Written questions by Blackman.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that Science and Discovery Centres have access to central Government funding streams, including eligibility for Department for Culture, Media and Sport funding for arts and heritage infrastructure.

The Government recognises the contribution of Science and Discovery Centres to inspiring young people to pursue STEM interests and careers. Where they carry out research, Science Discovery Centres are eligible to apply for funding through UK Research and Innovation or other funders. Science and Discovery Centres are mainly cultural institutions and visitor attractions. Eligibility for, and access to, central Government funding streams for arts, culture and heritage infrastructure is a matter for the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).DSIT is engaging with DCMS to consider how best to support Science and Discovery Centres and will write to the Science and Technology Committee, responding to questions 50–52, in due course.

Innovation and Technology, when she plans to write to the Science and Technology Committee in response to questions 50-52, on Science and Discovery Centres, in the oral evidence session of 3 December 2025.

The Government recognises the contribution of Science and Discovery Centres to inspiring young people to pursue STEM interests and careers. Where they carry out research, Science Discovery Centres are eligible to apply for funding through UK Research and Innovation or other funders. Science and Discovery Centres are mainly cultural institutions and visitor attractions. Eligibility for, and access to, central Government funding streams for arts, culture and heritage infrastructure is a matter for the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).DSIT is engaging with DCMS to consider how best to support Science and Discovery Centres and will write to the Science and Technology Committee, responding to questions 50–52, in due course.

Innovation and Technology, how many people work for Ofcom’s Online Safety directorate as of 5 April 2025.

In 2023/24, Ofcom had 189 full-time equivalent posts in the Online Safety Group. This does not include staff who work on online safety in other groups such as legal, enforcement and research. Ofcom’s latest staff numbers will be available as part the Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25, which will be presented to Parliament.The government has ensured Ofcom has the funding it needs to deliver online safety regulation effectively, with £72.6 million allocated for online safety spend in 2025/26. This decision followed a business case process that included Ofcom submitting its requirements.

Innovation and Technology, what the evidential basis is to determine the number of employees required by Ofcom’s Online Safety directorate to provide an evidence-based high level of service to fulfil its duties under the Online Safety Act 2023.

In 2023/24, Ofcom had 189 full-time equivalent posts in the Online Safety Group. This does not include staff who work on online safety in other groups such as legal, enforcement and research. Ofcom’s latest staff numbers will be available as part the Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/25, which will be presented to Parliament.The government has ensured Ofcom has the funding it needs to deliver online safety regulation effectively, with £72.6 million allocated for online safety spend in 2025/26. This decision followed a business case process that included Ofcom submitting its requirements.