Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what evidence they have received about the impact of the loss of the Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre following its sale.

Answered by Viscount Camrose - Shadow Minister (Science, Innovation and Technology)

The decision to sell the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre was made by VMIC UK Ltd's Board of Directors. The facility was subsequently sold to Catalent. Once completed, it is intended that the facility will be capable of producing a range of therapeutics and vaccines.

Officials regularly engage with industry stakeholders to understand the wider landscape and implications for vaccine development and manufacturing in the UK and will continue to do so.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the letter published by the Future of Life Institute Pause Giant AI Experiments: An Open Letter, published on 29 March; and what steps they intend to take in response to the recommendation in that letter that there should be "shared safety protocols for AI" which are audited and overseen by independent outside experts".

Answered by Viscount Camrose - Shadow Minister (Science, Innovation and Technology)

It is important that industry voices are actively engaged in the discourse around responsible AI. British based companies, like Deepmind, are at the forefront of responsible innovation. However, It should be noted that questions have been raised regarding the veracity of some of the signatures of the open letter on Artificial Intelligence published by the Future of Life Institute (FLI). Some of the researchers whose work was cited in the letter have also apparently raised concerns. It is also important to note that the letter is not expressly targeted towards the UK or any other government. Nevertheless,

Government recognises the need to act to adapt the way in which we regulate AI as systems become more powerful, and are put to different use. As Sir Patrick Vallance highlighted in his recent regulatory review, there is a small window of opportunity to get this right and build a regulatory regime that enables innovation while addressing the risks. Government agrees that a collaborative approach is fundamental to addressing AI risk and supporting responsible AI development and use for the benefit of society. The AI Regulation White Paper we published on 29 March identifies “trustworthy”, “proportionate” and “collaborative” as key characteristics of the proposed AI regulation framework.

The AI Regulation White Paper sets out principles for the responsible development of AI in the UK. These principles such as safety, fairness, and accountability are at the very heart of our approach to ensuring the responsible development and use of AI. We will also establish a central risk function to bring together cutting-edge knowledge from industry, regulators, academia and civil society – including skilled computer scientists with a deep technical understanding of AI - to monitor future risks and adapt our approach if necessary. This is aligned with the calls to action in FLI’s letter.

In addition, our recently announced Foundation Model Taskforce has been established to strengthen UK capability - in a way that is aligned with the UK’s values - as this potentially transformative technology develops.

The approach to AI regulation outlined in the AI regulation White Paper is also complemented by parallel work on AI Standards, supported by the AI Standards Hub launched in October 2022, and via the Centre for Data Ethics and Innvovation’s AI Assurance Roadmap, published in December 2021. In concert, our holistic approach to AI governance combining regulation with an approach to standards development and AI assurance is in line with efforts to develop shared safety protocols, and will at the same time allow the UK to benefit from AI technologies while protecting people and our fundamental values.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that UK wave energy projects will continue to have access to EU funding through schemes such as the European Regional Development Fund and Horizon Europe.

Answered by Viscount Camrose - Shadow Minister (Science, Innovation and Technology)

Wave energy projects have been eligible for a suite of HMG research funding programmes. The UK welcomes the EU’s recent willingness to engage in discussions on UK association to EU programmes. HMG has acted to support UK researchers and businesses across the UK by introducing the Horizon Guarantee - now extended until end June 2023. In all circumstances, we are confident we’re going to have a compelling offer for international S&T collaboration, building on our global strengths.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will respond to the open letter entitled Pause giant AI experiments: an open letter.

Answered by Paul Scully

It is important that industry voices are actively engaged in the discourse around responsible AI. British based companies, like Deepmind, are at the forefront of responsible innovation. However, it should be noted that questions have been raised regarding the veracity of some of the signatures of the open letter on Artificial Intelligence published by the Future of Life Institute (FLI). Some of the researchers whose work was cited in the letter have also apparently raised concerns. It is also important to note that the letter is not expressly targeted towards the UK or any other government.

Government recognises the need to act to adapt the way in which we regulate AI as systems become more powerful, and are put to different use. As Sir Patrick Vallance highlighted in his recent regulatory review, there is a small window of opportunity to get this right and build a regulatory regime that enables innovation while addressing the risks. Government agrees that a collaborative approach is fundamental to addressing AI risk and supporting responsible AI development and use for the benefit of society. The AI regulation white paper we published on 29 March identifies “trustworthy”, “proportionate” and “collaborative” as key characteristics of the proposed AI regulation framework.

The AI regulation white paper sets out principles for the responsible development of AI in the UK. These principles such as safety, fairness, and accountability are at the very heart of our approach to ensuring the responsible development and use of AI. We will also establish a central risk function to bring together cutting-edge knowledge from industry, regulators, academia and civil society – including skilled computer scientists with a deep technical understanding of AI - to monitor future risks and adapt our approach if necessary. This is aligned with the calls to action in FLI’s letter.

In addition, our recently announced Foundation Model Taskforce has been established to strengthen UK capability - in a way that is aligned with the UK’s values - as this potentially transformative technology develops.

The approach to AI regulation outlined in the AI regulation White Paper is also complemented by parallel work on AI Standards, supported by the AI Standards Hub launched in October 2022, and via the Centre for Data Ethics and Innvovation’s AI Assurance Roadmap, published in December 2021. In concert, our holistic approach to AI governance combining regulation with an approach to standards development and AI assurance is in line with efforts to develop shared safety protocols, and will at the same time allow the UK to benefit from AI technologies while protecting people and our fundamental values.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the level of investment by IX Wireless in the local authorities in (a) Bolton, (b) Blackburn, (c) Rochdale, (e) Bury, (f) Lancashire.

Answered by Julia Lopez

I am aware that IX Wireless is in the process of rolling out its network in your constituency and surrounding areas, making use of permitted development rights to install telegraph poles.

This issue was debated in the House on 15 March 2023. During that debate I said the Government is looking closely at how to ensure all operators are aware of, and adhere to, their responsibilities when under both the legislative framework and the associated code of practice on pole siting. In addition we are looking at whether additional work is needed to ensure local authorities understand their role in the process, including their ability to impose conditions on where poles and cabinets are sited and the ability to escalate issues to Ofcom.

Increasing competition and investment in the fixed telecoms market is integral to the Government’s strategy to deliver nationwide coverage of gigabit-capable broadband. In the 2018 Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review and the 2019 Statement of Strategic Priorities, we brought forward substantive proposals to make it easier for new firms to enter the market and compete with the incumbent provider, such as granting competitors access to Openreach’s national network of ducts and poles.

As a result of our pro-competition policies, there is now a thriving market of over 80 providers investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK. In Lancashire, 73% of premises can access gigabit-capable networks, up from just 5.6% in November 2019.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an estimate of the percentage of properties in Westmorland and Lonsdale which will have Gigabit availability by the end of Project Gigabit.

Answered by Julia Lopez

As part of Project Gigabit, in November 2022 we awarded a £109 million contract to the supplier Fibrus to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to up to 59,000 premises across Cumbria that are not included in suppliers’ commercial plans.

By the end of the contract, it is expected that over 99% of premises in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency will have access to a gigabit-capable connection, through both subsidised and commercial delivery. This is a huge leap in gigabit-capable coverage across the constituency, which currently stands at slightly over 48%.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information her Department holds on the number of postcode premises in Cumbria County Council that will be classified as White under Project Gigabit's classification system by the end of Project Gigabit in 2025.

Answered by Julia Lopez

Up to 59,000 premises are included in the £109 million Project Gigabit contract being delivered by Fibrus in Cumbria. Approximately 98% of these premises fall into the Cumbria County Council area.

There are approximately 5,200 premises within Project Gigabit in Cumbria which are currently planned to be delivered in 2026, the final year of the project.

There are also 22,000 premises which are in the ‘deferred scope’ of the contract. The deferred scope covers premises within active voucher projects, or where there is a reasonable likelihood of commercial coverage. To allow delivery through alternate means and the best use of public subsidy, these premises are held until the latter stages of the contract, and brought into plan if required. The likelihood is that the majority of premises within ‘deferred scope’ will be reached by other means, but otherwise they will be brought forward in the Project Gigabit plan.

BDUK will continue to monitor supplier plans in the area as the contract progresses, which will enable us to form an accurate picture of the premises that will be classified as ‘gigabit white’ at the end of 2025. These premises will be brought within the scope of Project Gigabit where possible.

Premises that are not reached as part of the Project Gigabit contract in Cumbria, or through suppliers’ commercial build plans, may become eligible for other interventions such as the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme or potential future interventions aimed at connecting very hard to reach premises.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many properties in Cumbria County Council within the scope of Project Gigabit will not be connected by 2025.

Answered by Julia Lopez

Up to 59,000 premises are included in the £109 million Project Gigabit contract being delivered by Fibrus in Cumbria. Approximately 98% of these premises fall into the Cumbria County Council area.

There are approximately 5,200 premises within Project Gigabit in Cumbria which are currently planned to be delivered in 2026, the final year of the project.

There are also 22,000 premises which are in the ‘deferred scope’ of the contract. The deferred scope covers premises within active voucher projects, or where there is a reasonable likelihood of commercial coverage. To allow delivery through alternate means and the best use of public subsidy, these premises are held until the latter stages of the contract, and brought into plan if required. The likelihood is that the majority of premises within ‘deferred scope’ will be reached by other means, but otherwise they will be brought forward in the Project Gigabit plan.

BDUK will continue to monitor supplier plans in the area as the contract progresses, which will enable us to form an accurate picture of the premises that will be classified as ‘gigabit white’ at the end of 2025. These premises will be brought within the scope of Project Gigabit where possible.

Premises that are not reached as part of the Project Gigabit contract in Cumbria, or through suppliers’ commercial build plans, may become eligible for other interventions such as the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme or potential future interventions aimed at connecting very hard to reach premises.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many properties in Cumbria County Council are within the scope of Project Gigabit.

Answered by Julia Lopez

Up to 59,000 premises are included in the £109 million Project Gigabit contract being delivered by Fibrus in Cumbria. Approximately 98% of these premises fall into the Cumbria County Council area.

There are approximately 5,200 premises within Project Gigabit in Cumbria which are currently planned to be delivered in 2026, the final year of the project.

There are also 22,000 premises which are in the ‘deferred scope’ of the contract. The deferred scope covers premises within active voucher projects, or where there is a reasonable likelihood of commercial coverage. To allow delivery through alternate means and the best use of public subsidy, these premises are held until the latter stages of the contract, and brought into plan if required. The likelihood is that the majority of premises within ‘deferred scope’ will be reached by other means, but otherwise they will be brought forward in the Project Gigabit plan.

BDUK will continue to monitor supplier plans in the area as the contract progresses, which will enable us to form an accurate picture of the premises that will be classified as ‘gigabit white’ at the end of 2025. These premises will be brought within the scope of Project Gigabit where possible.

Premises that are not reached as part of the Project Gigabit contract in Cumbria, or through suppliers’ commercial build plans, may become eligible for other interventions such as the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme or potential future interventions aimed at connecting very hard to reach premises.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much and what proportion of the funding released for Project Gigabit has been spent on projects in Wales.

Answered by Julia Lopez

We are currently completing the market engagement that will enable us to develop the intervention areas for our Project Gigabit procurements in Wales, with the aim of launching these by the summer.

Projects under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme continue to deliver in Wales, and in February 2023, Building Digital UK contacted all suppliers to identify and propose potential voucher projects where delivery could be faster and provide better than procurements.

As reported in our most recent Project Gigabit quarterly update, almost 2,800 vouchers have already been used to deliver gigabit-capable connections to homes and businesses in hard-to-reach areas of Wales. The combined value of these vouchers amounts to £7 million in public subsidy.

Our earlier Superfast contract in Wales is also delivering gigabit-capable infrastructure in Wales. The project is nearing completion and will lead to up to a further 37,000 premises getting access to gigabit-capable broadband.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans her Department has to work collaboratively with the Department for Education to help ensure sustained growth in the (a) engineering, (b) technology and (c) other sectors.

Answered by George Freeman

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) to develop a strong talent pool across industry and academia ensuring engineering, technology and other sectors have access to the skills needed for innovation and growth, for example sharing workforce data on skills demand. We are also working with industry to help them tackle skills shortages, for example co-developing a skills action plan with the space sector.

As set out in the Science and Technology Framework, DfE is working on a cross-government action plan to build on the UK’s enviable talent and skills base.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of updating the Science and Technology Framework to include policies on apprenticeships; and if she will take steps with the Secretary of State for Education to increase the number of apprenticeships in the (a) engineering, (b) technology and (c) other key sectors.

Answered by George Freeman

The Science and Technology Framework outlines our goals and vision to 2030, including initial work that departments will undertake, but is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the actions the government is taking. DSIT is working with the Department for Education (DfE) to expand opportunities for participation in STEM skills programmes. DfE's cross-government action plan on STEM talent and skills aims to develop the pipeline of individuals studying and working in priority sectors, including those taking up apprenticeships.

With over 350 high-quality apprenticeship standards available in STEM sectors, apprenticeships are an important route for supporting people to begin, or progress in careers in science and technology. From 3 April, small employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy are able to recruit as many apprentices as their business needs where previously they were limited to 10 new apprenticeship starts. There are opportunities available through other routes, too: in the March budget, £63 million was announced for additional places for Skills Bootcamps and Sector-Based Work Academy placements, which will cover technical skills, digital skills and green skills. Apprenticeships are at the forefront of DfE's employer-centred skills system reforms.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any UK academic institutions have been notified that they will lose access to research databases provided by the China National Knowledge Infrastructure platform; and what assessment they have made of extent to which academic institutions in China currently have access to academic research databases funded by UK research councils

Answered by Viscount Camrose - Shadow Minister (Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department does not collect data on institutional subscriptions to the China National Knowledge Infrastructure platform.

The UK is a global leader in open research. UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) support the principle that research data and publications are as open as possible and as secure as necessary. Responsible and trusted research requires a balance of considerations which are expressed in the UK Research and Innovation Trusted Research and Innovation Principles, published in 2021. Science outcomes published in Research Councils' open research databases are available to all subscribers.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to restrict the extent to which phone companies may increase tariffs in the context of the increased cost of living.

Answered by Julia Lopez

The Government recognises that this is a difficult time for families across the country who are struggling to pay their bills as a result of the global rise in the cost of living.

The sector remains highly competitive and UK consumers can currently access some of the lowest mobile pricing in Western Europe. However, it is important that contracts are transparent and consumers understand what they are signing when taking out a new communications service. Ofcom recently announced it has begun a programme of work to consider whether contracts are sufficiently transparent. I look forward to their findings.

In June 2022, leaders from broadband and mobile operators agreed on a set of industry commitments to help people through the global rise in the cost of living. These include manageable payment plans and allowing households, who may be mid-contract but struggling with their bills, to switch to cheaper packages without penalty.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to take steps to help improve broadband infrastructure in Camberwell and Peckham.

Answered by Julia Lopez

The Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. By 2025 the government is targeting a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage.

Today, less than 9.6% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 10.8% of premises in Southwark specifically do not have access to a gigabit-capable network; meaning the overwhelming majority - 90.4% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 89.2% of premises in Southwark - already have gigabit coverage.

In order to further improve connectivity in Camberwell, Peckham and Southwark, we have published the Digital Connectivity Portal, which offers extensive guidance to help local authorities facilitate broadband deployment. This includes technical information on the application of telecoms legislation; practical examples of best practice such as the Street Works Toolkit for working in the country’s highways; and wayleave templates for telecoms operators to gain access to public sector land.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology officials regularly facilitate meetings and workshops between local government and the broadband industry, to build relationships that foster more frictionless deployment. The four sub-regional partnerships across London have been vital in coordinating this work. For example, Central London Forward, which represents Southwark, has actively worked with the Government on a number of initiatives.

More generally, we have made it as attractive as possible for firms to build their networks in the UK by removing barriers to rollout and working with Ofcom to promote competition and investment. As a result, there is now a thriving market of over 80 providers investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate her Department has 0made of the number of households without fibre-optic broadband in (a) Camberwell and Peckham and (b) Southwark as of 17 April 2023.

Answered by Julia Lopez

The Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible. By 2025 the government is targeting a minimum of 85% gigabit-capable coverage.

Today, less than 9.6% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 10.8% of premises in Southwark specifically do not have access to a gigabit-capable network; meaning the overwhelming majority - 90.4% of premises in Camberwell and Peckham and 89.2% of premises in Southwark - already have gigabit coverage.

In order to further improve connectivity in Camberwell, Peckham and Southwark, we have published the Digital Connectivity Portal, which offers extensive guidance to help local authorities facilitate broadband deployment. This includes technical information on the application of telecoms legislation; practical examples of best practice such as the Street Works Toolkit for working in the country’s highways; and wayleave templates for telecoms operators to gain access to public sector land.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology officials regularly facilitate meetings and workshops between local government and the broadband industry, to build relationships that foster more frictionless deployment. The four sub-regional partnerships across London have been vital in coordinating this work. For example, Central London Forward, which represents Southwark, has actively worked with the Government on a number of initiatives.

More generally, we have made it as attractive as possible for firms to build their networks in the UK by removing barriers to rollout and working with Ofcom to promote competition and investment. As a result, there is now a thriving market of over 80 providers investing nearly £35bn rolling out gigabit broadband all over the UK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the regulation of (a) optional and (b) essential website cookies.

Answered by Julia Lopez

We are taking steps in the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill (DPDI Bill) to reform the provisions in the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PEC Regulations) which set the rules on the use of cookies (and similar technologies).

The current legislation prohibits organisations from placing cookies on a person’s computer, or other connected device without consent, unless they are essential for the provision of a requested service (for example, to remember what is in their online basket).

In practice, this means that web users may experience multiple cookie ‘pop-up’ notices on every website they visit which can negatively affect their browsing experience. That is why

the Bill will remove the need to seek consent for the placement of some types of cookies that pose low privacy risks, such as those used to count the number of visitors to a web page. As a result of these changes, web users will know that if they continue to see cookie pop up banners, it is because their personal data may be used for more intrusive purposes, such as profiling for advertising purposes.

The Bill will also allow the Secretary of State to update the list of cookies that do not require consent through the use of regulations. This could be useful if other non-intrusive uses of cookies are identified or, when people become more confident about using different technology, such as browser and device settings, to set their online preferences.

The DPDI Bill was published on 8 March 2023 and can be found here.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill on the scope for businesses to share data in order to reduce fraud; and if she will make a statement.

Answered by Julia Lopez

Tackling fraud requires a unified and co-ordinated response from government, law enforcement and the private sector to better protect the public and businesses from fraud, reduce the impact of fraud on victims, and increase the disruption and prosecution of fraudsters. This is why we will shortly publish a new strategy to address the threat of fraud.

The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, which is currently before Parliament will make it easier for businesses to process personal data in order to tackle all types of crime, including fraud and other types of economic crime. When the Bill is commenced, they will be able to rely on a new lawful ground of ‘recognised legitimate interests’ under the UK GDPR to process personal data for these purposes. Unlike the current legislation, this will not require businesses to do a detailed assessment of the potential impact of the processing on the rights of individuals, which may affect the speed at which intelligence information relating to suspected fraud is shared.

Reforms in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will also enable businesses, in certain situations, to share information more easily for the purposes of preventing, investigating or detecting economic crime by disapplying civil liability for breaches of confidentiality for firms who share information to combat economic crime.

Found: Industrial Strategy renamed to the Department for Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA E: secretary.state.donelan@beis.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: part of the International Directorate within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA E: secretary.state.donelan@beis.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: HMRC and DSIT R&D teams engage regularly to share policy updates and expertise .

Found: Committee House of Lords London SW1A 0PW E: secretary.state.donelan@beis.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: enhanced governance a nd transparency measures in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Part of the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, GOTT has a remit to increase engagement

Found: The Academy has worked closely with DSIT, our sister National Academies and UKRI to be ready to deliver

Found: programme has previously received funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: from the UK Government Letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Found: vacancies for core cyber roles Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 Data from NCSC DSIT

Found: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has responsibility for telecommun ications

Found: Protection Act DPIA Data Protection Impact Assessment DPDI Data Protection and Digital Information Bill DSIT

Found: digital connectivity Partners: Scottish Government, Local Authorities, Scotland 5G Centre, Ofcom, UK DSIT

Found: leasachadh Com-pàirtichean: Riaghaltas na h-Alba, Ùghdarrasan Ionadail, Ionad 5G na h-Alba, Ofcom, DSIT

Found: Chair expected businesses in the supply chain to be under pressure soon with changes expected from DSIT