Written questions by Snowden.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to (a) restrict and (b) regulate unsolicited doorstep cold calling in residential areas.

Conducted properly, trading from door to door or conducting business in a consumer’s home can be a legitimate form of business, provided traders observe the legislation regulating the practice. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 updates existing protections that prohibit traders from engaging in aggressive or misleading commercial practices, including harassment, high pressure-selling techniques, coercion or undue influence against consumers. Traders are banned from ignoring a request from a consumer to leave or not return to the consumer’s home. Residents can collectively ask their local Trading Standards services to set up ‘No cold calling zones’, which are designed to prohibit uninvited callers.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of regulations governing online platforms used by the gig economy..

Businesses operating in the UK, including online platforms in the gig economy, must comply with UK laws and regulations on employment, data protection, taxation, business regulation and right to work. Responsibility for overseeing these regulations spans multiple departments and regulators, depending on the issue.The Department for Business and Trade is responsible for employment rights legislation, where the Government has committed to moving towards a simpler framework for employment status. Our priority is ensuring those workers who are most vulnerable know their rights and have the benefit of protection at work.

What steps he is taking to support access to postal services for small businesses in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

The government recognises that small businesses are critical to our communities and essential to our economic success. We are committed to hardwiring the voice of small business into everything we do and collaborating with businesses and workers to kickstart and rebuild our economy. The universal postal service ensures that SMEs across the UK have access to an affordable service. Ofcom independently regulates the universal postal service. In its 2023-24 Post Monitoring Report, Ofcom found that three-quarters (74%) of SMEs were satisfied with the quality of service they receive from Royal Mail, while overall satisfaction with other providers stood at 81%.

What steps he is taking to improve access to finance for start-up businesses in Fylde.

We will publish our Small Business Strategy later this year with a clear ambition to promote start-ups and encourage entrepreneurship, built around the new Business Growth Service.Start Up Loans are available across the UK, helping new and early-stage businesses access affordable finance. 209 such loans have been issued to Fylde businesses, worth an aggregate of over £2.1 million.[1]Existing support offers include Help to Grow: Management - UK, providing practical ways to enhance small business productivity and growth, and the British Business Bank’s Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II provides debt and equity finance for businesses across the North. [1] Start Up Loans Scheme – lending 2012 to 31/01/2025 | Start Up Loans (to 31 January 2025)

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 58327 on Beer: Sales, whether his Department has received representations from (a) brewers and (b) pub companies on the potential merits of extending the Guest Beer Agreement scheme to (i) England and (ii) Wales.

The government notes the Scottish Pubs Code and the ‘guest beer agreement’ requirement, contained within it.The England and Wales Pubs Code, which applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covers around 8,000 pubs. The government is currently undertaking the third statutory review of the Pubs Code and the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Stakeholders including brewers and pub companies are encouraged to contribute to the review’s call for inputs which is open until 14 August.Additionally, the government is completing an exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. This exercise covers all pub models. Interested parties can contact beermarketreview@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 58327 on Beer: Sales, whether he has consulted (a) small brewers and (b) independent pub landlords as part of his assessment of the beer market.

As part of its assessment of the beer market, the Department has engaged with a range of stakeholders, including small brewers and independent pub landlords.The government is separately conducting a statutory review into the operation of the Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025. The Pubs Code applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 58327 on Beer: Sales, whether his assessment of the beer market will include consideration of (a) tied house arrangements and (b) their impact on market access for guest beers.

The beer market review, with specific reference to market access for small brewers, will cover all subcategories of the pub sector, including leased and tenanted pubs. It will not however consider the merits of different pub models.The government is separately conducting a statutory review into the operation of Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025. The Pubs Code applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 58327 on Beer: Sales, when he expects the assessment of the beer market to be completed; and whether the findings will be published.

The intention is to complete the review this summer. Ministers will then consider the report’s findings and, following discussions with those parties that have contributed to the review, whether any further steps should be taken.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of allowing tenanted pubs in England and Wales to purchase beer directly from small producers.

The government is currently completing an exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. This exercise covers all pub models. Interested parties can contact beermarketreview@businessandtrade.gov.uk.The government is separately conducting a statutory review into the operation of Pubs Code and the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator. Interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025. The Pubs Code applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of adopting the Guest Beer Agreement scheme introduced in Scotland.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and independent breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.The government wishes to see small brewers retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and supporting local economies. The Government is currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers' from accessing pubs.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55229 on Electric Bicycles: Sales, whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of enforcement action taken by Local Authority Trading Standards against the sale of illegally modified electric bikes in the last 12 months.

Under product safety regulations, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Local Authority Trading Standards (LATS) have powers to remove unsafe products or prevent them entering the UK. In 2023-2024, 2.4m goods, including e-bikes, were denied entry. LATS report serious risk products to OPSS, which has published 22 recalls and 29 other safety alerts on unsafe e-bikes and associated products since 2022. Last year OPSS led a LATS programme to inspect businesses that repair, maintain or modify e-bikes and raise awareness of legal responsibilities for safety.Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes on public roads is a police matter.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55229 on Electric Bicycles: Sales, what plans his Department has to improve consumer awareness of the legal requirements for electric bikes and the risks of using illegally modified versions.

As part of DBT's programme of activity tackling unsafe e-bikes and associated products, last October I launched a consumer awareness campaign Buy Safe, Be Safe to encourage consumers to buy safe e-bikes from reputable sellers; to only use manufacturer recommended replacements; and to only engage professionals if modifying products. DBT partners with fire services, consumer bodies and relevant businesses to ensure these messages reach gig economy workers and those most likely to use e-bikes. DBT also collaborates with other departments, including MHCLG on fire safety, and DfT on safe road use, to raise public awareness on using e-bikes safely.

Pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55229 on Electric Bicycles: Sales, what estimate he has made of the number of illegally modified electric bikes removed from sale by (a) Trading Standards and (b) the Office for Product Safety and Standards in the last year.

Under UK product safety regulations, businesses are responsible for ensuring the products they supply comply with all relevant legal requirements. The Office for Product Safety and Standards published a regulatory activity update for e-bikes in January which summarises its actions in this area. It does not routinely collect estimates of numbers of products removed from sale. Individual Trading Standards departments prioritise action against non-compliant consumer products based on the trading patterns and safety issues specific to their locality, which differ between regions.Enforcement of illegally modified electric bikes used on public roads is a matter for the police.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 55194 on Import Duties: USA, if he will set out the level of tariff reductions for UK SMEs under the economic deal concluded with the United States of America on 8 May 2025; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of those reductions on SMEs reliant on international supply chains.

We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs. The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April. We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 55194 on Import Duties: USA, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce (a) regulatory compliance, (b) customs procedures and (c) other non-tariff barriers for UK SMEs accessing the United States market.

We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs. The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April. We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.

If her Department will make an assessment of the potential impact of pubs on (a) social cohesion and (b) economic activities.

We recognise the vital role pubs play in driving economic growth and strengthening community cohesion across the UK, I co-chair the Hospitality Sector Council to discuss matters affecting the sector and to recognise their contribution to the economy, which was around £50bn GVA in 2024, representing 2% total UK output. We've recently launched Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), which fast-track individuals into hospitality vacancies by providing flexible training and support for job seekers.Additionally, we've launched a new £1.5 million Hospitality Fund to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs. We're working with the Licensing Taskforce to reduce burdens and encourage growth.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of support available to help small businesses reduce the impact of US tariffs in Fylde.

We will continue our work with businesses in the North-West and across the country to understand their assessment of the impact of US tariffs on their operations. The Government has announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures.We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find further guidance and support on great.gov.uk.

Whether he has considered negotiating a tariff-free or lower-tariff trade corridor with the US for UK SMEs that rely on international supply chains.

On 8 May, we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses. What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership between the US and the UK, protecting businesses and jobs across the country. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains. We will continue our engagement with businesses from across the UK throughout these remaining negotiations.

What guidance he provides to SMEs that face disruption as a result of changing tariff regimes.

The Government is conscious that this is an anxious time for all businesses, not just those trading with the USA. We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs dealing with cashflow difficulties linked to recent changes in global tariff rates, including an additional £500 million in lending capacity under the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS), delivered by the British Business Bank. We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, £10 billion of which will be used specifically for businesses impacted in the short term by the current US tariffs.

What steps he is taking to provide support to business to reassess their supply chain strategies following the introduction of new tariffs to existing supply chains in Fylde constituency.

We will continue our work with businesses in the North-West and across the country to understand their assessment of the impact of US tariffs on their operations. On 8 May we concluded a landmark economic deal with the US, which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.What we have agreed will provide the foundation for a new reciprocal trading partnership between the US and the UK, protecting businesses and jobs across the country. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.The Government has announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures.We are also expanding UKEF’s business support package by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs.Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on great.gov.uk.