Tag: Martyn Day

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-09-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of putting in place a comprehensive system of environmental protection before deep sea mining operations are allowed to commence in oceans worldwide.

Alok Sharma

The UK is committed to the development and implementation by the International Seabed Authority of a deep sea mining code in respect of areas outside national jurisdiction. A clear red line for the United Kingdom is that such a code, which is a prerequisite for the commencement of deep sea mining operations, ought to contain strong environmental protection. A first draft of a mining code was released by the International Seabed Authority in July 2016, and the UK will be submitting comments in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-09-15.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when his Department expects an updated Strategic Noise Map for Edinburgh Airport to be available.

Mr John Hayes

As noise is a devolved matter, the UK Government is not able to answer questions on noise mapping for Scottish airports. This is the responsibility of the Scottish Government and they will be able to advise on this matter.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to establish an inquiry into the use of perfluorochemicals in fast-food packaging.

Jane Ellison

European Union Legislation already requires that food contact materials must not transfer harmful chemicals into food. Recent reports in the media have referred to changes being introduced in the United States to ban the use of some perfluorochemicals in food packaging. The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that perfluorochemicals are not used in paper and cardboard fast food packaging in the United Kingdom and will continue to work with the industry to ensure they meet their responsibilities under the legislation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-02-01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the returns to the public purse of British Business Bank investments in Funding Circle.

Anna Soubry

British Business Bank’s investment in Funding Circle is one of a portfolio of investments managed by the commercial arm of the bank – British Business Bank Investments Ltd. To date, £60m has been committed to Funding Circle, an amount which has supported over 7,000 businesses. The investment contributes a financial return in line with the performance of the wider portfolio.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-02-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Turkish counterpart on military action in the south east of Turkey and the consequences of that action for Kurdish civilians.

Mr David Lidington

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 16 February 2016 (PQ 26321) to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Catherine West).

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-03-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that Salva Kiir and Riek Machar are included in UN Security Council-authorised sanctions imposed on generals obstructing the peace efforts in South Sudan.

James Duddridge

Our efforts are focussed on ensuring President Kiir and Riek Machar implement the peace agreement, starting with the formation of the transitional government. We will continue to assess the need for targeted sanctions against South Sudan’s political and military leaders. We strongly support a UN arms embargo for South Sudan and are actively pursuing this with our UN Security Council partners.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-09-05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations the Government is making to the governments of India and Pakistan on finding a peaceful solution to the situation in Kashmir which fully involves the people of Kashmir in the process.

Alok Sharma

The longstanding position of the United Kingdom is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the United Kingdom to prescribe a solution or to act as a mediator. We encourage both sides to maintain positive dialogue, but the pace and scope of this is for them to determine.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-09-15.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will assess the potential merits of introducing more incentives to encourage motorists to use cleaner fuels and public transport.

Mr John Hayes

The Department for Transport assesses a number of different fuels in terms of a range of environmental impacts including air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. A number of initiatives are underway to encourage cleaner, lower carbon fuels.

This Government is investing over £600 million in this Parliament in addition, to a more favorable tax regime towards less polluting vehicles to ensure that almost all cars and vans are zero emission vehicles by 2050.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) has supported a market for low carbon fuels and delivered significant greenhouse gas emissions savings. In 2014/15 these savings were equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the road. We have been working with industry and others on proposals to increase the supply of low carbon fuels in line with our UK carbon budget targets. We plan to consult on proposed changes to the RTFO scheme later this year.

The Government will continue to promote public transport choices, supporting the market for innovative forms of transport and encourage a move to cleaner and lower carbon vehicles.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-01-12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the potential role of technology in reducing aseptic pharmaceutical medication error.

George Freeman

Where appropriate, automation has a role to play in ensuring consistent output from aseptic compounding and increased production capacity. It may also provide additional protection against microbiological contamination by use of ‘closed systems’ of manufacture.

Licensed specials manufacturers may consider automation as an appropriate solution for their product range and capacity. In these cases, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency inspections assess whether the process design, validation, personnel, training and procedures relating to the automated system comply with the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Martyn Day on 2016-02-01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Chinese government on the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the alleged abduction of Lee Bo.

Mr Hugo Swire

I refer the honourable member to the answer I gave on 4 February 2016 to question number 24423.