Written questions by Ramsay.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she had with companies involved in activities authorised by a licence under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in 2025.

The Department does not hold records on whether companies it engages with are authorised under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Minister Vallance has held meetings with Contract Research Organisations (CROs) on 18 July 2025, 17 September 2025 and also on 2 October 2025 and has had numerous meetings with academic institutions and life sciences companies that may hold a licence

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network and the transition to VoIP landline services, particularly during power outages on public safety in rural areas with (a) limited and (b) no mobile phone coverage.

The number of major incidents on the PSTN (affecting 500 or more customers) has been increasing. In 2024, there was a 45% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024/25 there were over 2,600 major incidents on the PSTN. VoIP landline services are more resistant to severe weather as the cables used are waterproof, and less prone to damage during a storm or other severe weather events. Over two thirds of landlines have already been migrated to VoIP.The Government is committed to ensuring that any risks arising from the industry-led migration from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated, including for rural residents who are landline-dependent.In November 2024, the Government secured additional safeguards from communication providers. These include providing free battery back-up units for landline-dependent customers to ensure emergency access for at least one hour during power outages. Many communication providers offer battery back-up unit lasting 4-7 hours. This will enable people without mobile coverage to continue to access emergency services using their landline during a power cut.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7064 on Digital Technology: Disadvantaged, whether he plans to update the digital inclusion strategy.

Yes, because digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and we have already set up the Digital Inclusion and Skills Unit (DISU) to address it.

Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has issued guidance to local authorities on providing offline options for people to access public services.

We have not done so as yet, but digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and we understand that some people will remain offline by choice, so alternative, accessible pathways need to be readily available and advertised. We are developing our approach on digital inclusion and will be working closely with the third sector, industry and local authorities.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on ensuring that people who (a) cannot and (b) choose not to be online are not excluded by the NHS’s planned transition from analogue to digital.

Digital inclusion is a priority for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. We understand, however, that some people will remain offline by choice, and that alternative, accessible pathways to access public services need to be readily available and advertised. We are working across government departments to develop our approach on tackling digital exclusion, including colleagues at DHSC and NHS England.