Written questions by McMurdock.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the role of oil and gas in the production of essential goods such as a) pharmaceuticals, b) medical equipment and c) agricultural inputs in the UK.

The government recognises the importance of oil and gas for a wide range of industrial purposes. The government’s North Sea Future Plan sets out our plans for managing existing oil and gas fields for their lifespan while not issuing new licences to explore new fields.

What assessment he has made of electricity generation capacity in Scotland.

Information on electricity generation sites owned by Major Power Producers, including location, is published in table 5.11 of the Digest of UK Energy Statistics. Total renewable electricity generation capacity for Scotland is published in table 6.1 of UK Energy Trends. Capacity of Combined Heat & Power plants in Scotland is published in table 7.8 of the Digest of UK Energy Statistics.

What estimate he has made of the land area required to deploy sufficient battery storage to support a fully renewable electricity system.

DESNZ has not made a formal estimate on land requirements for batteries to support a fully renewable electricity system. There are more battery projects than are likely to need to be deployed to support a fully renewable electricity system. Government does not hold data on all their projected land use. The recently published Land Use Framework (LUF) incorporates projections for renewable energy infrastructure. Government is working with NESO to ensure LUF operates cohesively alongside the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP). SSEP will assess and identify optimal locations, quantities and types of generation and storage required to meet future energy demands.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of his renewable energy policies on non-electricity energy demand.

The Department has made a range of assessments of energy supply and demand under a range of scenarios. The published energy and emissions projections set out a view of electricity and non-electricity energy demand given firm and funded policy." Annex_E_primary_energy_demand_TWh.ods

What assessment he has made of the UK’s refinery capacity and whether they are sufficient to meet national demand.

The Department publishes data on refinery production (Table 3.12) and demand for petroleum products (Table 3.13) as part of Energy Trends: UK oil and oil products - GOV.UK. These data are updated monthly.

What assessment she has made of trends in online-enabled fraud, including investment fraud involving deepfake content, since 2020.

Fraud and cybercrime are deeply interconnected. The Office of National Statistics estimates that in year ending March 2024, nearly half of all frauds were online-enabled.The government’s Fraud Strategy (2026-2029) sets out the latest trends and evolving drivers of online fraud. Criminals routinely hijack online channels to socially engineer people into sending money directly, through fraudulent adverts or through convincing fraudulent emails and text messages. Criminals exploit data breaches, and use phishing techniques, to obtain personal information to takeover online accounts directly. We have also seen the growth of ‘fraud-as-a-service’ marketplaces, which lower the barrier to entry for new criminals.The government is aware that criminals have adopted generative AI as a tool to increase the scale and sophistication of attacks, as well to bypass company’s security procedures to impersonate customers for account takeovers. Measuring these types of attacks is a challenge as often victims will be unaware of whether AI has been used. While reports of AI enabled fraud are increasing, they still account for a fraction of all Report Fraud cases (0.2% in 2025); but it is almost certain that the true number of AI enabled frauds is much higher.We encourage anyone to report instances of online fraud to Report Fraud, the UK’s dedicated fraud reporting service, and visit the Stop! Think Fraud website for information on how they can stay safe from fraud.

What assessment he has made of the impact of restrictions on new North Sea drilling licences on a) domestic energy production and b) the level of reliance on imported oil and gas.

The government has thoroughly assessed the impacts of its policies in the North Sea, as set out in the government’s North Sea Future Plan. Oil and gas production is in natural decline, with a 75% reduction in production occurring between 1999 and 2024. Assessments show that new licences to explore and potentially drill for new oil and gas fields would only make a marginal difference to overall production. It would not change the UK’s status as a net importer of oil and gas.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that online platforms deploy available technologies to prevent fraud at scale.

AI has huge potential benefits, but can also bring new risks, including new opportunities for criminals. The OSA lists fraud as a priority offence and regulates AI-generated media in the same way as ‘real’ content, placing the same obligations on services to protect users. The Online Safety Act (OSA) lists certain fraud offences as ‘priority offences’, meaning regulated services must prevent users encountering fraudulent content, swiftly remove it if it appears, and mitigate and manage the risk of their services facilitating fraud. This would include, where appropriate, the use of emerging technologies to stifle criminal abuse of networks. To support compliance, Ofcom issues Codes of Practice advising services on how to be compliant with their regulatory obligations. We expect these Codes to evolve over time to include new technologies.

Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an estimate of the revenues generated by social media platforms from advertisements later identified as fraudulent.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology does not hold data relating to the number of fraudulent or scam adverts on social media or other regulated services.There are mechanisms in the Online Safety Act that allow Ofcom to collect information from categorised services on the incidence and dissemination of illegal content, which would include fraudulent advertising content. Ofcom is required under the Act to publish annual transparency reports.

Innovation and Technology, what information her Department holds on the number of fraudulent or scam adverts on social media websites targeted at UK consumers in each year since 2020.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology does not hold data relating to the number of fraudulent or scam adverts on social media or other regulated services.There are mechanisms in the Online Safety Act that allow Ofcom to collect information from categorised services on the incidence and dissemination of illegal content, which would include fraudulent advertising content. Ofcom is required under the Act to publish annual transparency reports.

Innovation and Technology, what enforcement action Ofcom has taken to date against platforms hosting scam advertisements.

The Online Safety Act (OSA) lists certain fraud offences as ‘priority offences’, meaning regulated services must prevent users encountering fraudulent content, swiftly remove it if it appears, and mitigate and manage the risk of their services facilitating fraud. Ofcom, the independent regulator, has robust powers to act where services are failing in these responsibilities. Measures under the OSA to specifically tackle fraudulent advertising are still being implemented. In the summer, Ofcom aim to publish a register of categorised services and to launch a consultation on additional duties for those designated as Category 1 or 2A to tackle paid-for fraudulent advertising.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Hundreds of new UK jobs as Nigerian companies confirm millions in investment, published on 17 March 2026, what estimate he has made of the net economic impact of the investments announced.

As an integral part of the UK's growth objective, the Government is making it simpler and easier for business to make long term investment into the UK, including Nigerian inward investment.DBT routinely publishes official statistics on foreign direct investment in the UK on the GOV.UK website, including the number of jobs involved.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Hundreds of new UK jobs as Nigerian companies confirm millions in investment, published on 17 March 2026, how many of the jobs associated with Nigerian investment mentioned in his press release he attributes specifically to the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

As an integral part of the UK's growth objective, the Government is making it simpler and easier for business to make long term investment into the UK, including Nigerian inward investment.DBT routinely publishes official statistics on foreign direct investment in the UK on the GOV.UK website, including the number of jobs involved.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Hundreds of new UK jobs as Nigerian companies confirm millions in investment, published on 17 March 2026, over what timeframe the jobs will be created.

As an integral part of the UK's growth objective, the Government is making it simpler and easier for business to make long term investment into the UK, including Nigerian inward investment.DBT routinely publishes official statistics on foreign direct investment in the UK on the GOV.UK website, including the number of jobs involved.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Hundreds of new UK jobs as Nigerian companies confirm millions in investment, published on 17 March 2026, what proportion of the jobs announced will be (a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) temporary roles.

As an integral part of the UK's growth objective, the Government is making it simpler and easier for business to make long term investment into the UK, including Nigerian inward investment.DBT routinely publishes official statistics on foreign direct investment in the UK on the GOV.UK website, including the number of jobs involved.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Hundreds of new UK jobs as Nigerian companies confirm millions in investment, published on 17 March 2026, how many jobs will be created in Essex as a result of that investment.

As an integral part of the UK's growth objective, the Government is making it simpler and easier for business to make long term investment into the UK, including Nigerian inward investment.DBT routinely publishes official statistics on foreign direct investment in the UK on the GOV.UK website, including the number of jobs involved.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Hundreds of new UK jobs as Nigerian companies confirm millions in investment, published on 17 March 2026, how many of the jobs announced have already been created.

As an integral part of the UK's growth objective, the Government is making it simpler and easier for business to make long term investment into the UK, including Nigerian inward investment.DBT routinely publishes official statistics on foreign direct investment in the UK on the GOV.UK website, including the number of jobs involved.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Children to get swifter justice as new family court approach expands nationally, published on 17 March 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Pathfinder model on the level of ability of parents to present evidence and challenge decisions in court.

Child Focused Courts introduce a streamlined, problem-solving approach in relevant private law proceedings that ensures early identification of needs and risks, enabling the court to make safe decisions without delay. Under the model, the proportion of children seen by social workers more than doubles and parents who are victims of domestic abuse are able to access additional support through Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). Communication with families can improve their understanding of, and engagement in, the court process and the Child Impact Report provides an opportunity for parents and parties to share their views on the recommendations made to the court.Key metrics from existing pilot areas show backlogs have reduced by more than fifty percent and cases are being resolved up to seven and a half months faster, thereby reducing delays and improving outcomes for children and families. Nationally, information on open caseload and average case duration is routinely published through Family Court Statistics and HMCTS management information. In addition, we have published additional management information demonstrating the effectiveness of the Child Focused Courts and have also published a process evaluation and a research report exploring the experience of children and families.Following the announcement of national rollout, a phased approach will see the model operating across the whole of England and Wales by 2029. Launch dates in court areas beyond those already announced will be agreed with operational partners in due course.The funding announced in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Statement of 17 March includes a permanent increase in social worker capacity for Cafcass and Cafcass Cymru, in recognition of the additional resources required to deliver the model, and for new domestic abuse specialists to work in the family courts.During the implementation period, we are providing funding for additional court staff to support preparation activity, such as reducing outstanding legacy cases, and to support transition to the new model. The evaluation of the pilot areas shows that cases are being resolved earlier and the number of open cases is decreasing, indicating that the model uses existing court capacity more efficiently and that no additional judicial, magistrates, or court staff will be needed once the model is fully implemented in a court area. Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial College, which operates independently from the Government.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Children to get swifter justice as new family court approach expands nationally, published on 17 March 2026, when the first Child Focused Court is expected to open in Essex.

Child Focused Courts introduce a streamlined, problem-solving approach in relevant private law proceedings that ensures early identification of needs and risks, enabling the court to make safe decisions without delay. Under the model, the proportion of children seen by social workers more than doubles and parents who are victims of domestic abuse are able to access additional support through Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). Communication with families can improve their understanding of, and engagement in, the court process and the Child Impact Report provides an opportunity for parents and parties to share their views on the recommendations made to the court.Key metrics from existing pilot areas show backlogs have reduced by more than fifty percent and cases are being resolved up to seven and a half months faster, thereby reducing delays and improving outcomes for children and families. Nationally, information on open caseload and average case duration is routinely published through Family Court Statistics and HMCTS management information. In addition, we have published additional management information demonstrating the effectiveness of the Child Focused Courts and have also published a process evaluation and a research report exploring the experience of children and families.Following the announcement of national rollout, a phased approach will see the model operating across the whole of England and Wales by 2029. Launch dates in court areas beyond those already announced will be agreed with operational partners in due course.The funding announced in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Statement of 17 March includes a permanent increase in social worker capacity for Cafcass and Cafcass Cymru, in recognition of the additional resources required to deliver the model, and for new domestic abuse specialists to work in the family courts.During the implementation period, we are providing funding for additional court staff to support preparation activity, such as reducing outstanding legacy cases, and to support transition to the new model. The evaluation of the pilot areas shows that cases are being resolved earlier and the number of open cases is decreasing, indicating that the model uses existing court capacity more efficiently and that no additional judicial, magistrates, or court staff will be needed once the model is fully implemented in a court area. Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial College, which operates independently from the Government.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Children to get swifter justice as new family court approach expands nationally, published on 17 March 2026, whether Child Focused Courts will represent additional court capacity or utilise existing court capacity more efficiently.

Child Focused Courts introduce a streamlined, problem-solving approach in relevant private law proceedings that ensures early identification of needs and risks, enabling the court to make safe decisions without delay. Under the model, the proportion of children seen by social workers more than doubles and parents who are victims of domestic abuse are able to access additional support through Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). Communication with families can improve their understanding of, and engagement in, the court process and the Child Impact Report provides an opportunity for parents and parties to share their views on the recommendations made to the court.Key metrics from existing pilot areas show backlogs have reduced by more than fifty percent and cases are being resolved up to seven and a half months faster, thereby reducing delays and improving outcomes for children and families. Nationally, information on open caseload and average case duration is routinely published through Family Court Statistics and HMCTS management information. In addition, we have published additional management information demonstrating the effectiveness of the Child Focused Courts and have also published a process evaluation and a research report exploring the experience of children and families.Following the announcement of national rollout, a phased approach will see the model operating across the whole of England and Wales by 2029. Launch dates in court areas beyond those already announced will be agreed with operational partners in due course.The funding announced in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Statement of 17 March includes a permanent increase in social worker capacity for Cafcass and Cafcass Cymru, in recognition of the additional resources required to deliver the model, and for new domestic abuse specialists to work in the family courts.During the implementation period, we are providing funding for additional court staff to support preparation activity, such as reducing outstanding legacy cases, and to support transition to the new model. The evaluation of the pilot areas shows that cases are being resolved earlier and the number of open cases is decreasing, indicating that the model uses existing court capacity more efficiently and that no additional judicial, magistrates, or court staff will be needed once the model is fully implemented in a court area. Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial College, which operates independently from the Government.