Tag: Parliamentary Question

  • Jim Shannon – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    Jim Shannon – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-03-16.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what funding he plans to provide to stem-cell research in each of the next five years.

    George Freeman

    Total spend in future years on stem cell research by the Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity. The usual practice of the NIHR is not to ring-fence funds for expenditure on particular topics: research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the use of stem cells. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and the National Health Service, value for money and scientific quality.

  • Paul Monaghan – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

    Paul Monaghan – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Energy and Climate Change

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Monaghan on 2016-04-14.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what measures she has put in place to compensate officers of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary if they are dismissed because of failing (a) fitness and (b) eyesight tests for reasons attributable to advancing age.

    Andrea Leadsom

    This is a matter for the Civil Nuclear Police Authority, who are responsible for the terms and conditions of the officers they employ, as well as ensuring that the capability of officers meets the standards required to carry out their mission of protecting civil nuclear material.

  • Lord Freyberg – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    Lord Freyberg – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Freyberg on 2016-05-23.

    To ask Her Majesty’s Government what research they have carried out into levels of NO2 emissions by diesel trains in urban areas, and whether they intend to apply similar control measures for diesel trains as have been agreed for road vehicles.

    Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

    The air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide we published in December 2015 sets out a comprehensive approach to improving the UK’s air quality, reducing health impacts, and fulfilling our legal obligations. The analysis undertaken for the plan took account of the emissions from rail travel as part of the assessment of emission sources.

    Whilst emissions from the rail sector are relatively low, the air quality plan set out that UK is committed to reducing them even further, along with some of the steps we are taking. For example, the Government has committed to a major rail electrification programme that will see a significant number of diesel trains progressively replaced with electric equivalents.

  • Kirsten Oswald – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence

    Kirsten Oswald – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kirsten Oswald on 2016-07-19.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing domestic Remotely Piloted Aircraft System pilot training capability.

    Mike Penning

    The Armed Forces continually assesses aircrew training requirements and the efficacy of its training capability to ensure it is fit for purpose.

    Specialist flying training for RAF Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) pilots who are not previously qualified and experienced military pilots starts with a bespoke version of Elementary Flying Training on the Tutor aircraft. All pilots then conduct MQ-9 Reaper-specific conversion training and qualifications in the USA. Once this training is completed pilots in the RPAS Pilot branch are awarded their wings. MQ-9 Reaper conversion training is currently conducted at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico and Creech Air Force Base, Nevada using a mix of US and UK facilities and instructors.

    Watchkeeper training is conducted in both the UK mainland and at the British base on the British Overseas Territory of Ascension Island. All basic manned flying training, theory training and simulator training is conducted in mainland UK, students then deploy to Ascension Island for the live flying elements of their course.

    Desert Hawk 3 training is conducted in both the UK and USA. All theory training is conducted in the UK but some live flying is conducted in Camp Roberts California.

  • John Pugh – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

    John Pugh – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Pugh on 2016-10-07.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, approximately how many (a) British and (b) non-British nationals are employed cleaning the Westminster estate of her Department.

    Dr Phillip Lee

    The Ministry of Justice does not employ cleaning staff. Cleaning of the Ministry of Justice’s estate is outsourced. The contract requires that all contracted staff have undergone the necessary pre-employment checks and have the right to work in the UK.

  • Baroness Thomas of Winchester – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

    Baroness Thomas of Winchester – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Thomas of Winchester on 2015-11-20.

    To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are monitoring the numbers of disabled people who have had to give up work after a Personal Independence Payment assessment led to the loss of a Motability car.

    Baroness Altmann

    We recognise that the transition from DLA to PIP can be challenging for individuals, which is why the Department worked closely with Motability as we developed our plans for the introduction of PIP. The Motability charity provide a one-off package of transitional support and advice to support customers who no longer meet the eligibility criteria for the Motability scheme. For most of these customers who entered into their first lease agreement with Motability before January 2013, Motability will provide transitional support of £2,000. This will enable many former Scheme customers to continue to meet their mobility needs by purchasing a used car. For customers who entered into their first lease agreement with the scheme after January 2013 and up to December 2013, Motability will supply transitional support of £1,000 to assist with mobility costs. Motability is also providing help with the cost of adaptations made to non-scheme vehicles and information on non-scheme motoring and insurance. The Scheme also offers customers an opportunity to purchase their vehicle after the end of the lease.

    Support is also available through the Access to Work Scheme, which is potentially available on application to anyone with a health condition or disability that affects the way they perform their job and who needs practical support above and beyond the reasonable adjustments that an employer has a duty to make under the Equality Act 2010. The type of support Access to Work provides is tailored to an individual’s needs and can include travel to work.

    DLA and PIP are available regardless of whether claimants are in or out of work. We do not hold information about the employment circumstances of recipients of either benefit, including those who are members of Motability.

  • Lord Trefgarne – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

    Lord Trefgarne – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Trefgarne on 2015-12-22.

    To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will clarify whether they intend to reissue the 65+ Guarantee of Growth Bonds as and when they mature.

    Lord O’Neill of Gatley

    65+ GGB “Pensioner” Bonds were a special issue aimed at helping pensioners who rely on their savings in retirement. There are currently no plans for a further issue.

  • Angela Rayner – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

    Angela Rayner – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angela Rayner on 2016-01-25.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2015 to Question 17647, how many of the 650,000 women who will receive an average of £8 per week more for the first 10 years of the new state pension were born between 6 April 1953 and 5 December 1953.

    Justin Tomlinson

    The Department published analysis on the impact of the new State Pension (nSP) in January 2016 showing that 650,000 women stand to gain on average £8 per week over the next ten years as a result of the nSP valuation. This is available at:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-state-pension-impact-on-an-individuals-pension-entitlement-longer-term-effects

    The specific information requested is not available.


    “

  • Carolyn Harris – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    Carolyn Harris – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Carolyn Harris on 2016-02-22.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of gambling addiction in each of the last three years.

    Alistair Burt

    No such estimate has been made.

    We have no current plans to make such an assessment. We know that gambling addiction can potentially have a harmful impact on both a person’s physical and mental wellbeing and problem gamblers can access services in primary care and secondary care including specialised mental health and addiction services.

    The Prime Minister recently announced £1 billion to start a revolution in mental health, including £247 million to make sure that every emergency department has mental health support (following £30 million invested in 2015/16).

    Also, over £400 million for crisis resolution home treatment teams will help to improve the management of admissions to acute psychiatric inpatient care, as well as ensure the routine availability of 24/7 intensive home treatment support as a safe and effective alternative to hospitals.

    Commissioners must continue to increase investment in mental health services each year at a level which at least matches their overall allocation increase.

  • Alex Cunningham – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    Alex Cunningham – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

    The below Parliamentary question was asked by Alex Cunningham on 2016-03-16.

    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people caught smoking in cars with children present receive a fixed penalty notice and their fine collected.

    Jane Ellison

    In changing the law we always said the measure of success would be in changes in attitude and behaviour. As with other smokefree legislation, we expect high levels of compliance with this change. Discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities about enforcement action.