The below Parliamentary question was asked by Debbie Abrahams on 2016-01-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the universal credit in-work conditionality pilots track outcomes for people who are no longer in receipt of that credit.
Priti Patel
We will track the outcomes of all people who participate in the In-Work Progression Randomised Control Trial, including those who are no longer claiming Universal Credit.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch on 2016-02-11.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to the risk that their policy of further localism might lead to local authorities with high Muslim populations adopting Sharia law, if current trends in birth rate continue.
Baroness Williams of Trafford
This is not viewed as a risk by the Government. Localism does not mean that national law can be contravened, nor does it allow the creation of local court systems. Legislation remains the responsibility of Parliament, not local authorities.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Royston Smith on 2016-03-11.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the UK’s energy capacity can keep up with demand.
Andrea Leadsom
The Capacity Market secures electricity capacity, mainly power plant and Demand Side Response, through competitive auctions. Targets for the auction are set to ensure there is enough capacity available to meet peak electricity demand.
On 1 March 2016, DECC announced that we are consulting on changes to the CM, to buy more capacity and earlier; tighten the sanctions on those who fail to deliver on their obligations; and bolster energy security in the short–term, by holding a new auction bringing forward the first Capacity Market delivery year to 2017/18.
We are confident that the Capacity Market is the right mechanism to bring forward the necessary new capacity as older, less efficient plants close.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mike Kane on 2016-04-12.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what projects his Department has funded in (a) 2015 and (b) 2016 to promote abolition of the death penalty.
Mr David Lidington
With regard to projects funded in 2015/16, I refer the Hon. Member to my answer of 14 January 2016 to the Rt Hon. Member for Hendon (Dr Matthew Offord). (21301).
https://wqa.parliament.uk/Questions/Details/27418
Decisions on the allocation of the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy in 2016/17 have not yet been taken.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by George Kerevan on 2016-05-19.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether there is any involvement of China National Nuclear Corporation as a stakeholder in the construction or ownership of the Hinkley Point C reactor.
Andrea Leadsom
This is a commercial matter for EDF Energy.
Any company involved in the UK civil nuclear sector must meet the robust requirements of our regulatory regime.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Thangam Debbonaire on 2016-07-13.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June 2016 to Question 39223, what criteria officials of her Department have to follow to fulfil the aim of processing refugee integration loan applications as quickly as possible.
Mr Robert Goodwill
The rules setting out eligibility for integration loans are set out in the Integration loans for Refugees and Other Regulations 2007. All the factors set out in these Regulations are considered for each application received for an integration loan.
We do not intend to set a target time for processing loans less than the 28 day support period given to those granted refugee status. However processes are reviewed on a regular basis and the department aims to respond to all applications as quickly as possible.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gregory Campbell on 2016-09-14.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate has been made of the forecast change in the number of people aged 80 and over between 2015 and 2035.
Chris Skidmore
The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Daniel Zeichner on 2015-11-17.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance he provides to local authorities on the enforcement of the prohibition on private hire vehicles plying for hire; and if he will make a statement.
Andrew Jones
The Department for Transport’s Best Practice Guidance for taxi and private hire licensing advises local authorities that the safety of the public depends on authorities having effective enforcement mechanisms in place.
The Guidance adds that it is desirable to ensure that taxi and PHV enforcement is at least partially directed to the late night period when problems such as touting and illegal plying for hire are most prevalent.
It is for local licensing authorities to determine how they allocate resources for enforcement, which will vary according to local circumstances. Licensing authorities are also advised to liaise closely with the police when undertaking enforcement activity.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 2015-12-15.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how the NHS Strategic Projects Team is to be held to account for the advice it gave to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, and to the NHS Commissioning Board, on the contract for older people’s services in Cambridge and Peterborough.
Lord Prior of Brampton
NHS England advises that it will be commissioning an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the termination of the contract between Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group and UnitingCare Partnership LLP to deliver urgent care for the over 65s and adult community services. This will include the role of the Strategic Projects Team. NHS England is also considering how similar contracts will be managed and assured in the future.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Kit Malthouse on 2016-01-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to support the life sciences industry.
George Freeman
This Government recognises that health and life sciences industries are a key source of future growth and is committed through the Life Sciences Strategy to providing a supportive wider business environment in which these industries can flourish, so that the UK can be the best place in the world to develop and launch innovative medicines, technologies and diagnostics. Priorities include: simplifying the adoption of transformative products within the NHS through the Accelerated Access Review; supporting new and growing markets and disruptive technologies – such as digital health and genomics; and working across Government to improve the UK’s competitiveness to stimulate investment and drive export growth. Our latest estimates show collective Government support since the Life Science Strategy launched has stimulated more than £6bn in new investment by the life science industry linked to more than 17,000 new sector jobs.