The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Griffiths on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people were admitted to A&E departments for (a) alcohol-specific and (b) alcohol-related reasons in each of the last five years for which figures are available.
Jane Ellison
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 January 2015, Question number 220836.
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Griffiths on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children were excluded from school for (a) possession and (b) supply of illegal drugs in each of the last five years.
Mr Nick Gibb
The Department for Education does not collect information on the number of pupils excluded from school for the possession and supply of illegal drugs. The Department publishes information on the number of pupils excluded permanently or for a fixed period for ‘drug and alcohol’ related reasons. Guidance to schools clarifies that this category includes exclusions for alcohol abuse, drug dealing, inappropriate use of prescribed drugs, possession of illegal drugs, smoking and substance abuse.
Information showing the number of drug and alcohol related exclusions for 2008/09 to 2012/13 has been included in the attached Excel document. Further information on permanent and fixed period exclusions can be found in the “Statistics: exclusions” series [1].
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-exclusions
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Fiona O’Donnell on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his priorities are for the UK’s relationship with Sri Lanka.
Mr Hugo Swire
The UK will work to reinvigorate its relationship with the people of Sri Lanka and President Sirisena’s government. We already have strong links in trade, education, tourism and between our people. The President’s election is a new opportunity for Sri Lanka to build a stable, prosperous and inclusive future for all Sri Lankans. President Sirisena’s early visit to the UK from 7-11 March clearly expressed a renewed friendship between our two countries. The UK has offered support to the newly elected President and Prime Minister as they seek to implement their ambitious reform programme and take steps to reconcile all Sri Lankan people. However, we have been clear we want to see Sri Lanka deliver on its commitments to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights by September.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thomas Docherty on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in other EU member states on proposals to amend EU treaties.
Mr David Lidington
I have already visited 24 Member States to discuss EU reform with my counterparts, most recently, Warsaw on 6 March. Leaders across Europe agree that the EU needs to change. We are setting out the case for Britain’s view of the reforms required to make the EU fit for purpose in the 21st Century. We have already made progress: the June European Council agreed that EU reform was necessary and that the UK’s concerns should be addressed.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dame Joan Ruddock on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he plans to take in response to the conclusions of the Vienna Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, held in December 2014.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
The UK was represented at the Vienna conference by our Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna, Susan le Jeune. As the Vienna Conference was a discussion platform there were no formal follow up outcomes agreed. However as stated at the Conference, the UK will continue to follow the step-by-step approach to disarmament through the existing UN disarmament machinery and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Freer on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the military capability of Hamas.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
We assess that Hamas maintains the ability to launch rocket attacks and armed attacks through tunnels on Israel from within Gaza.
We call on Hamas to renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rosie Cooper on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of Christian communities in the Middle East.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
We are deeply concerned by the difficulties facing many Christians and religious minorities in the Middle East and deplore all discrimination and constraints on freedom of religion.
We are committed to supporting the fundamental human right to freedom of religion or belief. We support this right for Christian communities in the Middle East by regularly urging governments at senior levels to uphold the rights of all minorities; building international consensus on freedom of religion or belief; and supporting practical projects on community dialogue with civil society and faith groups.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to tackle the persecution of Christians overseas.
Mr David Lidington
Freedom of religion or belief is a human rights priority. At all levels of Government, we regularly urge the protection and the right of all, including Christians, to practise their religion or belief without discrimination.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Debbie Abrahams on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr Hugo Swire
We are concerned about the incidents that have taken place in recent weeks on both sides of the Line of Control and the International Border in Kashmir. We hope that both sides can take steps to reduce tensions.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chi Onwurah on 2015-01-14.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the French government on joint counter-terrorism and surveillance activities.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
First may I once again offer our deepest condolences, and express our solidarity with France, following the Paris attacks. I have regular discussions with my French counter-part on security and counter-terrorism issues.
The Honourable Member will understand that I cannot comment on intelligence matters.