The below Parliamentary question was asked by Angus Robertson on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the stealth characteristics of the joint strike fighter against all digital very high frequency active electronically steered radar arrays.
Mr Philip Dunne
It is part of normal MOD business to continuously assess the stealth performance of the F-35 against very high frequency digital radar.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Biography information for Greg Knight on Transport.
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Stephen Hammond
We have been involved in negotiations on the Commission’s proposal to amend the General Circulation Directive (maximum weights and dimensions) since they commenced in January, in which we have supported the proposals to enable the introduction of more rounded front designs of HGV lorry cabs to increase fuel efficiency.
Political agreement on the Presidency text was reached in the Transport Council on 5 June.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Philip Hollobone on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the oral Answer of 20 January 2014 from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Planning, Official Report, column 7, on major developments (new schools), what scope there is for organisations other than local education authorities to be involved in the design, planning and sponsorship of new build primary and secondary schools in major new residential developments.
Mr Edward Timpson
Any group or organisation can apply to the Department for Education to set up a free school. If approved, the proposers and any group members are involved in all aspects of project planning and design of the school. 175 free schools, 17 UTCs and 28 studio schools have been opened by groups including existing schools, academy sponsors, parents, teachers and community groups. A number of these have been in major new residential developments.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by John Stanley on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will name the lead local flood authority or authorities for the area of the Tonbridge and Malling constituency.
Dan Rogerson
The Lead Local Flood Authority is Kent County Council. This is defined under section 6(7) of the Flood & Water Management Act 2010.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Graeme Morrice on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department has taken to address patient concerns regarding the use of transvaginal mesh implants.
Norman Lamb
Work to improve outcomes for women undergoing procedures involving urethral tape and vaginal mesh is currently under way and is being led by NHS England. The Department is involved in this work alongside the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the specialist societies (The British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) and The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS)) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
In addition, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, Medical Director, NHS England has written to the National Health Service to highlight the need to ensure that
– National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for these procedures is followed;
– consent procedures are standardised so that they comply with up to date evidence and follow BSUG and BAUS guidance;
– all pelvic organ prolapse procedures and all incontinence operations, but particularly those involving mesh, are recorded on a recognised database e.g. the BSUG or BAUS surgical databases;
– all adverse events are reported to MHRA; and
– surgery for removal of tapes or prolapse mesh or repeat surgery for incontinence or prolapse is performed in units which can demonstrate relevant specialist care.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Sadiq Khan on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department maintains a list of books which are not allowed to be kept in prison libraries.
Jeremy Wright
The Ministry of Justice has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Luciana Berger on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2014, Official Report, column 817W, on railways: sanitation, if he will commission an investigation into sanitation of train toilets; and if he will include in that investigation a review of the adequacy of the accountability of train companies for sanitation of trains.
Stephen Hammond
The Department has no plans to commission such an investigation. Ensuring that appropriate standards of cleanliness are met is a matter for train operators.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Alun Cairns on 2014-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he has taken to improve broadband coverage in rural areas.
Mr Edward Vaizey
Phase one of the superfast roll-out programme is making good progress with all 44 projects in delivery.
Two thirds of projects (29 out of 44) have live superfast cabinets making superfast broadband available to thousands of homes and businesses across the country.
We are now investing the additional £250 million to take coverage of superfast broadband to 95% of UK premises
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Liam Byrne on 2014-04-25.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2014, Official Report, column 291W, on Royal Mail, for what reasons the underwriters’ discretionary fee has not been paid.
Michael Fallon
No decision has been made on the payment of this discretionary payment.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Charlotte Leslie on 2014-04-25.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will estimate how much Government departments have spent on filtering tap water for drinking in each of the last four years.
Mr Nick Hurd
The information requested is not held centrally. However, as part of this Government’s commitment to reducing waste and driving down costs, we are challenging departments on the need to make savings from facilities management.