Written questions by Smith.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of a sandbox for marine autonomy on innovation and growth among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

Awaiting answer.

What discussions his Department has had with stakeholders on (a) the location, (b) the timetable for implementation, and (c) the delivery and operational framework for the proposed sandbox for marine autonomy.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of including the metal packaging industry in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

From 2027, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will benefit over 10,000 eligible businesses, reducing electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour. The Government published its response to the consultation on eligibility in April, which included the list of eligible SIC and HS codes.That list was determined through a multi-stage analytical process, including formal consultation with businesses. This ensured the list is robust and targets support where it will have the greatest impact on growth, focusing on manufacturing across the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors.

What discussions he has had with the metal packaging industry on the UK Steel Strategy; and when those discussions took place.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed reduction in tariff-free quotas for packaging steel on the UK metal packaging industry.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks affecting the automotive sector.

Government has written to businesses about the tools government provides and the steps they can take to protect themselves from cyber-attacks, including the Cyber Action Toolkit and the Cyber Essentials scheme. It is vital firms take up this support.Government has also issued a Cyber Governance Code of Practice which focuses on the role of the Board and senior leaders in effectively governing cyber risk. It is underpinned by Cyber Governance Training, which helps boards and directors to strengthen their understanding of how to govern cyber security risks, and the Cyber Security Toolkit for Boards, which supports them in implementing the Code’s actions.

What estimate he has made of the number of individuals who have the legal right to work in the UK but are unable to access employment in their qualified profession due to regulatory or accreditation barriers; and what steps his Department is taking to help reduce this number.

Decisions regarding an individual's professional recognition are made and recorded by independent regulators. Data related to the number of individuals who have the legal right to work in the UK but are unable to due to regulatory or accreditation barriers is therefore not collected by the Department.As we said in the industrial and trade strategies, the department is currently working with regulators to prioritise the recognition of professional qualifications with international partners to support the UK's economic growth and labour market.

Whether he has had discussions with Companies House on recent increases to their fees.

The recent adjustments to the fees, which came into effect on 1 February 2026, were determined following detailed modelling of budgetary requirements by Companies House to support the delivery of priorities set by this government. There was extensive dialogue between the Department and Companies House in deciding the fee levels. These changes are intended to maintain high standards of service and ensure that Companies House and the Insolvency Service are appropriately resourced to fulfil their functions.

Whether he is taking steps with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to enable banking hubs to offer postal services.

The Department for Business and Trade continues to engage with His Majesty's Treasury on the Government’s commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs. Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector to protect access to cash under the Financial Services Act 2023. Their rollout is overseen by Cash Access UK and funded by the banks for the purpose of coordinating banking hub delivery.The Government-set Access Criteria ensures that however the network changes, Post Office delivers essential services, including banking and cash services, within local reach of all citizens.