Written questions by Duncan-Jordan.

Whether he plans to give elected workplace Green reps rights to information, consultation and participation in workplace sustainability and transition planning, including through joint Futureproofing Committees.

Awaiting answer.

What the timetable is for meetings of the Joint Committee established under the UK-Faroe Islands Free Trade Agreement.

Awaiting answer.

Which UK representatives are scheduled to participate in the meetings of the Joint Committee established under the UK-Faroe Islands Free Trade Agreement.

Awaiting answer.

Whether his Department plans to include (a) animal welfare and (b) environmental conservation on the agenda of the next meeting of the Joint Committee established under the UK-Faroe Islands Free Trade Agreement.

Awaiting answer.

If he will take steps to provide legal recognition of Green Reps in workplaces where they are (a) elected and (b) appointed by a recognised trade union.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he plans to give the right to reasonable paid time off for elected workplace Green Reps.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department takes when facilities designated as part of national infrastructure do not submit accounts in line with the Companies House deadline.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment has been made of the UK's domestic production capability being able to provide 50 percent of domestic demand for steel within the next (a) 5 years (b) 10 years and (c) 20 years.

The steel strategy set out our aim for around 40-50% of domestic demand to be met by domestic production. In 2023, this figure was 40%. Our aim is therefore to return to that recent capability and stabilise domestic production.The Steel Strategy creates a...

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of domestic steel production when quota levels for imports into the UK are reduced.

UK producers manufacture a wide range of steel products. They also have under-utilised production capacity. Current demand and production levels were taken into account when setting quota sizes, and further information can be found on GOV.UK.We will close...

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of a 50 percent tariff on steel coming into the UK that cannot be made in the UK on the ability of UK manufacturers to provide the required amounts

UK producers manufacture a wide range of steel products. They also have under-utilised production capacity. Current demand and production levels were taken into account when setting quota sizes, and further information can be found on GOV.UK.We will close...

What assessment has been made as to the potential impact that the new tariff regime from 1 July will have on domestic jobs in the UK steel sector.

UK producers manufacture a wide range of steel products. They also have under-utilised production capacity. Current demand and production levels were taken into account when setting quota sizes, and further information can be found on GOV.UK.We will close...

With reference to the Budget Statement on 26 November 2025, what estimate his Department has made of how many workers in the Poole constituency will benefit from the planned increase in (a) the National Living Wage and (b) the National Minimum Wage.

Around 2.4 million workers are expected to receive a pay rise due to the increase to the NLW on 1 April 2026. In total, around 2.7 million workers are expected to receive a pay rise due to increases to the NMW and NLW on April 2026.The Government will publish an impact assessment alongside the legislation that implements the increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates early next year. This will include a breakdown of the number of workers expected to benefit by region; however, constituency-level estimates will not be provided due to greater data reliability issues at this granularity.

What steps are being taken to simplify access to the Business Support programme.

There is fantastic support available to businesses across the UK, but we know many SMEs find it difficult to navigate the system. That is why we launched the Business Growth Service as part of the Small Business Plan, making it easier and quicker for businesses to get the help, support and advice they need to start, grow and succeed. It will be the nationally recognised brand for business support, with a single online access point at business.gov.uk, delivered in partnership with public bodies, devolved governments and the private sector.

What steps he is taking to support pubs in Poole constituency.

The Government recognises the vital role that pubs, restaurants and other food outlets play in local communities and the economy, including in the Poole constituency.In April, we launched a Taskforce to review premises licensing and develop a more balanced system that safeguards communities while supporting responsible businesses. These reforms form part of the Small Business Strategy, which is designed to tackle late payments, improve access to finance and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.We are also creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. We continue to work closely with the sector through the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges.

What steps he is taking to improve enforcement laws for the misuse of fireworks in Poole constituency.

Enforcement powers exist for local authorities to take action when fireworks are unsafe, sold illegally or misused. Local authorities and the police also have powers to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by the misuse of fireworks. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers.I have launched a public campaign for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign includes social media materials with information on current legislation and the penalties for illegal use, as well as the risks from the misuse of fireworks.

What assessment his Department has made of on the potential impact of the domestic use of fireworks on (a) children (b) adults with PTSD and (c) domestic pets.

No recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of the domestic use of fireworks on children, adults with PTSD and pets. Building on the work of my predecessor, I will continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on fireworks-related issues and inform future action.I launched a public campaign on fireworks safety for this year’s fireworks season. The campaign features guidance for those running events to reduce the impact on the community, and social media materials that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks, and the promotion of low noise fireworks.

Whether his Department has had recent discussions with Ofcom on the future of the second class stamp price cap.

Ministers and officials meet with Ofcom regularly to discuss a range of issues in relation to its role as the independent regulator for the postal sector.Affordability is at the heart of Ofcom's regulatory framework. On 4 November, Ofcom published a call for input into its review of pricing and affordability of postal services, which closes on 5 December. Ofcom will consult on its approach ahead of the expiry of the current control on Second Class letter prices in early 2027.

What steps his Department is taking to support (a) pubs, (b) restaurants and (c) other food outlets in Poole constituency.

The Government recognises the vital role that pubs, restaurants and other food outlets play in local communities and the economy, including in the Poole constituency.In April, we launched a Taskforce to review premises licensing and develop a more balanced system that safeguards communities while supporting responsible businesses. These reforms form part of the Small Business Strategy, which is designed to tackle late payments, improve access to finance and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.We are also creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000. We continue to work closely with the sector through the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges.

Whether his Department plans to negotiate investment agreements without investor-state settlement mechanisms in the future.

Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provides an independent means for investors to resolve disputes with states where they believe they have experienced arbitrary, discriminatory or unfair treatment or expropriation without compensation. The UK is a significant capital exporter and ISDS provisions provide an independent means to resolve disputes with host governments.The UK will continue to work with trading partners multilaterally, such as at the OECD and the UN, to pursue opportunities to improve ISDS practice.

If he will publish a full impact assessment of the UK–Colombia Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Total FDI and portfolio investment assets and liabilities between the UK and Colombia were £6.8 billion at the end of 2023. The UK-Colombia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) includes binding investment protection provisions which protect both UK and Colombian investors against unfair and discriminatory treatment, and expropriation without adequate compensation.These commitments do not remove a government’s right to regulate in the public interest, nor its obligations to comply with other commitments.