The below Parliamentary question was asked by Sadiq Khan on 2016-01-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the end of year budget surplus or deficit was for each further education college in London in each financial year since 2010-11.
Nick Boles
We will collate this information and deposit it in the Libraries of the House shortly.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-02-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on assistance to elderly people to help them with increases in energy prices.
Andrea Leadsom
Providing direct help to vulnerable consumers, including the elderly to keep their energy bills down is a priority for the Department. For example, direct help is given to vulnerable consumers through energy efficiency schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation and through the Warm Home Discount scheme, where 2 million low income and vulnerable households per year receive rebates off their electricity bills. DECC officials regularly meet with other government departments to discuss helping vulnerable consumers.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Rosindell on 2016-02-23.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effect on national security of members of al-Qaeda (a) in Saudi Arabia, (b) in refugee camps near the Syrian border and (c) among migrants traveling to Europe.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
Al Qaeda, and groups affiliated to it, continue to pose a threat to our national security, including British interests abroad, and remain a priority for the cross-government counter terrorism effort. We are aware of media reporting that terrorist groups have an ambition to infiltrate migration and refugee routes. We work closely with our partners abroad to counter terrorism, including to strengthen border security against identified terrorists and terrorist suspects. Access to the European border watchlist (Schengen Information System II) contributes to the UK’s ability to safeguard its national security, and we use this to make checks on individuals wishing to enter the UK from the Schengen zone.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Rosindell on 2016-03-22.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps are being taken to improve the care offered to people with autism in order to reduce the difference in life expectancy between people with and people without autism.
Alistair Burt
Think Autism the updated strategy for adults with autism in England set out a clear cross Government programme of action, developed by people with autism, their families and carers, to support local authorities, the National Health Service, and other public services to improve the lives of people with autism. In addition, last year, NHS England commissioned the world’s first Learning Disability Mortality Review Programme to support local areas to review deaths of people with learning disabilities, including those with autism, and to use the information to improve service provision so that physical and mental health problems can be identified and addressed. This programme is currently being piloted and will be rolled out more widely in due course.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ruth Cadbury on 2016-04-21.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he has taken to support the work of the Women’s Business Council; and whether he has incorporated any research recommendations from the Women’s Business Council into government policy and legislative proposals.
Anna Soubry
The Government Equalities Office lead on supporting the work of the Women’s Business Council.
We support the aim of the Council to maximise the contribution of women to economic growth and we are working to ensure we create the right environment for everyone, including women, to set up and grow their own businesses.
Women are able to benefit from the full range of business support available from government, including Start-Up Loans and the New Enterprise Allowance. Over a third of loans (38%) have gone to women. Additionally, the Business is GREAT website has a specific section for women in enterprise providing information on women’s networks, childcare, flexible working, and access to finance.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Louise Haigh on 2016-06-06.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many civil servants in his Department are paid through limited companies.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not pay any of its civil servants through a limited company.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jamie Reed on 2016-09-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will visit the Cumbrian Coast Rail Line between Carlisle and Whitehaven.
Paul Maynard
I regret that due to pressures on my diary I will not be able to visit the Cumbrian Coast Rail Line in the near future. However, I will be writing to the Hon. Member to respond to the concerns he has raised with the Secretary of State about the progression of enhancements to the line to support proposed economic development in his constituency.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Trefgarne on 2016-10-10.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what controls exist relating to the release of information on vehicle ownership held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) takes the security of the data it holds very seriously and has measures in place to protect it. The law allows vehicle keeper details to be disclosed in certain circumstances, including as a first point of contact to establish where liability for an incident or event may lie.
All DVLA’s data release services are subject to a formal assessment before they are made available for use. This ensures that there are adequate policies as well as procedural and technical controls in place to protect the data. Privacy Impact Assessments are also completed to identify and address any privacy risks and ensure that personal data is processed in compliance with the law.
An audit carried out earlier this year by the Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed that the DVLA’s procedures offer high assurance that processes are in place to mitigate the risks of non-compliance with the Data Protection Act.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord West of Spithead on 2015-10-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current status of the plutonium disposal programme.
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) are in the process of submitting advice to support DECC in its considerations. This, together with other sources of information and evidence, will enable DECC to consider options for the way forward. A decision is expected to be made by ministers on how to proceed during 2015/16. Only when the Government is confident that its preferred option could be implemented safely and securely, in way that is affordable, deliverable, and offers value for money, will it be in a position to proceed.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Ben Howlett on 2015-11-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the effect of the introduction of statutory PHSE on the uptake of STEM subjects by girls.
Edward Timpson
Through the introduction to the national curriculum, the Government has made clear that all schools should make provision for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). PSHE is, however, a non-statutory subject.
The Government is determined to increase the number of young people studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, particularly girls. There have been 12,000 more A Level entries in STEM subjects for girls over the last five years.
PSHE plays an important part in preparing young people for the world of work including dispelling gender stereotyping. Resources to support PSHE include those produced by Siemens in collaboration with the PSHE Association. These resourced explore equality and the world of work which aim to inspire the next generation of female scientists, technicians and engineers.
We are also supporting schools in other ways to tackle this issue through professional development and enrichment activities, including the Stimulating Physics Network, and the inspiring “Your Life” campaign, which will transform perceptions of science and mathematics.