Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the value of UK-owned intellectual property lost through cyber-espionage in the most recent period for which figures are available. [159066]

Mr Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science: We are aware that intellectual property theft is happening on a large scale. The 2013 Information Security Breaches Survey showed 14% of large organisations and 9% of small businesses reporting theft of intellectual property by an outsider to their organisation. However, some companies may not be aware that thefts or losses of intellectual property have occurred, or be willing to report it, so estimating the overall figure is very difficult.

As part of the Government's cyber security strategy, BIS is working with others to raise awareness of cyber security issues and to encourage businesses to take steps to protect their information and intellectual property.

| Hansard