Written questions by Moon.

What steps her Department is taking to help increase high-resolution geoscientific data coverage across the UK to support domestic critical mineral exploration.

DBT works with the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) at the British Geological Survey (BGS) and industry to assess UK critical raw material potential. DBT supports BGS’ efforts to improve geoscientific data acquisition, although recognises that this requires investment. High-resolution geophysical and geochemical data in Northern Ireland and South West England have been vital for the minerals industry and in support of the UK Critical Mineral Strategy. I have met BGS recently to discuss how they can support to further realise the UK’s Critical Minerals potential.

What support her Department is providing to small independent funeral directors in response to market pressures from large direct cremation providers.

The government provides comprehensive support for small businesses across all industries, including the UK funeral sector. Resources such as the Business Growth Service, via business.gov.uk, and local Growth Hubs can support small independent funeral directors as they face market pressures from large direct cremation providers.In addition, the recently announced Small Business Plan sets out this Government’s approach for economic transformation alongside the Modern Industrial Strategy and Trade Strategy. The Plan includes proposals to tackle the scourge of late payments, modernise the tax system, improving access to finance, revitalise high streets and equip small businesses with digital skills.

What steps his Department is taking to help support people who were underpaid wages by their former employers.

The Government takes enforcing the minimum wage very seriously. We are clear that anyone entitled to the minimum wage should receive at least the correct minimum wage rate based on their age or apprenticeship status.HMRC enforces minimum wage regulations on behalf of DBT and considers all complaints from workers. Workers do not need to be currently employed to raise concerns and can complain about underpayments by former employers. If an underpayment of wage is found, HMRC will order employers to pay the workers their money back, and a penalty to the government. HMRC will investigate any underpayments from the last 6 years.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the clean energy workforce strategy on UK jobs in critical mineral supply chains.

Critical minerals underpin the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the Government’s clean energy goals. The Office for Clean Energy Jobs will publish a full Clean Energy Workforce Strategy shortly setting out further actions to support delivery of the clean energy workforce and ensure that the jobs created across the country are high quality.The Department for Business and Trade is working closely with industry and partners such as the Critical Minerals Association to identify and to help address workforce gaps across UK critical mineral supply chains.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using spending allocated to the DRIVE35 programme for the domestic critical minerals industry.

DRIVE35 builds on the Advanced Propulsion Centre R&D programmes and the Automotive Transformation Fund. These programmes have funded a number of critical mineral projects that are strengthening the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) supply chains, from lithium refinery Green Lithium to battery recycler Altilium.DRIVE35 will continue to support the latest R&D, accelerate commercial scale-up, and unlock capital investment in ZEV technologies, including their upstream supply chain which can include critical minerals projects.

What his planned timetable is for the consultation on the British industrial competitiveness scheme.

From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will reduce electricity costs by c.£35-40/MWh for thousands of eligible businesses. These firms will be exempt from paying levies on the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market. We announced that we would consult on eligibility and design of the scheme. We recognise the need to work quickly and we will publish the consultation and Terms of Reference as soon as we can. We have committed to ensure that the scheme is ready to launch in 2027.

If he will set out the terms of reference for the consultation on the British industrial competitiveness scheme.

From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will reduce electricity costs by c.£35-40/MWh for thousands of eligible businesses. These firms will be exempt from paying levies on the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market. We announced that we would consult on eligibility and design of the scheme. We recognise the need to work quickly and we will publish the consultation and Terms of Reference as soon as we can. We have committed to ensure that the scheme is ready to launch in 2027.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Energy Intensive Industries support scheme to include (a) metal manufacturing, (b) mining and (c) disposal of waste.

The British Industry Supercharger already covers manufacturers of iron, steel, aluminium and other metals, and mining companies, subject to the business-level test on electricity usage. Iron and steel manufacturers may also be eligible for compensation on indirect carbon costs stemming from electricity generation. We will conduct an eligibility review for the British Industry Supercharger in 2026 to account for changing business trends.

What steps his Department is taking to improve postal services carried out by the Royal Mail in rural areas.

Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider. It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail's service standards and decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification.The Government's objective in relation to postal services continues to be to secure a sustainable universal service for users throughout the UK, including those in remote and rural areas.

Whether his Department plans to extend the Energy Intensive Industries support scheme.

The British Industry Supercharger was launched in 2024 and provides support to Energy Intensive Industries to bring electricity costs for those strategically important UK industries closer in line with other major economies so that they remain competitive on the world stage. The measures save eligible businesses on average around £24 – £31 per MWh on their electricity costs. The British Industry Supercharger will be reviewed regularly.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of securing the imports of critical minerals in (a) semi-manufactured materials and (b) raw materials.

A secure supply of critical minerals is vital for the UK's economic growth and security, industrial strategy, and clean energy transition. Building on the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre’s updated criticality assessment, government will work hand in hand with industry to publish a new Critical Minerals Strategy this year. This new, targeted Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure our supply chains for the long term and drive forward the green industries of the future. As part of the ongoing engagement, the government will engage with stakeholders to gather expertise and insights to shape our approach to securing critical minerals.

If he will take steps to make an assessment of international comparisons of support provided to (a) minerals, (b) metals and (c) processing companies through the (i) planning and (ii) permitting process.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) actively monitors support provided to companies operating across the critical minerals supply chain in comparable countries, including planning and permitting processes. In the forthcoming Critical Minerals Strategy, DBT will outline further details of the Government’s approach to supporting the UK’s domestic mining, processing and recycling industries, and developing the UK’s competitive advantage.

With reference to his Department's policy paper entitled UK Critical Mineral Strategy, last updated on 13 March 2024, what recent estimate he has made of the value of critical mineral exports.

In 2024, the UK exported an estimated £10 billion worth of critical minerals. This figure was calculated using HMRC trade statistics, and the definition of “critical minerals” comes from internationally comparable HS trade codes published by the US Geological Survey. This figure does not include the many downstream products that are produced using critical minerals.

What steps his Department is taking to help increase the production of cathode active materials for use in the (a) critical minerals and (b) battery supply chain.

Our vision is to achieve a domestic battery supply chain by 2030 by accelerating the growth of domestic capabilities, collaborating with international partners, and enhancing international markets. The UK National Wealth Fund (NWF) announced in January an investment of £28m in Cornish Metals. This recognises the crucial role of a domestic supply of raw materials for electric vehicles and other technologies in the nation's transition to net zero.We are also working on regulatory levers to incentivise reuse, repurposing, and recycling infrastructure for all battery chemistry types, including lithium-based technologies.