The below Parliamentary question was asked by Dan Jarvis on 2016-01-11.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF missions have been flown over Syria.
Penny Mordaunt
I can confirm that from November 2014 until 10 January 2016 the RAF has conducted 324 missions over Syria.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Catherine West on 2016-01-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to address the prevalence of hunger in Malawi.
Mr Nick Hurd
DFID has a significant programme of ongoing support in health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation and economic development, particularly in rural areas and with the private sector, for growth, jobs, incomes and food insecurity. We support increasing access to justice for women and vulnerable groups, accountability and governance reforms.
The UK was one of the first development partners to respond to Malawi’s international appeal for emergency aid in October 2015. The UK has now committed £14.5m through partners including the World Food Programme, UNICEF and an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) consortium led by Save the Children. This support includes:
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Grahame Morris on 2016-02-23.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will ring-fence housing payments for tenants in supported accommodation.
Justin Tomlinson
We value the work of the supported housing sector extremely highly and are working closely with them to ensure they are supported as effectively as possible. As part of this, we have commissioned an evidence review of supported housing. The results of this research will determine any appropriate exemptions.
In addition, the Government has agreed to put in place a year-long exception for all supported housing provided by local authorities and private registered providers from the one per cent rent reduction.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tulip Siddiq on 2016-03-22.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 2 March 2016 to Question 27887, if he will publish a list of all those planning appeals allowed in the last 12 months.
Brandon Lewis
Attached is a table which shows all planning appeals allowed in the last 12 months.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Gwynne on 2016-04-21.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what powers she has to improve governance and scrutiny of leadership and management at the Audenshaw School Academy Trust; and if she will make a statement.
Edward Timpson
The Education and Adoption Act 2016 has introduced consistent powers to tackle inadequate and coasting academies. These allow the Secretary of State to terminate the funding agreement of an academy which has been rated as inadequate by Ofsted or is identified as coasting, and if necessary move the school to a new trust with a sponsor who has a proven track record and who will ensure the leadership and management of the school has the skills needed for the future.
Vicky Beer, the Regional Schools Commissioner for Lancashire and West Yorkshire, has been working closely with Audenshaw School Academy Trust to ensure that sufficient action is being taken to ensure the school improves.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gareth Thomas on 2016-06-06.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has taken steps to make advance passenger information available to Border Force general maritime officers; and if she will make a statement.
James Brokenshire
The security of our border remains a absolute priority. Border Force works closely with domestic and international partners on an intelligence-led approach to identify unlawful maritime activity including facilitation and illegal entry.
Information on vessels travelling to and from the UK is collected from a range of sources and analysed at the National Maritime Information Centre. The Government keeps all options relating to advance notification requirements under review and will continue to ensure proportionate measures are in place to secure our border.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Blenkinsop on 2016-09-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what representations he has received on the recent fatalities at the Boulby Potash mine; and whether his Department has made an assessment of the need to take any such action in respect of those fatalities.
Penny Mordaunt
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has received one representation on recent incidents, from the hon. Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. HSE has carried out a variety of interventions with the operators of Boulby mine, ranging from the serving of Prohibition Notices to a detailed assessment of their safety and competency management systems. HSE is reviewing the circumstances of a number of recent incidents with a view to taking further enforcement action if appropriate.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Stewart Jackson on 2016-10-10.
To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps are being taken by the Church Commissioners to address the financial difficulties at Peterborough Cathedral; and if she will make a statement.
Dame Caroline Spelman
The Church Commissioners have made an emergency loan to help address the cashflow challenges at Peterbourough Cathedral. In addition to this financial assistance, they have also actively supported and continue to support the Cathedral and Chapter by giving practical assistance, for example helping the Chapter evaluate options for staff restructuring and its property sale programme.
The Bishop of Peterborough has launched a visitation which will include a review of financial management and overall governance of the cathedral. The Commissioners are assisting in this process and I am happy to say that governance is improving and Chapter is beginning to address its budget deficit.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gregory Campbell on 2015-10-29.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Turkish counterpart on concluding the trial of five men accused of murdering three Christian missionaries in 2007.
Mr David Lidington
Her Majesty’s Government has previously condemned this shocking attack in Malatya and welcomed the Turkish Government’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. We continue to monitor this case and human rights developments in Turkey closely, including through regular bilateral discussions with our Turkish counterparts.
We continue to encourage Turkey to work towards meeting EU standards on all human rights, especially in the areas of freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and minority rights, including tackling hate crimes. We also fund a number of projects with minority groups in Turkey, including religious communities, aimed at promoting their inclusion.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2015-11-26.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Matthew Hancock
We are committed to the Freedom of Information Act. An independent commission was established review the workings of the Act. The Government will consider the Commission’s report when it is received.