Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 17 April 2024 · 9 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Simon Jupp inquired about broadband access in East Devon, highlighting rural areas lagging behind. The Government responded by mentioning that 75% of premises in East Devon can access gigabit-capable broadband, with plans to further improve connectivity through Project Gigabit.
  • Peter Kyle questioned the Secretary of State's handling of a libel case against a British scientist, raising concerns about professionalism and integrity in the Government.
  • Vicky Ford expressed concerns about the dangers of end-to-end encryption on platforms like WhatsApp, particularly in relation to child sexual abuse. The Secretary of State responded that platforms must have robust processes to safeguard children in line with the Online Safety Act 2023.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Simon Jupp
Science & Technology
Context

The questioner conducted a broadband survey in East Devon and found some areas still lag behind, such as Sidbury, Fluxton, Marsh Green, and Talaton.

Question

A fast and reliable internet connection is vital for everyday life and so many local businesses. I conducted a broadband survey in East Devon, which showed that some rural parts of my constituency sadly still lag behind, such as Sidbury, Fluxton, Marsh Green and Talaton. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that broadband providers improve connections across our county?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I am glad to say that over 75% of premises in my hon. Friend's constituency can access gigabit-capable broadband. That is up from 6% in 2019, but we want to do more, so we have included mid and east Devon in our cross-regional framework for Project Gigabit. That is currently undertaking pre-procurement market engagement. We hope to give him news very soon.

Answered
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Q2 Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister promised a Government of professionalism and integrity, but the questioner criticizes the Secretary of State's actions as not matching that promise.

Question

The first act of the Prime Minister was to promise a Government of professionalism and integrity, yet here we have a Secretary of State who uses her position to accuse a British scientist of being a terrorist sympathiser. She goes on to use public money to settle her libel case and then she tries to cover up just how much taxpayers' money she has wasted. Are those the actions of someone with integrity and professionalism—yes or no?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

As the Minister responsible for UK Research and Innovation, I was alerted to a tweet by officials in my Department, which stated, “This is disturbing” and to the comment: “Suella Braverman urges police to crack down on Hamas support in UK”, with no further context or wording. That was posted by a representative of an equality, diversity and inclusion board that sits under UKRI. At the time, like many others, I was indeed concerned and used the forum that the person used to alert UKRI to my concerns. This was highlighted using that medium, but on receipt of the letter, UKRI itself said that it was deeply concerned and launched an investigation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked if these actions were consistent with integrity, but the answer focused on explaining the context and process without directly addressing the integrity aspect.

How: Explained Context, Described Process

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Q3 Vicky Ford Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Culture, Media & Sport Children & Families
Context

The questioner is concerned about the dangers to children posed by reducing the minimum age for WhatsApp usage to 13.

Question

WhatsApp can be very handy, but it can also be very dangerous. Its end-to-end encryption means that even the most vile illegal content, such as child sexual abuse, cannot be policed or prevented. Given the obvious dangers to children, does the Secretary of State agree that it is woefully irresponsible of Meta to reduce the age for using WhatsApp to 13?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We are pro-innovation, but also pro-privacy. However, it is clearly not right for anyone to be exposed on any service to harms such as sexual abuse, extortion or grooming. Platforms must have robust processes in place to safeguard children, in line with the Online Safety Act 2023. Responsible encryption has an important role to play in protecting privacy, but it should not compromise safety, and Ofcom will take robust action when that is compromised.

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Q4 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Science & Technology
Context

The Secretary of State previously stated there had been no surveillance of academics in a specific case, but the questioner asks about the basis for her decision to write to the UKRI chief executive.

Question

At the Lords Science and Technology Committee, the Secretary of State said there had been no surveillance of academics in that case. What was the evidence, then, on which she based her decision to write to the UKRI chief executive?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

I have answered that multiple times. An official alerted me to those concerns. I then saw the tweet myself and asked the Department for further advice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific evidence, but the answer focused on explaining what prompted her actions without providing concrete evidence.

How: Explained Prompt

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Q5 Philip Hollobone Con
Science & Technology
Context

The Kettering-based company In2tec is the only company in the world that can manufacture and completely recycle circuit board technology, offering huge potential.

Question

The Kettering-based company In2tec is the only company in the world that can manufacture and completely recycle circuit board technology. The potential for it and for the UK is huge. Will the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation be kind enough please to visit In2tec in Kettering to see this groundbreaking innovation for himself?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

In2tec is indeed a great example of innovation in sustainable electronics. I am pleased that it has benefited from £250,000 in UK support. It would be my pleasure to visit my hon. Friend's constituency in Kettering, and I believe we have a date soon.

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Q6 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Northern Ireland Energy Business & Trade
Context

Following the confidence and supply agreement with the previous Government, Northern Ireland should have virtually 100% access to fibre broadband.

Question

Following the confidence and supply agreement with the previous Government, Northern Ireland should have virtually 100% access to fibre broadband, which is a first in any of these islands. Does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland and other regions in the UK should take full advantage of that broadband access to maximise employment opportunities across these islands?

Answer from Julia Lopez

Absolutely. The hon. Gentleman is right about the importance of gigabit broadband to the economy. I am very glad to say that 95% of Northern Ireland has that access—the highest percentage in the country. That is a tribute to the work done between central Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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Q7 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The questioner is concerned that people living in rural areas should not be second-class citizens when it comes to mobile phone coverage.

Question

Why should people living in rural areas be second-class citizens when it comes to mobile phone coverage?

Answer from Julia Lopez

We agree; that is why we have the shared rural network programme, which is dealing with a lot of those notspot problems.

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Q8 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
Education Women & Equalities
Context

The questioner notes that black students studying STEM subjects are leaving education in great numbers and asks what is being done to help their progression.

Question

Black students studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects are leaving education in great numbers. What is the Minister doing to identify the challenges and help the progression of black students in STEM subjects?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Government are absolutely committed to expanding STEM opportunities. A key way of doing that is building mathematical capabilities and helping girls and minorities to stick with maths, which is why the Prime Minister has announced our ambition to see all young people receive maths education until they are 18.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific challenges for black students in STEM subjects, but the answer focused on a broader commitment without addressing the particular issues faced by black students.

How: Broadened Scope

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Q9 Nigel Mills Con
NHS Science & Technology
Context

High incidence of respiratory diseases reported in Amber Valley. The need for targeted research funding to address local health issues.

Question

There is a high incidence of respiratory disease in Amber Valley. What more can the Government do to increase investment in research on respiratory conditions in the areas that need that research most?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Medical Research Council is benefiting from the highest ever level of research spending, but I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to talk about what more we can do in this important area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments on increasing investment and targeted research for respiratory diseases were not provided.

How: Would Be Happy To Meet

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