Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Thursday, 16 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Software: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Competition and Markets Authority on the potential impact of software licensing practices on (a) Small to Medium Enterprises in Wales and (b) the Welsh economy.

Answer

The Government engages regularly with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on the effective operation of the UK’s competition framework, including how it supports competitive digital markets across all parts of the UK, including Wales.

While the CMA operates independently of Government in its investigations and decision making, the Government gave a clear steer for the CMA to use its new powers in digital markets collaboratively and proportionately.

In March, the CMA announced a package of actions to strengthen competition in business software and cloud services. This includes a Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software under the UK’s digital markets regime, alongside voluntary actions from Amazon and Microsoft in cloud services. These actions taken together will support SMEs and businesses in Wales and the rest of the UK by lowering barriers to competition, increasing choice and helping firms access digital tools on fairer terms.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
124878
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Software Licensing Wales Small businesses Competition and Markets Authority
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk