The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Falkner of Margravine on 2016-05-04.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have been informed of any plans by the BBC to move the Russian Service to Moscow.
Baroness Anelay of St Johns
We have not been informed by the BBC of any plans to move the Russian Service to Moscow. Operational decisions of this nature are for the BBC to take independently of Government.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Falkner of Margravine on 2016-05-04.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the editorial independence of the BBC Chinese Service of its potential relocation to Hong Kong.
Baroness Anelay of St Johns
We have made no assessment regarding the operational decision to move some Chinese Language Service posts to Hong Kong. The BBC has advised that BBC Chinese Language staff are already able to report from Hong Kong independently and without interference from authorities. The BBC believes this will continue in Hong Kong which hosts regional headquarters and offices for more than a hundred leading international media organisations.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Wendy Morton on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress the Government has made on improving safety in maternity care.
Ben Gummer
In November, we announced a national ambition to halve the rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths and brain injuries occurring during or soon after birth by 2030. Since then progress has included the launch of the ‘Spotlight on Maternity’ initiative and distribution of a £2.24 million capital fund for safety equipment.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Graham Allen on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed increase in charges for NHS dentistry on people’s ability and inclination to visit a dentist regularly.
Alistair Burt
In considering the possible impact on patients of the increased charges for 2016/17 and for 2017/18, we concluded that the existing exemptions and Low Income Scheme will protect the most vulnerable, ensuring there should be no significant impact on an individual’s inclination to visit the dentist.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ian Blackford on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of recent trends in life expectancy.
Jane Ellison
We welcome the overall trend to longer life expectancy. Annual fluctuations in life expectancy do occur, but the overall trend remains positive. We are committed to helping people live longer, healthier lives. Tackling health inequalities amongst people of ages is embedded in policy right across the Department.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dawn Butler on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department monitors implementation of price caps for agency staff.
Ben Gummer
Hourly price caps are one part of a series of tough financial controls we introduced last year to help the National Health Service tackle overspending on agency staff. NHS Improvement consulted on the price caps before they were introduced and, with NHS England and the Care Quality Commission, has been monitoring their implementation on a weekly basis.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lucy Allan on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans the Government has for future changes in doctors’ remuneration.
Ben Gummer
It is the responsibility of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB) to make recommendations to government on the remuneration of doctors and dentists working in the National Health Service. We are also taking forward contract reform for consultants and junior doctors. The General Practitioner (GP) contract for 2016/17 will see an investment of £220 million for 2016/17 – part of this will provide a pay uplift of 1% for GPs.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Bob Blackman on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress has been made on approving the business case for rebuilding the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
George Freeman
A Full Business Case for the new inpatient ward at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital was submitted to NHS Improvement for review on 6 April 2016 and is due for consideration in June 2016. This remains a priority project for the Department and NHS Improvement.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Peter Heaton-Jones on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to ensure that the Success Regime review at North Devon District Hospital does not lead to a reduction in services provided at that hospital.
Ben Gummer
The Success Regime aims to improve the quality and sustainability of health and care services for local people.
North, East and West Devon’s ‘Case for Change’ sets out the underlying challenges and opportunities. Change will be led by clinicians, in the best interests of communities. No specific proposals have been identified and the programme welcomes input from the people of North Devon. Hospital-based services will continue to be important across Devon, including in the North of the county.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Greenwood on 2016-05-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many and what proportion of NHS trusts were in deficit at the end of 2015-16; and what the total size of that deficit was.
Alistair Burt
Final figures for 2015-16 are not yet available, but we know that the deficit will be bigger this year, and that there is significant pressure. This is why we are investing the additional £10 billion the National Health Service has said it needs to implement its own plan for the future, with £6 billion frontloaded by the end of next year.