Tag: Caroline Lucas

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2015-11-26.

To ask the Prime Minister, with reference to pages 18 and 19 of his response to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee’s Second Report of Session 2015-16: The Extension of Offensive British Military Operation to Syria, published on 26 November 2015, what his assessment is of the capacity of the 70,000 Syrian opposition fighters referred to (a) taking territory from ISIL, (b) holding that territory and (c) administering it; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Cameron

We estimate that there are around 70,000 Syrian opposition fighters on the ground who do not belong to extremist groups, many of whom are linked to the Free Syrian Army. In addition to these 70,000, there are around 20,000 Kurdish fighters in Syria, who are also playing an important role in combating ISIL. The information we have on individual groups which forms the basis of this estimate is drawn in large part from intelligence. It would not be to the benefit of these non-extremist opposition fighters if we were to make it public to ISIL and the Syrian regime. We have very close intelligence relationships with a range of allies and partners, and share assessments with them as a matter of course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2015-12-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on child protection of the recommendations of HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ thematic report on Behaviour management and restraint of children in custody, published in November 2015.

Andrew Selous

Restraint is only be used as a last resort, when young people are putting their own safety and the safety of others at risk.

The recent report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons welcomed our new arrangements, which are designed to limit the use of physical restraint on young people in custody as far as possible.

The report does raise some concerns over how the new system is operating and we will carefully consider its recommendations.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2015-12-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 4.16 of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, where the ground-based Ballistic Missile Defence radar will be based; and when that radar will enter operation.

Mr Philip Dunne

We have not yet made decisions as to the exact capabilities required of the radar or where it will be sited – this will be determined in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-01-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what information the Government holds on the proportion of small businesses that have ceased trading after experiencing flood damage in the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry

The Department does not hold specific information on the proportion of businesses, large or small, that have ceased trading after experiencing flood damage in the last five years.

However following the flooding of Winter 2013/14, of the 4,859 businesses that were reported by Local Authorities as being impacted by flooding, only 3 businesses were reported as not fully operational by October 2015.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-01-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the costs are of the Mk4A Trident warhead modification programme for each year of the Nuclear Warhead Capability Sustainment Programme.

Michael Fallon

The overall cost to the UK of procuring the Mk4A component was an element of the estimated future costs of the Atomic Weapons Establishment as set out in chapter five of the White Paper ‘The Future of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent’ (Cmd 6994), published in December 2006.

Further details on the costs of the Mk4A programme are being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-02-04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many Post Office Crown branches have closed or merged since the end of the last formal Crown Transformation Programme.

George Freeman

Provision of its Crown branches is the operational responsibility of Post Office Limited.

I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the Chief Executive of Post Office Limited, to write to the hon Member on this matter. A copy of her reply will be placed in the libraries of the House.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-02-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications for a variation from the standard formula have been made under the 2012 statutory child maintenance scheme by (a) non-resident parents and (b) parents with care since the introduction of that scheme.

Priti Patel

The Information requested is not routinely recorded for management information purposes and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-03-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 February 2016 to Question 27464, how many joint investigations by the Child Maintenance Group Financial Investigation Unit and HM Revenue Customs in connection with income fraud for child maintenance and tax purposes are underway; and how many such investigations have been completed.

Priti Patel

There are currently three on-going joint investigations between HMRC and CMG, two of these are currently awaiting trial at the Crown Court. Three joint investigations have been concluded, all with findings of guilt at the Crown Court, with sentences ranging from 1 – 3 years imprisonment. Intelligence on a further 13 cases has also been passed to HMRC for them to consider.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-04-29.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department’s news story of 21 September 2015, on £2 billion support for Hinkley Point, what documentation has since been agreed and signed with EDF or other parties relating to that project.

Greg Hands

No documents have been signed with EDF or any other parties, since 21^st September 2015 announcing the approval of the £2 billion guarantee for Hinkley Point.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Caroline Lucas on 2016-05-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, by what date he plans to make a decision on upgrading the Brighton Main Line.

Claire Perry

Later this year, the rail industry will present its initial advice on investment needs for the national network, for 2019 onwards. On the basis of this advice, Government intends to articulate its emerging priorities for improvements to the national network (including possible upgrades to the Brighton Main Line) during 2017.

The Thameslink Programme is already delivering a significant upgrade to the Brighton Main Line – including the major redevelopment of London Bridge station – which, from 2018 will provide more capacity and more journey options for passengers.