Written questions by Baldwin.

With reference to the fourth iteration of the Post Office's Banking Framework, published on 30 April 2025, what steps his Department is taking to expand access through post offices to (a) cash and (b) banking services.

The Government welcomes Banking Framework 4, which provides both personal and business customers with certainty about access to services provided through the post office network to the end of the decade, including vital in-person cash and banking services. As well as improving cash services for the people and businesses that need it most, Banking Framework 4 will also provide a better commercial offer for postmasters over the next five years.

With reference to the About Us page for the Office for Investment on gov.uk, updated on 8 November 2024, when he plans to set out further details on the expanded Office for Investment; and when that expanded office will be operational.

The Office for Investment (OfI) has remained operational throughout this period, continuing to lead efforts to secure high-value investment into the UK — such as through its role in landing the major investment partnership worth £24 billion between The Crown Estate and Lendlease and the multibillion-pound investment by Universal in a new theme park and resort in Bedford. The expanded OfI will be operational by the end of May. The Department remains committed to continuously improving its approach to attracting and delivering transformational investment that supports UK growth and innovation.

How many applications were received by UK Export Finance in each month of the last five years; and what the value of those applications was.

It is not possible to provide the information requested other than at disproportionate cost.Applications are made to UK Export Finance (UKEF) through a variety of channels, including through banks and other financial institutions, and through its network of local Export Finance Managers who are valuable contacts for exporters and businesses with export potential.Further information about the support that UKEF provides can be found in the Annual Reports and Accounts for each year, which can be found online at: UK Export Finance annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK.Full details of the businesses supported by UKEF are available online at: UK Export Finance: business supported - GOV.UK.

What progress he has made on payments through compensation schemes for postmasters impacted by failures in the Horizon system.

The Government continues to make significant progress in delivering redress to affected postmasters. From July 2024 to 30 April 2025, more than 4,000 victims have received compensation for the first time. An additional £728 million has been paid in redress during this same time period. This means that the total amount of redress paid to victims has increased by more than four times with £964 million having now been paid to over 6,800 claimants across all schemes.We however recognise there is a lot more still to do, and we remain committed to improving the pace at which full and fair redress is paid to the victims of the Horizon scandal.

What discussions he has had with manufacturers on the potential impact of US tariffs on (a) finished and (b) semi-finished aluminium derivative products.

The Department for Business and Trade is working closely with the UK’s steel and aluminium industries to anticipate and assess the potential impacts of the US tariffs on UK exports, and we continue to engage closely with affected industries.We have committed up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the steel sector and recently welcomed the Trade Remedies Authority’s (TRA) urgent review of the Steel Safeguard. We are also discussing what interventions might be similarly required to protect the Aluminium sector from any harmful effects of trade deflection UK-US trade teams will continue to have constructive discussions to agree a UK-US economic prosperity deal in the coming weeks and beyond.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on (a) finished and (b) semi-finished (i) steel and (ii) aluminium derivative products on manufacturing jobs.

The Department for Business and Trade is working closely with the UK’s steel and aluminium industries to anticipate and assess the potential impacts of the US tariffs on UK exports, and we continue to engage closely with affected industries.We have committed up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the steel sector and recently welcomed the Trade Remedies Authority’s (TRA) urgent review of the Steel Safeguard. We are also discussing what interventions might be similarly required to protect the Aluminium sector from any harmful effects of trade deflection UK-US trade teams will continue to have constructive discussions to agree a UK-US economic prosperity deal in the coming weeks and beyond.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US steel tariffs on (a) finished and (b) semi-finished steel derivative products.

The Department for Business and Trade is working closely with the UK’s steel and aluminium industries to anticipate and assess the potential impacts of the US tariffs on UK exports, and we continue to engage closely with affected industries.We have committed up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the steel sector and recently welcomed the Trade Remedies Authority’s (TRA) urgent review of the Steel Safeguard. We are also discussing what interventions might be similarly required to protect the Aluminium sector from any harmful effects of trade deflection UK-US trade teams will continue to have constructive discussions to agree a UK-US economic prosperity deal in the coming weeks and beyond.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on reducing VAT on US firms exporting to the UK.

DBT Secretary of State and officials continue to hold regular and productive conversations with the Trump administration to press the case for UK business interests. We’re prioritising engagement with the US to stand up for our national interests.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of US aluminium tariffs on (a) finished and (b) semi-finished aluminium derivative products.

The Department for Business and Trade is working closely with the UK’s steel and aluminium industries to anticipate and assess the potential impacts of the US tariffs on UK exports, and we continue to engage closely with affected industries.We have committed up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the steel sector and recently welcomed the Trade Remedies Authority’s (TRA) urgent review of the Steel Safeguard. We are also discussing what interventions might be similarly required to protect the Aluminium sector from any harmful effects of trade deflection UK-US trade teams will continue to have constructive discussions to agree a UK-US economic prosperity deal in the coming weeks and beyond.

What information his Department holds on the number and proportion of (a) hairdressing and (b) beauty businesses that are considering closing in the next 12 months.

There are no official statistics on the number of hair and beauty businesses that are considering closing down in the next 12 months. We regularly engage with the sector and review industry surveys to understand sector confidence.The Government are protecting the smallest businesses by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning that 865,000 employers will pay no National Insurance Contributions at all. We are also creating a fairer business rates system and to support hair and beauty businesses through this transition, we are extending business rates relief for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sectors for one year at 40% up to a cash cap of £110,000.

Whether his Department has included diversity quotas as selection criteria for contracts awarded since 5 July 2024.

The Department has not have included diversity quotas as selection criteria for contracts awarded since 5 July 2024.

How many staff in his Department were working in the goods and tariffs team in February 2025.

The Department for Business and Trade operates a flexible resourcing model to maximise efficiency across goods and tariffs policy between the Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations (TPIN) Group and the Economic Security and Trade Relations (ESTR) Group. In July 2024 the combined headcount across the two groups was 1, 191 and in January 2025 it was 1, 305.The department is unable to provide an accurate headcount figure for February 2025 until that month’s payroll run is completed, therefore January’s end month figures have been provided.

How many staff in his Department were working in the goods and tariffs team in July 2024.

The Department for Business and Trade operates a flexible resourcing model to maximise efficiency across goods and tariffs policy between the Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations (TPIN) Group and the Economic Security and Trade Relations (ESTR) Group. In July 2024 the combined headcount across the two groups was 1, 191 and in January 2025 it was 1, 305.The department is unable to provide an accurate headcount figure for February 2025 until that month’s payroll run is completed, therefore January’s end month figures have been provided.

How many staff in his Department were working on new free trade agreements in February 2025.

DBT’s Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations (TPIN) Group operates a flexible resourcing model to maximise efficiency across priorities. DBT has committed to delivering six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations alongside leading work on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, work on the U.S., the reset of the UK-EU relationship as well as multilateral, implementation and market access work. FTA staff numbers vary depending on the stage and scale of the deal. However, in July 2024, DBT had 640 staff working in TPIN and in January 2025 this number is 675.

How many staff in his Department were working on new free trade agreements in July 2024.

DBT’s Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations (TPIN) Group operates a flexible resourcing model to maximise efficiency across priorities. DBT has committed to delivering six Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations alongside leading work on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, work on the U.S., the reset of the UK-EU relationship as well as multilateral, implementation and market access work. FTA staff numbers vary depending on the stage and scale of the deal. However, in July 2024, DBT had 640 staff working in TPIN and in January 2025 this number is 675.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of additional trade barriers between the United States and Canada on the UK economy.

On 4 February, President Trump agreed to hold off imposing all tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, following calls with Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum. We will continue to monitor any further developments, including through discussions with counterparts, and we will always do what is in the national interest for our economy, businesses and the British people.

What recent discussions (a) he, (b) Ministers and (c) officials in his Department have had with the Canadian Government on a potential UK-Canada trade deal.

The Secretary of State met with his Canadian counterpart Trade Minister Mary Ng at the G7 in July last year; they discussed the paused bilateral FTA and agreed that senior officials should begin discussions to see what it might take to resume negotiations.I have met with Minister Ng twice since then, including in Vancouver last November where we agreed that senior officials should continue these discussions, which are ongoing. Meanwhile, the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement remains in force, underpinning approximately £27 billion in bilateral trade.

If he has made an assessment of the potential impact of additional trade barriers between the United States of America and Mexico on the UK economy.

On 4 February, President Trump agreed to hold off imposing all tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, following calls with Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum. We will continue to monitor any further developments, including through discussions with counterparts, and we will always do what is in the national interest for our economy, businesses and the British people.

What discussions (a) he, (b) ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had with counterparts in Mexico regarding on the potential impact of additional US-Mexico trade barriers on UK trade.

On 4 February, President Trump agreed to hold off imposing all tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, following calls with Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum. We will continue to monitor any further developments, including through discussions with counterparts, and we will always do what is in the national interest for our economy, businesses and the British people.

What discussions (a) he, (b) ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had with counterparts in Canada on the impact of additional US-Canada trade barriers on UK trade.

On 4 February, President Trump agreed to hold off imposing all tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, following calls with Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sheinbaum. We will continue to monitor any further developments, including through discussions with counterparts, and we will always do what is in the national interest for our economy, businesses and the British people.