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1037194

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Cathedrals: Music
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Right Honourable Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what duty does (a) the Church of England and (b) cathedrals and abbeys have to cathedral choristers with long-term medical conditions under disability discrimination legislation; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Gravesham
	tabling member printed	Adam Holloway
	uin	205855
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/01/2019 answer text <p>The Church of England comprises a large number of legally separate institutions, which includes Cathedrals, Parochial Church Councils and Diocesan Boards of Finance. Each Cathedral, as an independent legal entity, is required to comply with the Equality Act 2010 (the “Act”) and so has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled persons in accordance with the requirements of the Act. This duty applies in relation to a Cathedral chorister who has a disability for the purposes the Act (whether or not the disability is due to a long-term medical condition). However, there is no separate legal duty placed on cathedrals in relation to child choristers as a specific group.</p><p> </p><p>A cathedral has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to enable all persons with a disability to have physical access to the cathedral. As the Act does not override other legislation, such as listed building or planning legislation, the Church of England’s Cathedral and Church Buildings Division has produced a guidance note for cathedrals which specifically addresses this issue: <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchcare.co.uk%2Fimages%2Faccess_and_disabled_people.pdF&amp;data=02%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7C7f8f83476a3945a932d408d6770832c2%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C636827274435002881&amp;sdata=7imeo07BtD%2FGlA%2FWyQvLQIpo0BL6cM%2FRwHm%2BKz6OYc0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">http://www.churchcare.co.uk/images/access_and_disabled_people.pdF</a>. Common reasonable adjustments made by cathedrals include the removal of pews to allow greater flexibility of seating and use of space and the addition of ramps and/or the levelling of internal floors.</p><p> </p><p>The duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Act rests with individual cathedrals. What constitutes reasonable adjustment in the situation of choristers will depend on the nature of the particular disability and what may be considered to be reasonable in the circumstances. I understand that several cathedrals have successfully integrated choristers with disabilities into their choirs.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 10/01/2019 14:38:29 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	1522 label Biography information for Adam Holloway

1037195

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Cathedrals: Music
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Right Honourable Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, how many cathedrals and abbeys (a) do and (b) do not appoint a head chorister.
	tabling member constituency	Gravesham
	tabling member printed	Adam Holloway
	uin	205856
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/01/2019 answer text <p>The operation and governance of cathedral choirs is not a matter for the Church Commissioners and no data on this is held centrally.</p><p> </p><p>In Rochester Cathedral which is nearest to the Hon. Member’s constituency the cathedral has appointed Dean’s Choristers (two boys and two girls) to share the responsibility, the rationale for which is to enable a larger number of choristers to gain leadership experience. This is also the case at some but not all other cathedrals.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 09/01/2019 17:11:27 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	1522 label Biography information for Adam Holloway

1105867

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Dams: Safety
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church of England has had with the mining sector on improving the safety of tailings dams after the collapse of Vale dam in Brazil.
	tabling member constituency	Brentwood and Ongar
	tabling member printed	Alex Burghart
	uin	238387
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2019 answer text <p>The Church Commissioners have been closely engaged in holding the mining company responsible for the collapse of the Vale dam in Brumadinho, Brazil to account. The Commissioners hosted a roundtable meeting with other investors and senior management from a number of the largest mining companies, at which it became clear that there was a major industry-wide issue with the safety and monitoring of these dams.</p><p>Following demands from the investor’s group, on the 19th March, the Chief Executive of BHP agreed to the need for “a common, international and independent body to oversee the integrity, construction and the operation of all dams and supported the call for increased transparency in tailings dams disclosure.” The Commissioners welcome the lead taken by BHP, and the investor’s group will continue to hold the mining sector to account.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 01/04/2019 15:57:26 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart

1690088

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Patents: Licensing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the Department is taking to ensure that the process for the licencing of standard essential patents is the same for different sized businesses.
	tabling member constituency	Mid Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Alistair Strathern
	uin	14708
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/02/2024 answer text <p>The Government recognises the growing importance of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) to the UK economy. We have conducted a Call for Views and a questionnaire of smaller businesses to better understand whether licensing of SEPs functions efficiently and effectively and are currently considering whether any changes are necessary to support innovation and competition amongst businesses both large and small.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 22/02/2024 11:22:52 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	5000 label Biography information for Alistair Strathern

1678379

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Land Registry: Blockchain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2023 to Question 4876 and with reference to the report noted in the Answer of 27 November 2023 to Question 2866 on Land Registry: Blockchain, whether her Department is taking steps to implement blockchain technologies in areas not related to cryptoassets for finance.
	tabling member constituency	Vale of Glamorgan
	tabling member printed	Alun Cairns
	uin	7195
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/12/2023 answer text <p>I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given in response to PQ4875.</p><p> </p><p>My department will continue to monitor developments in the use of both financial and non-financial applications of blockchain technology and will work with other government departments and industry to ensure we maximise its potential to spur UK growth and innovation.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 22/12/2023 10:25:26 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4086 label Biography information for Alun Cairns

1674650

	registered interest
	date	01/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Land Registry: Blockchain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2023 to Question 2866 on Land Registry: Blockchain, what steps she is taking to overcome the regulatory uncertainty associated with blockchain technologies.
	tabling member constituency	Vale of Glamorgan
	tabling member printed	Alun Cairns
	uin	4876
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/12/2023 answer text <p>The Government is committed to creating a regulatory environment in which firms can innovate, while maintaining financial stability and clear regulatory standards so that people can use new blockchain technologies both reliably and safely.</p><p><br>Cryptoasset markets, for example, continue to develop with increasing pace and complexity, which brings risk as well as opportunity. Risk-taking is a part of the innovation cycle, however ongoing turbulence in the cryptoasset markets has highlighted some of the implications for markets and investors. We think this reinforces the case for clear, effective, timely regulation. The Government is therefore proposing to bring a broad suite of new cryptoasset activities into the regulatory perimeter for financial services for the first time. This includes exchange activities, custody and lending.</p><p><br>HM Treasury launched a consultation on the Future Financial Services Regulatory Regime for Cryptoassets in February and published its response to stakeholder feedback and final proposals on 30 October. The consultation delivers on the Government’s commitment to bring forward proposals for regulating activities relating to the trading and investment of cryptoassets, such as Bitcoin.</p><p><br>The Government has already taken action to address risks to consumers and market integrity in cryptoasset markets. Cryptoassets were brought into scope of UK anti-money laundering legislation in 2020, and following the government’s legislation, the financial regulator has commenced enforcement for cryptoassets financial promotions, requiring them to be fair, clear and not misleading.</p><p><br>More broadly, my department will continue to monitor developments in the use of blockchain technology and will work with other government departments to identify where this could require the introduction of further regulation.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 11/12/2023 17:20:52 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4086 label Biography information for Alun Cairns

1674649

	registered interest
	date	01/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Land Registry: Blockchain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2023 to Question 2866, whether she plans to take steps to further roll out the use of blockchain technologies.
	tabling member constituency	Vale of Glamorgan
	tabling member printed	Alun Cairns
	uin	4875
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/12/2023 answer text <p>This Government is committed to maximising the benefits and minimising the risks of new technologies. The Government has committed to increasing public expenditure on R&amp;D to £20 billion per annum by 2024/2025. This cash increase will support the growth of innovator hubs and continue to fund a range of R&amp;D programmes which will help boost the potential of new technologies including blockchain.</p><p>My department will continue to monitor the development of distributed ledger technology to ensure we maximise its potential to spur UK growth and innovation.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 11/12/2023 17:16:49 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4086 label Biography information for Alun Cairns

1679359

	registered interest
	date	05/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Counterfeit Manufacturing: Sales
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she has taken with Cabinet colleagues to (a) tackle the sale of fake designer goods and (b) seize the proceeds of of such sales.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	7816
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/01/2024 answer text <p>The UK has strong measures in place to address IP crime and infringement, co-ordinated by the Intellectual Property Office. It works with the Police IP Crime Unit, Trading Standards, and Regional Organised Crime Units among others to tackle the sale of fake designer goods. Wilful trade mark counterfeiting and copyright piracy on a commercial scale are criminal offences and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 provides powers to seize assets derived from such criminal activity. A recent operation between IPO, City of London Police, Trading Standards and industry representatives at Camden High Street resulted in the seizure of fake designer bracelets worth £400,000.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 15/01/2024 14:47:05 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1063844

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Homelessness
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to tackle homelessness.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	909352
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/02/2019 answer text <p>The General Synod of the Church of England will discuss homelessness at its February meeting this week.</p><p>The Church of England is engaged at diocesan and parish level with initiatives such as night shelters, providing food and clothing to people who are homeless. These initiatives are best managed and operated at a local level so that they can best react to the local needs. Good examples of long running projects can be seen in the Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds Dioceses.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 21/02/2019 11:32:36 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1690641

	registered interest
	date	08/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Artificial Intelligence: Primary Health Care
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential merits of the use of AI in primary care.
	tabling member constituency	South West Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Andrew Selous
	uin	901511
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/02/2024 answer text <p>DSIT closely engages with all government departments on the adoption of AI, including DHSC.</p><p>The Government is committed to ensuring adoption of AI in an ethical, safe and responsible way to improve public services outcomes and productivity.</p><p>Ahead of the AI Summit last year, we announced a new AI in Healthcare fund, backed by £100m, to target areas where rapid deployment of AI could create transformational breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 21/02/2024 17:19:46 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous

1683519

	registered interest
	date	18/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	AI Safety Summit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will publish the names of people who attended the AI Summit 2023 on behalf of (a) organisations and (b) governments.
	tabling member constituency	Stretford and Urmston
	tabling member printed	Andrew Western
	uin	10576
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/01/2024 answer text <p>The names of the organisations and governments who confirmed their attendance prior to the AI Safety Summit was previously published here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-safety-summit-introduction/ai-safety-summit-confirmed-governments-and-organisations" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-safety-summit-introduction/ai-safety-summit-confirmed-governments-and-organisations</a></p><p>A more detailed list of attendees is due to be published in due course. In the meantime, we have been following procedures to ensure GDPR compliance and a more detailed list of attendees is to be published in due course.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 24/01/2024 17:34:30 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4979 label Biography information for Andrew Western

1682633

	registered interest
	date	16/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Digital Inclusion Strategy takes account of people who are unable to get online.
	tabling member constituency	Stretford and Urmston
	tabling member printed	Andrew Western
	uin	9968
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/01/2024 answer text <p>The Government is committed to ensuring no-one is left behind in this digital age. The 2022 UK Digital Strategy outlined work that will promote digital inclusion and help people to get online, including committing to at least 85% gigabit broadband coverage by 2025 and delivering legislation that will mitigate online harms through the Online Safety Bill (now Act).</p><p> </p><p>Rather than write a standalone Digital Inclusion strategy, the Government is focused on delivering work that will address this issue. This is a cross-Government effort, with work being overseen by a new ministerial group, which will meet twice a year to drive progress.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 9965 question first answered 24/01/2024 11:52:21 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4979 label Biography information for Andrew Western

1682630

	registered interest
	date	16/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to publish a revised Digital Inclusion Strategy.
	tabling member constituency	Stretford and Urmston
	tabling member printed	Andrew Western
	uin	9965
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/01/2024 answer text <p>The Government is committed to ensuring no-one is left behind in this digital age. The 2022 UK Digital Strategy outlined work that will promote digital inclusion and help people to get online, including committing to at least 85% gigabit broadband coverage by 2025 and delivering legislation that will mitigate online harms through the Online Safety Bill (now Act).</p><p> </p><p>Rather than write a standalone Digital Inclusion strategy, the Government is focused on delivering work that will address this issue. This is a cross-Government effort, with work being overseen by a new ministerial group, which will meet twice a year to drive progress.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 9968 question first answered 24/01/2024 11:52:21 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4979 label Biography information for Andrew Western

1672375

	registered interest
	date	22/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	AI Safety Summit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will publish the (a) invitation and (b) attendance list for the AI Safety Summit 2023 on 1 and 2 November at Bletchley Park.
	tabling member constituency	Stretford and Urmston
	tabling member printed	Andrew Western
	uin	3385
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/11/2023 answer text <p>The AI Safety Summit was attended by representatives from governments, multilateral organisations, and companies at the frontier of AI as well as leading academic experts and wider industry and civil society with an important stake in the safe development of frontier AI. In the run-up to the Summit, the government engaged widely to ensure that a diverse range of perspectives were reflected. A list of those organisations which attended the Summit has been published and can be found <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-safety-summit-introduction/ai-safety-summit-confirmed-governments-and-organisations" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 28/11/2023 14:17:00 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4979 label Biography information for Andrew Western

1682947

	registered interest
	date	17/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Intimate Image Abuse: Internet
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to require website providers to remove intimate online images that have been published without consent.
	tabling member constituency	Romsey and Southampton North
	tabling member printed	Caroline Nokes
	uin	10100
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/01/2024 answer text <p>Where non-consensual intimate images are posted online via user-to-user services, then the providers who operate these services should have the technical ability to remove these images.</p><p> </p><p>The Online Safety Act received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. This legislation will give online service providers new duties to implement systems and processes to tackle illegal content on their services and take this content down, including illegal intimate image abuse content.</p><p> </p><p>The Act also updates the law, to make sure that offences criminalising intimate image abuse are fit for the digital age. The intimate image abuse offences, along with the other offences in Part 10 of the Act, will come into force on 31 January.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 10099 question first answered 22/01/2024 16:52:29 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4048 label Biography information for Caroline Nokes

1682946

	registered interest
	date	17/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Intimate Image Abuse: Internet
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the impediments are to the removal of non-consensual intimate images posted online.
	tabling member constituency	Romsey and Southampton North
	tabling member printed	Caroline Nokes
	uin	10099
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/01/2024 answer text <p>Where non-consensual intimate images are posted online via user-to-user services, then the providers who operate these services should have the technical ability to remove these images.</p><p> </p><p>The Online Safety Act received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. This legislation will give online service providers new duties to implement systems and processes to tackle illegal content on their services and take this content down, including illegal intimate image abuse content.</p><p> </p><p>The Act also updates the law, to make sure that offences criminalising intimate image abuse are fit for the digital age. The intimate image abuse offences, along with the other offences in Part 10 of the Act, will come into force on 31 January.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 10100 question first answered 22/01/2024 16:52:29 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4048 label Biography information for Caroline Nokes

1695787

	registered interest
	date	13/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how she measures digital inclusion.
	tabling member constituency	Lancaster and Fleetwood
	tabling member printed	Cat Smith
	uin	18498
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/03/2024 answer text <p>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.</p><p>Government draws on evidence from a variety of sources including the Office for National Statistics, regulators, and trusted partners and stakeholders from across the sector. Importantly, we seek to use such data and evidence to better understand the impact on day to day lives.</p><p>DSIT will continue to work with Government colleagues and with key external stakeholders from across the sector to better understand the impacts of overcoming digital exclusion and ensure that policy interventions are evidence driven. DSIT has also committed to exploring options for funding research to improve the Government’s evidence base on digital exclusion.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 21/03/2024 12:57:52 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4436 label Biography information for Cat Smith

1691323

	registered interest
	date	23/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Technology: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the (a) implications for her policies and (b) potential impact on investment in the UK by high-growth technology SMEs of the agreement between the European Investment Fund and Inveready Asset Management, signed on 6 June 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	15439
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2024 answer text <p>The agreement between the European Investment Fund and Inveready Asset Management is not expected to have a significant impact on UK tech investment given its scale and focus on Spanish companies.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has taken significant action over the last year to generate additional investment into high-growth UK companies. This includes the Mansion House Reforms, which could unlock up to £75bn, establishing the British Business Bank Growth Fund, and announcing the Long-term Investment for Technology and Science initiative worth £250m.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 04/03/2024 15:07:35 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1686845

	registered interest
	date	01/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	ICT: Employment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help increase the number of potential employees with sufficient (a) software and (b) data skills in the labour market.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne Central
	tabling member printed	Chi Onwurah
	uin	12614
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2024 answer text <p>The government is investing a total of £3.8bn in skills in England by 2024-25 and at the most recent SR we quadrupled the scale of free <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-skills-bootcamp" target="_blank">Skills Bootcamps</a> in digital skills, including software and data skills.</p><p> </p><p>My department recognises that Digital Skills shortages cannot be tackled by government alone, which is why we established the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/digital-skills-council" target="_blank">Digital Skills Council</a> in 2022. Government offers a range of free in digital skills, including software and data skills.</p><p> </p><p>DSIT is taking proactive steps to address the distinct skills needs of our priority technology sectors. For example, through the £30 million <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/23-million-to-boost-skills-and-diversity-in-ai-jobs" target="_blank">AI and Data Science Conversion Course</a> programme.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 09/02/2024 12:51:55 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4124 label Biography information for Chi Onwurah

1681250

	registered interest
	date	10/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Artificial Intelligence: Elections
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to Q811 of the oral evidence given by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on 13 December 2023, HC 38, what steps she is taking to work with social media companies to deploy tools to help protect democratic processes.
	tabling member constituency	Norwich North
	tabling member printed	Chloe Smith
	uin	8963
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/01/2024 answer text <p>We are working extensively across Government to ensure we are ready to rapidly respond to any threats to our democratic processes, through our Defending Democracy Taskforce and dedicated government teams. The threat to democracy from AI was discussed at the AI Safety Summit in November 2023, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to international collaboration on this issue.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology works closely with social media platforms to encourage them to put in place policies that are fit for purpose, consistently enforced, and respect freedom of expression. Implementation of the Online Safety Act will make a significant difference here.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 19/01/2024 13:44:14 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1609 label Biography information for Chloe Smith

1699141

	registered interest
	date	26/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology and Internet: Disadvantaged
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	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.
	tabling member constituency	St Albans
	tabling member printed	Daisy Cooper
	uin	20778
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/04/2024 answer text <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 &amp; Sport, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Education, and His Majesty's Treasury.</p><p>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.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 18/04/2024 10:47:23 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4769 label Biography information for Daisy Cooper

1671978

	registered interest
	date	21/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Pornography: Internet
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to give people who feature in pornographic material the right to withdraw their consent to that material being (a) published and (b) distributed.
	tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull North
	tabling member printed	Dame Diana Johnson
	uin	2826
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>The Online Safety Act, which received Royal Assent on 26 October, will bring in a new offence for intimate image abuse, which will criminalise the sharing of intimate images or films without consent.</p><p /> <p>Additionally, the government has committed to undertaking a review of pornography legislation, regulation and enforcement, which will assess whether the regulation of online pornography in the UK is fit for purpose in tackling exploitation and abuse.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 27/11/2023 16:56:20 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1533 label Biography information for Dame Diana Johnson

1671510

	registered interest
	date	20/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Internet: Pornography
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to require websites to verify that every person featured in pornographic content on their platform (a) is an adult and (b) gave their permission for the content to be published on that platform.
	tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull North
	tabling member printed	Dame Diana Johnson
	uin	2539
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/11/2023 answer text <p>Any material featuring the sexual exploitation and abuse of children is captured by the criminal law. The Online Safety Act, which received Royal Assent on 26 October, requires in-scope services to put in place proactive, preventative measures to limit people’s exposure to child sexual exploitation and abuse content and remove it expeditiously. The Act will also bring in a new offence for intimate image abuse, which will criminalise the sharing of intimate images or films without consent.</p><p>Additionally, the government has committed to undertaking a review of pornography legislation, regulation and enforcement, which will assess whether the regulation of online pornography in the UK is fit for purpose in tackling exploitation and abuse.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 23/11/2023 17:19:02 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1533 label Biography information for Dame Diana Johnson

1670600

	registered interest
	date	16/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Pornography Review
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the terms of reference are for the Pornography Review announced on 3 July 2023; and which Minister has lead responsibility for that review.
	tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull North
	tabling member printed	Dame Diana Johnson
	uin	2288
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/11/2023 answer text <p>The Government is committed to undertaking the comprehensive review of pornography regulation, legislation, and enforcement in a timely fashion.</p><p>The review will be led by an independent lead reviewer and the Government will consider the eventual findings. The details of the lead reviewer and the review’s Terms of Reference will be announced in due course.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 22/11/2023 17:36:29 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1533 label Biography information for Dame Diana Johnson

1680847

	registered interest
	date	09/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Disinformation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to tackle online disinformation disseminated by (a) hostile states and (b) people acting on behalf of hostile states.
	tabling member constituency	Llanelli
	tabling member printed	Dame Nia Griffith
	uin	8716
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/01/2024 answer text <p>The Government takes the issue of information threats to national security very seriously, including disinformation and misinformation.</p><p>The Online Safety Act, which received Royal Assent in October 2023, has added the Foreign Interference Offence as a priority offence. This will mean that platforms will have a legal duty to take proactive, preventative action to identify and minimise their users’ exposure to state-sponsored disinformation and other types of state-backed influence operations aimed at interfering with UK society. The offence will capture conduct which has been carried out for, on behalf of, or with the intent to benefit, a foreign power.</p><p>My officials and I also meet regularly with a range of social media platforms and international partners to aid our understanding of the spread of disinformation online and work underway to address this.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 17/01/2024 10:43:14 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1541 label Biography information for Dame Nia Griffith

1695538

	registered interest
	date	12/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Artificial Intelligence: Expenditure
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to paragraph 5.174, page 105 of the Autumn Statement 2023, what steps her Department is taking through (a) distribution decisions and (b) monitoring of expenditure to help optimise the impact of funding for AI compute on the UK's (i) technological advancement and (ii) economic competitiveness.
	tabling member constituency	Southport
	tabling member printed	Damien Moore
	uin	18285
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/03/2024 answer text <p>UKRI is working with its delivery partner UKRI to identify appropriate host sites for the £500m AIRR expansion through a competitive process. We will provide updates on the outcomes in due course.</p><p> </p><p>DSIT is working with industry and academia to understand how AI and compute technologies are developing over time to ensure the UK secures best value for money and maximum impact from our investments.</p><p> </p><p>As announced in the 2024 Spring Budget, DSIT will set out in due course the access model for public compute facilities, ensuring that both researchers and innovative companies can access the compute they need.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 20/03/2024 11:39:32 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4669 label Biography information for Damien Moore

1700251

	registered interest
	date	12/04/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Disinformation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	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.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	21042
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/04/2024 answer text <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 22/04/2024 10:25:45 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1693573

	registered interest
	date	04/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Internet: Regulation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether officials in her Department have had discussions with Ofcom on the adequacy of Ofcom's plans in respect of regulation of the dark web.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	16788
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/03/2024 answer text <p>The Online Safety Act gives online user-to-user and search providers new duties to tackle illegal user content and activity and keep children on their services safe. Ofcom is the regulator for this regime. It will set out the steps providers can take to fulfil these duties in codes of practice, which must be approved by Parliament before they can take effect.</p><p> </p><p>Ofcom is clear that services on the ‘dark web’ are in scope of the Act. For example, it set this out in its recent consultation on its proposals for how providers should approach their illegal content duties.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Ofcom are working closely together on the implementation of the Online Safety Act.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 07/03/2024 11:12:44 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692749

	registered interest
	date	29/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Internet: Disinformation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many cases of online (a) misinformation and (b) disinformation Ofcom has dealt with since the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023; and if he will ask Ofcom to publish those figures regularly.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	16358
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/03/2024 answer text <p>Ofcom will have regular discussions with firms within its regulatory remit, details of those meetings are a matter for Ofcom as the independent regulator.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom will have responsibility for regulating in-scope companies to ensure they are effectively taking action against illegal disinformation online and disinformation which intersects with the Act’s named categories of harmful content to children. These duties will come into force once Ofcom has completed its consultation and publication of the relevant Codes of Practice.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Act also 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. These duties are already in force.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>It is a matter for Ofcom to decide what information to publish in the discharge of its regulatory responsibilities.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 16356 question first answered 05/03/2024 15:42:01 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692745

	registered interest
	date	29/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Internet: Disinformation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether Ofcom has had recent discussions with telecommunications companies on tackling online (a) misinformation and (b) disinformation.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	16356
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/03/2024 answer text <p>Ofcom will have regular discussions with firms within its regulatory remit, details of those meetings are a matter for Ofcom as the independent regulator.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom will have responsibility for regulating in-scope companies to ensure they are effectively taking action against illegal disinformation online and disinformation which intersects with the Act’s named categories of harmful content to children. These duties will come into force once Ofcom has completed its consultation and publication of the relevant Codes of Practice.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Act also 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. These duties are already in force.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>It is a matter for Ofcom to decide what information to publish in the discharge of its regulatory responsibilities.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 16358 question first answered 05/03/2024 15:42:01 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692366

	registered interest
	date	28/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Media Literacy Task Force
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many times the Media Literacy Taskforce has met in the last 12 months.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	16122
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2024 answer text <p>The Media Literacy Taskforce provides the government with expert advice on how best to implement our Online Media Literacy Strategy. In the past 12 months we have convened the Taskforce four times. This has included meetings to seek their advice on delivery of the interventions we are funding through our Media Literacy Taskforce Fund, and to consult on research exploring citizens’ barriers to engagement with media literacy initiatives. The report from this research has been published on gov.uk.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 04/03/2024 15:05:41 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692373

	registered interest
	date	28/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	National Security Online Information Team: Staff
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many members of staff are currently working at the National Security Online Information Team.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	16126
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2024 answer text <p>The National Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT) tackles online attempts to manipulate the information environment while respecting the right to free speech, by only monitoring themes and trends - not individuals. The team is focused solely on risks posed to national security and public safety, including threats posed by foreign states as well as risks to election integrity.</p><p> </p><p>NSOIT is comprised of civil servants who are employed by DSIT. The team’s size and membership is adjusted according to the nature of the threat which is being faced at any one time. The work produced by NSOIT is shared with other Government departments who have an interest in its areas of focus. However, there are no plans for this work to be published or shared more widely, as this would give malign actors, including hostile states, insights into NSOIT’s capabilities and areas of focus.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 16125 question first answered 04/03/2024 15:03:42 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692371

	registered interest
	date	28/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	National Security Online Information Team
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department plans to publish any of the work produced by the National Security Online Information Team.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	16125
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/03/2024 answer text <p>The National Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT) tackles online attempts to manipulate the information environment while respecting the right to free speech, by only monitoring themes and trends - not individuals. The team is focused solely on risks posed to national security and public safety, including threats posed by foreign states as well as risks to election integrity.</p><p> </p><p>NSOIT is comprised of civil servants who are employed by DSIT. The team’s size and membership is adjusted according to the nature of the threat which is being faced at any one time. The work produced by NSOIT is shared with other Government departments who have an interest in its areas of focus. However, there are no plans for this work to be published or shared more widely, as this would give malign actors, including hostile states, insights into NSOIT’s capabilities and areas of focus.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 16126 question first answered 04/03/2024 15:03:42 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692160

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Online Safety Act 2023: Prosecutions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many prosecutions have taken place under the false communications offence as set out in section 179 of the Online Safety Act 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	15891
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2024 answer text <p>The false communications offence was introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023 (“the Act”). The communication offences in the Act, including the false communications offence were commenced on 31 January this year.</p><p> </p><p>The Ministry of Justice publish information on prosecutions, convictions and sentence outcomes under specific legislation. The Act gained Royal Assent in October 2023; therefore, it is not yet available in the published figures. Figures up to December 2023 are intended for publication in May 2024.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 01/03/2024 11:44:06 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692164

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Media Literacy Task Force
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if her Department will publish the recent work of the Media Literacy Taskforce.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	15895
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2024 answer text <p>The Media Literacy Taskforce, a body of 17 media literacy experts drawn from the tech industry, civil society, the press sector and academia, was established in March 2022. DSIT consults the Taskforce on how to tackle the key challenges facing the media literacy landscape, in particular that of how to improve provision for citizens who are disengaged or lack access to support.</p><p> </p><p>For example, the Taskforce played a key role in launching the Media Literacy Taskforce Fund, a grant scheme through which we awarded over £800,000 to four innovative media literacy projects delivered over the financial years 2022/23 and 2023/24. These projects seek to build the online safety and critical thinking skills of users from all age groups, empowering them to respond effectively to the threats posed by mis- and disinformation, along with other online harms. Taskforce members advised the government on which projects should be awarded funding, and then helped grant recipients to maximise the impact of their projects.</p><p> </p><p>The Taskforce does not produce its own reports or other written materials for publication. However, Government has committed to publishing annual Action Plans until the end of Financial Year 2024/2025, setting out initiatives to meet the Online Media Literacy Strategy’s ambition. All projects funded in relation to the Strategy are evaluated robustly and findings will be published on gov.uk, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of future media literacy initiatives and informing government policy moving forward.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 15894 question first answered 01/03/2024 11:41:09 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692163

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Media Literacy Task Force
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the Media Literacy Taskforce has taken to protect the public from (a) misinformation and (b) disinformation.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	15894
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2024 answer text <p>The Media Literacy Taskforce, a body of 17 media literacy experts drawn from the tech industry, civil society, the press sector and academia, was established in March 2022. DSIT consults the Taskforce on how to tackle the key challenges facing the media literacy landscape, in particular that of how to improve provision for citizens who are disengaged or lack access to support.</p><p> </p><p>For example, the Taskforce played a key role in launching the Media Literacy Taskforce Fund, a grant scheme through which we awarded over £800,000 to four innovative media literacy projects delivered over the financial years 2022/23 and 2023/24. These projects seek to build the online safety and critical thinking skills of users from all age groups, empowering them to respond effectively to the threats posed by mis- and disinformation, along with other online harms. Taskforce members advised the government on which projects should be awarded funding, and then helped grant recipients to maximise the impact of their projects.</p><p> </p><p>The Taskforce does not produce its own reports or other written materials for publication. However, Government has committed to publishing annual Action Plans until the end of Financial Year 2024/2025, setting out initiatives to meet the Online Media Literacy Strategy’s ambition. All projects funded in relation to the Strategy are evaluated robustly and findings will be published on gov.uk, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of future media literacy initiatives and informing government policy moving forward.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 15895 question first answered 01/03/2024 11:41:09 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692162

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Online Safety Act 2023: Fines
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether any telecoms provider has been fined up to a maximum of 10 per cent of its relative turnover as set out in the Online Safety Act 2023, since that Act came into force.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	15893
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2024 answer text <p>The Online Safety Act received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. As with other areas it regulates, Ofcom must first establish codes of practice and enforcement guidance, before duties come into force and enforcement action can be taken. Ofcom has begun a programme of consultations on the relevant codes and guidance, which are expected to be in force by early 2025.</p><p> </p><p>The new laws in the Act apply to online search services and services that allow users to post content or interact with each other online. They do not apply to services outside of this scope – e.g. ‘offline’ telecoms services.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 15892 question first answered 01/03/2024 11:29:33 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1692161

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Online Safety Act 2023: Enforcement and Fines
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what (a) fines and (b) enforcement actions have been imposed upon telecoms providers since the Online Safety Act 2023 came into force.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	15892
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/03/2024 answer text <p>The Online Safety Act received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023. As with other areas it regulates, Ofcom must first establish codes of practice and enforcement guidance, before duties come into force and enforcement action can be taken. Ofcom has begun a programme of consultations on the relevant codes and guidance, which are expected to be in force by early 2025.</p><p> </p><p>The new laws in the Act apply to online search services and services that allow users to post content or interact with each other online. They do not apply to services outside of this scope – e.g. ‘offline’ telecoms services.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti grouped question UIN 15893 question first answered 01/03/2024 11:29:33 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

1676939

	registered interest
	date	11/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Blockchain and Non-fungible Tokens
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps to promote public awareness of (a) blockchain and (b) Non-Fungible Tokens.
	tabling member constituency	Shrewsbury and Atcham
	tabling member printed	Daniel Kawczynski
	uin	6128
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2023 answer text <p>I refer the Honourable Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham to the answer given in response to PQ 4875 and PQ 4876.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 14/12/2023 17:22:20 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1566 label Biography information for Daniel Kawczynski

1695091

	registered interest
	date	11/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	National Security Online Information Team
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the (a) role and (b) annual cost is of the Counter Disinformation Unit.
	tabling member constituency	Brent Central
	tabling member printed	Dawn Butler
	uin	17886
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2024 answer text <p>In October 2023 the Counter Disinformation Unit became the National Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT). The name more accurately reflects the team’s revised remit and function, which is to tackle the greatest national security risks facing the UK from mis and disinformation, specifically looking at threats posed by foreign states, risks to elections and from the use of AI and deepfakes. This revised remit is kept under regular review.</p><p> </p><p>It would not be appropriate to publicly comment on NSOIT’s funding levels, as doing so would give malign actors insight into the scale of the Government’s capabilities in this area. Nevertheless, DSIT continues to account to parliament for the use of public funds in relation to the NSOIT and other teams within the department.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 14/03/2024 12:49:14 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1489 label Biography information for Dawn Butler

1133851

	registered interest
	date	21/06/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 13 June 2019 to Question 262402, if she will provide the details of those landholdings.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	267754
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/06/2019 answer text <p>The Church Commissioners publish their largest 20 direct equity holdings and the largest 20 property holdings in their annual report (pg 76) a copy of which is available in the Library of the House of Commons or here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/Church%20Commissioners%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/Church%20Commissioners%20Annual%20Report%202018.pdf</a>.</p><p>Due to commercial sensitivities the Church Commissioners do not give more detailed breakdowns of their holdings. A full list of holdings in Scotland would be identifiable via the Land Registry.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 26/06/2019 15:46:49 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1131080

	registered interest
	date	10/06/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: EU Grants and Loans
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what EU funding the Church of England has received in each of the last ten years.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	262404
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/06/2019 answer text <p>The table shows grant aid received from the UK Government by the Church Commissioners in association with operations in Scotland from 2012 onwards. <br>It is not possible to separate what proportion of these grants comes from the UK Government and what originates from the EU.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Date (Year)</p></td><td><p>Total for Scotland</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>£170,748.72</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>£143,838.87</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>£537,843.27</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>£140,542.04</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>£20,491.35</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>£448,926.37</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018</p></td><td><p>£213,472.78</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019</p></td><td><p>£12,249.00</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Grand Total</p></td><td><p>£1,688,112.40</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 13/06/2019 15:16:10 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman previous answer version 122244 answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1131079

	registered interest
	date	10/06/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Church of England has made of the profits from its operations in Scotland in the last 12 months for which information is available.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	262403
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/06/2019 answer text <p>The Church Commissioners recieved a total net income of £8,858,429 from forestry and windfarms between 1st January 2018 to the 31st December 2018.</p><p>We are unable to provide a figure for profit in the equivalent period as liabilities, including for restocking, will be borne over a number of years and the cost of purchasing the asset should be taken into consideration.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 13/06/2019 15:10:01 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman previous answer version 122243 answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1131076

	registered interest
	date	10/06/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what the Church of England's landholdings are in Scotland.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	262402
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/06/2019 answer text <p>The Church Commissioners hold 12,333.67 hectares of land in Scotland.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 13/06/2019 13:56:21 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman previous answer version 122239 answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1105970

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Forests: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, with reference to the oral contribution of the Rt. hon. Member for Meriden, what steps the church takes to ensure that its forestry plantations in Scotland avoid monoculture plantings.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	238376
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2019 answer text <p>In order to comply with the Forestry Stewardship Council, UK Woodland Assurance Scheme and UK Forestry Standards, forests must contain a maximum of 75% primary species. Latest figures for forests in Scotland managed by the Church Commissioners show that they contain around 65% Sitka spruce, though that percentage was higher when the forests were first planted in the 1960s and 1970s. The remainder comprises native broadleaves and other conifer species such as Scots pine, Norway spruce, Douglas fir and open ground. Open ground makes up approximatley 19% of the area under management and mostly comprises native grasses, water (ponds, streams and rivers), heather and rock outcrops. The Church Commissioners will achieve at least 5% native broadleaves by the end of the first rotation.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 01/04/2019 16:29:35 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1105967

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Forests: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to her oral contribution of 28 March 2019, Official Report on the Archbishop's Council's Strategic Development Fund, whether it follows Scottish Natural Heritage's Biodiversity Duty Guidance and Advice in its forestry estates in Scotland.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	238375
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2019 answer text <p>All forests managed by the Church Commissioners conform to the UK Woodland Assurance Scheme (UKWAS) and the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), and have Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification. The FSC is recognised by WWF as the “hallmark of responsible forest management”. The Church Commissioners are not required to report under the Scottish Natural Heritage's ‘Biodiversity Duty Guidance and Advice in its forestry estates in Scotland’, as this applies only to public bodies.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 01/04/2019 16:29:25 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1105965

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: Forests
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to her oral contribution of 28 March 2019, Official Report on the Archbishop's Council's Strategic Development Fund, if she will publish the forestry holdings of the Church of England.
	tabling member constituency	Edinburgh North and Leith
	tabling member printed	Deidre Brock
	uin	238374
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2019 answer text <p>As of December 2018 the forestry holdings of the Church Commissioners amounted to 103,138 acres across the United Kingdom, United States of America and Australia. The Church Commissioners most recent Annual Report sets out in more detail its timberland investments: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/Church%20Commissioners%20Annual%20Report%202017.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/Church%20Commissioners%20Annual%20Report%202017.pdf</a></p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 01/04/2019 16:29:05 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4417 label Biography information for Deidre Brock

1694767

	registered interest
	date	08/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Government response to paragraph 62 of the Third Report of Session 2022-23 by the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee on Digital exclusion, HL 219, published on 20 October 2023, what progress the dedicated cross-Whitehall ministerial group has made.
	tabling member constituency	St Ives
	tabling member printed	Derek Thomas
	uin	17748
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/03/2024 answer text <p>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.</p><p> </p><p>The first ministerial group meeting took place in September 2023, chaired by the then Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Paul Scully. Ministers attended from the Cabinet Office, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Department for Culture, Media &amp; Sport, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Education, and His Majesty's Treasury.</p><p> </p><p>The group agreed to undertake a departmental mapping exercise to drive and increase coherence across departmental work. It has also discussed specific priority issues, including the viability of each department joining device donation scheme, options to increase the accessibility of parking payments and accessibility of online government services. The group will receive an update on these issues at its next meeting later this month.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 13/03/2024 17:16:54 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	4532 label Biography information for Derek Thomas

1671985

	registered interest
	date	21/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept id	216
	answering dept short name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	answering dept sort name	Science, Innovation and Technology
	hansard heading	Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Aviation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's publication entitled DSIT ministerial travel, April to June 2023, published on 21 November 2023, how much of the £7,117 spent on the visit of the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Tech and the Digital Economy to Japan from 26 April to 1 May was spent on air travel.
	tabling member constituency	Islington South and Finsbury
	tabling member printed	Emily Thornberry
	uin	2834
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/12/2023 answer text <p>The Department’s publication has now been corrected due to a previous error. The correct cost of this visit is £6,475. The amount spent on air travel was £5,565.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Saqib Bhatti question first answered 06/12/2023 12:11:59 answering member 4818 label Biography information for Saqib Bhatti
	tabling member	1536 label Biography information for Emily Thornberry

1130960

	registered interest
	date	10/06/2019
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Archbishops' Council: Grants
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church Commissioners have the authority to make grants to the Archbishop's Council.
	tabling member constituency	Congleton
	tabling member printed	Fiona Bruce
	uin	262341
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/06/2019 answer text <p>The powers conferred by the Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 2018 enable the Church Commissioners to make grants to the Archbishops' Council which the Council may spend in accordance with its own functions. Such funding should support proposals designed to make a significant contribution to the growth of the Church and proposals should only be funded if they are within the priorities identified by the Council and in accordance with a clearly defined policy framework. The Commissioners’ approved policy is set out in full in the document attached at annex A. In addition to the power under the 2018 Measure, the Church Commissioners have a number of other miscellaneous powers to make grants to the Council in support of work with the Council supports, such as grants given for diocesan ministry support.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 13/06/2019 15:02:19 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman attachment 1 file name annex A.pdf title Annex A
	tabling member	3958 label Biography information for Fiona Bruce