Written questions by Coombes.

What discussions he has had with businesses in the downstream metals sector about the upcoming changes to the steel safeguard regime.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to ensure that businesses in the downstream metals sector are supported during proposed changes to the steel safeguard regime.

Awaiting answer.

If he will set out which categories of steel are not produced by UK steel mills.

The steel trade measure is designed to balance viability of domestic steel production with the need for reliable supply for downstream businesses. It includes types of steel that the UK can currently produce, with quota allocations set to allow for sufficient imports to ensure continued availability of goods. The UK measure covers 20 product categories, six less than the EU’s proposed measure. More information is available at UK's steel trade measure from 1 July 2026 - GOV.UK The Department has engaged extensively with producers and downstream users throughout the design of the measure and will conduct a formal review after 12 months.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential effect of reduced quotas and increased tariffs on steel imported from overseas on downstream metals businesses in the UK.

The steel trade measure is designed to balance viability of domestic steel production with the need for reliable supply for downstream businesses. It includes types of steel that the UK can currently produce, with quota allocations set to allow for sufficient imports to ensure continued availability of goods. The UK measure covers 20 product categories, six less than the EU’s proposed measure. More information is available at UK's steel trade measure from 1 July 2026 - GOV.UK The Department has engaged extensively with producers and downstream users throughout the design of the measure and will conduct a formal review after 12 months.

What steps he is taking with National Trading Standards to tackle the sale of ghost number plates.

National Trading Standards (NTS) are working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), local authorities and the police to address the supply and use of modified number plates. The evidence gathered following a multi-agency investigation by the DVLA, the National Trading Standards Intelligence Team and police forces across the UK will be considered by the NTS National Tasking Group when evaluating potential future action to address this issue.

What recent discussions he has had with the the Chancellor of the Exchequer on retrospective steel safeguarding charges imposed on businesses.

Both the UK and EU separately apply a safeguard measure on certain categories of steel products. A safeguard measure protects domestic producers from injury as a result of unforeseen surges of imports. Both the UK and EU apply a 25% duty where import thresholds have been exceeded. HMRC may have the necessary data pertaining to any assessment of the total costs by businesses on the UK safeguard measure. However, since the expiry of the transition period an assessment has not been conducted. I will write to you on your question once my officials have consulted with HMRC.

If he will make an estimate of the total costs incurred by businesses of steel safeguarding duties since the end of the UK-EU transition period.

Both the UK and EU separately apply a safeguard measure on certain categories of steel products. A safeguard measure protects domestic producers from injury as a result of unforeseen surges of imports. Both the UK and EU apply a 25% duty where import thresholds have been exceeded. HMRC may have the necessary data pertaining to any assessment of the total costs by businesses on the UK safeguard measure. However, since the expiry of the transition period an assessment has not been conducted. I will write to you on your question once my officials have consulted with HMRC.

What steps his Department is taking to help support people who work in the night time economy.

We recognise the important role that the night-time economy plays in supporting local communities. Healthy night-time economy businesses not only support our creative industries, including musicians, DJs and performance artists, but also support tourism and bolster day economy businesses.In her Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced an increase to the National Living Wage in line with the Low Pay Commission recommendation to £12.21 per hour, alongside a minimum wage for 18-20 year olds of £10.00 per hour, with a view to eventually creating a single adult wage rate. This will benefit over 3.3 million workers around the UK, including those employed in the night-time economy.