Extract from Treasury topical questions - May 22

Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con): The people of Bloxwich will soon be hearing more about Blockchain. Will the Chancellor confirm that the Government will continue to invest in this innovative technology to keep the public’s data safe?

Mr Speaker: Sounds fascinating, and I think we are going to hear more about it.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr Philip Hammond): The Government are committed to exploring all technologies that will keep data safe and create opportunities for innovation. Blockchain is one such technology, but the Government will also be examining other even more innovative distributive ledger technologies.

Mr Speaker: I look forward to learning more about Blockchain. I am uninitiated on the matter, as the hon. Member for Walsall North (Eddie Hughes) can tell, but I feel sure that he will put me in the picture erelong.