theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions his Department has had with Innovate UK on (a) when it plans to open the next Biomedical Catalyst grant awards and (b) steps being taken to ensure a wide range of biomedical businesses can apply for grants via that programme. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Biomedical Catalyst has a suite of competitions designed to support small and medium sized businesses to progress projects at different stages of development.

There is currently one grant opportunity open - Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator – Hospital to Community - which closes on the 31st of October. The next round of industry-led R&D funding is under preparation and expected to be launched early Nov and open for 4 weeks.

Innovate UK promotes R&D funding opportunities through social media and other communication channels. Biomedical Catalyst also utilises Business Connect services to engage with UK businesses by offering bespoke, sustained 1:1 support as well as providing advice and access to resources that can help promote Biomedical Catalyst, and support with applications and funding.
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Julia Lopez:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the application of VAT for (a) medicines and (b) treatments provided for medical (i) trials or (ii) compassionate use under the Early Access to Medicines Scheme. \p Kanishka Narayan: The DSIT Secretary of State has not met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss this particular matter.

There has been no recent law or policy change in this area.

Application of VAT is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on specific details of the nature of the supplies. This includes medicines or treatments provided for free under the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS). In certain circumstances the giving of goods away for free can be outside the scope of VAT. Where the supply is within the scope of VAT a relief may apply, meaning the supply can be made VAT free.
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Julia Lopez:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support access to growth capital for scaling UK tech firms. \p Kanishka Narayan: DSIT delivers specific policy interventions to unlock growth investment for UK science and technology firms, as well as contributing deep science and technology expertise to initiatives led by others, such as the British Business Bank’s £4bn Industrial Strategy Growth Capital Fund. A second cohort of Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellows will commence training in November, receiving specialist training overseen by DSIT to enable them to launch deep-tech venture capital funds. And, DSIT sponsors the National Security Strategic Investment Fund’s investment arm, making direct investments into companies developing strategically-important dual-use technologies, with increased funding up to £330m for 2026-30.
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Sam Carling:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle (a) the blackout challenge and (b) other physically harmful trends on social media. \p Kanishka Narayan: Under the Online Safety Act, services need to put in place protections for all users from content which is illegal. There are additional protections for children from harmful content, including content that encourages or promotes dangerous stunts or challenges, serious violence or injury, and content encouraging ingestion, inhalation or exposure to harmful substances.

Ofcom’s guidance states that asphyxiation challenges like the ''blackout challenge’’ are examples of dangerous stunt and challenge content. Therefore, services likely to be accessed by children are required to protect children from this content by taking measures such as filtering out harmful content from children's algorithmic feeds.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she plans to take to encourage continued private investment in rural broadband infrastructure. \p Kanishka Narayan: In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

The draft Statement also sets out how Ofcom can continue to support private investment across the UK, including in rural areas, by promoting competition.
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Ms Stella Creasy:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her (a) Indian and (b) Pakistani counterparts on (i) human rights in Kashmir and (ii) the use of the death penalty. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 31 March 2025 to Question 39395.
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Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to foster dialogue between India and Pakistan on peace in Kashmir. \p Seema Malhotra: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to question 82344.
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Andy Slaughter:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the UN Secretary-General’s report to the Security Council entitled Situation concerning Western Sahara, published on 30 September 2025; and if she will he call for the renewed United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara mandate to allow unhindered freedom of movement. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK Government consistently urges all states to uphold international law, and we continue to encourage constructive engagement with the political process led by the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General Mr Staffan de Mistura in support of finding a just, lasting, and mutually agreed resolution to the Western Sahara dispute.
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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart on the arrest of (a) Negar Misaghian and (b) Shakib Farzan; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure their release. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 18 September to question 74935.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 September 2025 to Question 72362 on Gaza: Humanitarian Aid, what progress he has made on an independent investigation since 11 July 2025. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Like many other states, the UK has used estimates from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to report casualty numbers in the Gaza conflict, which uses figures as reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health.
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Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has issued guidance to financial institutions on its investment decisions in the context of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, published in July 2024. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: There is guidance on gov.uk setting out the clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity.
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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made recent representations to her Israeli counterpart on the implementation of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion of 22 October 2025 on the Obligations of Israel in Enabling the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and In Relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 15 October to Question 77707.
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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made recent representations to her American counterpart on the detainment of Sami Hamdi by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on 26 October 2025; and what steps she is taking to secure his immediate release. \p Stephen Doughty: We do not routinely discuss specific cases, but I can confirm that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office are in contact with a British man detained in the USA and in touch with the local authorities and his family in the UK.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it her Department's policy to utilise frozen Libyan assets to compensate victims of Libyan-sponsored IRA terrorism. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: Libyan assets were frozen under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 to prevent their misuse, with the aim of preserving them for the future benefit of the Libyan people. Therefore, these frozen assets cannot be used to compensate victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. The UK Government has profound sympathy for victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism and all victims of the Troubles, and will continue to look for opportunities to press the Libyan authorities to address the Libyan State's historic responsibility.
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Noah Law:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to consider the needs of the visitor economy when assessing place-based funding decisions. \p James Murray: The Government recognises the important role of the visitor economy sector, and has set an ambitious goal to grow inbound tourism. These will be set out in more detail when the Department for Culture, Media and Sport publishes its Visitor Economy Growth Strategy.

In September the government launched an overarching Pride in Place programme, providing up to £5bn over 10 years to support almost 250 places. In addition, the Pride in Place Impact Fund will provide around £150 million of funding to 95 places to support the development of shared spaces, revitalise local high streets and improve the public realm, all of which have benefits for the visitor economy.

Following the Green Book Review, HM Treasury is working with relevant departments, as well as local and regional government, to develop place-based business cases. This will bring together the different Departments needed to achieve the objectives of a particular place.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 82402 on Airports: Business Rates, what the rateable value is of each airport that may be uprated; what the proposed revaluation from the Valuation Office Agency is for each airport; and which airports the Valuation Office Agency is receiving ongoing representations relating to. \p Dan Tomlinson: Due to legislation protecting taxpayer confidentiality, the VOA is unable to disclose information about individual ratepayers or properties; this also includes proposed rateable values.

The VOA are currently working on a revaluation of all non-domestic properties. This will come into effect on 1 April 2026, with draft valuations published by the end of this year.

The VOA have been engaging with representatives from the airports industry, including all civil airports in England and Wales, and held discussions with Airports UK.
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Alison Bennett:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to remove VAT from defibrillator sales to help improve the levels of affordability for (a) community groups and (b) small businesses. \p Dan Tomlinson: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

The Government currently provides VAT reliefs to aid the purchase of defibrillators. For example, when an Automated External Defibrillator is purchased with funds provided by a charity and then donated to an eligible body, no VAT is charged. Furthermore, all state schools in England have been fitted with AEDs.
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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of recent changes to (a) business rates relief, (b) VAT and (c) employer's National Insurance contributions on (i) small and medium-sized hospitality businesses and (ii) independent pubs and restaurants in rural constituencies. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government recognises the vital role that all hospitality businesses play in supporting the UK’s economy and communities.

That is why, as set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. By extending the RHL relief, the Government has saved the average pub, with a ratable value of £16,800, over £3,300. Without any Government intervention, the RHL relief would have ended entirely.

To ensure that key amenities are available, and that community assets are protected in rural areas, Rural Rates Relief provides 100% business rates relief for certain properties in eligible rural areas with populations below 3,000, including those that are the only public house, with a RV of up to £12,500.

The Employment Allowance has been more than doubled to £10,500, ensuring that over half of businesses with National Insurance liabilities, including those in the hospitality sector, will either gain or see no change this year. A Tax Information and Impact Note was published alongside changes to employer NICs, and the Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts employment levels to increase over the coming years.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she expects to receive the Payments Forward Plan under the National Payments Vision. \p Lucy Rigby: The Terms of Reference for the Payments Vision Delivery Committee set out the Payments Forward Plan will be published by the end of this year. This will set out a sequenced plan of initiatives across the wider UK payments ecosystem.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 82944 on Credit Unions, if she will publish the responses to the call for evidence. \p Lucy Rigby: The government is committed to exploring legislative reform to the credit union common bond to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

Responses to the call for evidence are currently being considered, and the government will provide an update on this work in due course.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 82947 on Banks and Community Development Finance Institutions, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the reasons for which (a) HSBC, (b) Santander and (c) Barclays have not chosen to support work between banks and Community Development Finance Institutions to support the provision of affordable credit in the areas of highest deprivation. \p Lucy Rigby: As outlined in my previous response, the Government recognises the vital role Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) play in providing affordable credit to underserved consumers and businesses. However I cannot comment on how individual banks decide to approach provision of affordable credit.

I am very grateful for the engagement by a range of banks and CDFIs in contributing to the upcoming Financial Inclusion Strategy, which includes a focus on access to affordable credit and will seek to ensure people have access to useful products and services for their needs.
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John Whitby:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the rise in disguised employment in the hair and beauty sector. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC is committed to ensuring that the tax system operates fairly and efficiently and creates a level playing field for compliant businesses. Most businesses pay what they owe but a minority fail to register with HMRC or only declare a portion of their earnings.

HMRC is committed to tackling false self-employment and will investigate evidence suggesting businesses have misclassified individuals for tax purposes. In these cases, HMRC will take steps to ensure they pay the right Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.

HMRC recognises that some customers can find it hard to understand their tax obligations. HMRC is developing and testing new educational material specific to the hair and beauty sector to explain better the rent-a-chair model, making it easier for customers to get things right.
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Helen Maguire:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens Rights Survey 2025, published on 1 October 2025, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle discrimination in (a) work and (b) public services against EU citizens living in the UK. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The UK takes seriously its obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement, including those set out in Article 23 on equal treatment of EU citizens and in Article 24 on the rights of workers. EU nationals with a status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) are entitled to work in the UK and can access public services subject to relevant criteria depending on the service.

The Equality Act 2010 (the Act) provides legal protection for the protected characteristic of race, which includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins to everyone in the UK, including EU citizens. This means the Act provides protection against unlawful racial or ethnic discrimination in employment and in other areas covered by the Act such as services, transport, education and housing.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 3 September 2025 to Question 70517 on Government Departments: Directors, which departments did the five leave from; and what was the cost to the public purse of exit packages. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Although the directors may have left their post, they have not necessarily left their organisation, or the Civil Service.

The Government Departments were:

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Education

Department for Business and Trade

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Any cost to the public purse would not be centrally held as directors are directly employed by their department.
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Tulip Siddiq:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has held discussions with the EU on waiving the need for passports for school groups visiting the UK as part of his negotiations on a youth experience scheme. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We recognise the importance of cultural and educational exchanges between UK and other nations. Any decisions relating to our policy on school trip travel must be made with due regard to the proper functioning of our immigration system. The UK and France agreed measures in 2023 which made UK-France school trip travel easier. These arrangements were agreed as part of a wider package of measures. A similar agreement with Germany has also been reached, as part of the wider UK-Germany Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation Treaty, which was signed by the Prime Minister in London on 17 July.

These arrangements are separate from our discussions with the EU regarding a youth experience scheme.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2024 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether the breach of the Ministerial Code by the former Deputy Prime Minister was deemed a serious breach. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: I refer you to the advice provided by the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards and the subsequent exchange of letters between the Prime Minister and the former Deputy Prime Minister. These are published on gov.uk at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letter-from-the-independent-adviser-on-ministerial-standards-exchange-of-letters-between-the-prime-minister-and-angela-rayner-mp
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how questions were provided to the Prime Minister in advance of Prime Minister's questions since 5 July 2025, broken down by party. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: In line with long-standing convention, MPs are responsible for what they say in the chamber.
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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has an assessment of the potential impact proposed EU Mobility Scheme on (a) economic growth and (b) attracting talent to the UK workforce. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We have agreed that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU. We have agreed that any scheme will be capped as well as time-limited. We have also been clear that it should be in line with the UK’s existing schemes with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The exact parameters are subject to discussion. We cannot give a running commentary of ongoing negotiations.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has made an assessment of the legislative changes required to disestablish the Church of England. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Church of England is by law the Established Church in England. The relationship between the Church and State is a core part of our constitutional framework that has evolved over centuries. The Government has no plans to disestablish the Church of England and therefore no assessment has been made of the legislative changes that would be required.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse has been of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry since its establishment. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The cumulative total spend of the Covid-19 Inquiry up to 30 June 2025 has been published in the latest financial report on their website. The next report is due in November.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 67904 on Universities: Fees and Charges, whether the European Commission has requested that EU students be given home fee status under the proposed UK-EU youth mobility scheme. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: We have agreed, under the UK-EU Common Understanding, that we will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU. We have agreed that any scheme will be capped and participants’ visas time-limited. We have not agreed to offer home fee status to EU students. We have also been clear that it should be in line with the UK’s existing schemes with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The exact parameters are subject to discussion and we cannot give a running commentary of ongoing negotiations.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any guidance has been issued to (a) Ministers and (b) special advisers on (i) ministerial and (ii) special adviser conduct during the Labour Party deputy leadership contest in addition to existing (A) ministerial and (B) special adviser codes. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Ministers, special advisers and civil servants are expected to adhere to their respective codes of conduct at all times and a reminder of these obligations in the context of the deputy leadership elections was provided.
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Sir Bernard Jenkin:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if the Government will investigate the source of internal Government briefings on the future of the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service; and if the Prime Minister will make a statement. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The Cabinet Secretary continues to have the support of the Prime Minister. They are working closely together to deliver on the priorities of the British public.
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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many quangos his Department has dealings with; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reducing the number of these bodies. \p Anna Turley: ‘Quangos’ is an obsolete term. They are now called Arm’s Length Bodies.

The list of all Government Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) can be found here [https://co-public-bodies.github.io/ALB_Landscape_Analysis_2023_24/08%20profilePagesIndex.html] along with the details of the 11 ALBs that Cabinet Office directly sponsors.

In April the Government announced a review of all ALBs across government with a view to streamline governance and reduce bureaucracy. This review is ongoing.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Civil Service staff networks to only meet outside working hours and have all events signed off by senior managers, published on 23 September 2025, what approvals have been given in (a) his Department and (b) the Office for Equality and Opportunity since 23 September 2025. \p Anna Turley: The cross Civil Service Network Policy applies as published to all cross-Civil Service Staff Networks only.

However it also acts as a model policy for Departments to adopt or adapt depending on business needs for their departmental networks. The Cabinet Office is now working to be able to adopt this policy for internal departmental networks and will carry out their own engagement with internal stakeholders to be able to adopt the policy.

The sign off and approval process for events will be part of this policy development for the Cabinet Office.The guidance will apply to all networks in Cabinet Office.
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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what structures are in place for annual performance reviews for senior civil servants; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of those arrangements on (a) adequate scrutiny and (b) enhanced productivity. \p Anna Turley: Members of the Senior Civil Service (SCS) are subject to an annual performance review process, governed by the central SCS performance management framework published on Performance management framework for the Senior Civil Service (2025 to 2026 performance year) - GOV.UK

The central framework is regularly reviewed to ensure that it is fit for purpose. Changes were introduced in April of this year, to ensure a greater focus on the productivity of the Senior Civil Service. This included the introduction of minimum standards, expected distribution and a cross-Government consistency check meeting.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 16 September 2025 to Question 75447on Trade Union Officials: Facility Agreements, whether the Cabinet Office guidance on facility time has changed since July 2024; what is the maximum permitted amount of facility time as percentage of the overall paybill. \p Anna Turley: The Cabinet Office guidance on facility time has not changed since July 2024. The guidance states that facility time costs in the Civil Service should not represent more than 0.1% of a department’s paybill.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 7 July 2025 to Question 63340 on Civil Servants: Location, if he will publish the Civil Service relocation policy released by Cabinet Office under the Freedom of Information Act, ref: FOI2025/12570 of 28 August 2025. \p Anna Turley: We will place a copy of the Cabinet Office's relocation policy, as released in FOI2025/12570, in the Library of the House. The policy in question applies only to Cabinet Office staff rather than the wider Civil Service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Public Sector Fraud Authority has issued recent guidance to local billing authorities on council tax (a) avoidance and (b) evasion in relation to the second homes council tax premium. \p Josh Simons: Guidance in relation to the payment and billing of council tax is developed and issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to local authorities.

However, the National Fraud Initiative (NFI), as part of the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA), works closely with local authorities to help them identify and prevent fraud.

As part of this, the NFI is currently collaborating with local authorities to understand the fraud risks related to council tax second home premiums. The NFI will use that insight to inform options, such as a data matching pilot, to detect and prevent fraud in this area.

This collaboration is also what has allowed the removal of fraudsters from social housing properties, ensuring they go to those families in genuine need, and cracking down on blue badge fraud - of which 22,000 fraudulent permits were cancelled in the last year alone.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_196

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking with the National Fraud Initiative to tackle evasion of the council tax second homes premium. \p Josh Simons: The National Fraud Initiative (NFI), as part of the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA), works closely with local authorities to help them identify and prevent fraud.

As part of this, the NFI is currently collaborating with local authorities to understand the fraud risks related to council tax second home premiums. The NFI will use that insight to inform options to detect and prevent fraud in this area.

This collaboration is also helping local authorities to address fraud in other areas of council tax, such as fraudulent claims for a ‘single person discount’ (SPD). In its most recent report, the NFI detected £20.4m in fraudulent SPDs in England, with £20.2m, or 99%, in recovery.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_197

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answers of 26 September 2025, to Questions 75632, 74515, 74202, on Civil Service: Unpaid Work, whether the Office for National Statistics classifies the occupations of (a) tool-makers, (b) factory owners, (c) Members of Parliament, (d) Ministers of the Crown and (e) civil servants as working class under the NS-SEC framework. \p Josh Simons: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 22nd October is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 135.9KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_198

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Cabinet Secretary plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton of 10 June 2025 on the proposed Chinese Embassy and pre-determination. \p Dan Jarvis: I apologise for the delayed response to the Hon. Member’s letter. He will have received a letter of apology for this. He will receive a substantive reply as soon as possible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_199

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment in relation to linking its proposed digital ID scheme with right-to-work checks. \p Josh Simons: The new digital ID will be designed to be inclusive. We will launch a public consultation in the coming weeks and have already started to engage with a range of expert organisations and community groups. These considerations, and views from the consultation, will inform ongoing assessments on the impact on equality.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_200

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people were employed in the automotive manufacturing sector on (a) 4 July 2024 and (b) the most recent date for which data is available. \p Josh Simons: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 27th October is attached.

Letter from the National Statistician (pdf, 119.8KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_201

Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Digital ID scheme users will be able to delete their Digital ID. \p Josh Simons: People will be able to remove their Digital ID from the GOV.UK Wallet held on their smartphone, as they will be able to with any other credential held in the app.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_202

Stephen Flynn:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, why (a) fish processing was excluded and (b) poultry processing was included in the Energy Intensive Industries scheme. \p Chris McDonald: The eligibility criteria for both the Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) Compensation Scheme and British Industry Supercharger are based on electricity usage and trade intensity levels. Some EIIs therefore do not meet the thresholds necessary to qualify for support under either scheme. The Government will review the eligibility criteria for both schemes in 2026 to ensure our support for EIIs is effective, proportionate and targeted. We would encourage views from a wide range of stakeholders during consultations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

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Stephen Flynn:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what interim support is available to energy intensive industries not covered by the Energy Intensive Industries scheme before the next review of that scheme. \p Chris McDonald: The Government recognises that Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) are facing uncompetitively high energy costs. While some sectors are not currently eligible for EII schemes support, we would welcome all views from impacted EIIs when the Government consults on the future eligibility criteria of these schemes in 2026. The Government wants to ensure that we are supporting as many impacted sectors as possible during the UK’s transition to a net-zero economy, while mitigating carbon leakage and protecting British jobs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_204

Dame Nia Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, When he plans to publish a steel strategy. \p Chris McDonald: I understand this is a worrying time for Tata’s staff and suppliers and I am in contact with Tata regarding their extended maintenance periods at Trostre, Port Talbot Hot Rolled Products and Llanwern Pickle-line sites. Tata staff affected will be paid at a proportional rate over this period.

The Welsh steel industry is a high priority for this government. To address global challenges, we have strengthened UK steel safeguards, reduced energy prices, improved public procurement rules, and secured preferential US market access. We are also developing our own steel trade proposals and engaging with the EU at all levels to seek to protect vital UK-EU trade flows.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

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Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, What steps he is taking to support the hospitality sector in Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency. \p Kate Dearden: Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities. They bring people together, create welcoming spaces and support local suppliers.

We have reduced alcohol duty on qualified draught products and plan to permanently reduce business rates for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties.

Additionally, we have just invested £440,000 in rural pubs through Pub is The Hub, helping to unlock stalled projects and deliver essential services to those communities, helping businesses adapt to local needs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_206

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many company directors have been disqualified following Insolvency Service investigations involving (a) phoenix trading or (b) similar conduct after insolvency in each of the last three years. \p Blair McDougall: Until April 2025, The Insolvency Service only recorded data for phoenix trading where directors were specifically disqualified for that allegation. This was infrequent, as phoenixism is defined very precisely and requires a high burden of proof. In the 3 years to 31 March 2025 no company directors were recorded as being disqualified specifically for phoenix trading. In many cases, tackling misconduct under another allegation is more effective and, in the period 1 April 2025 to 30 September 2025, 10 directors were disqualified where phoenix trading was recorded alongside the main allegation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_207

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will set a target date for the publication of the Critical Minerals Strategy. \p Chris McDonald: Critical minerals have been included in the recently published National Security Strategy and also in the UK Government’s Resilience Action Plan, highlighting their fundamental importance to safeguarding the UK's economic security and resilience.

Thanks to the extensive engagement and insights from our industry and expert stakeholders as well as through cross-government collaboration, we have developed a powerful new vision and plan for securing critical minerals in the UK. Critical Minerals were identified as a foundational industry to growth driving sectors in the Industry Strategy.

We will continue to refine this ahead of publication this year, taking into account the evolving international context.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_208

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many post offices there are in each (a) constituency and (b) local authority area by (i) location, (ii) rurality and (iii) type of post office. \p Blair McDougall: Post Office Limited publishes monthly data on the number of branches trading across the UK, including their locations and rurality. The latest dataset, covering September 2025, is available on the Post Office Limited’s website at: 2025-september-network-numbers-online-list-v2.xlsx

Post Office Limited’s most recent annual Network Report includes data on branch types. You can access it here: network-report-2024-final-5.pdf.

Parliamentarians can find data on branch locations by constituency in the House of Commons Library.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_209

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps he has taken with local councils to tackle the illegal use of fireworks in (a) Slough constituency and (b) Berkshire. \p Kate Dearden: Enforcement powers exist for local authorities to take action when fireworks are unsafe, sold illegally or misused. Local authorities and the police also have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of fireworks. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_210

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of current enforcement powers where directors of insolvent companies resume trading through new companies; and what steps he is taking to strengthen consumer protection in such cases. \p Blair McDougall: Both civil and criminal enforcement tools, are used to address corporate abuse, that includes phoenixism. Director disqualification helps to protect the public from individuals who have demonstrated that they are unfit to be involved in the management of a company. The Insolvency Service is working with HMRC and Companies House to tackle abusive phoenixism.

Officials at the Insolvency Service are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the corporate civil enforcement regime. Any specific proposals to strengthen the public protection provided by the regime will be subject to public consultation in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-30)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-30 conversation_211

Euan Stainbank:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many applications his Department has made to restore a company to the register under section 1029(2)(a) of the Companies Act 2006 since 5 July 2024. \p Blair McDougall: The Secretary of State made no applications to court for the restoration of a company pursuant to s.1029 of the Companies Act 2006 during the period in question. Within that period, in the context of a petition to wind up a company pursuant to s.124A of the Insolvency Act 1986, the Secretary of State did however request, and was granted, leave of the court to restore one company.