The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-06-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information the Government holds on stockpiles of cluster munitions in countries other than the UK.
Mr Philip Dunne
At least 108 nations are signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Ministry of Defence does not routinely hold information on whether non-signatories possess cluster munitions and their stockpiles.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-10-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK has provided any specific training to the Special Investigations Unit in Bahrain since it was established in 2013.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
The UK’s package of technical assistance to support reform in Bahrain began in 2012. Much of it has focused on assisting Bahrain build effective and accountable institutions, assisting the government in ensuring rule of law, police and justice are compliant with international standards and best practice. The specific support that we have provided, and continue to provide, to the Special Investigations Unit has been to assist them to build their capacity to make it more effective in carrying out better investigations and, therefore, build public confidence in the institution itself.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2015-12-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps his Department has taken to promote use of the UK Guarantees Scheme in Scotland.
David Mundell
The HM Treasury Infrastructure support Guarantee scheme has been available for nearly three years and is well understood in the market by key infrastructure players.
A range of projects have already been supported in Scotland, including Ineos Petrochemicals in Grangemouth and a Biomass project in Speyside with others currently participating in the process. Those interested in the scheme should contact IUKfinance@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk.
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2015-12-09.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2015 to Question 13962, when he most recently made representations to his Ethiopian counterpart on the detention of Andargachew Tsege.
James Duddridge
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Philip Hammond) wrote to Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros on 10 December about Andargachew Tsege’s continued detention. He made clear that Mr Tsege should have access to a lawyer, and be allowed to challenge his detention through a legal process.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-01-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the effect of the increase in state pension age on women resident in Scotland who were born in the 1950s; and when the last such discussion was.
David Mundell
I and my officials have regular engagement with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions on a range of important matters, including the State Pension. The hon Member will be aware of the parliamentary debate that took place on 1 February where my hon Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Shailesh Vara) set out the Government’s position on this issue.
State Pension age changes are part of a wider package of reforms being implemented by this Government. All women affected by faster equalisation under the Pensions Act 2011 will reach State Pension age after the introduction of the new State Pension. The new State Pension will benefit many women who have been historically worse off under the current system, with 650,000 women receiving £8 more per week (on average) in the first 10 years, due to the new State Pension valuation of their National Insurance record.
Encouraging and enabling those who can work to work for longer is a Government priority. In work, out of work and disability benefits are available for those individuals who are unable to work. Those who have caring responsibilities may be eligible for National Insurance credits towards their State Pension.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-02-05.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, on what date he last visited a food bank in Scotland.
David Mundell
I have not visited a food bank in my capacity as Secretary of State for Scotland.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-04-25.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November 2015 to Question 16881, when the consultation on extending the deadline for new cars and motorbikes to have their first MOT test from three to four years will begin.
Andrew Jones
I anticipate this consultation will be published in the summer and will run for 12 weeks.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-06-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the oral contribution of the Minister for Europe of 8 June 2016, Official Report, column 138WH, what assessments were last carried out on (a) whether the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen were targeting civilians and (b) respect for and compliance with international humanitarian law; and if he will place in the Library copies of documentation used in such assessments.
Michael Fallon
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) analyses allegations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations arising from air strikes in Yemen conducted by the coalition. The MOD has not assessed that the coalition is deliberately targeting civilians.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2016-10-07.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he plans to give effect to the provisions of the Scotland Act 2016 not yet in force.
David Mundell
We have made significant progress since the Scotland Act 2016 reached Royal Assent in March 2016 and a large number of provisions of the Act are already in force, giving the Scottish Parliament responsibilities in new policy areas. Most recently, new welfare powers came into force on 5 September 2016 and the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare continues to meet to discuss the implementation of welfare powers, as well as the commencement and implementation of remaining welfare provisions.
Implementation dates for a number of the tax and fiscal responsibilities in the Scotland Act 2016 are set out in the Fiscal Framework for Scotland.
We are working constructively with the Scottish Government on the commencement of sections of the Scotland Act 2016 and I will meet regularly with Derek Mackay MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution in the Scottish Government, to discuss progress. I will ensure the UK Parliament is kept informed about this important work.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ferrier on 2015-12-03.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2015 to Question 7426, how many events have been hosted by non-government bodies at Dover House since 21 July 2015.
David Mundell
There have been seven events hosted at Dover House by non-government bodies at Dover House since 21 July 2015