Written questions by Fortune.

Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into Hepatitis C in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR funds, enables, and delivers high-quality research to improve patient care and public health and supports liver research through a range of funding programmes, training, support for researchers and facilities. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes biological, physiological, mechanistic and clinical studies to investigate the causes and underpin the development of treatments for a variety of liver conditions/diseases. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: UIN NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in FY 2023/2428175Hepatitis BNIHR allocated £220,741 for research concerning Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for Hepatitis B research was £1,810,412 for 2 awards from MRC.28176Hepatitis C UKRI did not commit any specific funding for obstructive Hepatitis C research in 2023-24.28177Hepatocellular carcinomaNIHR allocated £1,633,698 for research concerning hepatocellular carcinoma research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for hepatocellular carcinoma research was £2,758,044 for 5 awards (1 award from MRC and 4 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).28178CholangiocarcinomaNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning cholangiocarcinoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cholangiocarcinoma research was £187,096 (1 award from centrally managed UKRI schemes). The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) committed £17,595 in 2023-24 for cholangiocarcinoma research for 1 award.28179Biliary cirrhosisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning primary biliary cirrhosis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for primary biliary cirrhosis research in 2023-24.28180Sclerosing cholangitisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning primary sclerosing cholangitis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for primary sclerosing cholangitis research in 2023-24.28181Autoimmune hepatitisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning autoimmune hepatitis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for autoimmune hepatitis research in 2023-24.28182Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseNIHR allocated £151,511 for research concerning non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease research was £3,647,138 for 4 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC, 1 award from centrally managed UKRI schemes).28183Alcoholic fatty liver diseaseUKRI did not commit any funding for alcoholic fatty liver disease research in 2023-24.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the Competition and Markets Authority's SMS investigation into Google's general search and search advertising services, published on 14 January 2025.

The CMA has been given bespoke tools to increase competition in digital markets through the Digital Markets, Competition, Consumers Act 2024. Strategic Market Status investigations are the gateway into the regime and interested stakeholders can engage with the process, including firms under investigation, relevant third parties and the wider public. Decisions on which SMS investigations to start are for the CMA as the UK’s independent competition authority.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of HMRC's Consultation on changes to HMRC statistics publications 2025, published on 16 January 2025.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) launched the consultation on changes to HMRC statistics publications on GOV.UK on 16 January 2025. The consultation will remain open until 10 April 2025 and the consultation response, setting out confirmed plans, will be published in summer 2025. When publishing the consultation, HMRC have followed the Government Digital Service guidance on publishing accessible documents on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/publishing-accessible-documents), including publishing the consultation document in HTML format, making it easier for users to find and navigate. Responses to this consultation are able to be submitted via email. As well as publishing on GOV.UK, invitations to participate were sent directly to known users of HMRC statistics publications such as local authorities, business groups, academia and other government departments. Users can find further information and advice in the accessibility statement for GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/help/accessibility-statement), as well as contact details should they wish to provide feedback on accessibility or request information in a different format.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Ransomware: proposals to increase incident reporting and reduce payments to criminals, published on 14 January 2025.

The Home Office Cyber Policy Unit launched the Ransomware: proposals to increase incident reporting and reduce payments to criminals consultation on 14 January 2025.As per the Governments Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the document will be published in HTML format. We provided a PDF version, as per Government guidance on publishing official documents.As with all of our publications, users can request an alternative format by emailing ransomwareconsultation@homeoffice.gov.uk.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on the Integrated National Transport Strategy: a call for ideas, published on 28 November 2024.

The Department for Transport launched the Integrated National Transport Strategy: a call for ideas on GOV.UK on 28 November 2024, with more information available at the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/integrated-national-transport-strategy-a-call-for-ideas/integrated-national-transport-strategy-a-call-for-ideas.The Call for Ideas document is published in line with the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance and is in HTML format, making it easier for users to read and navigate. The survey for users to respond to is also hosted on an accessible platform and the option to respond via post is provided.Any requests for an alternative format can be requested by emailing INTS@dft.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Natural Environment Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Geospatial Commission on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Economic and Social Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Science and Technology Facilities Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation entitled Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process, published on 17 January 2025.

The Environment Agency launched the consultation ‘Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process’ on 17 January 2025. The consultation is presented on Gov.uk, with a direct link to the consultation on the Citizen Space website: Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process - GOV.UK As per the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the consultation document is published in HTML format on Citizen Space, to make it easier to read and to find. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform. The consultation document is alternatively also available as a PDF on GOV.UK. As stated on the website, users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in a more accessible format by emailing enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Innovate UK on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Funding mechanism for the Hydrogen Production Business Model: proposed design of the Gas Shipper Obligation, published on 16 January 2025.

The Department launched the consultation ‘Funding mechanism for the Hydrogen Production Business Model: proposed design of the Gas Shipper Obligation’ on 16 January 2025, with more information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/funding-mechanism-for-the-hydrogen-production-business-model-proposed-design-of-the-gas-shipper-obligation (opens in a new tab) As per the Department's accessible documents policy guidance, the consultation document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an accessible format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact GasShipperObligation@energysecurity.gov.uk.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Developing an energy smart data scheme, published on 13 January 2025.

The Department launched the call for evidence ‘Developing an energy smart data scheme’ on 13 January 2025, with more information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/developing-an-energy-smart-data-scheme (opens in a new tab) As per the Department's accessible documents policy, the call for evidence document is published on GOV.UK and provided as both a tagged PDF and HTML so screen readers can understand the page structure. The digital survey for users to respond to the call for evidence is also hosted on an accessible platform. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the call for evidence in an accessible format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the call for evidence can also contact digitalisation@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Applying Environment Act 2021 civil sanctions.

Online engagement is an efficient and transparent means for sharing proposals and gathering feedback from groups and individuals affected by or interested in proposed changes. It is part of a wider engagement process. The consultation relates to a targeted national audience of business stakeholder interests. Communications to affected stakeholders included emailing numerous key stakeholder businesses and trade associations. People who are unable to respond to the consultation online can request a printed copy of the consultation documents and a response form that can be returned to the Environment Agency by post.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.