The below Parliamentary question was asked by Alan Brown on 2015-10-13.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average time was for a decision to be made on a claim for pneumoconiosis between 2010 and 2015.
Justin Tomlinson
The information requested is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Luciana Berger on 2015-10-12.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) submitted a local transformation plan for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing before the first-wave deadline of 18 September 2015; and how many CCGs have still to submit such a plan.
Alistair Burt
31 local transformation plans, representing 54 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) were submitted by the first wave deadline of 18 September. A total of 102 plans are expected to be submitted by 16 October representing the remaining 155 CCGs.
CCGs were given two opportunities to submit plans – on the 18 September and 16 October 2015. The first submission date is in recognition that some CCGs were advanced in their plans for local improvement and already had a Children and Adult Mental Health strategy and plan in place. It is expected that the vast majority of submissions will have been received by 16 October 2015.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2015-10-12.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on how many occasions (a) illegal and (b) fake alcohol have been found by police in each of the last five years.
Mike Penning
The Home Office does not hold data centrally on the number of occasions when illegal and fake alcohol have been found by the police.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2015-10-12.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions the Government has had with the Afghan government on relieving poverty in Afghanistan.
Mr Desmond Swayne
The UK government played a leading role in the Senior Officials Meeting in Kabul in September 2015 at which a new Mutual Accountability Framework for development and poverty reduction was agreed between the Afghan government and the international community. Several UK Government Ministers have had conversations with their Afghan counterparts recently to discuss issues of mutual interest including poverty reduction.
The UK also holds quarterly development cooperation meetings with the Afghan government to discuss its bilateral aid programme, as well as regular thematic discussions with Afghan ministers and officials.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Calum Kerr on 2015-10-12.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will work with the Office of Rail and Road to ensure that the proposed new Edinburgh to Berwick train service via Reston and East Linton stations will not be impeded by pathways being allocated to long distance train operating companies.
Claire Perry
Decisions on access to the railway are a matter for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). When considering applications for new or additional access to the network by a railway operator the ORR will consult interested parties, including other users of the network and funders, such as the Secretary of State, and take into account their views. In reaching a decision ORR must exercise its functions in a way that it considers best achieves its statutory duties.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Debbie Abrahams on 2015-10-12.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress the Government has made on developing proposals for reform of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Dominic Raab
This Government will fully consult on our proposals, this session, before introducing legislation for a British Bill of Rights. Further details will be announced in due course.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2015-10-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what his policy is on the Government continuing to sign off arms export licenses for those countries identified as a cause for concern by the Committees on Arms Export Controls and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and if he will make a statement.
Anna Soubry
The Government takes its export responsibilities very seriously and aims to operate one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. Government policy is enshrined in the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, known as the Consolidated Criteria. We rigorously examine every application on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated Criteria and will only issue an export licence where to do so would be consistent with these criteria.
We undertake appropriate checks using both open and other sources when considering licence applications. To ensure a comprehensive and consistent approach, this will involve Desk and Post in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and relevant experts from other Departments.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Blomfield on 2015-10-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he expects to respond to the consultation on postgraduate study, student loans and other support.
Joseph Johnson
The consultation response is currently being analysed and the Department expects to respond in the Autumn.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Chris Stephens on 2015-10-09.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of civil servants who have the right to deductions at source of trade unions dues in their contract of employment.
Matthew Hancock
This is a matter for individual government departments, to which check-off arrangements are delegated.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ben Howlett on 2015-10-09.
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will estimate the proportion of VAT revenue accruing to the Exchequer which derives from businesses with an annual turnover under (a) £150,000 and (b) £250,000.
Mr David Gauke
HM Revenue and Customs does not routinely publish estimates of VAT revenue accruing to the Exchequer which derives from businesses.