Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 14 June 2023 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Olney asked the Secretary of State about AI developers ingesting copyrighted content without a licence, to which the Secretary responded that the matter is being addressed by their Department and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with further information to be provided soon.
  • John Penrose inquired about an implementation timetable for smart data across industries, and the Secretary acknowledged the work done by Penrose while stating that the Minister for Enterprise is working with relevant parties to advance the matter.
  • Lucy Powell questioned whether the Government needs to improve their performance at home to show international leadership in innovation, to which the Secretary responded affirmatively, highlighting the Government's commitment to leading change both domestically and internationally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

The Member is raising concerns about the legal status of AI developers using copyrighted content without permission.

Question

Does the Secretary of State believe that AI developers' ingestion of creative content that is protected by copyright without obtaining a licence is infringement under UK law?

Answer from Chloe Smith

The hon. Lady raises an important matter, on which my Department and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are working closely together. Can I draw her attention to information that I know my right hon. and learned Friend the Culture Secretary will be bringing forward shortly? I reassure the hon. Lady that intellectual property is at the heart of our approach to support the creative industries in this country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for a legal clarification, but the answer referred to future plans and reassurances without providing an explicit legal stance.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 John Penrose Con
Business & Trade
Context

The Member is seeking information on the timetable for implementing smart data provisions in other sectors.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend release an implementation timetable immediately, showing which industries will introduce what and when?

Answer from John Whittingdale

First, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work he has done to promote the use of smart data across the economy. The Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) is working with Departments, regulators and industry to agree common principles for future smart data schemes in different sectors. Individual Departments will set out when and how they will use the powers, following appropriate consultation and impact assessments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for a specific timetable but the answer referred to ongoing work without providing concrete dates or timelines.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Science & Technology
Context

The Member is questioning the effectiveness of government policies in AI and data sectors, citing specific examples.

Question

Does she accept that to show international leadership, the Government need to get their act together at home?

Answer from Chloe Smith

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out this week at London Tech Week, we will be leading at home and overseas and leading change in our public services. That is the right approach. It is pro-innovation. We will capture those benefits for British businesses and British citizens, and I think that the Opposition could do an awful lot better than what they have just presented.

Not addressed: The question asked about internal improvements but the answer shifted to criticism of the opposition without addressing the specific issue raised.

How: Criticism Of Opposition

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Greg Clark Con
NHS
Context

The Member is inquiring about funding promised to the university's pandemic sciences institute, which has not yet been received.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet me to see how we can unblock that so that this vital work continues?

Answer from Chloe Smith

Yes, I would be happy to meet the Chair of the Select Committee.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Florence Eshalomi Labour (Co-op) Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Education Science & Technology
Context

The Member is concerned about the Government's commitment to funding mathematical research, which was promised but now appears abandoned.

Question

When does the Minister expect Britain to stay competitive and when can the Government guarantee that funding?

Answer from George Freeman

As the Prime Minister has made clear, we are putting maths at the heart of our curriculum. I am ensuring that maths is properly funded to our research ecosystem. I will happily meet the hon. Member and talk to her about it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for a timeline but the answer provided general commitments without specific dates or guarantees.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Chris Green Con
Science & Technology
Context

The Member is advocating for better recognition and support for technicians who are foundational to the UK's technological advancement.

Question

What more can my hon. Friend do to give them more recognition, more status and, even, more funding to carry on the work they do?

Answer from Paul Scully

My hon. Friend has a formidable reputation himself in championing, and from having worked in, that area. We are increasing investment in further education and skills by £3.8 billion over the course of this Parliament, because we need technicians to access high-quality training.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for specific measures but the answer provided a general commitment without detailing concrete actions or policies.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)