Tag: Margaret Ritchie

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-03-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions he has held with his counterparts in the devolved administrations on proposals to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998.

Dominic Raab

The Government has discussed human rights reform with a range of stakeholders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including ministers in the Scottish and Welsh Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.

We will continue to engage fully with the devolved administrations as we develop our proposals.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-05-23.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Nigerian government on securing the release of girls who have been abducted by Boko Haram.

James Duddridge

We regularly raise the issue of abducted girls, and indeed everyone abducted by Boko Haram, with the Nigerian government at the highest levels. Most recently the Foreign Secretary reiterated UK support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle Boko Haram, when he met President Buhari in Abuja in May.

We are providing a substantial and increasing package of intelligence, military and development support to Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram including support to those targeted by its indiscriminate campaign of violence, and assistance to find those who are missing.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-10-11.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Irish government on the potential implications for economic growth (a) on the island of Ireland and (b) in Northern Ireland of the UK leaving the EU.

Mr David Gauke

The Chancellor met his Irish counterpart on 22 September to discuss a range of issues relating to the UK’s EU exit. We look forward to working closely with the Irish Government and other key stakeholders as we develop our approach to this matter.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-01-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the devolved administrations on the implementation of the Rare Disease Strategy.

George Freeman

The implementation of the UK Rare Disease Strategy is monitored by the UK Rare Disease Forum which includes representatives from all the devolved administrations. The Forum will publish their first assessment of the progress made in implementing the UK Rare Disease Strategy at the end of February 2016.

The Rare Diseases Advisory Group (RDAG) makes recommendations to NHS England and the devolved administrations of NHS Scotland, NHS Wales and NHS Northern Ireland on developing and implementing the strategy for rare diseases and highly specialised services. The membership of RDAG also includes representation from the devolved administrations – NHS Scotland, NHS Wales and NHS Northern Ireland.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2015-11-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to encourage more retailers to sell milk brands that best support the domestic dairy industry.

George Eustice

The Secretary of State has written to all major supermarkets asking them to consider what more they might be able to do to increase their sourcing of UK dairy products and I am holding discussions with individual retailers, to encourage them to do more, particularly on processed dairy products.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2015-12-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when compensation will be made available for those individuals infected by contaminated bloods.

Jane Ellison

As liability has not been established in the majority of cases, therefore it would not be appropriate to talk about payments in terms of compensation. Where liability has been established in a small number of individuals affected by HIV, hepatitis C or both infections through treatment with NHS-supplied blood or blood products before 1991, compensation has been paid. A consultation on proposals to reform the current payments schemes will be published in January 2016.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-03-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to consult on proposals to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998.

Dominic Raab

We will bring forward proposals for a Bill of Rights, which will replace the Human Rights Act. Our Bill will protect fundamental human rights, but also prevent their abuse and restore some common sense to the system. We will fully consult on our proposals before introducing legislation and will publish our proposals in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-05-25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when NHS England plans to publish its response to its consultation on developing a method to assist investment decisions in specialised services.

George Freeman

The proposed prioritisation methodology which went out to consultation was signed off by the Specialised Commissioning Committee at its meeting on 31 May 2016 – for use in 2016/17.

The consultation outcome document will now be published on the website imminently.

There will be further work undertaken on the methodology in due course to refine and improve it for use in future years.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2016-10-11.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the potential effect of a change in the rate of VAT for tourism on employment creation in Northern Ireland.

Jane Ellison

The Chancellor regularly discusses a wide range of issues with other Ministers.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2015-10-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, whether he has made an assessment of the need for regulation of hairdressing.

Anna Soubry

The Government is currently reviewing all UK regulated professions under the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive. Part of this review will assess the necessity and proportionality of the current arrangements, with a view to cutting red tape where possible. We will make any further announcements when the review concludes in January. While there are regulations governing the suitability of premises, the hairdressing profession itself is not regulated. Anyone is free to practice as a hairdresser and there are no statutory requirements for the majority of those employed within this sector to register on a national register. However, the Hair Council has developed and operates a voluntary registration scheme which is recognised within the hairdressing industry.