Tag: Andrew Stephenson

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2015-11-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the report from Sense, The case for play, published 22 June 2015; and what the implications of that report are for her Department’s policies.

Edward Timpson

Play has an important role in supporting all young children to develop and prepare for later learning. The importance of play is recognised in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework[1], which states: “Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity. Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults.”

Early Years educators and Early Years teachers are required to have an understanding of different pedagogical approaches, including the role of play in supporting early learning and development. It is for individual schools and settings to provide opportunities for play for their children and pupils, including those with special educational needs.

We welcome the report published by Sense and their continuing efforts to support deafblind children and young people.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-01-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many soldiers of the Lancashire Regiment were deployed in tackling recent flooding; how many reserve soldiers of that Regiment were involved; how long that deployment lasted; and what assessment he has made of the effect of those soldiers’ contribution to the wider recovery and rescue operation.

Penny Mordaunt

2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (2 LANCS) were the UK Standby Battalion throughout the period of the recent flooding. They were deployed as follows:

13-15 November 2015 – Three Liaison Officers (planners) were deployed: two in Penrith, Cumbria and one in Hutton, Lancashire. A company of around 100 troops were deployed constructing flood barriers at Braystones, Cumbria and Ribchester and Whalley, Lancashire. A further two companies of around 100 troops each were at 12 hours and 24 hours notice to support, but did not deploy.

6-16 December 2015 – Around 300 troops, 200 of whom were from 2 LANCS, deployed to conduct tasks across two counties; around 10 troops deployed to Lancaster Hospital, the remainder deployed throughout Cumbria to tasks at Carlisle, Patterdale and Glenridding, Appleby, St Michael on Wyre, Keswick, Cockermouth, Garstang and the clearance of the A591. In addition, there were around 300 troops held at notice in unit lines 200 of whom were from 2 LANCS.

28 December 2015 – 8 January 2016 – Around 400 troops from 2 LANCS deployed, as did around 100 troops from other Regiments. These troops conducted tasks within this period across four counties at: Croston, the River Douglas, Ribchester and Whalley in Lancashire, as well as locations across North and West Yorkshire and Cumbria. There were further around 1050 troops from other Regiments held at notice.

Although around 35 Reservists were employed during the December and January periods of support, and around 5 Reservists were held at short notice, none of them were from 2 LANCS.

The Armed Forces, particularly 2 LANCS as the UK Standby Battalion, were heavily involved in the emergency response in what was a very dynamic situation and they played a significant role in helping local authorities and the Environment Agency respond to the floods. I would like to take this opportunity again to thank all those involved in the response to the floods across all the affected areas, from troops on the ground to air crews and those in command roles.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-02-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dogs on the restricted breed list were destroyed in each of the last three years.

George Eustice

Numbers of dogs destroyed as a result of being a dog of a specified type (section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991) are not held centrally. Such records would be held by each police force.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-05-18.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much HM Revenue and Customs has collected from UK citizens through the Mutual Assistance Recovery Directive in each year since that Directive came into effect.

Mr David Gauke

This information is not published by the UK Government or by the EU Commission.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support in finding work is available to British citizens returning to the UK after a long period overseas.

Damian Hinds

Eligibility for support in finding work is determined by eligibility for benefits and then need, rather than length of time abroad.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2015-11-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of space in prisons is used for educational purposes.

Andrew Selous

Education is embedded in a wide range of regime activities which occur within a prison including classrooms, libraries and industries. No data is held centrally on the proportion of space at each prison (and this would incur disproportionate cost to calculate).

The Secretary of State for Justice announced on 8^th September a review of the quality of education in prisons, chaired by Dame Sally Coates. The review will examine the scope, quality and effectiveness of current provision. It will consider the scope and range of the current curricula and identify the most effective teaching and delivery models. Stakeholders are being consulted and a Call for Evidence has been issued. A copy of the terms of reference are lodged in the library of the House and at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-prison-education-terms-of-reference

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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-01-13.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many motorhome owners from continental Europe visited England in each of the last five years.

Mr Robert Goodwill

The information requested is not collected by the Department.

The Department collects information on the number of passengers and passenger vehicles travelling to England from Europe via rail and ferry, however in both cases it is not possible to identify the vehicle type, or whether the passengers are motorhome owners.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-02-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dogs were destroyed following violent behaviour in each of the last three years.

George Eustice

The numbers of dogs destroyed as a result of being dangerously out of control (section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991) are not held centrally. Such records would be held by each police force.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-05-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) court judgments have been made against Tivium and (b) such judgments have been satisfied in (i) England, (ii) the North West and (iii) Lancashire.

Mr Shailesh Vara

There have been one hundred and fifty eight judgments made in England against County Court respondents with the word Tivium in their name. Forty three of those had judgements issued and entered at the County Court Money Claims Centre in the North West. There were no judgments recorded as being issued and entered in courts in Lancashire. A judgment is not necessarily made near to the claimant’s residential address. Data on how many judgements have been satisfied is not held.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Stephenson on 2016-09-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether any NHS bodies offer advice to parents that electrical safety socket covers or inserts should be installed in the home.

Mr Philip Dunne

On 30 June 2016 the Department issued an Estates and Facilities Alert (EFA) 2016/002 advising that electrical socket inserts should be removed from all premises where National Health Service care is delivered. The alert also advises NHS organisations against providing electrical socket inserts for use in the home. The safety Alert can be found at the following link:

https://www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=102494

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