impact per month over the 2020-21 to 2024-25 time period was £475m.
wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_459
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_459

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what mechanisms his Department uses to evaluate the effectiveness of export support services for SMEs. \p Blair McDougall: DBT offers a range of support for SME’s, with the recent Small Business Plan unlocking billions of pounds in finance to support businesses to invest and revitalising the High Street as a place to do business. The new online Business Growth Service will deliver support for Digital Adoption and AI to unlock business potential. And our Trade Strategy offers a more targeted approach to export support, including the launch of the Ricardo Fund to help UK regulators remove regulatory barriers for businesses trading abroad.

DBT has a robust monitoring and evaluation framework in place for export support and the Trade Strategy. The data will be published in DBT's Annual Report.
wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_460
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_460

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what trade barriers his Department has identified in the Chinese market in (a) healthcare, (b) automotive and (c) professional services sectors. \p Chris Bryant: We have identified the following challenges: in healthcare, complex regulatory approval processes for medicines and medical devices; in automotive, certification requirements, consumption taxes and tariffs; and in professional services firms face restrictions on business operations, onerous licencing, data localisation requirements, and limited recognition of qualifications. We regularly raise market access issues with Chinese authorities through diplomatic channels and ministerial engagements, including during the Secretary of State's recent visit to China.
wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_461
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_461

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, what progress he has made on accelerating the uptake of robotics via expanding the Made Smarter Adoption programme for SMEs. \p Blair McDougall: The Government is committed to accelerating the adoption of robotics and other advanced technologies among SME manufacturers by expanding the Made Smarter Adoption programme and establishing the Robotics Adoption Hubs.

Over the past three years of the programme, more than 1,600 businesses have benefited from digital roadmaps, over 400 SME leaders have received digital adoption training and over £16 million in private investment has been leveraged. Since April 2025, the programme now covers all nine English regions and, from 2026/27, up to £99 million will support further programme growth and impact.
wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_462
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_462

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the written statement of 13 March 2025, HCWS517, on Board of Trade, when the Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council appointed for the consideration of all matters relating to Trade and Foreign Plantations last met. \p Blair McDougall: The Board of Trade last met on the 21st May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_463
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_463

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help make the process of moving geological samples between the UK and the EU (a) faster and (b) easier. \p Blair McDougall: There are no plans at present to amend the regulatory regime.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an active member of European GeoSurveys (EGS). The EGS constitution is based on facilitating geological survey collaboration to support development and implementation of EU policy.

As such, BGS is part of a major project with multiple EU geological survey partners to prepare foundational research, knowledge, and data frameworks for a possible Geological Service for Europe. Making available harmonised and accessible transnational geological data is a key element of a future geological service for Europe.
wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_464
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-16 conversation_464

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the Members Estimate Committee, how much Representative Money has been made available to elected Members who have not taken the Oath in each year between 2006 and 2025. \p Nick Smith: This information is available from the Library. Appendix 3 of the House of Commons Library briefing on Short Money provides data from 2005/06 onwards.

This table is reproduced below.

Representative Money allocations, 2005/xx-xxxx-xxxx

Financial year

Main budget (£)

Travel budget (£)

2005/06*

35,163.00

868.00

2006/07

86,245.00

2,136.07

2007/08

90,036.00

2,230.05

2008/09

93,639.00

2,319.26

2009/10

94,482.00

2,340.13

2010/11** (1 Apr-5 May)

9,277.00

229.78

(6 May-31 Mar)

87,133.00

2,493.73

2011/12

101,004.00

2,890.59

2012/13

105,850.00

3,029.34

2013/14

109,135.00

3,123.25

2014/15

112,076.00

3,207.58

2015/16 # (1 Apr-7 May)

11,511.00

329.45

(8 May-31 Mar)

87,783.00

1,898.90

2016/17

97,556.00

2,224.32

2017/18 $ (1 Apr-8 Jun)

18,737.00

431.41

(9 Jun-31 Mar)

130,970.00

2,901.64

2018/19

165,864.00

3,674.62

2019/20 ^ (1 Apr-11 Dec)

117,986.27

2,613.95

(12 Dec-31 Mar)

48,243.74

1,200.05

2020/21

161,296.87

4,007.68

2021/21

162,265.31

4,025.02

2022/23

171,032.15

4,239.21

2023/24

188,991.69

4,688.33

2024/25 ^^ (1 Apr-3 Jul)

50,618.04

1,255.14

(4 Jul-31 Mar)

150,724.72

4,541.30

2025/26

208,077.31

6,252.97

Notes:

* from 1 November 2005-31 March 2006

** general election year full year allocations based on 2005 and 2010

general election results would have been:

Main budget

Travel budget

2005 results

£96,747

£2,396.30

2010 results

£96,374

£2,758.22

# general election year full year allocations based on 2010 and 2015

general election results would have been:

2010 results

£113,867

£3,258.90

2015 results

£97,655

£2,112.46

$ general election year full year allocations based on 2015 and 2017

general election results would have been:

2015 results

£99,116

£2,282.09

2017 results

£161,500

£3,578.03

^ general election year full year allocations based on 2015 and 2017

general election results would have been:

2017 results

£169,345

£3,751.79

2019 results

£159,074

£3,956.92

** general election year full year allocations based on 2019 and 2024

general election results would have been:

2019 results

£196,548.79

£4,873.67

2024 results

£203,005.64

£6,116.51
wrans/answers2025-07-08 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-08 conversation_1

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 4 April 2024 to Question 19410 on General Practitioners: Labour Turnover, what estimate he has made of the number of GPs on ICB funded training schemes which are equivalent to the (a) General Practice Fellowship and (b) Supporting Mentors schemes. \p Stephen Kinnock: Data on integrated care board (ICB) funded training schemes, their equivalent to the General Practice Fellowship scheme and the Supporting Mentors scheme, or the numbers of staff benefitting from these schemes is not held centrally.

While NHS England provides funding, through ICB allocations and the Primary Care Transformation Fund, to develop general practice services and teams, ICBs have the autonomy and flexibility to make decisions that serve the best interests of local people and communities.
wrans/answers2025-07-08 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-08 conversation_2

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to establish a Royal College of care workers. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is committed to a well-supported adult social care workforce who are recognised as the professionals they are. Enhancing the skills of staff working in adult social care is vital to ensure that the care provided is of good quality, fair, personalised, and accessible. Promoting opportunities to develop skills and knowledge is essential to raise the status of adult social care as a career. We have expanded the first ever national career structure for adult social care, the Care Workforce Pathway, adding new roles and clear career pathways. Backed by £12 million for training through the Learning and Development Support Scheme, this supports staff development and recognises the vital work care professionals do.

The Department has no current plans to introduce a Royal College of care. The Government is committed to transforming adult social care to create a National Care Service and to improving the lives of people drawing on care, unpaid carers, and the social care workforce. We have also launched an independent commission into adult social care, chaired by Baroness Casey, as part of our critical first steps towards delivering a National Care Service. The commission's Terms of Reference are sufficiently broad to enable Baroness Casey to define its remit to independently consider how to build a social care system fit for the future.
wrans/answers2025-07-08 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-08 conversation_3

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a personal care allowance for people who are assessed as needing personal care. \p Stephen Kinnock: Local authorities are required to undertake a needs assessment for any individual who requests it, which will consider all of the adult’s care and support needs. As part of this process, the local authority will provide the person with a personal budget, which is an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the local authority meeting their eligible needs.

Direct payments are one of the ways adults receiving local authority support with their social care costs can choose to receive their personal budget. Direct payments provide people with greater independence, choice, and control by enabling them or their nominated representative or representatives to commission their own care in order to meet their eligible personal care and support needs.