Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Artificial Intelligence

Thursday 7 September 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Evans asked about recent discussions on international cooperation regarding artificial intelligence challenges and opportunities.
  • The Government plans to convene the first major AI summit in the autumn to bring together international partners and technology leaders.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about discussions with international partners on how AI will impact people's livelihoods and jobs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Foreign Affairs Science & Technology
Context

The potential challenges of artificial intelligence use.

Question

Whether he has held recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on co-operation with international partners on responding to the potential challenges of the use of artificial intelligence. I am concerned about the importance of collaborating internationally on the challenge and opportunities of AI. In November, will the Government make sure each Department is taking full account of the impact of AI?

Answer from Alex Burghart

The Government know the importance of collaborating internationally on the challenge and opportunities of AI. That is why, in the autumn, the Prime Minister will convene the first major AI summit, which will bring together major international partners and leaders in the technology to discuss the issues that confront society.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific departmental actions or timelines were not provided.

How: Discusses General Importance Of Collaboration

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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Science & Technology
Context

The rapid development of artificial intelligence, exemplified by ChatGPT.

Question

Given that AI is moving so quickly, with the likes of ChatGPT already impacting things like the work of school kids, what more can the Government do to make sure each Department is taking full account of the impact of AI?

Answer from Alex Burghart

The Cabinet Office, which is home to the Government Digital Service and the Central Digital and Data Office, takes a lead role, along with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in co-ordinating work within Government so that we can take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities AI presents and guard ourselves against potential disadvantages.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specifics on departmental actions or timelines.

How: Discusses General Coordination Efforts

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Employment Science & Technology
Context

The potential displacement risk due to artificial intelligence.

Question

Constituents all around the UK rely on employment to make ends meet. Has he had discussions with international partners as to how AI will impact people's livelihoods and jobs?

Answer from Alex Burghart

The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point, as one potential risk of AI is that it displaces employment. However, across Government we are looking at the risks and opportunities. We see a future in which humans working with AI create all sorts of great new opportunities for our economy and for individuals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions or discussions mentioned.

How: Discusses General Outlook On Potential Risks

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Q4 Jon Ashworth Lab
Science & Technology Benefits & Welfare
Context

The loss of £8 billion a year due to benefit fraud and error.

Question

Are they going to use AI to deal with benefit fraud and error, or should we assume that this is another example of how nothing works after 13 years?

Answer from Alex Burghart

Over the past three years, the Government have saved billions of pounds using the latest technology. The hon. Gentleman will be delighted to hear that over the past three years the Government have saved billions of pounds using the latest technology.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific use of AI for benefit fraud and error not mentioned.

How: General Mention Of Saving Money With Technology

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