The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-01-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when Ministers in his Department last met Citizens Advice Scotland; what was discussed at that meeting; and if he will make a statement.
David Mundell
I last met Citizens Advice Scotland on 3 August 2015 in Edinburgh. We discussed a range of matters, including the implementation of the Smith Commission Agreement.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will place in the Library copies of the minutes of the Tata Steel Task Force meetings on 20 January 2016 and 1 February 2016.
Stephen Crabb
The Welsh Taskforce was convened on 20 January and met subsequently on 1 February. The next meeting will be held on 15 February.
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, attended the meeting on 1 February and will attend future meetings whenever practicable. Due to prior commitments he was unable to attend the first meeting and the Wales Office Director represented the Department. UK Government officials also attend Taskforce meetings.
The Taskforce is chaired by Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart. Minutes of the Taskforce and any agreed programme of work are matters for the Welsh Government.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-03-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Scottish Government on the economic development of Scotland and steps to attract inward investment to Scotland.
David Mundell
I have regular discussions with Scottish Government ministers on a wide range of economic issues. At the end of February I was involved in the launch of the Exporting is GREAT road show together with Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney. Business investment from abroad in the whole of the UK, and what makes the UK the first choice for this investment, is a crucial part of the GREAT campaign. At this event we exchanged several ideas about Scotland’s economic situation during these challenging economic times, and I am committed to continuing that dialogue. On 17 March, I will be joining the First Minister at the SCDI’s Annual Forum which will focus on the future of Scotland’s economy.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-06-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether he plans to raise the rate of the national minimum wage for people under 25 to the rate of the national living wage.
Nick Boles
The priority for younger workers is to secure work and gain experience so that they can compete in the labour market.
The wages of younger workers will continue to be underpinned by the National Minimum Wage as recommended by the Low Pay Commission at the highest possible level without costing jobs.
Earlier this year the Government accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations to increase rate for 21-24 year olds to £6.95 per hour – the largest single increase in the main rate of the NMW since 2008 in cash terms.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-10-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the (a) humaneness and (b) effectiveness of badger culls since 2013.
George Eustice
The approach Defra takes to monitoring the effectiveness and humaneness of the badger control policy, including the Chief Veterinary Officer’s advice, can be found on GOV.UK.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2015-11-26.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Matthew Hancock
We are committed to the Freedom of Information Act. An independent commission was established review the workings of the Act. The Government will consider the Commission’s report when it is received.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2015-12-10.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the page on the National Crime Agency website entitled, Cyber crime: Preventing young people from getting involved, what the statistical evidence is for the statement that more and more teenagers and young people are involved in cyber crime.
Mike Penning
The evidence to support this statement has derived from analysis by the National Crime Agency of investigations involving their National Cyber Crime Unit. This found the average age of suspects to be 17, compared to 24 in the previous year. The statement has also been informed by debriefing sessions that the National Cyber Crime Unit has undertaken with offenders, and academic engagement.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-01-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, which local authorities in Scotland on what dates he (a) has visited and (b) plans to visit.
David Mundell
a) I have visited the following local authorities in Scotland:
b) I plan to visit the following local authorities in Scotland in early 2016 (dates to be confirmed):
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will place in the Library the action plan produced by the current Tata Steel Task Force.
Stephen Crabb
The Welsh Taskforce was convened on 20 January and met subsequently on 1 February. The next meeting will be held on 15 February.
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, attended the meeting on 1 February and will attend future meetings whenever practicable. Due to prior commitments he was unable to attend the first meeting and the Wales Office Director represented the Department. UK Government officials also attend Taskforce meetings.
The Taskforce is chaired by Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart. Minutes of the Taskforce and any agreed programme of work are matters for the Welsh Government.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-03-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many Instant Rewards of what value were given to his Department’s officials in each of the last five financial years.
David Mundell
The following provides information on the number and total value of Instant Rewards given to officials in each of the last five years.
|
Year |
Instant Rewards |
Total Value |
|
2014-15 |
0 |
0 |
|
2013-14 |
0 |
0 |
|
2012-13 |
0 |
0 |
|
2011-12 |
4 |
£115 |
|
2010-11 |
14 |
£670 |