Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, What assessment the Department has made of the effect on household ceramics manufacturers (SIC 23.41) that electrify their kilns of their exclusion from the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, and whether household ceramics will be considered when that scheme's eligibility is next reviewed.

BICS is a targeted scheme designed to support a defined group of sectors where electricity cost relief is expected to have the greatest impact on growth within its agreed cost envelope. This includes focusing on the highest growth potential sectors targeted by the Industrial Strategy and industries within their supply chains. While household ceramics are not in scope of BICS, the department will continue to work with the sector to consider what further support may be appropriate.

Earlier this year, the government also announced a £120 million support package for the ceramics sector, further details will be published later this year.