Tag: Paul Flynn

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2015-11-02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the UK contributes to conserving the puffin population.

Rory Stewart

The latest population trends indicate a recent decline in the population of UK puffins. This is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including climate change-related food shortages and inclement weather conditions during the breeding season.

The UK is currently undertaking a review of the terrestrial and coastal network of UK Special Protection Areas (SPA), classified under the EU Wild Birds Directive. The review will inform the need for any further SPA provision for this species.

The UK is also making good progress in identifying a number of SPAs in the marine environment to complete our network. These will be in addition to the existing 108 SPAs with marine components currently in place in the UK, which provide protection for just over 11,500km2 of seabird habitat.

Additionally in England, Natural England has been involved in projects to eradicate mammalian predators on Lundy and the Isles of Scilly which should improve the nesting conditions for breeding puffins.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2015-11-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with European counterparts on progress they have made in tackling the waste of imperfect food.

Rory Stewart

The successful action we have taken in the UK through our voluntary approach has put us at the forefront in tackling food waste. This was reflected in our recent response to the European Commission’s consultations on the Circular Economy.

Discussions with our European counterparts on these matters will take place following publication of the Commission’s proposals on the Circular Economy.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2015-11-16.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Saudi Arabian counterpart on (a) support given by nationals of Saudi Arabia to ISIS and (b) ways to stop such assistance.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

Saudi Arabia has suffered first hand with a series of attacks on mosques by ISIL in recent months. Saudi Arabia has also been at the forefront of international efforts to defeat ISIL. Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to participate in air strikes against ISIL in Syria, and the King and religious establishment continue to publicly condemn ISIL, and to emphasise that ISIL do not in any way represent the teachings of Islamic faith.

The Saudi Arabian Government is working to reduce the threat that religious extremists pose in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, and has a comprehensive set of laws in place to prevent terrorist financing, which it enforces vigorously. The Foreign Secretary discussed UK–Saudi cooperation in tackling ISIL during his visit to the Kingdom on 28 October.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2015-11-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, when she expects to notify the European Commission of draft agreement with the People’s Republic of China and the China General Nuclear Power Group as required by Article 103 of the Euratom Treaty 1957.

Andrea Leadsom

In October 2015, EDF signed a Strategic Investment Agreement and Heads of Terms with China General Nuclear (CGN). This is not an agreement with the Government, so isn’t within the remit of Article 103 of the Euratom Treaty.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2015-12-04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost is of each (a) Paveway IV bomb and (b) Brimstone missile procured by the RAF; and how many such weapons are in the RAF stockpile.

Mr Philip Dunne

I am withholding details of costs for in-service Paveway IV bombs and Brimstone missiles as disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. I am also withholding details of the number of bombs and missiles held by the RAF as disclosure would or would likely prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our Armed Forces and allies.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2015-12-09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what encouragement he has given local authorities to switch street lighting to LED light sources since May 2015.

Mr Marcus Jones

Many local authorities are choosing to reduce street lighting at night to save energy costs and reduce carbon emissions using a variety of approaches, which include replacing traditional sodium lamps with more energy efficient LED lamps.

However, decisions about street lighting are for elected local councillors, reflecting local circumstances and views.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2016-01-07.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority on that body’s decision not to undertake its planned review of banking culture.

Harriett Baldwin

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an independent regulator. Treasury Ministers had no discussions with the chairman before the FCA announced the decision to discontinue the review of banking culture included in the 2015-16 Business Plan. The FCA has set out in its published response to a Freedom of Information request, the dates when it communicated its decision to discontinue this review to other organisations. This response is available on the FCA website.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2016-01-11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, where Exercise Astral Climb 2015 took place; and where Exercise Astral Bend 2016 will take place.

Mr Philip Dunne

Exercise Astral Climb 2015 took place in Nottinghamshire. Exercise Astral Bend 2016 will take place in Oxfordshire

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2016-01-27.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will list by title the documents requested and not released under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 relating to (a) nuclear power and (b) Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant since May 2010.

Andrea Leadsom

The information requested is not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Paul Flynn on 2016-02-24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, with reference to paragraph 2.41 of the Government’s paper, The best of both worlds: the United Kingdom’s special status in a reformed European Union, published in February 2016, what contribution he expects UK environmental and energy safety regulators to make to the annual survey referred to.

Anna Soubry

The European Commission’s Annual Burden Survey will support the Commission’s Regulatory Fitness (REFIT) Programme of withdrawals, repeals and reviews of existing EU legislation.

Anyone, including UK environmental and energy safety regulators, can now submit comments about any area of EU legislation to the Commission’s ‘Lighten the Load – Have Your Say!’ website*. Suggestions received will be analysed by the Commission and may subsequently be put forward for action via the REFIT Programme. The Government will use the REFIT Programme and the Annual Burden Survey to ensure that the EU meets its commitments to simplify legislation, avoid over-regulation and reduce burdens on business.

* http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/democratic-change/better-regulation/feedback/index_en.htm

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