The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill on 2015-11-17.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish the feasibility study of 2014 on caste discrimination.
Baroness Williams of Trafford
We are currently considering the conclusions and recommendations of the caste feasibility study as part of our wider consideration of the implications of the Tirkey v Chandok tribunal judgments. We will keep the House informed of further developments on this matter.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Stephen Timms on 2015-12-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, which charities her Department has funded to assist people affected by the Syria crisis since 2012.
Mr Desmond Swayne
The UK has been at the forefront of the response to the crisis in Syria and the region. We have pledged over £1.1 billion, our largest ever response to a single humanitarian crisis.
As part of the our response to the Syria Crisis, the UK is supporting a range of implementing partners working in Syria and neighbouring countries, including United Nations agencies, international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the Red Cross and other international organisations. NGO partners include CARE International, the Danish Refugee Council, Handicap International, the International Rescue Committee, Islamic Relief, Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam, Save the Children and World Vision. Due to security reasons, some of our International NGO partners working in Syria have requested to remain undisclosed.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Henry Bellingham on 2015-11-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland.
Mrs Theresa Villiers
I refer the hon Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon Members for South Ribble and Blaenau Gwent.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Graham Stringer on 2015-12-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his plans are for the future ownership of HM Prison Manchester; and if he will make a statement.
Andrew Selous
There are no current plans to change the ownership of HMP Manchester.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Emma Reynolds on 2015-11-16.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will publish data on molecular genetic test activity rates in 2012-13 and each subsequent year.
George Freeman
Data on molecular genetic testing for 2012-13 and subsequent years are not currently held centrally. The UK Genetic Testing Network (UKGTN) is working to publish data on molecular testing activity in collaboration with the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) and NHS England. UKGTN is also working with the devolved administrations to ensure that they are legally able to share these data with the HSCIC.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Blenkinsop on 2015-12-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for the replacement of pacer trains that form part of the Northern franchise deal with Arriva Rail North Limited.
Andrew Jones
As we have stated, Pacers will be removed by the end of 2019. It is for the new operator to decide how and when (by that date) this occurs.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chi Onwurah on 2015-11-16.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Prime Minister’s announcement of 7 November 2015 on broadband access, whether the Government will consult on the Universal Service Obligation for broadband.
Mr Edward Vaizey
As announced by the Prime Minister on 7th November, the Government plans to launch the consultation in early 2016.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Healey on 2015-12-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the application of local housing allowance rates for housing benefit paid in the social sector will take into account core rent and housing service charge elements.
Justin Tomlinson
The introduction of Local Housing Allowance limits to social sector tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit will only apply from April 2018 where new tenancies have been taken out or renewed after April 2016.
This reform will prevent social sector tenants from receiving more than if renting privately and the Department will set out the exact policy design in due course.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Graham Jones on 2015-11-16.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent discussions she has had with the cavity wall insulation industry about minimum EPC standards in the private rented sector.
Andrea Leadsom
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and Wales) Regulations 2015 were made in March this year following a full public consultation, and establish an EPC minimum of E for domestic and non-domestic private rented sector properties from April 2018.
Officials in the Department liaise regularly with the insulation industry, local authorities, and other stakeholders on a range of energy efficiency issues including the minimum EPC standards for the private rented sector. Discussions have also been held recently with French officials about domestic energy efficiency issues including minimum standards.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by The Earl of Clancarty on 2015-12-08.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Nash on 8 December (HL3697), what is the name of the new school; whether that school is a free school; and what involvement, if any, the New Schools Network had in founding that school.
Lord Nash
We cannot yet confirm which school the Commercial Road site will be developed for as the latest wave of applications is currently being assessed. Whether the entire site will be used will depend on the type of school approved.