Written questions by Griffiths.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the (a) materials and (b) critical minerals sector.

I can confirm that the Budget will support growth for our critical minerals industry. Already, following decisions made at the Autumn Budget, the National Wealth Fund has confirmed it can co-invest in domestic critical mineral projects to support our clean energy transition. Furthermore, the Chancellor has expanded UK Export Finance’s mandate to enable it to finance overseas critical minerals projects that secure supply for the UK’s high-growth export industries. I will continue to engage with industry to develop a new, targeted Critical Minerals Strategy, matched to UK strengths, set for publication next year.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the steel sector.

The Budget has made a positive impact on the steel sector by confirming the funding required for work to begin on the new Electric Arc Furnace at Port Talbot. This £500 million grant not only secures the future of steelmaking in south Wales and up to 5,000 jobs but also ensures workers have enhanced support during the transition period. More widely, after the budget, the National Wealth Fund is now in a position to consider funding propositions for investments in steel.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on the public bodies for which his Department is responsible.

At Autumn Budget 2024 HM Treasury announced the funding settlement agreed for my department for 2024-25 and 2025-26. By working with HM Treasury we have ensured that the settlement provides the funding required for the public bodies, for which my department is responsible, to successfully deliver against their objectives and priorities.

What assessment he has made of Autumn Budget 2024 on the construction sector.

The Government is committed to supporting growth and investment in the construction sector. At the Budget, plans were announced to boost capital investment by over £100 billion over the next five years, including in transport and housing, to help unlock long-term growth. We are providing over £5 billion of investment in housing next year, increasing the affordable homes programme to £3.1 billion and providing £3 billion of guarantees to boost the supply of homes and support small house builders. Alongside our planning reforms and our new Industrial Strategy, we are providing the stability needed to enable a thriving construction sector.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Autumn Budget 2024 on the (a) maritime and (b) shipbuilding sectors.

This Budget is focused on delivery of the government’s Growth Mission and the development and delivery of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. The creation of the National Wealth Fund, catalysing over £70bn of private investment, will potentially benefit the maritime sector, where at least £5.8bn of NWF’s capital will focus on the five sectors announced in the manifesto, including ports. Shipbuilding supports 42,600 jobs nationwide and adds £2.4 billion to the economy every year and Government is committed to supporting vibrant and successful enterprises, and the skilled workforce who deliver them, in all parts of the UK.

How many employees in his Department are paid the National Minimum Wage.

There are currently no employees in DBT who are paid at the level of the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage.

How many employees in his Department are paid the National Living Wage.

There are currently no employees in DBT who are paid at the level of the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage.