The below Parliamentary question was asked by The Marquess of Lothian on 2015-12-02.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect on UK citizens of the US proposal to tighten its visa waiver programme.
Lord Bates
We have a very close relationship with the USA and are confident the changes the administration is currently proposing will have minimal impact on UK citizens.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Madeleine Moon on 2016-01-13.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will increase investment in research on rehabilitation, health and social care models that can improve quality of life for ill Gulf War veterans and their families; and if he will make a statement.
Mark Lancaster
The Government greatly values the service of all 1990-91 Gulf War veterans, particularly as we reach the 25th anniversary of the start of combat operations. We have long accepted that the ill health of some veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War is associated with their service in the Gulf. In such cases compensation may be claimed under the War Pensions Scheme with appropriate medical care provided by the National Health Service across the UK .
The Department has funded extensive research into Gulf War illness including some research into rehabilitative therapies for those veterans with persistent symptoms.
Our strategy on research topics and studies has been informed and overseen by independent scientific experts nominated by the Medical Research Council taking account of published peer-reviewed international literature and international studies. We have no plans to undertake further research on Gulf War issues. We continue to monitor any Gulf War research that is published round the world including from the United States.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gavin Shuker on 2016-02-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who the members are of the National Police Chiefs’ Council working group on prostitution.
Karen Bradley
Within the structure of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), chief officers are elected by their peers and take the lead on specific issues from a national operational perspective. It is for the national leads to establish working groups to support them in their role. The Home Office is in regular dialogue with on the NPCC Lead for Prostitution’s office, and as such discussed and commented on the current revision of the strategy.
Prostitution is a complex issue, which can impact on individuals and communities in many different ways, and we are therefore clear that local areas and police forces are in the best position to identify and respond to issues around prostitution in their area. Police forces are assisted in doing so by the National Policing Lead’s refreshed Policing Sex Work Strategy, which stresses the priority of the public protection duty that the police services have in relation to the safety of those involved in prostitution.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Douglas Carswell on 2016-02-26.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, with reference to the Prime Minister’s Oral Statement of 22 February 2016, Official Report, column 35, on the European Council, whether his Department is undertaking planning in the eventuality of a majority leave vote in the EU referendum.
Anna Soubry
At the February European Council, the Government negotiated a new settlement, giving the United Kingdom a special status in a reformed European Union. The Government’s position, as set out by the Prime Minister to the House on 22 February, is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Edward Leigh on 2016-03-24.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to support efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Syria.
Mr Tobias Ellwood
The UK is committed to peace talks between the Syrian parties, under UN auspices in Geneva and continues to work closely with the International Syria Support Group. The UK encouraged the UN Special Envoy for Syria and the Syrian opposition to include women in the negotiations. The UN established a Women’s Advisory Board and the opposition’s negotiating team includes women.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Manzoor on 2016-04-28.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (1) women, and (2) men, worked in part-time jobs in (a) 2013–14, and (b) 2014–15.
Lord Bridges of Headley
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 Lord Allen of Kensington on 2016-06-13.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to introduce a broadband universal service obligation for businesses.
Baroness Neville-Rolfe
The Government has committed to putting in place a new broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) by the end of this Parliament. Once in place the USO will act as a safety net, giving both households and businesses the legal right to request an affordable broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps (Megabits per second). A connection speed of 10 Mbps will support many small businesses, and will help them make an even greater contribution to our economy.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Alison Thewliss on 2016-09-02.
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made by the Financial Conduct Authority in its review of nuisance calls relating to consumer credit.
Simon Kirby
The FCA has committed to review its rules on unsolicited marketing calls, emails and text messages from consumer credit firms, including payday lenders. The review includes specifically looking at whether these unsolicited communications should be banned.
The FCA will publish the results of this review before the end of this year.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Gareth Thomas on 2016-10-18.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how much income was raised from business rates (a) in total and (b) was retained by the local authority in each English local authority area in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Marcus Jones
Prior to 2013-14, Business Rates collected by local authorities were paid into a national pool and then re-distributed to local authorities as part of the Local Government Finance settlement.
In 2013-14, the Business Rates Retention scheme was introduced. Under this scheme Local Authorities retain 50% of Business Rates collected with the remaining 50% passed to Central Government known as the central share.
The total Business Rates raised and the amounts retained by local authorities from 2013-14 onwards can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-non-domestic-rates-collected-by-councils
Only forecast data are available for both 2015-16 and 2016-17.
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The below Parliamentary question was asked by Oliver Colvile on 2015-11-10.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what progress has been made on the proposals for a Cardiff City Deal.
Stephen Crabb
Cardiff is one of Europe’s youngest and most innovative capital cities. Last week the Government received Cardiff Capital Region’s latest proposals for the Cardiff City Deal. We are currently considering the submission and will continue to work with the Cardiff Capital Region to progress the Deal.