Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Public Sector Productivity: Technology

Wednesday 14 May 2025 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Murphy thanked the Secretary of State for highlighting the work in Basingstoke, which contributes to public sector productivity and economic benefits.
  • Tim Farron raised concerns about the Government's decision to stop funding for AI contouring in radiotherapy planning, citing potential negative impacts on NHS waiting lists.
  • Dr Ben Spencer questioned how the Secretary of State would measure productivity improvements and define success in the public sector's technology initiatives.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Murphy Lab Basingstoke
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The MP highlights local firms in Basingstoke that have successfully used AI and other technologies to increase efficiency and reduce costs, including ICS.AI helping Derby city council save millions of pounds.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. The Government are rightly focused on driving public sector reforms through the smarter use of technology, and in Basingstoke we have seen what is possible. Will the Secretary of State join me in Basingstoke to meet those firms and others to discuss how his Department can work with them to help achieve our mission of building a more efficient, secure and modern public sector?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

My hon. Friend is highlighting the great work coming out of Basingstoke, which will not just contribute to the productivity of local authorities around the country but benefit our entire economy. I can assure him that this Government are committed to harnessing the power of British technology, putting it to use for citizens across our country and for productivity in Government, and I look forward to engaging more with the companies he has mentioned.

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Q2 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
NHS Science & Technology
Context

The MP raises concerns about the Government's decision to stop funding for AI contouring in radiotherapy planning, which is estimated to cost waiting lists half a million extra days.

Question

The use of AI in radiotherapy planning increases productivity twentyfold, yet the Government’s decision to stop funding for AI contouring is estimated to cost waiting lists half a million extra days. Will the Secretary of State intervene and talk to his friends in the Department of Health and Social Care to make sure that they restore that funding and save lives?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are investing heavily in AI technology across the NHS for the benefit of patients. I have visited Huddersfield hospital, where AI has been fully integrated into the radiography department. I will look into the specific issue that the hon. Gentleman has raised, and if there are any conversations to be had, I can assure him that we are on the side of patients and of harnessing technology for the good of patients.

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Q3 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Taxation Science & Technology Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP asks about how to measure productivity gains from technology deployments, including data accuracy requirements for accurate measurement.

Question

Accurate data is important, particularly in the public sector—we will be voting on this later today. How will the Secretary of State measure his planned productivity improvements? How will he define success, and over what time period?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are deploying technology to deliver productivity gains across Whitehall, which are starting now. We are investing heavily through the digital centre that we created in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and working intensively with Departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. We have already identified billions of pounds-worth of savings, which will be put to use within Government without delay for the benefit of citizens.

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