The below Parliamentary question was asked by Helen Goodman on 2016-02-29.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many medical staff left the NHS before reaching the retirement age in 2014-15.
Ben Gummer
The information is not available in the form requested.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Tom Blenkinsop on 2016-04-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support his Department make available to people whose mandatory reconsideration and appeal takes longer than seven weeks to resolve.
Priti Patel
Claimants who are found fit for work through the Work Capability Assessment and wish to appeal may be entitled to claim either Universal Credit, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance during the reconsideration period. Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches work with all such claimants to tailor a package of support commensurate with their individual needs.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Cheryl Gillan on 2016-04-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her policy is on the provision of free school transport for children who receive the higher rate of the mobility component of disability living allowance.
Nick Gibb
I refer my Rt Hon Friend to the reply given to written questions 31573 and 31574 on 22 March 2016.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by William Wragg on 2016-06-10.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what representations she has received from (a) local authorities and (b) other bodies on pressures on school places due to immigration from (i) EU and (ii) non-EU countries.
Edward Timpson
I refer the Hon. Member to the answers provided for PQs 33106 and 33107 on 18 April 2016.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Norman Lamb on 2016-09-06.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reasons his Department did not include the eight key actions, recommended by Public Health England in its report, Sugar reduction: the evidence for action, published in October 2015, in the Government’s childhood obesity plan.
Nicola Blackwood
We launched Childhood Obesity: A Plan for Action on 18 August. Our plan focuses on actions that are likely to have the biggest impact on childhood obesity. The policies in the plan are informed by the latest research and evidence, including from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition report Carbohydrates and Health, Public Health England’s evidence package Sugar reduction: the evidence for action, other government departments, debates in this House and various reports from key stakeholders including the Health Select Committee.
We are confident that the measures we have announced will make a real difference to obesity rates. Though we are clear in our goals and firm in the action we will take, the launch of this plan represents the start of a conversation, rather than the final word.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Helic on 2016-10-18.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will offer support to the government of Liberia, in the context of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Mission in Liberia report Addressing Impunity for Rape in Liberia; and what diplomatic action they plan to take to encourage other nations to provide assistance in this regard.
Baroness Anelay of St Johns
We regularly raise sexual violence issues with the government of Liberia, UN agencies and diplomatic colleagues in Liberia. Our Ambassador will discuss this report with relevant parties over the coming weeks to assess where the UK might usefully support the government of Liberia and UN agencies to ensure those responsible for these crimes are held to account.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Alex Cunningham on 2015-11-04.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the role of LPG autogas in helping to improve urban air quality.
Rory Stewart
While no formal assessment of the impact of LPG has been made by the Department, Defra officials met with representatives of the LPG industry during the consultation period for the draft UK Air Quality Plans.
Industry data shows that retrofitting older diesel cars and vans to run on LPG can reduce emissions of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and particulate matter whilst producing CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions between those of equivalent diesel and petrol engines. This solution was used by some drivers to enable them to enter the London Low Emission Zone without charge. Retrofitting to use LPG can also be a cheaper option for drivers than replacing their vehicle with a newer model.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Randerson on 2015-12-03.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many officials within the Department for Transport they expect to be working as part of the team liaising with Network Rail in 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
A large number of staff within the Department for Transport’s Rail Executive liaise with Network Rail on a wide range of policy, delivery and operational issues – it is not possible to state an exact number as these staff also have other responsibilities. A team of seven officials currently handles issues specifically arising from Network Rail’s reclassification to the public sector in September 2014. Future resourcing will remain responsive to business needs and is not pre-planned over these years.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Freyberg on 2016-01-13.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress the Chief Scientific Officer of NHS England is making towards the introduction of a national molecular pathology service.
Lord Prior of Brampton
The Independent Cancer Taskforce recognised the need for more accessible molecular diagnostic provision in their report ‘Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes, published in July 2015, a copy of which is attached. In September 2015, the Department confirmed a commitment from NHS England to implement the Taskforce’s recommendations on molecular diagnostics.
NHS England is currently working with partners across the healthcare system to determine how best to take forward the recommendations of the Taskforce.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Monaghan on 2016-02-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment she has made of the effect on uptake of renewable energy production of increasing VAT on domestic solar photovoltaic installations.
Andrea Leadsom
A recent European Court ruling found that the reduced rate of VAT on certain ‘energy saving materials’ was in breach of EU law. As a result HMRC recently consulted on how that reduced rate of VAT is applied and are currently considering the responses to that consultation. If it is decided that a change to VAT is appropriate, we will consider options on how to maintain a suitable rate-of-return for investors.