Tag: 2016

  • Andrew Rosindell – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence

    Andrew Rosindell – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Rosindell on 2016-04-13.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support Air Cadet Unit: 6 Romford Squadron and ensure it is not adversely affected by the reduction in the number of volunteer gliding squadrons; and what steps he is taking to provide adequate resources to volunteer gliding squadrons and ensure the increase in cadet units under their control does not result in a reduction in gliding training time per unit.

    Mr Julian Brazier

    6F (Romford) Squadron Air Training Corps will continue to be affiliated to 614 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) .

    I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 18 April 2016 to oral Question 904503 to the hon. Member for Southend West (Sir David Amess).

  • Tim Farron – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Tim Farron – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tim Farron on 2016-05-23.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the expected date is for completion of the electrification of the Windermere Branch Line.

    Andrew Jones

    In Sir Peter Hendy’s review, Network Rail has made clear that the Oxenholme to Windermere electrification scheme will be delivered, with a target of March 2017 for selection of a single option. Work is progressing on this scheme. The programme for delivery will be detailed when the single option is known.

  • Rachel Reeves – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

    Rachel Reeves – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rachel Reeves on 2016-07-06.

    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will set out his plans for reaching the new target for corporation tax of less that 15 per cent.

    Mr David Gauke

    The Chancellor set out his ambition to build on the work of the last six years and go even further in reducing the rate of corporation tax to 15% or lower.

  • Lord Hylton – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for International Development

    Lord Hylton – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for International Development

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hylton on 2016-10-03.

    To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the consequences to date of the reduction in the foreign aid budget to the Palestinian Authority between 2013 and 2016.

    Lord Bates

    The UK provided £88 million in financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) from 2013-2016. UK aid has supported the PA to deliver basic services and promote economic growth. The PA continues to face challenges to ensure fiscal stability. As the Development Secretary is new to her role, she is conducting a full examination of DFID’s work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including UK financial assistance to the PA.

  • Lord Kennedy of Southwark – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Lord Kennedy of Southwark – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark on 2016-01-21.

    To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the timetable for the Transport for London and Department for Transport partnership to take control of the suburban rail routes in London.

    Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

    We are going to work with Transport for London (TfL), local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnership and others over the next few months to set up the Partnership announced on 21st January 2016 but the timetable for the formation of the partnership has yet to be agreed.

    Depending on responses to the Prospectus and being able to agree satisfactory terms, transfers of the suburban services could take place when franchises end (the dates are as per the prospectus). We are exploring with TfL whether a separate business unit can be created for South West Trains.

  • Richard Arkless – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

    Richard Arkless – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Richard Arkless on 2016-02-09.

    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent representations he has received on the implications for aid of the 1955 tax treaty between the UK and Malawi.

    Mr David Gauke

    No such representations have been received. Discussions with Malawi over a new tax treaty have already taken place. We are hopeful the new treaty can be concluded shortly.

  • Lord Maginnis of Drumglass – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

    Lord Maginnis of Drumglass – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass on 2016-03-07.

    To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there is any viable evidence that President Anastasiades’ current negotiations with President el-Sisi, with President Putin and with Prime Minister Netanyahu are taking place based on agreement among the current parties participating in the Cyprus peace talks.

    Baroness Anelay of St Johns

    It is for the Republic of Cyprus to decide on its external relations. Given the threats facing the Eastern Mediterranean, the need for improved co-operation across the whole region remains crucial. A Cyprus settlement would provide an important boost for regional stability. The UK commends President Anastasides and Mr Akinci for their positive leadership in the Cyprus settlement talks. As the Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), made clear during his visits to Cyprus last year, the UK will continue to do whatever we can to support the efforts of both communities, and their leaders, to seize the historic opportunity that exists to reunite Cyprus.

  • Alan Brown – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

    Alan Brown – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Alan Brown on 2016-04-13.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what discussions her Department has had with EDF on board approval for the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear reactor since 30 March 2016; whether her Department has identified people who oppose that scheme on the board of EDF; and whether EDF has informed her Department of the date on which a meeting will be held to make a final investment decision.

    Andrea Leadsom

    We are in close contact with EDF regarding the Hinkley Point C project. EDF and the French Government have said that EDF are working towards a Final Investment Decision ‘in the near future, with the full support of the French Government’.

  • Daniel Zeichner – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Daniel Zeichner – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Daniel Zeichner on 2016-05-23.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 26 November 2015 to Question 16941, on bus services: disability, what the different potential solutions for achieving better audio-visual information on buses are; and what steps he is taking to achieve better audio-visual information on buses.

    Andrew Jones

    Accessible on-board information helps many people to feel more confident in taking the bus, safe in the knowledge that they will know when to alight.

    The technology for providing information on upcoming stops is evolving, and recent trials have tested lower cost alternatives to traditional systems, wearable devices and smartphone applications.

    The Department is supportive of such initiatives, and continues to review the options available, encouraging the bus industry to take the lead in recognising the potential benefits for all passengers and in delivering improvements in accessible on-board information.

  • Sharon Hodgson – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education

    Sharon Hodgson – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Education

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Sharon Hodgson on 2016-07-06.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many secondary schools use cashless payment systems for school meals.

    Mr Sam Gyimah

    Cashless payment systems can have a number of advantages, including better queue management, removing issues around pursuing payment and reducing potential stigma for those claiming free school meals. However, it is for governing boards to decide the best system for collecting payment for school lunches and the department does not collect data on how many schools use such systems. The department has produced non-statutory guidance for schools on biometric systems in general, available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268649/biometrics_advice_revised_12_12_2012.pdf

    “