Written questions by McAllister.

What steps he is taking to increase levels of trade with India.

I am delighted to say that we are deepening our trading relationship with India through the UK India Free Trade Agreement, which is estimated to boost UK GDP by £4.8bn, increase wages by £2.2bn, and grow bilateral trade by £25.5bn each year in the long run.Every region and nation in the UK will benefit from the agreement, including a £190m boost for Scotland supported by market access for whisky, advanced manufacturing and financial services access.We are now anticipating the deal entering into force in Spring, ahead of the planned schedule of Summer, provided final issues are resolved with India.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of requiring employers to show salaries on job adverts.

The government is committed to strengthening equal pay and ending pay discrimination.As part of the 2025 Equality law call for evidence, the Office for Equality and Opportunity sought information about best practices already used by some employers, research from academics and the experience of other countries when it comes to pay transparency measures. Responses to the call for evidence will help us to understand how increased pay transparency may impact women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and other groups in the workplace.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of the introduction of a salary history ban preventing employers from asking about previous salaries during recruitment processes.

The government is committed to strengthening equal pay and ending pay discrimination.As part of the 2025 Equality law call for evidence, the Office for Equality and Opportunity sought information about best practices already used by some employers, research from academics and the experience of other countries when it comes to pay transparency measures. Responses to the call for evidence will help us to understand how increased pay transparency may impact women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and other groups in the workplace.