Tag: Edward Argar

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-09-15.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with Ministers of the Welsh Government on the Swansea Tidal Lagoon project; and what recent assessment he has made of progress on that project as a result of those discussions.

Alun Cairns

I discussed the proposed Tidal Lagoon project with the First Minister for Wales and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy when I met with them both in August.

This is an exciting project for Wales. We must, however, ensure that it will deliver affordable energy and that it represents value for money for energy consumers. Charles Hendry is due to finalise his independent review into tidal lagoons this autumn which will help establish an evidence base to ensure all decisions made regarding tidal lagoon energy are in the best interests of the UK.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2015-11-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to hold national events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the RAF in 2018.

Mark Lancaster

The Ministry of Defence is in the planning stage of its RAF100 Campaign and intends to hold a National commemoration to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the RAF. A full list of events and activities will be published in 2017.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure the sustainability of the sea-bass population.

George Eustice

Bass continue to be a priority for the UK Government as we prepare for negotiations at EU level in December to agree further measures that will apply in 2017. Our approach will include consideration of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea scientific advice on bass for 2017 and will clearly recognise the continuing need to maintain strong action to help this stock recover.

The European Commission’s proposals, expected shortly, will help to inform our negotiating position. This will take into account the current and long term interests of the recreational and commercial fishing sectors in this important fish stock. We will be working with stakeholders, other Member States, and the European Commission in the coming weeks to inform the UK position.

At the domestic scale our review of bass measures is focusing principally on bass nursery areas. Where it is identified that action is required, this work will be further developed and, where national legislation may be required, will follow the usual legislative process. We will seek the views of key stakeholders on the way forward. Any proposed national legislation will be subject to public consultation involving stakeholders, other Government Departments and interested parties.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2015-11-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of the security situation in Yemen on the ability of non-governmental organisations to operate and deliver aid in that country.

Mr Desmond Swayne

Conflict in Yemen has made it difficult for agencies to operate and deliver humanitarian aid to all those who need it, particularly in the five governorates most affected by the fighting (Abyan, Aden, Al Dahle, Hajjah and Taiz). The city of Taiz, where fighting has intensified in recent weeks, is currently of particular concern. Humanitarian agencies have been denied permission to deliver lifesaving supplies and there are reports of severe shortages of food, healthcare, water and sanitation.

We continue to call on all parties to facilitate rapid, safe and unhindered access to all people in need and to safeguard key infrastructure, including airports, sea ports, fuel distribution sites and major access routes in Yemen. We will continue to fund those agencies and NGOs who have the best access and ability to deliver humanitarian assistance in Yemen.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the tree-planting rates have been in England in each year since 2006.

Dr Thérèse Coffey

The Forestry Commission collect and publish National Statistics for England on the area, in hectares, of new woodland planting. It also estimates the number of trees planted, based on the average number of trees planted per hectare in the grant supported planting. In 2015-16 this average was 1,566 trees per hectare.

Table 1 below provides annual planting area published by the Forestry Commission since 2006 and its estimate of the number of trees planted.

In 2015-16 the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) supported 546 hectares of planting and it is estimated that 165 hectares of woodland was created, without RDPE support, bringing the total created during 2015-16 to 711 hectares.

In the period April 2016 to June 2016, a further 422 hectares of woodland was recorded as being planted with RDPE support.

The RDPE figures reflect the slow initial take up of Countryside Stewardship support for woodland planting. Planting is recorded at the time the grant is paid, which means that some planting will have taken place in the previous financial year to that in which it is recorded. Approximately 1,292,000 trees were planted in England with RDPE support since April 2015.

Table 1: New planting of woodland in England since 2005-06

Financial Year to 31st March	a) New planting by land area	b) Estimated number of trees
	Thousand hectares	Million trees
2005-06	3.7	4.1
2006-07	3.2	3.5
2007-08	2.6	2.9
2008-09	2.5	2.8
2009-10	2.3	2.5
2010-11	2.5	2.8
2011-12	2.7	3.0
2012-13	2.6	2.9
2013-14	3.3	3.6
2014-15	2.4	2.6
2015-16	0.7	0.8

Source: Forestry Statistics 2016 (Forestry Commission)

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2015-11-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment the Government has made of (a) the condition of the port infrastructure at Hodeida in Yemen and (b) Hodeida’s ability to function as a port for the purpose of delivering and unloading international aid.

Mr Desmond Swayne

The UK assessed the damage to Hodeidah port in August 2015. The port is currently running but with significant constraints: cranes and warehouses have been damaged and the lack of a reliable electricity supply is affecting port operations. However, the port is still operational: it can receive and unload shipments and is capable of servicing between 3 and 5 ships at a time, dependent on size. Between 1-15 November (most recent data), 12 ships berthed in Hodeidah port.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the likely rate of tree-planting in England in (a) 2016 and (b) 2017.

Dr Thérèse Coffey

The Forestry Commission has reported, as an Official Statistic, that 522 hectares of woodland, equivalent to 798,000 trees, was planted through Government-funded incentives to the end of June 2016. All agreements for schemes with planting planned for 2017 are currently being processed and have yet to be signed, meaning that no forecast of tree numbers can yet be provided. However, the Forestry Commission estimates that the likely rate of new woodland planting will increase in the remainder of 2016 and 2017.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-01-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if the Government will set out for broadcasters the level of progress it expects to see on the provision of subtitles and audio-descriptions for on-demand content before it reviews the legislation in that area.

Mr Edward Vaizey

The Authority for TV On Demand (ATVOD) are currently preparing the report "Provision of Video on Demand Access Services 2015". This report, combined with meetings with broadcasters, content providers and platform operators, will inform Government’s next steps.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-03-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the timetable is for the publication of the findings of the Accelerated Access Review.

George Freeman

Sir Hugh Taylor published his interim report to the review on 27 October 2015. The review will conclude with Sir Hugh’s final recommendations to Government which are expected in spring 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Argar on 2016-03-07.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the Financial Conduct Authority plans to report the findings of its consultation on the Financial Advice Market Review.

Harriett Baldwin

The Financial Advice Market Review, a joint review undertaken by HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority, will report around Budget 2016.