The below Parliamentary question was asked by Louise Haigh on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he expects the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information to publish its report and recommendations.
Matthew Hancock
The independent Commission on Freedom of Information is expected to publish its findings in due course following the close of its Call for Evidence on 20 November.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Percy on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the success of her Department’s policies in supporting the UK Border Force to tackle illegal immigration into the UK.
James Brokenshire
Ensuring the security of the UK’s borders and tackling illegal immigration is a priority for the Government. We keep all policies under review to ensure effectiveness.
The new Immigration Bill contains measures designed to reform the UK’s immigration system, to prevent abuse and the flouting of the law by people who should not be here. The Bill will help secure the border, support working people, clamp down on illegal immigration and protect our public services, and tackle the exploitation of low-skilled workers and increase sanctions for those involved in such practices.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Imran Hussain on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on encouraging UK businesses with overseas supply chains to abide by fair practice and pay a fair wage.
Mr Desmond Swayne
All suppliers working with DFID sign up to our ‘Statement of Priorities and Expectations’. This confirms that suppliers agree to align with DFID’s standards and priorities including Corporate Social Responsibility, accountability and transparency and treatment of subcontractors.
Recently DFID wrote to all suppliers emphasising the importance of how they engage their supply chain and to demonstrate fair treatment of subcontractors throughout contract delivery. We have also strengthened our terms and conditions relating to treatment of subcontractors including requirement to pay promptly
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 September 2015 to Question 9704, whether his Department plans to renew its 2011 to 2015 Strategy for the Prevention of Torture.
Mr David Lidington
The Government remains committed to torture prevention work globally as evidenced by the launch of the new edition of the Torture Reporting Handbook on 24 September 15 and our ongoing support for torture prevention work through the UN and other multilateral institutions. The Government continues to pursue the 2011-2015 Strategy for the Prevention of Torture.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Christina Rees on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether it is his policy that the apprenticeship levy will apply to labour-only subcontractors.
Nick Boles
My Rt hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce further details of the apprenticeship levy at the Spending Review, including the scope and rate of the levy and how it will operate with respect to the Devolved Administrations.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Peter Kyle on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many 19 to 24 year olds who already had a Level 3 qualification on the regulated qualifications framework started a Level 2 apprenticeship framework in 2013-14.
Nick Boles
Information on 19 to 24 years olds who completed a Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework prior to starting a Level 2 Apprenticeship in 2013/14 is not available.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lilian Greenwood on 2015-10-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2015 to Question 12213, whether his Department has imposed any penalties on bus operators who submitted ineligible claims for Bus Service Operators Grant support for closed school bus services.
Andrew Jones
Further to my answers to earlier questions of 15 and 23 October (questions 11430 and 12213) on the subject of claims for Bus Service Operator Grant for school services, where we have identified claims in the past for closed school services these have been disallowed. However, as was made clear in the letter which my officials have sent recently to all operators, my Department will take the strongest possible measures against any operator who knowingly claims for such ineligible services in future.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Ahmed on 2015-10-23.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of India about the number of attacks on minorities by extremist groups in that country, in particular black ink attacks carried out by Shiv Sena.
Baroness Anelay of St Johns
We are aware of reports of attacks by Hindu extremists on minority groups in India. The UK raises human rights matters with India, including attacks on minority groups, both bilaterally and through the EU-India human rights dialogue. As part of an EU delegation, our High Commission in New Delhi met the Indian National Commission for Minorities in early October to discuss a range of current issues. Our High Commission also maintains regular contact with civil society organisations and senior faith leaders working on religious freedom across India.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Suttie on 2015-10-23.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to increasing the Gangmasters Licensing Authority fees for licence applications, renewal and inspection for the top two bands of businesses, in order to raise income to cover that Authority’s expenditure.
Lord Bates
We are currently consulting on the future role and remit of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, including the licensing regime and its operation. Any changes made to the GLA’s licensing regime would be undertaken in line with the principles of Managing Public Money and would be subject to Her Majesty’s Treasury and Home Office Ministers’ approval.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Gwynne on 2015-10-23.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much was paid in (a) year end and (b) in-year bonuses to officials of his Office in each of the last three years.
Matthew Hancock
As part of this Government’s transparency agenda, all Departments are required to publish information about non-consolidated performance related payments annually. Information about non-consolidated awards paid to officials in my Department going back as far as awards paid for performance in the year 2011/12 is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/payroll-costs-and-non-consolidated-pay-data
Information about awards paid in 2015/16 for performance in the year 2014/15 is not due to be published until later this year and will be available on GOV.UK.
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