Written questions by Fortune.

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 on UK Emissions Trading Scheme: free allocation review - carbon leakage, published on 16 December 2024.

The UK ETS Authority published the Free Allocation Review Carbon Leakage consultation in response to a call from stakeholders to see a draft UK Carbon Leakage List. The consultation also seeks to provides greater clarity on Free Allocation adjustments for sectors covered by the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. While the consultation is technical in nature, there are annexes published alongside it to explain the methodology taken to develop proposals. In addition, during the consultation window over January to March, events for UK ETS participants and other interested stakeholders will take place to improve accessibility of the technical content.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the call for evidence on Capacity Market: consumer-led flexibility, published on 16 December 2024.

The Department published the call for evidence on Capacity Market: consumer-led flexibility on GOV.UK and is content that it meets the expected accessibility standards to allow all interested parties to contribute their views. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the call for evidence in an alternative format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk.

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 on Draft information and guidance on storm overflows, published on 16 December 2024.

The Department launched the consultation ‘Draft information and guidance on storm overflows’ on GOV.UK on 21 November 2024, with more information available at the following link: Draft information and guidance on storm overflows - GOV.UK The consultation documents are lengthy and technical in nature and so these are published as a PDF to preserve formatting and technical content. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the documents in an accessible format by emailing stormoverflows.consultation@defra.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of AI regulation in (a) detecting, (b) preventing, and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative artificial intelligence.

AI generated child sexual abuse images are illegal material. It is an offence to produce, store or share any material that contains or depicts child sexual abuse, regardless of whether the material depicts a real child or not.The government engages regularly with the tech sector, including AI companies, to support them in making their platforms safer for children.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Local audit reform: a strategy for overhauling the local audit system in England, published on 18 December 2024.

The Department launched a statement of intent and consultation ‘Local audit reform: a strategy for overhauling the local audit system in England’ on GOV.UK on 18 December 2024.As per the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the strategy uses accessible language to outline complex proposals and is published in both HTML and PDF formats to make it easier to read and find information. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is hosted on an accessible platform.Officials are also engaging directly with key stakeholders as part of the consultation process.Any queries on the consultation or any requests for an alternative format can be directed to the team at localaudit@communities.gov.uk.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the Consultation: provisional local government finance settlement 2025 to 2026, published on 18 December 2024.

The Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities published the 2025-26 provisional local government finance settlement and launched the consultation on its proposals on GOV.UK on 18 December 2024. The consultation closed on 15 January 2025.Responses to this consultation were able to be submitted via email, letter, or the online survey conducted on MHCLG’s Citizen Space website which is linked on the 2025-26 provisional local government finance settlement GOV.UK webpage.MHCLG ensures its consultation information meets the accessibility requirements for these websites. The accessibility statements for GOV.UK is here and for Citizen Space is here. This sets out what steps have been taken to make the website as accessible as possible, including for people who rely on assistive technology.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Regulatory Innovation Office on (a) detecting, (b) preventing, and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative artificial intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, published on 17 December 2024.

The Intellectual Property Office launched the ‘Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Consultation’ on 17th December 2024. As per the Governments Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the document is published in HTML format, making it easier for users to find and navigate. The survey for users to respond to is also hosted on an accessible platform. We provided a PDF version, as per Government guidance on publishing official documents. The summary of responses is in open format (Government standard) complying with accessibility guidelines and providing ease of use. As with all of our publications, users can request an alternative format by emailing information@ipo.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Government Office for Technology Transfer on (a) detecting, (b) preventing, and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative artificial intelligence since July 2024.

The Secretary of State has not had any conversations with the Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) on this topic. The Home Office are responsible for policy related to detecting, preventing, and removing child sexual abuse images created by generative digital AI and Ofcom are responsible for implementing measures in the Online Safety Act 2023 that relate to detecting, preventing, and removing child sexual abuse images created by generative digital AI. GOTT helps to accelerate government’s innovations towards the market to impact growth and deliver new products and services for citizens. GOTT provides direct practical expert support, grant funding for specific opportunities, access to networks, and guidance to central government departments and arm’s length bodies.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Capacity Market: proposals to modernise Rules and improve participation and delivery assurance of consumer-led flexibility, published on 16 December 2024.

The Department published the consultation on Capacity Market: proposals to modernise Rules and improve participation and delivery assurance of consumer-led flexibility on GOV.UK and is content that it meets the expected accessibility standards to allow all interested parties to contribute their views. Users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in an alternative format by emailing alt.formats@energysecurity.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to produce a domestic research strategy for (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with businesses on the UK's approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with universities on the UK's approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with UK Research and Innovation on their approach to supporting research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the call for evidence on DSIT Central Statistics User Engagement Exercise, published on 18 December 2024.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology launched the call for evidence ‘DSIT Central Statistics User Engagement Exercise’ on GOV.UK on 18 December 2024, with more information available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/dsit-central-statistics-user-engagement-exerciseAs per the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the user engagement exercise document is published in HTML format to make it easier to read and to find. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is hosted on an accessible platform. The option to respond directly via email is also provided.Users who have queries on the user engagement exercise were invited to contact statistics@dsit.gov.uk

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Horizon Europe on opportunities for research into (a) detecting, (b) preventing and (c) removing child sexual abuse images created by generative Artificial Intelligence since July 2024.

The government has regular meetings with research and business organisations on matters relating to online safety and AI. The Online Safety Act places duties on platforms to proactively detect, prevent and remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including CSAM content created using AI technology. Ofcom has set out steps providers can take for these duties in draft codes of practice and will develop these iteratively. These steps include measures to detect, prevent and remove CSAM. The Act requires Ofcom to consult extensively when drafting its codes and Ofcom has an ongoing programme of research. The first code is due to come into force in Spring 2025.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation entitled Investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct by Vifor Pharma in relation to intravenous iron treatments, published on 31 January 2024.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is the UK's independent competition authority, and its consultations, including the live consultation relating to commitments offered by Vifor Pharma (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposed-commitments-in-respect-of-vifor-pharmas-supply-of-intravenous-iron), are therefore independent of Government. Any questions relating to consultations carried out by the CMA should be sent directly to the CMA.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation entitled Open access restriction at Biggar (margin - winter): how to comment, published on 11 December 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 6 December 2024 to Questions 16894 and 16902. These are the pages for the consultations referred to: Open access restriction at Christy Pool to North Point: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at South Walney: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Rape Haw to Creephaw Marsh: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at North Scale (margin): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at South Walney nature reserve: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (trail - winter): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (margin - summer): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at North Scale (trail): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (trail - summer): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Walney airfield (trail): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at North End Marsh: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Hare Hill (trail): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Walney airfield (margin): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar to Tummer Hill: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (margin - winter): how to comment - GOV.UK

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on Non-Jury Trials Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, published on 9 December 2024.

The consultation on the non-jury trial provisions under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 was drafted to ensure that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to share their views on the non-jury trial provisions. As well as publishing on GOV.UK, links to the consultation were sent directly to a selection of relevant stakeholders, including those from the legal profession, law enforcement and academia in order to encourage responses. A link to the consultation was also shared on the Northern Ireland Office’s X account.The consultation provides two methods of response; a direct email address and a postal address.The Northern Ireland Office will provide the consultation document in alternative accessible formats on request. The GOV.UK page provides an email address that members of the public can use to request an alternative format and encourages respondents to specify what format they require and, if relevant, what assistive technology they use.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation entitled Open access restriction at Biggar (trail - winter): how to comment, published on 11 December 2024.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 6 December 2024 to Questions 16894 and 16902. These are the pages for the consultations referred to: Open access restriction at Christy Pool to North Point: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at South Walney: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Rape Haw to Creephaw Marsh: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at North Scale (margin): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at South Walney nature reserve: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (trail - winter): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (margin - summer): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at North Scale (trail): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (trail - summer): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Walney airfield (trail): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at North End Marsh: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Hare Hill (trail): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Walney airfield (margin): how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar to Tummer Hill: how to comment - GOV.UK Open access restriction at Biggar (margin - winter): how to comment - GOV.UK