Written questions by Hinder.

What steps the he is taking to ensure the government's industrial strategy supports towns in the North of England.

Awaiting answer.

What discussions he has had with Companies House on phoenixing.

The 2023 Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has strengthened the Registrar of Companies’ enforcement and investigative powers, enabling it to act as a more active gatekeeper over company registrations and directors. As announced in the November Budget Statement, additional funding is now being provided for the Insolvency Service to set up a new Abusive Phoenixism Taskforce, specifically to deal with this type of director misconduct. The Insolvency Service is working closely with Companies House and HM Revenue and Customs to identify and tackle abusive phoenixism.

Whether he plans to prevent the directors of companies which become insolvent during their directorship from setting up more companies.

It is important to remember that most companies do not become insolvent due to wrongdoing. Directors of an insolvent company can run similar businesses unless they are disqualified or subject to restrictions. Where directors abuse the system, the Secretary of State has powers to investigate and, if appropriate, pursue their disqualification or prosecution of the relevant directors.Companies House and The Insolvency Service are currently strengthening their intelligence sharing to better identify rogue directors.The Government continually reviews corporate and insolvency laws.

What plans his Department has to encourage greater partnership between insolvency practitioners and Companies House to prevent phoenixing.

There is already a well-established director disqualification regime in the UK to prevent directors guilty of misconduct from taking part in the management of companies in the future.Insolvency practitioners have a duty to report to the Government’s Insolvency Service on the directors’ conduct within three months of liquidation or administration. Where serious misconduct is identified, this can lead to disqualification or referral for criminal prosecution.Since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, Companies House and The Insolvency Service have been developing a deeper enforcement partnership. Updates on implementation are included in the annual reports provided to Parliament.

If he will take steps to ensure that support provided to Rolls-Royce for narrow body aircraft manufacturing will guarantee new jobs in Britain.

The Government recognises that a successful Rolls‑Royce entry into the single‑aisle aircraft market could deliver significant UK economic benefits, including high‑value jobs and growth across the aerospace supply chain.Rolls‑Royce is a major UK employer and longstanding Government partner. We are providing support to Rolls-Royce and its supply chain for technology development through the ATI Programme. This will secure UK jobs, skills and long‑term manufacturing, while delivering value for money for taxpayers.

What steps his Department is taking to help support chemical industry and employment levels in that industry.

The chemicals sector underpins almost all other manufacturing in the UK and is fundamental to maximising growth. It helps stimulate productivity across the economy to drive forward the government’s growth mission. This is why chemicals was identified as a foundational industry within the Industrial Strategy. Our modern Industrial Strategy will implement targeted policy interventions to drive long-term sustainable, inclusive and secure growth.Government works closely with industry to ensure the sector remains competitive and resilient. This includes supporting innovation, improving productivity, promoting exports and inward investment, as well as ensuring the UK has the skills needed to meet future demand.