Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
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 - Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
The number of employees that have left the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) since department records began is 148.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
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 British Telecom on the potential use of former telephone exchange buildings that are vacant and derelict.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) engages with Openreach on a regular basis to discuss their digital infrastructure plans. DSIT have not had discussions with Openreach about the potential use of former telephone exchange buildings that are vacant and derelict. Exiting exchanges is a long-term endeavour and most exits are expected to happen in early 2030s. Five exchanges are planned to close as part of a trial in the 2024-2025 period. DIST officials remain in contact with Openreach and will aim to discuss how exchange buildings will be repurposed.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
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 5G mobile signal towers that have been constructed in Solihull constituency.
Answered by Julia Lopez - Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Government published the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy in April 2023, which set out the steps we will take to ensure that all parts of the UK have the wireless connectivity they need to unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity. This included setting out our new nationwide ambition to deliver high-quality, standalone 5G to all populated areas by 2030.
Information relating to the number and location of mast sites is not held by the Government.
However, under planning regulations, local authorities must grant permission for the installation of new masts; some local authorities may keep a register of mast sites.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much UK Shared Business Services Ltd spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service. The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance. The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much their Department spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-2023 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service. The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance. The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much the Government Office for Science spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service. The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance. The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much the Advanced Research and Invention Agency spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service. The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance. The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much UK Research and Innovation spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service. The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance. The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much the UK Space Agency spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service.The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance. The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.
Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much the National Physical Laboratory spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.
Answered by George Freeman
On 2 October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a value for money audit of all EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) spending in the Civil Service. The audit will dovetail with the public sector productivity review, aiming at delivering a leaner, more efficient government. The audit forms part of our drive to improve productivity across the public sector by driving down waste and improving performance.The findings and actions of the audit will be announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn.