Written questions by Pochin.

What steps he is taking to support dispersed sites without access to potential CCUS infrastructure and pipelines to decarbonise.

Awaiting answer.

What steps the Government is taking to simplify regulatory requirements for manufacturing sectors critical to national infrastructure.

The Government is simplifying regulation for manufacturing sectors critical to national infrastructure through the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and wider Industrial Strategy. We are reducing barriers to investment by improving coordination and speeding up delivery decisions. For example, the Strategic Sites Accelerator is simplifying and accelerating the development process for major manufacturing sites, reducing delays and enabling faster investment in critical industrial capacity.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential regulatory impact of cement and construction product manufacturers on those manufactures profitability.

The Government considers impacts on business when developing new regulations in line with Better Regulation principles. This applies to businesses within the cement and construction product manufacturing industries. While no specific assessment has been made, in any policy consultations relevant to the cement and construction product manufacturing sectors, including the British Industry Supercharger and Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme, the Government will consider the regulatory impact of any policy changes while ensuring that these schemes continue to deliver value for money.

From which countries the UK imports cement; and what assessment he has made of the comparative carbon intensity of those imports versus UK‑produced cement.

In 2023, approximately 90% of cement imports by value were from European countries, including Ireland, Spain. Germany, and Portugal. No assessment has been made of the carbon intensity of cement imports versus UK produced cement.

What assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policy of encouraging the import of higher‑carbon cement as an alternative to UK production.

The government does not encourage the import of higher-carbon cement as an alternative to UK-production and is taking action to protect domestic industry and level the playing field. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027, will ensure that imported cement from overseas faces carbon pricing comparable to domestically produced cement. The British Industry Supercharger (BIS) is reducing the cost of electricity for the cement sector, helping it compete internationally.

If he will include the cement manufacturing sector in the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme.

I recognise the importance of the cement sector to the UK economy; which will play an essential role in delivering this Government’s commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliamentary term. The Government intends to review the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme this year, any changes to scheme eligibility will be subject to consultation and ministerial approval. I highly encourage the cement sector to engage with the consultation once the opportunity arises.

What timetable the Government has set for introducing measures to prevent carbon leakage and unfair competition from overseas cement producers.

To mitigate the risk of carbon leakage, the cement sector will be included in the upcoming UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism when introduced in 2027 to ensure importers face a comparable price to that paid by UK manufacturers. Some cement firms are supported by the British Industry Supercharger, receiving relief from various electricity policy and network costs, to reduce the risk of carbon leakage by supporting the competitiveness of recipients. If UK cement firms believe they are being injured by unfair trading practices, such as the dumping of cheap imports, they can bring forward an application to the UK’s independent Trade Remedies Authority (TRA).

What steps the Government is taking to address the growth in cement imports and increase domestic production.

The Department for Business and Trade routinely considers import volumes of cement and other foundational industries products. We also maintain close contact with the Mineral Products Association, the sector’s main trade association, and individual cement businesses to consider and address the issues facing the sector.To mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and support UK domestic production, the cement sector will be included in the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and some cement firms are supported by the British Industry Supercharger, receiving relief from various electricity policy and network costs.

What assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of cement imports over the last ten years.

The Department for Business and Trade routinely considers import volumes of cement and other foundational industries products. We also maintain close contact with the Mineral Products Association, the sector’s main trade association, and individual cement businesses to consider and address the issues facing the sector.To mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and support UK domestic production, the cement sector will be included in the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and some cement firms are supported by the British Industry Supercharger, receiving relief from various electricity policy and network costs.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of rising cement imports on UK domestic production capacity and employment.

The Department for Business and Trade routinely considers import volumes of cement and other foundational industries products. We also maintain close contact with the Mineral Products Association, the sector’s main trade association, and individual cement businesses to consider and address the issues facing the sector.To mitigate the risk of carbon leakage and support UK domestic production, the cement sector will be included in the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and some cement firms are supported by the British Industry Supercharger, receiving relief from various electricity policy and network costs.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of industrial electricity prices on the international competitiveness of UK‑based energy‑intensive manufacturing sectors.

The Government recognises that industrial electricity prices are an important factor in the international competitiveness of UK-based energy intensive manufacturing sectors. We engage regularly with industry and monitor evidence on the impact of energy costs.Through our Industrial Strategy we are taking action to address these challenges, including through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, which will bring electricity costs more in line with other economies in Europe and reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for eligible businesses.For around 550 of the most electricity-intensive businesses the British Industry Supercharger is already cutting costs. The Network Charging Compensation scheme, one element of the Supercharger, was uplifted from 60% to 90% relief from 1 April 2026. This raised total support from the Supercharger to approximately £65-87/MWh, bringing electricity costs for recipients closer in line with those charged in competitor countries.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on capping parish council precepts.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to help reduce the impact of network charges, policy levies and regulatory costs on industrial electricity bills.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of UK energy policy on the offshoring of energy‑intensive manufacturing capacity.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of bringing industrial energy prices in line with international competitors on UK manufacturing jobs.

The only way to bring energy bills down sustainably is by reducing Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. Our mission for Clean Power by 2030 will get us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel prices, to cut bills for businesses and households for good. In the nearer term, through the British Industry Supercharger (BIS), we are reducing electricity costs for energy‑intensive industries. Since April 2026, the discount on electricity network charges for these firms has increased from 60% to 90%.The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) will also reduce electricity costs by up to £40/MWh for over 10,000 businesses across the Industrial Strategy’s growth sectors and key manufacturing supply chains.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of tax, regulatory and carbon‑related costs on the long‑term capital investment in energy‑intensive manufacturing.

Carbon-related costs deliver long-term investment signals to deliver energy security for UK businesses and reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuels. However, we understand that some energy-intensive industries (EII) are facing high industrial electricity costs affecting their competitiveness, which is why we deliver the British Industry Supercharger and EII Compensation Scheme to provide carbon-leakage prone businesses relief from carbon costs and electricity network charges. The Government keeps all policy measures, including tax, carbon costs and regulation, under review.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Government policy on industrial energy costs on levels of long term energy intensive manufacturing capacity.

Awaiting answer.

What discussions he has had with NHS England and Integrated Care Board commissioners on the (a) fairness and (b) transparency of Indicative Activity Plans.

Indicative Activity Plans (IAPs) are non-binding, forecasted schedules under the NHS Standard Contract that define expected service volumes between commissioners for integrated care boards (ICBs) and providers. In setting these volumes, ICBs and providers are responsible for ensuring they do so with fairness and transparency.ICBs have contractual powers to manage activity by providers, which were enhanced in 2025/26 with central support for setting and managing activity. The NHS Standard Contract includes the ability to set IAPs to help providers and commissioners plan demand, capacity, and expenditure. While not binding, if activity exceeds, or falls short of the agreed plan, and therefore the funding agreed, an Activity Management Plan can be agreed to bring activity back in line.

If he will make it his policy to maintain patient choice.

The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care. Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient.The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, sets out plans to improve patient choice, empowering people to take control of their health by making the NHS App and Manage Your Referral website the default route for patients to choose their provider. We are improving the information available to patients, such as waiting times. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformed vision for elective care, that will ensure the National Health Service is receptive and reactive to patient preference, voice, and choice.In May 2023, NHS England asked all referrers to ensure they shortlist on average five choices from which the patient may choose, where this is practicable, clinically appropriate, and preferred by the patient. Integrated care boards have responsibility to ensure that their patients are aware of the choices available to them and are able to exercise their legal right to choose a provider following an elective care referral, and this is underpinned in Part 8 of the NHS Standing Rules, which are available at the following link:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2996/part/8NHS England has regulatory oversight responsibilities to ensure patient choice operates effectively in the NHS and has published Patient Choice Guidance, which includes guidance for referrers, and which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-choice-guidance/

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that patients are offered a choice of five providers at the point of referral where appropriate.

The Government is committed to giving patients greater control and choice over their care. Patients have a legal right to choose where they go for their first appointment when referred to consultant-led care as an outpatient.The Elective Reform Plan, published January 2025, sets out plans to improve patient choice, empowering people to take control of their health by making the NHS App and Manage Your Referral website the default route for patients to choose their provider. We are improving the information available to patients, such as waiting times. The 10-Year Health Plan sets out a transformed vision for elective care, that will ensure the National Health Service is receptive and reactive to patient preference, voice, and choice.In May 2023, NHS England asked all referrers to ensure they shortlist on average five choices from which the patient may choose, where this is practicable, clinically appropriate, and preferred by the patient. Integrated care boards have responsibility to ensure that their patients are aware of the choices available to them and are able to exercise their legal right to choose a provider following an elective care referral, and this is underpinned in Part 8 of the NHS Standing Rules, which are available at the following link:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2996/part/8NHS England has regulatory oversight responsibilities to ensure patient choice operates effectively in the NHS and has published Patient Choice Guidance, which includes guidance for referrers, and which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-choice-guidance/