Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 20 November 2024 · 7 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

  • Beccy Cooper inquired about improving data sharing across NHS hospital trusts, to which the response mentioned the upcoming Data (Use and Access) Bill requiring NHS IT providers to meet information standards.
  • Alan Mak expressed concern over Labour's proposed tax increases affecting tech businesses, prompting a response highlighting the Budget's pay rise for workers and economic stability.
  • James Asser questioned the Secretary of State about phasing out animal testing, to which the response noted Labour's long-term commitment to phasing out animal testing and adopting alternative methods.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
NHS Standards & Ethics
Context

The question is prompted by the Minister's recent actions on online safety.

Question

I am concerned about protecting people online. The Minister has taken steps to exercise powers for online safety, but what more can be done with Cabinet colleagues and available technology to improve data sharing across NHS hospital trusts?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The issue of data sharing across NHS hospital trusts falls under the Department of Health and Social Care's responsibility. The Data (Use and Access) Bill will include a requirement that IT providers in the NHS must meet information standards, ensuring interoperability for data sharing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues or technology details beyond mentioning the upcoming bill.

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Q2 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
Taxation Science & Technology
Context

The Conservative Government created the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and promoted Britain as a hub for billion dollar tech start-ups. However, concerns have risen over potential tax rises impacting tech businesses.

Question

I am proud of the previous Government's creation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and their success in attracting tech start-ups. But recent Labour policies suggest a damaging impact on tech businesses with proposed tax increases. Will the Secretary of State commit to reversing these policies?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The Government has delivered regulatory reform, a stable financial settlement with the Budget, and planning system reforms. The focus is on providing a smooth regulatory process for businesses.

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to reversing any specific tax policies and instead focused on regulatory reform.

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Q3 Alan Mak Con Havant
Economy Taxation
Context

Labour's Budget is expected to impact workers' earnings by nearly £800 per year, according to figures from the Department.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for his kind words but am concerned about how Labour's Budget will affect tech businesses and workers. Figures show that workers will be losing out due to proposed tax rises. Will he stand up to the Chancellor and oppose further tax rises on Britain's hard-working tech sector?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The Budget gave a pay rise to working people in this country and set the conditions for a stable economy, fixing the black hole left by the previous Government.

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to opposing further tax rises and instead highlighted the benefits of the current government's economic policies.

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Q4 Alan Mak Con Havant
Science & Technology
Context

The Labour MP attended London City airport's STEM event with over 500 students from secondary schools across east London.

Question

Last week, I participated in a STEM event at London City Airport that brought together 500 students. Does the Secretary of State agree we need more such events to foster thriving STEM industries?

Answer from Peter Kyle

Outside the classroom, the CyberFirst programme has engaged 250,000 young people across the UK. This Government will be going further in supporting such initiatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not directly agree or disagree but mentioned an existing program and commitment to go further without specifying how.

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Q5 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

A briefing event for PETA highlighted evidence suggesting that nearly all drug and product research could be done without animal testing.

Question

Recently, I hosted a briefing with PETA discussing the use of animals in drug and other product research. They presented strong evidence that such practices are unnecessary. Will the Secretary of State ensure we no longer experiment on animals and adopt alternative methods for product development?

Answer from Peter Kyle

Labour made a manifesto commitment to phase out animal testing in the long term. This is something we are committed to and taking steps towards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to immediate action or specify alternative methods but mentioned a long-term commitment.

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Q6 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Democracy & Elections Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There is growing concern about fake news and disinformation on social media platforms fuelling extremism and impacting democratic processes.

Question

The spread of fake news and disinformation on social media fuels extremism and undermines democracy. What safeguards are the Government putting in place to combat this serious issue?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The Online Safety Act 2023 requires providers to consider how algorithms impact exposure to illegal content and harmful content for children. New measures have been introduced to ensure children's safety online.

Answered
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Q7 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Foreign Affairs Science & Technology
Context

Nearly 50 British universities were identified as having ties with high-risk Chinese institutions, raising concerns about infiltration by foreign agencies.

Question

Last year, nearly 50 British universities had research ties with very high-risk Chinese institutions. The intelligence services have warned of joint UK-China projects potentially used for military purposes. What is the Department doing to protect our research and security?

Answer from Peter Kyle

The Government are working closely with universities, the sector, and intelligence community to ensure that our research is world class, safe, and secure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specify any concrete measures but highlighted ongoing cooperation without detailing actions or policies.

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