Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Innovation in Technology

Wednesday 10 January 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The science and technology framework supports innovation through five critical technologies, including 2.5 billion for quantum, 2 billion for engineering biology, and 1 billion for semiconductors.
  • Technological innovations such as drones are being used by the Home Office to track and catch criminal gangs herding people on beaches.
  • The response to the AI regulation consultation will be published in due course, but no specific timeline was provided.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Science & Technology
Context

The MP is seeking to understand the government's efforts in supporting technological innovation.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support innovation in the technology sector. The science and technology framework supports innovation through five critical technologies, including £2.5 billion for quantum, £2 billion for engineering biology, and £1 billion for semiconductors.

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

The science and technology framework is our clear plan for supporting innovation through our five critical technologies that underpin the future of the UK economy. We have committed £2.5 billion for quantum, £2 billion for engineering biology, and £1 billion for semiconductors. We are also driving innovation through initiatives such as regulatory sandboxes, focusing on future skills and establishing a new digital markets regime to promote more dynamic competition in digital markets.

Answered
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Q2 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP inquires about the use of advanced technologies to combat criminal activities, specifically on beaches.

Question

What steps are being taken with new technology to track and catch criminal gangs herding people on beaches using drones and other innovations. Why cannot we devote more resources?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

My colleagues in the Home Office are committed to breaking the business system of illegal criminal gangs. A key part of that is technological innovation, and a range of technologies are being used.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific measures and resource allocation towards combating criminal activities through technological means were not addressed in detail.

How: Commitment Without Specifics

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Q3 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Science & Technology
Context

Businesses are awaiting the Government's response to AI regulation after delays. The consultation was supposed to be responded to in 2023 but no response has been issued yet.

Question

Will businesses have to wait for an election to receive a response to the AI regulation consultation, or will the Secretary of State commit to publishing it this month?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

We have committed to understanding the risks and opportunities presented by AI. We will publish the response to the consultation in due course, but no specific timeline was given.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete timeline or commitment for publishing the response this month was provided.

How: Commitment Without Specifics

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Q4 Carol Monaghan SNP
Science & Technology
Context

The proposed sale of the Rosalind Franklin Institute is seen as a threat to biomedical science innovation. The Science Minister will meet with the MP later.

Question

How does the proposed sale of the Rosalind Franklin Institute align with the Government's plan for being a science superpower, and when will issues be addressed?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

My colleague the Science Minister will address these concerns at the meeting scheduled later today, but no direct answer is given here.

Not addressed: No explanation was provided on how the sale fits with the UK's plan to be a science superpower.

How: Redirecting To Future Meetings

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