VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Children's Play

Asked by Tom HayesLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 4 July 2025UIN 64237

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of the play industry on the economy.

Answered by Sarah Jones

The Government recognises that play is vital for children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, while also strengthening community bonds and promoting inclusive, healthy environments. The Department for Business and Trade has not published a specific estimate of the economic impact of the play industry.

However, the Department continues to engage with retailers and manufacturers of sporting goods, to understand the sector’s potential and to support growth and export opportunities.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim