The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Hanson on 2016-10-11.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many deaths from volatile substance abuse were recorded in each region of England and Wales for each (a) substance, (b) age and (c) gender in 2015.
Chris Skidmore
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Melanie Onn on 2015-11-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the cost of acquiring a Certificate in Professional Competence on access to such certificates for young people.
Andrew Jones
The Department for Transport has not made any assessments on the effect of the cost of acquiring a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) on access to such Certificates for young people.
In order to allow newly qualified drivers to gain experience, the department allows those who have passed the theory test (module one) and practical driving test (module three) to enrol on an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) programme and defer taking the Driver CPC theory and practical tests. This allows a driver to work professionally for up to 12 months whilst working towards a Driver CPC qualification.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Tyrie on 2015-11-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the economic impacts of the recommendations of the Airports Commission’s Final Report, published in July 2015.
Mr Robert Goodwill
The Government is currently considering the large amount of very detailed analysis contained in the Airports Commission’s final report before taking any decisions on next steps.
The Government will carefully consider all the evidence set out, including that on costs, when making a decision on additional runway capacity.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Peter Bone on 2016-01-05.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment he has made of the effect on Wales if the UK voted to leave the EU.
Stephen Crabb
The Prime Minister believes Britain’s best future lies within a reformed European Union. He is focused on addressing the concerns of the British people and is confident that the right agreement can be reached.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Hilary Benn on 2016-01-29.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether marketing standards conformity certificates issued by Israel covering consignments of fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the occupied Palestinian territories indicate that the products they cover originate in Israel.
George Eustice
The Horticultural Marketing Inspectors have no reason to believe that these certificates do not contain correct information. In 2012, the European Commission announced that their research into Israeli/Palestinian export certificates “did not reveal any evidence of non-conformity regarding the indication of the country of origin”. The Commission also reaffirmed the requirement that the origin needed to be clearly indicated whether it was Israel or an Occupied Territory.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-02-24.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will increase aid to Jordan in order to help that country cope with the inflow of Syrian refugees.
Mr Desmond Swayne
At the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference, the Prime Minister announced that the UK will more than double our total pledge to the Syria crisis from £1.12 billion to over £2.3 billion. This funding will support those in need inside Syria and in the surrounding region which is dealing with the impact of the crisis, including Jordan. Final country allocations are still being decided but it is clear that aid from the UK in Jordan will rise compared to previous years.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Bernard Jenkin on 2016-03-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent representations he has received on the proposed EU Ports Services Regulation; and what proposals he plans to make to other EU member states on that regulation.
Mr Robert Goodwill
I have received recent representations from Honourable Members, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) as well as the British Ports Association (BPA) and the United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) on the EU Port Services Regulation (PSR). I intend to work closely with like-minded EU Member States to ensure that as far as possible we achieve an outcome that protects the competitiveness and efficiency of the UK ports sector.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Henry Smith on 2016-04-25.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that roadworks cause less disruption to motorists.
Andrew Jones
The Government wants to deliver better journeys for drivers. Roadworks are essential, but that doesn’t mean they should be in place any longer than is absolutely necessary. We are currently consulting on changes that will reduce the congestion caused by roadworks on local ‘A’ road from works left in place at the weekend but where no work is happening, and to remove temporary traffic lights as soon as the works are complete.
We have asked Highways England to look closely at reducing the length of roadworks on the Strategic Road Network. This is being reflected in the next phase of smart motorway schemes, where Highways England are reducing both the length (distance) and duration (time they are in place) of roadworks.
Highways England are also considering the use of higher speed limits through roadworks, where this can be done safely. Subject to safety assessments, Highway England will be starting a trial of higher speed limits on roadworks later this year.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Lexden on 2016-06-06.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the review of electoral fraud being undertaken by Sir Eric Pickles will be completed and its recommendations published.
Lord Bridges of Headley
Sir Eric Pickles will issue his report to the Prime Minister in due course.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jonathan Ashworth on 2016-07-20.
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the recruitment process is for employing an official from another government department in a new role in his Department.
Mr David Jones
The new Department for Exiting the European Union will be made up of staff from various departments across Government, including from the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU. The department has already started drawing together expertise from a wide range of departments where there is specific relevant knowledge. The overall size and scope of the new department, including staffing and budget, are now being considered – the department now has over 180 staff.