The below Parliamentary question was asked by Louise Haigh on 2015-11-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what average time his Department took to respond to freedom of information requests in each year since 2005.
David Mundell
The Government publishes statistics on the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 within central government, including on timeliness. These can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-foi-statistics.
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by David Amess on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2015 to Question 13645, what the names of each (a) head teacher and (b) school her Department is currently working with to improve the provision of PSHE in schools; and if she will make a statement.
Edward Timpson
We selected these headteachers to work with us on this issue because of the high quality of provision of PSHE education in their schools. The group of headteachers and practitioners that we are currently working with includes Carl Ward of Haywood Academy in Stoke on Trent; Cathie Paine of the Reach2 Academy Trust; Jerry Rayner of Rugby Independent School in Warwickshire; Michelle Colledge-Smith of the Outwood Grange Academy Trust; and Vanessa Ogden of Mulberry School in Bethnal Green.
The group has not been asked to advise the Government on the content of PSHE. Their focus is to produce an action plan and recommendations for improving the quality of PSHE teaching. We want to draw on expertise from a range of headteachers and practitioners and will invite others to join the group as appropriate. The Department regularly speaks to a wide range of stakeholders and will continue to do so regarding PSHE.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Cunningham on 2015-11-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what support his Department is providing to higher education institutions to increase the number of post-doctoral positions offered; and if he will make a statement.
Joseph Johnson
The Government recognises the importance of sustaining a strong research community across the UK. In allocating Science and Research funding, the Government asks the Research Councils, Higher Education Funding Council for England, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society to ensure that they are “maintaining a substantial flow of new researchers and high level skills”. Research Councils support 14,000 research staff and fellows, including 10,000 university researchers, many of whom are in early research careers. The National Academies provide over 690 early career research fellowships.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kerry McCarthy on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which of her Department’s properties will be owned and managed by the Government Property Unit; what the annual rent will be; and what the estimated annual cost is of the services the Government Property Unit will provide to her Department.
George Eustice
Defra is fully engaged with the development of the New Property Model for government property. The Property Model is being designed by the Government Property Unit and Departments are still to discuss the detail of the transfer of property into the new government property vehicle, the level of property cost recharges and any management cost involved.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by George Howarth on 2015-11-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the additional travel costs likely to be incurred by people not resident in Halton, of commuting using the bridge, arising from the Mersey Gateway Project in the first year that bridge is open.
Andrew Jones
The Department does not hold the information requested.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Cunningham on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department is providing to the Libyan Council of Deputies to (a) tackle ungoverned regions and (b) support the transition to a democratic government in Libya; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
The UK has strongly emphasised to the Libyan House of Representatives (aka Council of Deputies) and the other parties of the UN dialogue process that the establishment of a Government of National Accord is an important first step to restoring peace and stability in Libya. Only an inclusive government will deliver the peace and stability that the Libyan people desire and deny the space for Daesh and other extremist groups to operate. The UK stands ready to work with the international community to deliver a significant package of support to help a united Libyan Government of National Accord to deliver a stable and prosperous future for all Libyan citizens.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Peter Kyle on 2015-11-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether the Government’s aim to build 275,000 affordable homes during this Parliament will be in addition to the Government’s aim to deliver 200,000 new Starter Homes.
Brandon Lewis
The Government remains committed to delivering 275,000 new affordable homes between 2015 and 2020. This means we will build more new affordable homes than during any equivalent period in the last twenty years.
The Government is committed to building 200,000 starter homes over the course of this Parliament, to provide affordable homes for purchase with 20% discount are available to first time buyers under 40.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Henry Bellingham on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he next expects to meet representatives of the care home industry to discuss local authority funding of care homes; and if he will make a statement.
Alistair Burt
I regularly meet with representatives of the care home industry to discuss topics including local authority funding of care homes, and will continue to do so.
The Government has shown clear commitment to the adult social care sector, as evidenced during the Spending Review in which local authorities have been given access to £3.5 billion of new support for social care by 2019/20.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by George Howarth on 2015-11-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has held with the Senet Group on gambling addiction; and if he will make a statement.
Tracey Crouch
I have had several meetings with groups and individuals concerned about the negative effects of gambling, and have made clear to the industry that it must continue to demonstrate it is taking action to mitigate the risk ofgambling related harm.
Last year, the Governmentannounced a range of player protection measures including a £2 million programme funded by industry to promote responsible gambling, and the Senet group formed in 2014 promote responsible gambling standards, have overseen a range of measures, including a commitment from its members who cover around 80% of Britishlicensedbetting offices – todedicate 20% of shop window advertising to responsible gambling messages, and a TV campaign earlier the year to educate people about the risks of problem gambling.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mark Hendrick on 2015-12-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assistance her Department plans to permit Serco to give the Diocese of Blackburn to facilitate the settlement of Syrian refugees in Preston.
Richard Harrington
The UK has been operating resettlement schemes for many years and we already have established and effective networks to accommodate and support resettled people. It is up to each individual local authority to decide how best to manage the resettlement of refugees in their area, and they are therefore free to choose their own delivery partners.