Written questions by Griffiths.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the (a) maritime and (b) shipbuilding sector.

On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessmentsThe majority of employees will benefit from new protections in the Bill and our assessment finds that workers in low-paying sectors, including social care, hospitality, retail, transport, and some manufacturing sectors will benefit the most from the Bill. The assessment suggests that the construction, steel, materials, critical minerals and shipbuilding sectors are unlikely to be disproportionately impacted by the Bill.The Bill will also deliver wider benefits for the business environment by improving wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity, and creating a more level playing field for good employers. This could have a positive knock-on impact on productivity and growth.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the public bodies for which his Department is responsible.

On 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive impact assessment for the Employment Rights Bill, which included analysis on the impacts on the public sector.Given the early stages of policy development, many reforms require further development and consultation before implementation. The Department will engage closely with the public sector and wider stakeholders as policy development continues to ensure the detail is right before changes are implemented.Where measures require secondary legislation and codes of practice to implement, the Government will update and refine its analysis following the consultation based on additional evidence to inform policy options and impacts.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the (a) materials and (b) critical minerals sector.

On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessmentsThe majority of employees will benefit from new protections in the Bill and our assessment finds that workers in low-paying sectors, including social care, hospitality, retail, transport, and some manufacturing sectors will benefit the most from the Bill. The assessment suggests that the construction, steel, materials, critical minerals and shipbuilding sectors are unlikely to be disproportionately impacted by the Bill.The Bill will also deliver wider benefits for the business environment by improving wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity, and creating a more level playing field for good employers. This could have a positive knock-on impact on productivity and growth.

What assessment he has made of Autumn Budget 2024 on the construction sector.

The Government is committed to supporting growth and investment in the construction sector. At the Budget, plans were announced to boost capital investment by over £100 billion over the next five years, including in transport and housing, to help unlock long-term growth. We are providing over £5 billion of investment in housing next year, increasing the affordable homes programme to £3.1 billion and providing £3 billion of guarantees to boost the supply of homes and support small house builders. Alongside our planning reforms and our new Industrial Strategy, we are providing the stability needed to enable a thriving construction sector.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Autumn Budget 2024 on the (a) maritime and (b) shipbuilding sectors.

This Budget is focused on delivery of the government’s Growth Mission and the development and delivery of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. The creation of the National Wealth Fund, catalysing over £70bn of private investment, will potentially benefit the maritime sector, where at least £5.8bn of NWF’s capital will focus on the five sectors announced in the manifesto, including ports. Shipbuilding supports 42,600 jobs nationwide and adds £2.4 billion to the economy every year and Government is committed to supporting vibrant and successful enterprises, and the skilled workforce who deliver them, in all parts of the UK.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the public bodies for which his Department is responsible.

At Autumn Budget 2024 HM Treasury announced the funding settlement agreed for my department for 2024-25 and 2025-26. By working with HM Treasury we have ensured that the settlement provides the funding required for the public bodies, for which my department is responsible, to successfully deliver against their objectives and priorities.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the steel sector.

The Budget has made a positive impact on the steel sector by confirming the funding required for work to begin on the new Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot. This £500 million grant not only secures the future of steelmaking in south Wales and up to 5,000 jobs but also ensures workers have enhanced support during the transition period. More widely, after the budget, the National Wealth Fund is now in a position to consider funding propositions for investments in steel.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the (a) materials and (b) critical minerals sector.

I can confirm that the Budget will support growth for our critical minerals industry. Already, following decisions made at the Autumn Budget, the National Wealth Fund has confirmed it can co-invest in domestic critical mineral projects to support our clean energy transition. Furthermore, the Chancellor has expanded UK Export Finance’s mandate to enable it to finance overseas critical minerals projects that secure supply for the UK’s high-growth export industries. I will continue to engage with industry to develop a new, targeted Critical Minerals Strategy, matched to UK strengths, set for publication next year.

How many employees in his Department are paid the National Living Wage.

There are currently no employees in DBT who are paid at the level of the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage.

How many employees in his Department are paid the National Minimum Wage.

There are currently no employees in DBT who are paid at the level of the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on steps to improve digital inclusion in the NHS.

Digital inclusion is a priority for me and for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills and confidence to participate in a modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. We are working to develop our approach on digital inclusion, including with other government departments to ensure it is joined-up. To support this, I am, and will continue, engaging with my counterparts in other departments on this important issue.

Innovation and Technology, what steps the UK Space Agency plans to take to support the growth of the space cluster in Cornwall.

During the current spending period, the Government has invested a total of £4.2 million to support the Cornwall region to develop its local space capabilities, enabling Spaceport Cornwall to conduct the first ever orbital launch attempt from UK soil and supporting Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd to deliver deep space commercial services. The cluster is also being supported to attract investment from international space companies, and progress Cornwall’s strategic ambitions to become a global leader in satellite operations and communications and the testing and development of spaceflight systems.

Innovation and Technology, whether the UK Space Agency plans to establish a publicly owned deep space communication service provider.

No.

Innovation and Technology, how many British citizens are undertaking training for future manned space flights.

Two astronauts are undertaking training for future crewed space flights, and a third is undertaking similar training in January.

Innovation and Technology, how long the contract is between the UK Space Agency and Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd to provide deep space communications services.

The current framework agreement between the UK Space Agency and Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd runs until March 2025. Any further agreements will need to be considered in light of the upcoming spending review.