Written questions by Roome.

What consultation he has held with manufacturers on proposed changes to steel quotas and tariffs from 1 July 2026.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the level of availability of specialist steel grades that are cannot be produced domestically following proposed changes in the rate for non-tariff-rate quota imported steel from 1 July 2026 on the level of risk to supply chains.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential economic impact of the proposed change in imported steel tariffs above quota limits from 1 July 2026 on manufacturing businesses.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes in level of tariff-free steel import quotas from 1 July 2026 on trends in the level of costs to British manufacturing businesses.

Awaiting answer.

How many responses were received to the consultation on trade union right of access; and whether he plans to publish analysis of those responses.

The Consultation on trade union right of access received a total of 1612 responses. Policy officials are in the process of reviewing the responses to the consultation, and the government will publish a formal response in due course detailing our analysis.

What steps he is taking to improve the (a) employment rights and (b) income security of self-employed workers in the healthcare sector.

The Government is committed to strengthening protections for the self-employed, benefitting those in healthcare, including a new right to a written contract, and extension of health and safety and blacklisting protections. The parental leave and pay review will consider whether support meets the needs of self-employed parents. The Non-Disclosure Agreements measure in the Employment Rights Bill includes a power to apply the measure beyond the standard definitions of employee and worker. We will also take forward the most significant legislative reforms to tackle late payments in over 25 years, helping ensure that the self-employed are paid on time.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that postal workers and trade unions are consulted on reforms to the Universal Service Obligation.

On 10 July this year, Ofcom announced its decision on its review of the universal service obligation. This involved a consultation to which the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) and Unite CMA responded.The government is aware that Royal Mail's management and the new owners are in discussion with the CWU and encourages both parties to continue their constructive engagement to agree the best approach to reform that supports workers, and delivers for customers and secures the long-term financial sustainability of the universal postal service.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on small and medium sized businesses of the suspension of the $800 minimum threshold for imports into the United States which is due to come into force on 29 August 2025; and what steps his Department is taking to support (i) sole traders and (ii) other businesses.

My department is engaging with industry to monitor impacts on small and medium-sized Businesses (SMEs).We have published information to inform UK businesses and remain in close contact with our US counterparts to seek further clarity as needed. We remain fully committed to empowering SMEs to thrive in international markets through our wide-ranging export support – brought together through the Business Growth Service. Royal Mail’s new service allows SMEs to continue trading with the US, whilst most counterparts have suspended services.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the uptake of statutory paternity leave.

The Government is committed to making life better for families. Through the Employment Rights Bill we are making Paternity Leave a ‘day one’ right, which will bring an extra 32,000 fathers and partners into scope of the entitlement. On the first of July we launched the Parental Leave Review, which presents a much-needed opportunity to consider our approach to the system of parental leave and pay. All current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements, including Paternity Leave and Pay, will be in scope.

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the uptake of Shared Parental Leave.

The Government know that the arrival of a child, whether through birth or adoption, is a transformative time in a family’s life. On the first of July, we launched the Parental Leave Review, which presents a much-needed opportunity to consider our approach to the system of parental leave and pay. All current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements, including Shared Parental Leave and Pay, will be in scope.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of trends in the level of market competition in the consumer credit rating sector.

The government recognises the significant role of healthy competition in markets in giving consumers access to services and products of high quality, supporting business growth and the wider economy. Responsibility for investigating individual and market-wide competition concerns falls to the Competition Markets Authority (“CMA”), the UK’s independent competition authority. The government has ensured that the CMA has significant powers to investigate and act to ensure markets remain competitive, and consumers are protected from unfair or exploitative market practices.

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of corporate insolvencies.

The Government aims to boost all businesses, across key policy areas to build business capabilities, and a strong business environment. The Government works closely with the British Business Bank to enhance small business's access to finance through targeted interventions. Under the umbrella of the Export Academy, UK Export Finance and the newly announced Business Growth Service, businesses can access support, information, training, events, and expert support from business and International Trade advisors to overcome trading and export barriers.