Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing further funding for Researchers at Risk Fellowships to be made available to Palestinian researchers.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The current Researchers at Risk Fellowship Programme aims to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has exposed Ukraine-based researchers and their dependents to direct threats. My Department is keeping the programme, which is delivered by the British Academy, under close review.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when the last meeting was of the inter-ministerial group on tackling digital exclusion; and who was in attendance.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has been clear that ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age is a key priority and continues to take steps to offer the support needed.

Digital inclusion is a cross-cutting issue that spans social engagement, education, employment, access to services and many more elements of everyday life. Responsibility for relevant policies, activities and budgets sit across government. For example, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is exploring options for funding research to improve the Government’s evidence base on digital exclusion.

The Government established a cross-Whitehall ministerial group in response to a recommendation from the House of Lords Communication and Digital Committee’s report on ‘Digital Exclusion’. The ministerial group aims to drive progress and accountability on digital inclusion priorities across Government.

The most recent ministerial group meeting took place in March 2024, chaired by the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy. The Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Cabinet Office, Department for Work and Pensions, and His Majesty's Treasury were also in attendance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the annual budget is of the inter-ministerial group on tackling digital exclusion.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has been clear that ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age is a key priority and continues to take steps to offer the support needed.

Digital inclusion is a cross-cutting issue that spans social engagement, education, employment, access to services and many more elements of everyday life. Responsibility for relevant policies, activities and budgets sit across government. For example, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is exploring options for funding research to improve the Government’s evidence base on digital exclusion.

The Government established a cross-Whitehall ministerial group in response to a recommendation from the House of Lords Communication and Digital Committee’s report on ‘Digital Exclusion’. The ministerial group aims to drive progress and accountability on digital inclusion priorities across Government.

The most recent ministerial group meeting took place in March 2024, chaired by the Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy. The Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Cabinet Office, Department for Work and Pensions, and His Majesty's Treasury were also in attendance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to protect the UK's network infrastructure, in the context of the adequacy of whereabouts compliance measures.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Openreach has commercial contracts with broadband contractors who access its ducts and poles. These contracts include detailed requirements on how Openreach should be notified of where and when companies will be building fibre. It is ultimately a commercial decision for Openreach to decide how it enforces these contracts.

DSIT has engaged with Ofcom, Openreach, and the Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) to understand the implications of whereabouts compliance for telecoms network resilience. Improving compliance may help to attribute the cause of accidental damage to fibre infrastructure but would not completely prevent accidental damage or stop those intending to cause malicious damage.

DSIT has been informed by Openreach and the OTA that they have worked with communication providers to agree a new approach to improving whereabouts compliance. DSIT is content that no further action is required at this time but will continue to work with Ofcom to monitor the situation in case risks to security and resilience arise in future.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to require broadband companies to gain the consent of (a) the local authority and (b) residents before erecting telephone poles.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Telegraph poles play an important role in delivering efficient and cost-effective coverage and connectivity to communities, particularly in hard to reach areas without costly and disruptive roadworks, or where existing infrastructure cannot be used.

Permitted development rights allow telegraph poles and lines to be deployed without requiring case-by-case approval from the local planning authority, and we have no plans to introduce legislation to change permitted development rights for telegraph poles.

However, we are aware of the concerns that residents in some parts of the country have about the deployment of telegraph poles. There are existing measures to minimise pole deployment and avoid inappropriate siting, and we are also taking further action to respond to those concerns.

For example, the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003 (“the 2003 Regulations”) set out the legal requirements operators must adhere to.

Already, Local Planning Authorities should be notified 28 days before poles are installed in many circumstances as set out in the 2003 Regulations, and can impose conditions on this installation which operators must adhere to provided that the conditions are reasonable. The 2003 regulations also state that operators should share infrastructure where practicable.

There is also a Code of Practice in place, which provides guidance on ways operators can ensure new installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are to be engaged with regarding proposed installations.

Ofcom can take enforcement action in respect of breaches of the restrictions and conditions contained in the 2003 regulations. Ofcom have also stated that they would investigate any cases where poles are sited in a way which is not consistent with the requirements and guidelines in place – including where they block residents’ drives or where operators systematically fail to engage with local planning authorities’ suggestions. We encourage Local Planning Authorities to make complaints to Ofcom if they feel these criteria apply.

I recently met with Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, to discuss this, and to explore ways DSIT and Ofcom can work together to raise awareness of statutory roles and responsibilities and ensure better compliance.

I also wrote to all fixed line operators on 14 March, setting out the government’s concerns and emphasising the importance of infrastructure sharing. Specifically, I have asked them to do everything possible to share existing telegraph poles before installing new ones.

Separately, DSIT is considering how revisions to the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice might be delivered to promote better working practices.

I met interested MPs on Monday 25 March 2024, and I remain keen to hear and understand the concerns shared by MPs and their constituents. I am also meeting fixed-line operators to discuss these concerns.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with local authorities on the switching off of the public switched telephone network.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is coordinating the cross-government response to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switchover. Government is taking the risks associated with this switchover very seriously and our primary objective is to ensure vulnerable people are protected throughout this necessary transition. DSIT is engaging closely with counterparts in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Local Government Association (LGA). DSIT is a member of the LGA’s working group which focuses on the switchover. DSIT will be submitting specific guidance to Local Authorities on matters related to the migration and is working to assess the impact that the PSTN switchover may have on Local Authorities.

BT Group announced its plans to switch off the PSTN in 2017, and many affected organisations, including some Local Authorities, have taken the opportunity to prepare for the transition since then. Upgrading devices to digitally compatible products will ensure they are compatible with a superior and more secure underlying infrastructure, future-proofing them for years ahead.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the economic impact of delays in the Project Gigabit Lot 4 procurement process on households in the North East of England.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The supplier that was awarded the Project Gigabit contract for the North East (Lot 4) was unable to proceed after failing to secure the funding it required.

To maintain the delivery of gigabit coverage to premises in the North East, we have worked with suppliers to bring forward additional projects under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. The remaining premises will be included in a call-off under our cross-regional framework, which we aim to have in place this summer. We will press the successful supplier to begin to build premises in the North East as soon as possible to minimise any delay. Consequently, the economic impacts of this change in approach will be kept as low as possible.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will provide additional resources to local authorities to effectively manage the switching off of the public switched telephone network.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is coordinating the cross-government response to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switchover. Government is taking the risks associated with this switchover very seriously and our primary objective is to ensure vulnerable people are protected throughout this necessary transition. DSIT is engaging closely with counterparts in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Local Government Association (LGA). DSIT is a member of the LGA’s working group which focuses on the switchover. DSIT will be submitting specific guidance to Local Authorities on matters related to the migration and is working to assess the impact that the PSTN switchover may have on Local Authorities.

BT Group announced its plans to switch off the PSTN in 2017, and many affected organisations, including some Local Authorities, have taken the opportunity to prepare for the transition since then. Upgrading devices to digitally compatible products will ensure they are compatible with a superior and more secure underlying infrastructure, future-proofing them for years ahead.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an estimate of the number of households with telecare devices still to transition from the public switched telephone network to the Digital Voice service.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to data from the Telecare Services Association (TSA) and Farrpoint, a digital consultancy, there are between 1.7 and 2 million telecare users in the UK; given that devices are readily available to purchase privately, we cannot provide an exact figure. Of these, the TSA estimates that c.500,000 devices are compatible with digital phone lines.

However, some analogue telecare devices may also work on digital networks. DSIT has been working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the telecare industry to raise awareness of the migration and to encourage the testing of analogue devices on digital phone lines. BT and other providers have also set up test labs for telecare suppliers or telecare service providers to test their equipment.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's publication entitled Public Switched Telephone Network charter, published on 18 December 2023, what steps her Department has taken to create a shared definition of vulnerable customer groups.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department is in discussions with stakeholders across Government and industry to arrive at a standard definition of vulnerability specific to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration. This will help identify customers that may be vulnerable during the migration, whether through health or personal circumstances, so that they can be better protected.

While agreeing a definition is a priority, it is critical that the final definition is robust and properly tested. The Department is working at pace to do so and will publish a definition as soon as possible.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's publication entitled Public Switched Telephone Network charter, published on 18 December 2023, when she plans to publish a definition of vulnerable customer groups.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department is in discussions with stakeholders across Government and industry to arrive at a standard definition of vulnerability specific to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration. This will help identify customers that may be vulnerable during the migration, whether through health or personal circumstances, so that they can be better protected.

While agreeing a definition is a priority, it is critical that the final definition is robust and properly tested. The Department is working at pace to do so and will publish a definition as soon as possible.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on taking steps to help protect vulnerable people from crime during the digital switchover of telephony services.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is coordinating the cross-government response to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switchover. DSIT is engaging closely with counterparts in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as well as the Local Government Association (LGA). DSIT is a member of the LGA’s working group which focuses on supporting local authorities with the PSTN migration, as well as the 2G/3G switch-off.

DSIT supported the LGA in publishing a guidance note for councils on how to raise awareness among residents, and seek to prevent and disrupt anyone from using the digital switchover as a means to advance criminal activity. The guidance can be found at the following address: https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/cyber-digital-and-technology/digital-switchover/digital-phone-switchover/digital-phone

DSIT also works closely with the Home Office, as the department responsible for crime policy, as well as Ofcom - the independent telecoms regulator - on a range of issues to tackle telephone enabled fraud and bring criminals to justice.

DLUHC’s Local Digital team is dedicated to helping councils digitise and transform their services so that they are modern and resilient. DLUHC’s “Future Councils” pilot programme has recently published a report identifying the most common challenges to digital transformation and is building on its findings.

Ofcom wrote to local government organisations on 17 January 2024 to reiterate the importance of ensuring that councils are prepared for any changes that may impact on the delivery of services when 3G and then 2G is switched off. The letter can be found via the following link:

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/275521/letter-local-gov-3g-switch-off.pdf

The Government has published information on the role of Digital Champions within the Digital Connectivity Portal. The Portal is an extensive online resource providing best practice guidance helping local authorities to facilitate digital infrastructure deployment.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/digital-strategy-and-leadership#digital-champion

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, is she will hold discussions with the Local Government Association to help define the role of a digital champion in supporting (a) the digitisation of council services, (b) the digital switchover and (c) the 2G/3G switch off.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is coordinating the cross-government response to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switchover. DSIT is engaging closely with counterparts in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as well as the Local Government Association (LGA). DSIT is a member of the LGA’s working group which focuses on supporting local authorities with the PSTN migration, as well as the 2G/3G switch-off.

DSIT supported the LGA in publishing a guidance note for councils on how to raise awareness among residents, and seek to prevent and disrupt anyone from using the digital switchover as a means to advance criminal activity. The guidance can be found at the following address: https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/cyber-digital-and-technology/digital-switchover/digital-phone-switchover/digital-phone

DSIT also works closely with the Home Office, as the department responsible for crime policy, as well as Ofcom - the independent telecoms regulator - on a range of issues to tackle telephone enabled fraud and bring criminals to justice.

DLUHC’s Local Digital team is dedicated to helping councils digitise and transform their services so that they are modern and resilient. DLUHC’s “Future Councils” pilot programme has recently published a report identifying the most common challenges to digital transformation and is building on its findings.

Ofcom wrote to local government organisations on 17 January 2024 to reiterate the importance of ensuring that councils are prepared for any changes that may impact on the delivery of services when 3G and then 2G is switched off. The letter can be found via the following link:

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/275521/letter-local-gov-3g-switch-off.pdf

The Government has published information on the role of Digital Champions within the Digital Connectivity Portal. The Portal is an extensive online resource providing best practice guidance helping local authorities to facilitate digital infrastructure deployment.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/digital-strategy-and-leadership#digital-champion

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, for what reason the type B procurement of Lot 4 of Project Gigabit was not successful.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The supplier that was awarded the Project Gigabit contract for the North East (Lot 4) was unable to proceed after failing to secure the funding it required.

To maintain the delivery of gigabit coverage to premises in the North East, we have worked with suppliers to bring forward additional projects under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. The remaining premises will be included in a call-off under our cross-regional framework, which we aim to have in place this summer. We will press the successful supplier to begin to build premises in the North East as soon as possible to minimise any delay. Consequently, the economic impacts of this change in approach will be kept as low as possible.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to respond to the recommendations of the independent report entitled Reforming the DSIT business case process, published by her Department on 9 February 2024.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government welcomes David Willetts’ report and is considering the recommendations, including options for implementation. We are planning to publish a response before the end of April.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she plans to take to help ensure (a) energy companies and (b) network operators can contact consumers on the Energy Priority Services Register during a power cut once the digital switchover is complete.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is engaging with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to ensure robust measures are in place to mitigate any risks arising from the Public Switched Telephone (PSTN) switchover in the energy sector. The details regarding contingency plans and consumer prioritisation in the energy sector falls within DESNZ’s remit.

DSIT works closely on a range of resilience issues in partnership with industry, through the Electronic Communications Resilience & Response Group (EC-RRG), who engage in regular dialogue with the Energy Networks Association across a range of issues to help strengthen resilience between the telecoms and energy sectors.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) also recently consulted on proposals to establish a multi-sector Priority Services Register to enable better data sharing between providers of gas, water, electricity, and telecoms providers, and allow consumers to be registered as vulnerable across sectors. The consultation closed in January 2024, with a response expected in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department is monitoring how many retrospective checks have been conducted on forcibly migrated households to investigate if they had telecare devices.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

It is the Government’s utmost priority that vulnerable people and telecare users are protected throughout the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration. In December 2023, the UK’s major Communication Providers agreed to sign a PSTN Charter, committing to improve protections for vulnerable customers. The Charter can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-switched-telephone-network-charter/public-switched-telephone-network-charter

As set out in the PSTN Charter, Communication Providers have agreed to conduct additional checks on customers who have already been forcibly migrated. This is with a view to ensuring that the customers do not have telecare devices that providers were unaware of, and if they do, to ensure that the correct support is provided to them.

The Government will be monitoring the Communication Providers’ adherence to the Charter through bilateral meetings and through asking the companies for written updates on their approach to the migration.

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 impact of trials of flexible permitting for streetworks on supporting the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government will shortly be trialling a more flexible permitting system, which would grant permission to work in multiple streets - as opposed to the current system which requires statutory undertakers to submit a separate permit for every street they work in. This would allow companies carrying out works to move from street to street quickly.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is working with the Department for Transport to trial this concept across England. DSIT have appointed an independent contractor to design, oversee and evaluate the trials, which we expect to commence in the second quarter of 2024.

Once trials have concluded, Ministers will consider the results of the evaluation, and decide whether a flexible permitting scheme should be introduced.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether officials in her Department have had discussions with Ofcom on the potential merits of increasing the minimum requirement for the battery life of an emergency back-up line provided to properties switched to the digital phone network.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Government is committed to improving protections for those who depend on their landline for connectivity. All signatories to the PSTN charter, agreed in December 2023, have committed to working to provide solutions that go beyond the Ofcom minimum guidance. Ofcom guidance states that communications providers should have at least one solution that enables access to emergency organisations, for a minimum of one hour in the event of a power outage. Communication Providers are required to meet standards and specifications set out in the General Conditions of Entitlement, under obligations imposed by the Communications Act 2003, to ensure continuity of service.

Last year, DSIT asked Ofcom to consider how the general resilience of telecommunications services in the event of prolonged power outages served the needs of customers. In response, Ofcom launched a consultation on the resilience of the sector which included a separate call for input on power backup for mobile radio access networks that closed on 1 March. Ofcom is currently considering the responses.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent estimate she has made of when gigabit broadband coverage will be available to every household in North Shropshire constituency.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website ThinkBroadband.com, almost 68% of premises in the North Shropshire constituency are able to access a gigabit-capable connection, up from just 3% in December 2019.

To extend this coverage further, last year we signed a Project Gigabit contract with the supplier Freedom Fibre to deliver gigabit-capable connectivity to over 12,000 hard-to-reach premises in the North Shropshire region by the end of 2026, of which approximately 9,000 of these premises are in the North Shropshire constituency. There will also be further commercial rollout in the area.

While the majority of premises will be covered by commercial activity or Project Gigabit, for those parts of the UK where this is not possible, the government is considering alternative ways to improve connectivity. Last year, government launched a consultation setting out our proposed policy approach to connecting Very Hard to Reach (VHTR) UK premises, with a response due to be published later this year. The response will set out further policy proposals for VHTR areas not already covered by commercial activity or existing government schemes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an estimate of the number of households that have access to gigabit broadband in North Shropshire constituency.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website ThinkBroadband.com, almost 68% of premises in the North Shropshire constituency are able to access a gigabit-capable connection, up from just 3% in December 2019.

To extend this coverage further, last year we signed a Project Gigabit contract with the supplier Freedom Fibre to deliver gigabit-capable connectivity to over 12,000 hard-to-reach premises in the North Shropshire region by the end of 2026, of which approximately 9,000 of these premises are in the North Shropshire constituency. There will also be further commercial rollout in the area.

While the majority of premises will be covered by commercial activity or Project Gigabit, for those parts of the UK where this is not possible, the government is considering alternative ways to improve connectivity. Last year, government launched a consultation setting out our proposed policy approach to connecting Very Hard to Reach (VHTR) UK premises, with a response due to be published later this year. The response will set out further policy proposals for VHTR areas not already covered by commercial activity or existing government schemes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help improve (a) 4G and (b) 5G coverage in (i) Suffolk Coastal constituency and (ii) Suffolk.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

This Government is taking steps to improve both 4G and 5G coverage across the country.

In the East of England our £1bn agreement with the industry to deliver the Shared Rural Network programme (SRN) will see 4G coverage from all four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) rise to 93% of the geographic landmass, up from 90% when the programme began in 2020.

In Suffolk Coastal, 4G coverage already stands at 81% geographic coverage from all four MNOs and almost 100% from at least one MNO. While the SRN is focused on areas with poorer coverage, it is not the only focus for infrastructure investment for mobile connectivity. In addition, the MNOs independently invest around £2 billion annually across the UK in enhancing and improving their networks.

According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, basic, non-standalone, 5G is available outside 74% of premises in the Suffolk Coastal constituency from at least one MNO. In the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April 2023, we announced a new ambition for nationwide coverage of higher quality standalone 5G in all populated areas by 2030. The strategy includes a series of measures to help the private sector invest in 5G networks by supporting investment and driving the take-up of innovative, 5G-enabled tech by businesses and the public sector.

The Department provides extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband and mobile deployment through the Digital Connectivity Portal. We have also taken steps to make it easier and cheaper for operators to deploy 4G and 5G. This includes reforming the planning system in England. Alongside this, measures within the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, will support the deployment of wireless infrastructure, including 4G and 5G.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an estimate of the proportion of households that have access to broadband in Suffolk Coastal constituency.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to Ofcom’s December 2023 Connected Nations report, over 95% of premises in the Suffolk Coastal constituency have access to a superfast connection, with 37% having access to a gigabit-capable connection. Only 2% of premises are unable to access a decent fixed broadband connection and may be able to get an improved connection through the Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO).

The Broadband USO gives individuals the right to request a decent broadband connection. Consumers are deemed not to have a decent broadband connection if their current connection falls below 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload; the cost of accessing a decent broadband connection is higher than £56.20 per month and they are not due to be connected by an existing government scheme within the next 12 months.

Consumers whose connections would cost more than the reasonable cost threshold covered by the USO (of £3,400), can choose to pay the excess cost (with crowdfunding options available).

The Government is rolling out Project Gigabit, a £5 billion mission to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to 99% of UK premises by 2030. This constituency is included in the Project Gigabit contract for Suffolk that was signed by the supplier CityFibre in June 2023.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential economic impact of funding provided by her Department to projects in Suffolk Coastal constituency in the last four years.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

UK Research and Innovation spend in Suffolk in financial year 2020-21 (the latest available data) was £1.71 million, of which £1.6 million was from Innovate UK (IUK).

In December 2023, in collaboration with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, IUK launched the New Anglia Local Action Plan to give Norfolk and Suffolk innovators and entrepreneurs improved access to expertise, tools and support to help them grow. For example, Haverhill-based Keronite has used an IUK grant to develop a highly efficient, low-impact solution to water treatment.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help provide broadband connections to rural communities in Suffolk.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website Thinkbroadband.com, 98% of premises in the county of Suffolk can access a superfast broadband connection. Furthermore, over 68% of premises are able to access a gigabit-capable connection, up from just 4% in December 2019.

In June 2023 we announced that a Project Gigabit contract had been awarded to the supplier CityFibre. This contract has a value of over £100 million, covering 79,500 hard-to-reach premises in Suffolk that would otherwise miss out on a gigabit-capable connection. The supplier has completed the initial planning and survey work for this contract and the first connections are expected to be made this summer. We expect the contract to be completed by December 2028.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to to help improve the performance of public sector research establishments.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Public sector research establishments are diverse organisations that deliver science and research for public good, often playing a vital role in critical infrastructure and public safety. The Government’s response, published in November 2023, to the Independent Review of the UK’s Research, Development and Innovation Organisational Landscape sets out ambitious commitments to support PSREs to maximise their capabilities and performance. Commitments include raising awareness of PSREs, reducing barriers for collaborative working across PSREs and understanding challenges within recruitment and retention for PSREs. This work is underway, and progress will be reported through the Science and Technology Framework implementation plans.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps steps her Department is taking to help incentive overseas investment in research and development businesses based in the UK.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The UK is a highly attractive destination for inward investment in R&D with a world-class research and skills base. Foreign direct investors have invested over £2 trillion in the UK, the UK’s FDI stock has more than doubled over the last 10 years showing the confidence multinationals have in the UK as place to do business (ONS).

Through the Science and Technology framework my department is working to improve all aspects of the R&D ecosystem in the UK to support both domestic and international businesses to invest in R&D.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Further agreement with telecoms firms to protect vulnerable customers, published on 11 March 2024, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the definition of vulnerable.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) regarding the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration.

On 29 January, DSIT Ministers met with Ministerial counterparts from DHSC and the, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to discuss Departmental responsibilities during the migration. The Departments have collectively agreed a Telecare National Action Plan (TNAP) outlining each Department’s role during the migration to ensure that telecare users and other vulnerable customers are protected. As set out in this action plan, DSIT has agreed to lead on defining vulnerability with support from DHSC and DLUHC.

For more information regarding the work to define vulnerability, I refer the Hon Member to the answers given to Question UIN 21918 and 21919 on 19^th April 2024.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department plans to provide funding to support local authority digital champions.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has published information on the role of Digital Champions within the Digital Connectivity Portal. The Portal is an extensive online resource providing best practice guidance helping local authorities to facilitate digital infrastructure deployment.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/digital-strategy-and-leadership#digital-champion

Whilst there are currently no plans for the Government to fund local authority digital champions we believe they play a key role in advancing the digital connectivity agenda - and help local communities to realise the benefits advanced connectivity can bring.

The Government has also awarded over £36 million to local and regional authorities as part of its 5G Innovation Regions programme. The funding will support regions to create the right conditions to accelerate the adoption of 5G and other advanced wireless connectivity in key local sectors and attract investment in advanced wireless infrastructure.

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 her Department's media literacy strategy in countering (a) mis- and (b) dis-information.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Improving media literacy is one of the government’s key tools in tackling the harm caused by misinformation and disinformation. To demonstrate how the Government is delivering against the objectives of the Online Media Literacy Strategy, we are publishing annual Action Plans each financial year until the end of 2024/25. Through media literacy grant schemes, we have provided almost £2 million in funding to a range of educational projects.

These projects seek to build the online safety and critical thinking skills of internet users, empowering them to respond effectively to the threats posed by mis- and disinformation, along with other online harms. All funded projects are evaluated robustly, including by independent experts, and findings will be published on gov.uk upon completion. This will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of future media literacy initiatives and inform government policy moving forward.

As part of this work, we established the Media Literacy Taskforce to bring together organisations in the media literacy landscape to amplify, increase and improve media literacy provision across underserved parts of the UK. Taskforce members advised the government on which projects should be awarded funding, and then helped grant recipients to maximise the impact of their projects.

Alongside the Strategy, the Online Safety Act updates Ofcom’s statutory media literacy duty to require it to take tangible steps to prioritise the public's awareness of and resilience to misinformation and disinformation online.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate she has made of the average cost per household of replacing a telecare system to accommodate the BT Digital Voice migration in (a) a private residence, (b) a retirement housing community and (c) a care home; and whether these costs include the provision of (i) battery backup systems and (ii) replacement of associated systems such as (A) lift alarms, (B) fire safety alarms and (C) intercom equipment.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Given the range of telecare systems, lifeline alarm systems or remote ringers available on the market, we cannot definitively provide cost estimates for replacing a device. Telecare devices can come with a range of potential add-ons that may increase costs, including but not limited to additional power resilience (such as multi-SIM connectivity solutions); personalised support (such as a dedicated helpline); and/or additional monitoring (such as tracking health data like heart rate or blood pressure).

It should be noted that the migration from analogue to digital landlines (also known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) migration) is not specific to BT; other telecoms providers are also upgrading their analogue lines. Furthermore, the telecoms industry is not responsible for the provision or maintenance of telecare devices.

The government is working closely with telecoms companies, Local Authorities and telecare services providers to understand how the migration may impact telecare users and what more can be done to mitigate risks associated with the migration. For example, all major communications providers (including BT and Virgin Media O2) have signed up to a PSTN Charter where they commit not to migrate telecare users without a full confirmation that they have a compatible and functioning telecare solution in place.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will instruct the Meteorological Office to publish the (a) actual and (b) forecast data on wind in relation to Orwell Bridge in Suffolk every day.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Met Office provides public site-specific weather forecasts for numerous locations in the UK, which are available on the Met Office website and app. The nearest site-specific forecast is for Suffolk Ski Centre, which is adjacent to Orwell Bridge. The Met Office has a network of weather observing stations around the UK and the latest observations are available on the Met Office website. The Met Office does not have a weather observing station at Orwell Bridge. The nearest is at Wattisham. The Met Office provides a commercial forecasting service to national highways to aid decision making on speed limits and closure of Orwell Bridge due to high winds, to help keep bridge users safe.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help improve digital inclusion for people that are unable to access the internet.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recognises that access to the internet is increasingly essential for full participation in society and has taken steps to ensure households across the UK are able to access fast, reliable mobile and broadband services.

The Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure superfast broadband connections extend to over 97% of the UK. Similarly, 4G mobile coverage is available to 99% of the population from at least one network provider. The Government is also investing £5 billion through our flagship Project Gigabit programme to bring gigabit broadband to reach hard-to-reach communities.

We recognise that infrastructure is only part of the story. To support those for whom cost may be a barrier, the Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure market provision of broadband and mobile social tariffs. These low-cost, commercial products are available from 28 different providers, across 99% of the UK and start at just £10 per month.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the UK Science and Technology Framework, last updated on 9 February 2024, what assessment her Department has made of its progress against the goal of working with industry and philanthropic partners to increase inward investment by Summer Recess 2023.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT has made significant strides towards enhancing collaboration with industry and philanthropic partners to bolster investment.

Last year’s successful Global Investment Summit attracted more than £29 billion, including landmark investments in AI, life sciences and quantum. We will continue to build on our collaborative approach to increase philanthropic and private investment, including working with DBT and the Office for Investment, to further our investment ambitions.

We announced £25 million for UK Biobank conditional on philanthropic match-funding within a consortium. So far, we have secured £16 million from philanthropists Eric Schmidt and Ken Griffin, and work is underway to secure further donations.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Higher Education Statistics Authority report entitled Higher Education Provider Data: Business and Community Interaction 2022/23, published on of 4 April 2024, what assessment her Department has made of the reasons for the decline in the number of spinouts from 2021-22 to 2022-23.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

There were five fewer spinouts owned by Higher Education Providers formed in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22 based on the Business and Community Interaction data. However, this was accompanied by an 8.9% increase in the number of spinouts surviving at least three years. The government is committed to increasing the commercialisation of university research and accepted all the recommendations of the independent review of university spinouts in November 2023.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the UK Science and Technology Framework, last updated on 9 February 2024, what her Department's planned timetable is for publishing the long-term national plan for research and innovation infrastructure.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As per the S&T Framework update published in February, the government expects to publish a national plan for research and innovation infrastructure within 12 months.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to increase diversity and inclusion in the STEM workforce.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Science and Technology Framework sets out our commitment to expanding STEM opportunities to as diverse a range of people as possible.

The Government is inspiring people from all backgrounds through continued funding and support of the CREST Awards, STEM Ambassador programme, and our AI and Data Science Conversion Course and scholarship programme.

The Government has consistently emphasised how essential it is to build mathematical capabilities in the UK, and the Prime Minister announced last year an ambition for all young people to study maths to age 18. We are also committed to supporting the establishment of new Academy focussed on the Mathematical Sciences, helping the sector in a long-term and sustainable way.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on encouraging Qatari investment in UK research and development.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Through all our global partnerships, including those in the Gulf, government is delivering on the UK’s Science and Technology Framework and strengthening UK R&D.

Qatar is an important friend to the UK and our bilateral relationship includes cooperation across many areas. The UK-Qatar Strategic Investment Partnership, signed in May 2022, signalled Qatar’s intention to deploy a further £10bn investment in key UK sectors, such as life science, zero-emissions vehicles and fintech over the next 5 years.

The UK’s new research MoU with Saudi Arabia, which I signed last month, is another example of where we are driving forward partnerships in the region to support UK R&D.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the to the Higher Education Statistics Authority report entitled Higher Education Provider Data: Business and Community Interaction 2022/23 published on 4 April 2024, what assessment her department has made of the reasons for the decline in higher education income from collaborative research with business from 2021-22 to 2022-23.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Higher education income from collaborative research with business dropped between 2021/22 and 2022/23 from £1.89bn to £1.78bn. However, this is still consistent with an upward trend from 2018/19.

The government supports university knowledge exchange activities business, through Higher Education Innovation Funding which is currently at its highest ever level at £260m a year with an additional £20m to support business and commercialisation activities.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) Openreach Limited and (b) other telecoms operators on improving security measures for accessing shared network infrastructure.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) regularly engages with telecoms operators to discuss a range of security and risk related issues, including the security of shared network infrastructure, and to ensure the security of telecoms network infrastructure. Officials and ministers meet regularly with individual companies (including Openreach), industry bodies and the industry-led Electronic Communications Resilience and Response Group (EC-RRG).

Communication Providers have statutory obligations set out in section 105A-Z of the Communications Act 2003 to take appropriate and proportionate measures to identify, prepare for and reduce the risk of security compromise. This includes anything that compromises the availability, performance or functionality of the network or service.

Openreach has commercial contracts with broadband contractors who access its ducts and poles. The Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) works with Openreach and Communication Providers to support mediated resolution of working-level implementation issues relating to these contracts. If there are concerns that statutory obligations are being breached, then these should be raised with Ofcom. Ofcom’s Openreach Monitoring Unit ensures that the company meets expectations in how it deals with both its customers and its competitors.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to improve digital inclusion for people who are unable to access the internet.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Ensuring people have access to fast, reliable, affordable internet is a priority for this Government.

As a result of our work with the telecoms industry, basic, non-standalone, 5G is available outside 93% of UK premises, as of April 2024, ThinkBroadband reports that gigabit broadband is available to over 82% of the UK and - through Project Gigabit – we’re investing £5 billion to bring fibre to hard-to-reach communities.

Broadband and mobile social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK to help low-income households stay connected.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, further to the Online Safety Act 2023, what additional steps she plans to take to help tackle online disinformation and misinformation.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act will be our key tool in combatting the most egregious forms of online mis- and disinformation but Government action doesn’t stop there.

In addition, we are educating and empowering users through our work on media literacy, responding to information threats to our democracy via the Defending Democracy Taskforce, and analysing attempts to artificially manipulate the online information environment through the work of the National Security Online Information Team.

I regularly meet with major platforms to discuss these issues and would be very happy to update him on recent progress that has been made.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to implement the National Semiconductor Strategy.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Since publishing our strategy, we have made excellent progress to grow our domestic sector, improve our supply chain resilience and protect our national security.

We have launched the Semiconductor Advisory Panel, an incubator pilot programme, ChipStart UK, joined the EU Chips Joint Undertaking, agreed an ambitious partnership with Japan and secured commitments to work more closely with the US and the Republic of Korea.

We are on track to invest £240 million by April 2025.

It should be further noted that this government has invested more into priority technologies like semiconductors than any government in history.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce the digital skills gap.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is committed to ensuring access to digital skills for all. By 2024-25, we’re investing £3.8 billion in Digital Skills across England and have quadrupled the scale of Skills Bootcamps.

The Government provides free Essential Digital Skills Qualifications to address the diverse needs of adults with limited digital proficiency.

Additionally, the Digital Skills Council drives industry-led action. In February, DSIT partnered with the Council in delivering a communications campaign for Skills Bootcamps in high-demand digital fields. But plugging this gap also means getting the basics right – which is why this government has embarked on one of the largest infrastructure projects in modern times to connect millions of households to gigabit broadband – laying enough fibre optic cable to circle the Earth five times.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information her Department holds on which businesses provide broadband connections on new housing developments.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Building etc. (Amendment) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2022 require developers of new build homes in England to install the gigabit-ready physical infrastructure necessary for gigabit-capable connections. Additionally, and subject to a £2,000 cost cap per premise, developers need to install a gigabit-capable connection. Where a developer is unable to secure a gigabit-capable connection within the cost cap, a next best technology connection available within the same cost cap must be installed. This means first a superfast connection, and then at least a broadband connection is required.

The requirements are technologically neutral and allow for existing and future wired and fixed wireless connectivity options, so as not to stifle technological innovation. This enables housing developers to make commercial decisions and secure connections from any network operator providing performance criteria are met. Ensuring facilitated connections are appropriate for a specific development.

Thinkbroadband statistics for homes built in 2023 indicate that 98% of new homes developed across the UK have access to a gigabit-connection through Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). The provision of Gigabit infrastructure for new build homes comes from many different network operators. Some housing developers have made arrangements to ensure that new build developments are served by multiple network operators providing access to numerous broadband service providers.

The Department does not hold data on the proportion of new build housing developments to which individual network operators provide broadband connections. Further information on the breakdown of the new build home broadband market is available from ISPreview.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help improve digital inclusion for people who are unable to access the internet.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recognises that access to the internet is increasingly essential for full participation in society and has taken steps to ensure households across the UK are able to access fast, reliable mobile and broadband services.

The Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure superfast broadband connections extend to over 97% of the UK. Similarly, 4G mobile coverage is available to 99% of the population from at least one network provider. The Government is also investing £5 billion through our flagship Project Gigabit programme to bring gigabit broadband to reach hard-to-reach communities.

We recognise that infrastructure is only part of the story. To support those for whom cost may be a barrier, the Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure market provision of broadband and mobile social tariffs. These low-cost, commercial products are available from 28 different providers, across 99% of the UK and start at just £10 per month.

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 help promote research links with Gulf States.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As outlined in the Science and Technology Framework, global collaboration is vital in supporting UK science and technology capabilities and my department is working to strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, industry and academia across the globe. Partnerships will differ in scope and depth but given the strong economic growth and expanding populations of the Gulf States they represent an outsize opportunity to benefit the UK and strengthen our science and technology systems.

Consistent with this, last month, I signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Research and Innovation (R&I) with Saudi Arabia – my first in the region - to help position the UK as a research and innovation partner of choice and create new opportunities for UK researchers and businesses.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many UK Research and Innovation projects have (a) titles and (b) subjects containing (i) decolonisation, (ii) colonialism, (iii) colonial and (iv) decolonising since 2019.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

These terms are used across a range of research areas and have different meanings, from the humanities and societal sciences, to biological sciences and microbial research.

The following data is sourced from Gateway to Research (https://gtr.ukri.org/), which supplies information about research and innovation projects and organisations funded by UKRI.

Of approximately 37,000 active projects initiated from 2019 onwards: 77 had titles referring to ‘Decolonisation/Decolonising’, 12 had titles referring to ‘Colonialism’ and 61 had titles mentioning the word ‘Colonial’.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the pay ranges at each grade are for Ofcom staff based (a) in and (b) outside London.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Ofcom makes remuneration information available through its annual report and accounts, including detailed information on the pay of senior executives. These can be found online here: www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/annual-reports-and-plans.

Remuneration policy is set by Ofcom’s People Committee. The basic salary for all colleagues is determined by considering each colleague’s responsibilities, skills and experience, together with relevant market benchmarking analysis. Ofcom conduct an annual equal pay audit for gender, ethnicity, and disability. They do not pay London weighting.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Answer of 15 July 2022 to Question 33838 on Digital Technology and Internet: Disadvantaged, what steps she is taking to help tackle digital exclusion; and whether her Department plans to take steps to help individuals with the cost of personal internet.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has been clear that ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age is a key priority and continues to take steps to offer the support needed.

Digital inclusion is a cross-cutting issue that spans social engagement, education, employment, access to services and many more elements of everyday life. Responsibility for relevant policies and activities, including monitoring and evaluation, sit across government.

The Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure households across the country can access fast, reliable digital infrastructure. Superfast broadband is now available in over 97% of the UK, over 80% of households can access gigabit broadband, and 4G mobile is available to 99% of the population from at least one network provider. The Government is also investing £5 billion through our flagship Project Gigabit programme to bring gigabit broadband to reach hard-to-reach communities.

The Government established a cross-Whitehall ministerial group in response to a recommendation from the House of Lords Communication and Digital Committee’s report on ‘Digital Exclusion’, published in June 2023. The ministerial group aims to drive progress and accountability on digital inclusion priorities across Government.

The group has met twice, in September 2023 and March 2024, with attendance from the Cabinet Office, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Education, and His Majesty's Treasury.

To support those for whom cost may be a barrier, the Government has worked closely with the telecoms industry to ensure market provision of broadband and mobile social tariffs. These low-cost, commercial products are available from 28 different providers, across 99% of the UK and start at just £10 per month.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding her Department has provided to support research into pandemic preparedness in the financial year 2023-24.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DHSC are the lead department for pandemic preparedness, a core element of the UK Biological Security Strategy.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many Information Commissioner's Office employees were seconded to the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum in the 2022-23 financial year.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Costs for the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) budget were split equally between the DRCF member organisations. The Information Commissioner's Office contribution to the DRCF's budget for 2022-23 financial year was £81,754. This does not include costs for DRCF secondee roles funded by the ICO.

The Information Commissioner's Office provided three employee secondee roles to the DRCF over the 2022-23 financial year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Information Commissioner's Office provided to the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum in the 2022-23 financial year.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Costs for the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) budget were split equally between the DRCF member organisations. The Information Commissioner's Office contribution to the DRCF's budget for 2022-23 financial year was £81,754. This does not include costs for DRCF secondee roles funded by the ICO.

The Information Commissioner's Office provided three employee secondee roles to the DRCF over the 2022-23 financial year.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many employees work for Ofcom’s Online Safety directorate as of 25 March 2024.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As of March 2024, there are 202 colleagues in the Online Safety Directorate. Beyond the Online Safety Directorate, employees within Ofcom's Legal and Enforcement, Research and Analytics, Strategy and Research, and Corporate groups also work full time on Ofcom's online safety work.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the pay ranges at each grade are for Information Commissioner's Office staff based (a) in and (b) outside London.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Information Commissioner's Office does not operate a location-based pay policy. The pay ranges by grade (for all locations) are as follows:

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many Ofcom employees were seconded to the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum in the 2022-23 financial year.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

In 2022–23, Ofcom funded 4 FTE positions in the DRCF. Ofcom does not technically second employees to the DRCF, rather resources are allocated to support the core team.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much funding Ofcom provided to the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum in the 2022-23 financial year.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Ofcom's DRCF expenditure for 2022-23 is £82,000.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will publish the attendance of each meeting of the AI and Copyright Code of Practice Working Group in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The working group on copyright and AI met under terms of reference available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-governments-code-of-practice-on-copyright-and-ai. This information for 2023 has previously been disclosed pursuant to a Freedom of Information request, and is set out in the following table:

The group did not meet in 2024.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on what dates the AI and Copyright Code of Practice Working Group met in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The working group on copyright and AI met under terms of reference available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-governments-code-of-practice-on-copyright-and-ai.

In 2023, the working group met as follows:

• 5 June – AI firms and research sector only
• 6 June – right holders only
• 13 June, 30 June and 12 October – plenary sessions

Selected members of the working group were also invited in 2023 to discuss themes arising from previous discussions and according to areas of their interest, as follows:

• 13, 22, 26 and 29 September
• 4, 5 and 6 October

The group did not meet in 2024.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will publish minutes of the AI and Copyright Code of Practice Working Group meetings in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The working group on copyright and AI met under terms of reference available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-governments-code-of-practice-on-copyright-and-ai. The group did not meet in 2024.

In the interests of enabling candid discussion of the issues, the terms of reference state that summary notes will not be published. In the interests of commercial confidentiality and as the consideration of these policy issues is still ongoing, I do not consider it appropriate to publish notes of these meetings at this time.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions she has had with Ofcom on the eligibility of satellite broadband for the universal service obligation scheme.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

There have been no recent discussions with Ofcom on the eligibility of satellite broadband for the Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO).

The USO remains technology agnostic and any connectivity solution that can meet the minimum parameters, including required speeds and the current cost per month threshold of £56.20, can be used both to determine eligibility and to deliver a connection.

Currently Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology is unlikely to meet the needed requirements however, last year, DSIT published a consultation to review the USO and ensure it remains up to date. The government response will be published later this year.

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 impact of the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act in facilitating broadband network providers’ access to multi-dwelling units to make ultrafast broadband available to tenants.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Act 2021 provides Electronic Communications Code Operators with the option to apply to the courts for time-limited Code rights to be imposed in situations where a tenant of a multiple dwelling building has requested an electronic communications service, but the landlord has not responded to repeated requests for access from the operator. This process is intended to be quicker and cheaper than applying to the courts for under the standard process set out in Part 4 of the Code.

My Department will continue to monitor the impact of this legislation through regular dialogue with His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service and stakeholders, but no formal assessment has been made since the provisions came into force in December 2022 in England and Wales, and July 2023 in Scotland.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many multi-dwelling unit freeholders are still to give permission to broadband network operators to upgrade their properties to gigabit-capable broadband.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

There are approximately 6.5m Multi-dwelling units (MDUs) in the UK, of which an estimated 75% have access to a gigabit-capable connection. Of those that remain to be connected, this may be for a variety of reasons, including commercial viability, whether they are eligible for public subsidy or because they are subject to the commercial build plans of network operators, which includes ongoing negotiations with landlords of such properties.

The Land Registry holds details of property interests in Land and Buildings in England and Wales, while the Land Register of Scotland, and the Land Registry of Northern Ireland, collect information related to Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. While we recognise that not all land in the United Kingdom is registered, the Department expects operators to refer to these sources to ascertain the identity of the owner of a property.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many multi-dwelling units are excluded from the requirement that new build properties should have capability to host gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Building etc. (Amendment) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2022 require developers of new build homes, including multi-dwelling units (MDUs), in England to install the gigabit-ready physical infrastructure necessary for gigabit-capable connections. Additionally, and subject to a £2,000 cost cap per premises, developers need to install a gigabit-capable connection. Where a developer is unable to secure a gigabit-capable connection within the cost cap, a next-best technology connection that is available within the same cost cap must be installed. This means first a superfast connection, and if this is not possible, at minimum a broadband connection.

The requirements do not apply to properties undergoing a material change of use, such as converted properties, which may form some of the MDU housing stock. This issue was considered during the Technical Consultation which ran from 21 December 2012 to 28 February 2022. However, there was a lack of evidence from the consultation responses to suggest that these types of properties should be in scope of the regulations. We do not have an up-to-date assessment of how many MDUs this currently applies to.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support network operators in identifying freeholders of multi-dwelling units so operators can secure the permission of freeholders to upgrade broadband infrastructure so it is gigabit capable.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

There are approximately 6.5m Multi-dwelling units (MDUs) in the UK, of which an estimated 75% have access to a gigabit-capable connection. Of those that remain to be connected, this may be for a variety of reasons, including commercial viability, whether they are eligible for public subsidy or because they are subject to the commercial build plans of network operators, which includes ongoing negotiations with landlords of such properties.

The Land Registry holds details of property interests in Land and Buildings in England and Wales, while the Land Register of Scotland, and the Land Registry of Northern Ireland, collect information related to Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. While we recognise that not all land in the United Kingdom is registered, the Department expects operators to refer to these sources to ascertain the identity of the owner of a property.

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 Ofcom on changes in the number of mobile phone social tariff subscribers since July 2023.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Government continues to work closely with Ofcom on the affordability of telecoms services, including on social tariffs.

Ofcom’s December 2023 Pricing Trends report showed that 380,000 UK households now take up a social tariff, an almost 160% increase from September 2022.

The report also notes that the majority of social tariff take-up is in the fixed broadband market, with only 3% of social tariff take-up in mobile. Ofcom noted that the lower take up of mobile social tariffs is most likely due to the fact that these products are new to the market, as well as the widespread availability of commercial ‘sim-only’ deals which can be purchased for as little as £6 per month.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department and its predecessor Department have taken to reduce the costs of fraud in the Department in the last three financial years.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was established on 7^th February 2023. Prior to this date the portfolio for DSIT sat within the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The published BEIS Annual Report & Accounts provide a summary of counter fraud activity and respective costs related to fraud. The Cross-Government Fraud Landscape Annual Report 2022 highlights the latest available data relating to fraud and error across government.

Presently, as for all Government Departments, DSIT counter fraud activity is governed by Government Functional Standards for Counter Fraud, covering both proactive and reactive counter fraud activity, and set out by the Government Counter Fraud Function (GCFF). Adherence to standards is monitored and reviewed by the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA).

In 2022/23 the PSFA set a target of delivering £180 million of savings to the taxpayer. In fact, the PSFA far surpassed this within the first 12 months by preventing and recovering £311 million. As it enters its second year, the PSFA has a target of achieving £185 million of savings for the taxpayer.

The Government has also announced an additional £34 million to deploy cutting edge tools and Artificial Intelligence tools to help combat fraud across the public sector, saving £100 million for the public purse. This is in addition to existing partnerships between PSFA and the tech sector.

The Government is determined to uncover fraud in the public sector and is proud of its record.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made on the establishment of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit programme has been established and the first call for proposals is now open.

Further information on in the initial call for proposals may be found here: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/connectivity-in-low-earth-orbit-c-leo-2

Further information on the programme may be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/c-leo-programme

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the effectiveness of funding provided by UK Research and Investment for research papers.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

UKRI is the national funding agency that invests in and facilitates research and innovation activities across the United Kingdom. Research papers are a key means of communicating the results of research and innovation activities contributing to the body of knowledge across different research areas.

Every £1 of public R&D funding leverages around £2 of additional private sector investment. The UK is a leader in science and research. With less than one per cent of the world’s population, the UK accounts for 6.3% of the world’s academic publications, and 13.4% of the most highly cited research publications.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what proportion of her Department’s (a) advertising and (b) marketing expenditure was on (i) local newspapers in print and online, (ii) national newspapers in print and online, (iii) social media, (iv) search engines, (v) broadcast and on-demand television and (vi) other channels in the most recent year for which data is available.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are still compiling final spend figures for financial year 23/24. We do acknowledge the importance and usefulness of advertising and marketing expenditure in delivering key information to the public.

Based on our indicative statistics for financial year 23/24, the proportion of the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology marketing spend on each item was as follows:

i) Local newspapers in print and online 0%

ii) National newspapers in print and online 6%

iii) Social media 39%

iv) Search engines 6%

v) Broadcast and on-demand television 0%

vi) Other channels 49%

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has taken steps to align the activities of UK Research and Innovation and the UK Health Security Agency.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have complementary roles in preparing for and responding to infectious diseases threats, working in partnership with Department of Health and Social Care/National Institute Health and Care Research and Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs taking a ‘One Health’ approach. To enhance UK preparedness and resilience, UKRI works closely with UKHSA and government departments to ensure the UK has appropriate infrastructure and capabilities to prevent, detect and respond to future threats. In responding to disease outbreaks, UKRI works with UKHSA and devolved administrations, who provide vital leadership on the nature of the threats and the research questions to be addressed.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, which Department is responsible for foreign direct investment into research and development in the UK.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is responsible for the promotion and facilitation for foreign direct investment (FDI). DSIT works closely with DBT to promote global collaboration and investment opportunities in R&D.

FDI is a key source of R&D funding, accounting for 14% of UK R&D investment. Our collaborative approach resulted in the successful 2023 Global Investment Summit, securing over £29 billion, including investments in AI, life sciences and quantum.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many staff have left her Department since its creation.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The number of employees that have left the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) since department records began is 148.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to ensure that research papers funded through UK Research and Innovation are politically neutral.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Decisions on research papers funded by UKRI are made through independent evaluation by experts who are required to be politically neutral in their decision making.

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 the Leader of the House on making parliamentary time available for scrutiny of Ofcom’s guidance on age verification and age assurance before publication of a government response.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Parliamentary scheduling is a matter for the Business Managers.

The government is focused on implementing the Online Safety Act as quickly as possible. Ofcom published its consultation on draft guidance about use of age assurance for sites displaying pornographic content on 5 December 2023, and this was open for responses until 5 March 2024. The Act requires that Ofcom consult with the Secretary of State before producing this guidance.

For the broader duties under the Act about protecting children from harmful content, we expect Ofcom to publish its draft codes of practice later in the Spring. The Act requires that codes of practice are laid in both Houses before coming into force.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much Ofcom has spent to implement the Online Safety Act 2023; and how many staff have been (a) hired by and (b) seconded to Ofcom for implementation of that Act.

Answered by Saqib Bhatti - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As published in the NAO’s report on preparedness for online safety, Ofcom spent £2.7m in 2020-21, £14.7m in 2021-22, £38.2m in 2022-23 and their spend in 2023-24 is to be confirmed, noting the Government-set spending cap is £47m. This report can be found here: www.nao.org.uk/reports/preparedness-for-online-safety-regulation/

The Government’s intention is that the regulation of online safety will become cost neutral to the exchequer. The Online Safety Act 2023 allows Ofcom to raise the required income to cover the costs of running the online safety regime, including set up costs, through industry fees.

As of March 2024, there are 202 colleagues in Ofcom’s Online Safety Directorate. Beyond the Online Safety Directorate, there are employees within Ofcom's Legal and Enforcement, Research and Analytics, Strategy and Research, and Corporate groups that also work full time on Ofcom's online safety work.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department and its predecessor Department have taken to reduce the costs of error in the last three financial years.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was established on 7^th February 2023. Prior to this date the portfolio for DSIT sat within the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The published BEIS Annual Report & Accounts provide a summary of counter fraud activity and respective costs related to fraud. The Cross-Government Fraud Landscape Annual Report 2022 highlights the latest available data relating to fraud and error across government.

The Government is proud of its record in proactively seeking to find and prevent more fraud in the system. We have established the dedicated Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA). In its first year it delivered £311 million in audited counter fraud benefits.

Due to the Machinery of Government changes, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology have not yet produced fraud and error estimates, but this will be published in the 23/24 annual report and accounts.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many premises will benefit from current live gigabit contracts in North Shropshire constituency.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website ThinkBroadband.com, almost 68% of premises in the North Shropshire constituency currently have access to a gigabit-capable connection, up from just 3% in December 2019.

The Project Gigabit contract with the supplier Freedom Fibre will deliver gigabit-capable connectivity to over 12,000 hard-to-reach premises across the North Shropshire region by the end of 2026. Approximately 9,000 of these premises are in the North Shropshire constituency.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of switching from ISDN to SIP lines on the resilience of emergency service networks.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Emergency Services are operationally independent and have responsibility for the operation of emergency service control rooms that process emergency calls, as overseen by local Chief Officer and relevant Lead Government Departments, including Departments in the Devolved Administrations as applicable.

The digital transition is industry led and the emergency services are being supported by their respective communications providers. DSIT is working closely with the lead government departments for the emergency services to provide advice on areas of risk which has prompted actions from the emergency services to increase resilience measures.

DSIT does not hold any data on the number of silent calls received by the emergency services.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to page 13 of the UK Science and Technology Framework, published by her Department on 6 March 2023, what steps the Government is taking to increase expenditure on innovative products.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

On 9 February 2024, my department published an update on progress implementing the Science and Technology framework: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-science-and-technology-framework/the-uk-science-and-technology-framework-update-on-progress-9-february-2024

It outlines a series of steps the government is taking over the next 12 months on the procurement strand of the Framework.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what data her Department holds on the number of silent calls received by emergency services on (a) ISDN and (b) SIP lines.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Emergency Services are operationally independent and have responsibility for the operation of emergency service control rooms that process emergency calls, as overseen by local Chief Officer and relevant Lead Government Departments, including Departments in the Devolved Administrations as applicable.

The digital transition is industry led and the emergency services are being supported by their respective communications providers. DSIT is working closely with the lead government departments for the emergency services to provide advice on areas of risk which has prompted actions from the emergency services to increase resilience measures.

DSIT does not hold any data on the number of silent calls received by the emergency services.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many households in North Shropshire constituency currently do not have access to a gigabit broadband connection.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website ThinkBroadband.com, almost 68% of premises in the North Shropshire constituency currently have access to a gigabit-capable connection, up from just 3% in December 2019.

The Project Gigabit contract with the supplier Freedom Fibre will deliver gigabit-capable connectivity to over 12,000 hard-to-reach premises across the North Shropshire region by the end of 2026. Approximately 9,000 of these premises are in the North Shropshire constituency.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support the development of electric propulsion systems.

Answered by Andrew Griffith - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is primarily supporting electric propulsion projects via our European Space Agency (ESA) membership, which has provided a total of approximately €90m funding to support development of UK electric propulsion systems to date. This includes €63m which supported UK companies to develop electric thrusters for flagship ESA missions, €6m through Horizon2020 to enable system development and upskill UK networks, and €9m to develop an independent UK end-to-end electric propulsion system. UKSA is also exploring nuclear electric propulsion for rapid interplanetary transit and novel water-based propellants for future off-world refuelling.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) BT and (b) Ofcom on the adequacy of provision of public phone boxes in rural areas.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Ofcom, the UK’s independent telecommunications regulator, is responsible for the regulation of public call boxes (PCBs). Under the telephony universal service obligation (USO), providers such as BT, are required to provide telephony services throughout the UK, including PCBs. BT is required to ensure the adequate provision, repair and maintenance of PCBs. Ofcom’s rules and regulations regarding PCBs can be found on Ofcom’s website.

As Ofcom is responsible for monitoring this requirement of telecoms companies, DSIT has not had recent discussions on this matter.

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Found: co-ordinate with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the UK Health Security Agency, the Department

Found: not limited to): ○Scotland Office; ○Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC); ○Department

Found: Ericsson welcomes the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Wireless Infrastructure Strategy

Found: programme, we have continued to fully brief and work with both Building Digital UK (BDUK) and the Department

Found: reportedly requested an 18-month extension to June 2024 deadline to meet their SRN obligations and the Department

Found: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) Wireless Infrastructure Strategy

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,

Found: Letter dated 21 March 2024 from Julia Lopez MP, Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Department

Found: and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities) Departmen t for Science, Innovation

Found: Greg Clark MP Chair of the Science, Innovation & Technology Committee House of Commons London

Found: Greg Clark MP Chair of the Science, Innovation & Technology Committee House of Commons London

Found: Julia Lopez MP Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure Department for Science

Found: pro-innovation measures globally, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department

Found: Professor Paul Freemont: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is establishing an engineering

Found: Correspondence with Andrew Griffith MP, Minister of State for Science, Innovation & Technology on follow-up

Found: We are funded through UK Research and Innovation, which is an arms-length body of the Department for

Found: 2020 and again this year, and the space sector skills survey on behalf of the UK Space Agency and DSIT

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to improve access to artificial intelligence training.

Answered by Damian Hinds - Minister of State (Education)

The department is committed to creating a world-leading skills system which is employer-focused, high-quality and fit for the future.

The department will continue its work to ensure that the education system is able to adapt to deliver upskilling and to provide the skills that learners need for the workplaces of the future, including jobs that will be impacted by, or require the use of, artificial intelligence (AI).

World class T Levels are boosting access to high-quality technical education for thousands of young people and creating a skilled workforce for the future. 18 T Levels are available in a range of in-demand subject areas, including T Levels in digital subjects, which have been designed by employers and will help to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for great careers in the digital industry.

Employers have designed over 30 high-quality apprenticeships in digital occupations, including Level 7 Artificial Intelligence Data Specialist, which will provide cutting edge skills in AI. Since it was introduced in May 2020, starts in this standard have grown from 100 in the 2020/21 academic year to 350 in the 2022/23 academic year.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) are revising the Level 7 Artificial Intelligence Data Specialist standard this year to ensure it meets employers’ needs. They have also developed Level 5 in Data Engineering and are currently developing Level 6 Machine Learning Engineer. These standards include high levels of content regarding the application and use of AI.

IfATE are also hosting workshops with a range of stakeholders to discuss the impact of AI on skills requirement across the economy and will be updating the Digital Skills and Characteristics Framework with AI-related content when it is revised next year. This will ensure all employers are thinking about the use and impact of AI when developing or revising occupational standards.

Skills Bootcamps are delivering skills training for the digital sector in 2024/25 in each English region. There are also online Skills Bootcamps in AI Marketing and Content Creation and AI and Machine Learning.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) provide the skills needed for a range of specialist digital occupations, such as cyber security technologist and software developer. There are 56 digital HTQs currently approved for teaching and a further ten approved for teaching from September 2024. HTQs provide a range of opportunities and pathways to build up the skills needed for AI-related roles.

In higher education, the department is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to deliver new postgraduate AI and data science conversion courses to boost skills and diversity in AI jobs. The government is also investing £117 million in doctoral training for AI researchers.

In 2023, the department’s Unit for Future Skills (UFS) developed a Science and Technology Jobs and Skills Dashboard to understand the supply and demand of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills to develop critical technologies like AI and quantum. This data will support improved access to relevant training.

The UFS has also undertaken analysis which attempts to quantify the impact of AI on the UK job market. It shows the occupations, sectors and geographic areas expected to be most affected by AI and large language models, as well as the training routes that typically lead to these highly affected jobs.

Digital and computing skills will play an important role for individuals developing and using AI in the future workforce. The department is harnessing government and external expertise through the Digital and Computing Skills Education Taskforce to increase the number of people taking digital and computing qualifications and attract a diverse range of individuals into digital jobs.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress his Department has made on the £100 million AI Life Sciences Accelerator Mission.

Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Prime Minister announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare fund, backed by £100 million, at the AI Safety Summit. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for this fund, and the Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with them to identify areas where rapid deployment of AI could create transformational breakthroughs in healthcare. We are particularly focused on innovations in Life Sciences, which could accelerate our fight against devastating conditions like cancer and chronic mental ill-health, aiming to diagnose these conditions earlier and improve treatments. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will provide an update on our progress later in Spring.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding was provided for (a) dementia and (b) cancer research in the 2022-23 financial year.

Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Government responsibility for delivering dementia research and dementia research funding is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, with research delivered via UK Research and Innovation.

In 2022/23, we estimate that total Government spend on dementia research was £99.9 million, with £35.1 million of this being via the NIHR. The Department of Health and Social Care spends £1.3 billion per year on health research through the NIHR. NIHR research expenditure for all cancers was £121.8 million in 2022/23, and the NIHR spends more on cancer than any other disease group.

The NIHR funds research in response to proposals received from scientists rather than allocating funding to specific disease areas. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including all cancers and dementia types. It is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his planned timetable is for undertaking additional trials of flexible permitting for works on roads by broadband and utility providers.

Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport consulted in 2021 on a proposal to allow flexi permits for certain types of works and published a response in 2022 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/street-manager-and-permit-scheme-changes.

The proposal was not supported at the time on the basis of limited evidence that was presented in the impact assessment that accompanied the consultation.

The Government committed to carry out trials to develop the design for flexi permits and to carry out further assessments. We are working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology who are funding the trials. Work has been underway since the end of 2023 and will continue until autumn 2024.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of flexible permitting schemes for works on roads by broadband and utility providers on changes in the level of spending by local authorities.

Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport consulted in 2021 on a proposal to allow flexi permits for certain types of works and published a response in 2022 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/street-manager-and-permit-scheme-changes.

The proposal was not supported at the time on the basis of limited evidence that was presented in the impact assessment that accompanied the consultation.

The Government committed to carry out trials to develop the design for flexi permits and to carry out further assessments. We are working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology who are funding the trials. Work has been underway since the end of 2023 and will continue until autumn 2024.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions her Department has had with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on funding for (a) the Lobular Moon Shot Project and (b) other research into lobular breast cancer.

Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department invests £1.3 billion per year into health research, with more spent on cancer than any other disease group, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). We work closely with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Medical Research Council (MRC), who are responsible for channelling a large proportion of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s investments in this area. Our officials meet regularly to discuss a wide range of our investments, including into lobular and other breast cancers, to drive the maximum collective research impact on policy, practice, and individual lives. While research to understand the mechanisms of cancer, including lobular breast cancer, is largely funded through UKRI and the MRC, the NIHR invests in translational and implementation research to drive innovations into policy and practice.

Launched in 2023, the Lobular Moonshot Project is a high-level funding proposal and campaign to raise money to support the Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), with whom we meet regularly, to invest in fellowships and projects in lobular breast cancer. We are proud to have invested £29 million in the ICR and Royal Marsden NIHR Biological Research Centre in 2022, supporting their efforts to strengthen research into cancer, again including lobular breast cancer. This is complemented by wider investments into breast cancer research, for example, a £1.3 million project to determine whether an abbreviated form of breast magnetic resonance imaging can detect breast cancers missed by screening through mammography, such as lobular breast cancer. Our support to the NIHR Clinical Research Network has enabled the delivery of 10 further lobular breast-cancer related studies.

Additionally, the NIHR supports breast cancer research funded by research partners in the charity and public sectors through the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network (CRN). Over the last five years, the CRN has supported delivery of 10 lobular breast cancer-related studies conducted by other partners. While the NIHR cannot respond to direct solicitations for funding, instead commissioning on the basis of research excellence, we would welcome more applications from researchers on lobular breast cancer, including from the ICR. The NIHR funds research on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care, which saves lives.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she is taking steps to provide support to the Lobular Breast Cancer Project.

Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department invests £1.3 billion per year into health research, with more spent on cancer than any other disease group, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). We work closely with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Medical Research Council (MRC), who are responsible for channelling a large proportion of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s investments in this area. Our officials meet regularly to discuss a wide range of our investments, including into lobular and other breast cancers, to drive the maximum collective research impact on policy, practice, and individual lives. While research to understand the mechanisms of cancer, including lobular breast cancer, is largely funded through UKRI and the MRC, the NIHR invests in translational and implementation research to drive innovations into policy and practice.

Launched in 2023, the Lobular Moonshot Project is a high-level funding proposal and campaign to raise money to support the Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), with whom we meet regularly, to invest in fellowships and projects in lobular breast cancer. We are proud to have invested £29 million in the ICR and Royal Marsden NIHR Biological Research Centre in 2022, supporting their efforts to strengthen research into cancer, again including lobular breast cancer. This is complemented by wider investments into breast cancer research, for example, a £1.3 million project to determine whether an abbreviated form of breast magnetic resonance imaging can detect breast cancers missed by screening through mammography, such as lobular breast cancer. Our support to the NIHR Clinical Research Network has enabled the delivery of 10 further lobular breast-cancer related studies.

Additionally, the NIHR supports breast cancer research funded by research partners in the charity and public sectors through the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network (CRN). Over the last five years, the CRN has supported delivery of 10 lobular breast cancer-related studies conducted by other partners. While the NIHR cannot respond to direct solicitations for funding, instead commissioning on the basis of research excellence, we would welcome more applications from researchers on lobular breast cancer, including from the ICR. The NIHR funds research on cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care, which saves lives.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that facial recognition systems are used in a way that maintains the right of the privacy for members of the public.

Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)

Facial recognition technology is used by the police as an identification tool to search an image of an unknown suspect against the images of people taken on arrest and get results in minutes, or to locate people in an intelligence-led way, by scanning live crowds and comparing them with the images of wanted people on a specific watchlist instantaneously, with very high levels of accuracy.

The Government supports police use of the technology, which has been helping them to catch criminals, including murderers and rapists, more quickly and accurately. But it is important that the police use it appropriately and there are safeguards in place to ensure this.

There is a comprehensive legal framework governing its use. This includes the Data Protection Act 2018, Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, national guidance, and published police policies. This means that it can only be used for a policing purpose, where necessary, proportionate and fair.

We have ensured that there is effective oversight in this space. The Information Commissioner’s Office, which is sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, is responsible for upholding data privacy rights. It has issued guidance on facial recognition and has enforcement powers. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is sponsored by the Cabinet Office, is responsible for upholding equality and human rights and is also active in this space. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services is responsible for inspecting, monitoring and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of police forces. The courts system also provide oversight in this area.

We supported the College of Policing to publish an Authorised Professional Practice (APP) setting out how police forces should use live facial recognition and minimise interference with data privacy, equalities and human rights. The APP includes details on when the police can use it, the categories of people they can look for, the requirement for immediate deletion of unmatched biometric data, and the need to explain how issues such as privacy and equality are addressed.

We published a factsheet on police use of facial recognition and explained the different use cases, the safeguards, success stories and legal basis. https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2023/10/29/police-use-of-facial-recognition-factsheet/

We also provided funding to the National Physical Laboratory to independently test the algorithms being used by South Wales Police and the Metropolitan Police Service. They found that the algorithms both forces have been using to be highly accurate and fair at the settings they use.

We are also undertaking more evaluation work to enhance our understanding of the impact of facial recognition and ensure we are able to continue to balance the benefits against the potential intrusion on privacy.

Found: for Science, Innovation & Technology, AI activity in UK businesses: Executive Summary, J anuary 2022

We are advocating for the recruitment of a highly experienced, respected and trusted professional to represent the Engineering & Manufacturing industries to Government.

Found: between Government and Industry and ensure more effective, appropriate, and relevant policies on: · Innovation

Found: for Science, Innovation and Technology & HM Treasury, November 2023.56 Spring Budget 2024Guarantee

Found: 11 3 8 10 1 7 3 5 2 5 7 7 1 5 1 4 2 2 2 1 1IMG Meeting Non-IMG Meeting *BEIS was replaced by DESNZ, DSIT

Found: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology similarly notes the importance of this sector

Found: This event heralds the beginning of an extended and productive partnership focused on innovation, technology

Found: Affairs; Department for Health and Social Care; Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities; Department

Found: The Department for Science , Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will set out next steps in Spring 2024

Found: In September 2023, Department for S cience Innovation and Technology (DSIT) published a consultation9

Found: Freya Guinness, Director General for Corporate Services and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Department

Found: Sarah Munby (Permanent Secretary at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology), Emran Mian CB

Found: for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), supports the UK public sector to unlock the potential

Found: Parent Department: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Responsible Minister: Julia Lopez

Found: for Science, Innovation and Technology parliamentary.correspondence@dsit.gov.uk Department for Transport

Found: Viscount Camrose Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation &

Found: for Science, Innovation and Technology 100 Parliament Street London SW1A 2BQ www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: confirmedTransformation Team Commissioning Team Identify alternative fundingLab Developments (Technology) Innovation