The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2015-11-06.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans the Government has for the decommissioning of (a) HMS Torbay, (b) HMS Trenchant, (c) HMS Talent and (d) HMS Triumph.
Mr Philip Dunne
The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) is looking across the spectrum to assess what defence capabilities will address the threats we face. The conclusions of the SDSR are due to be published on 23 November.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-01-18.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the second report on the IAAF of the Independent Commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency, published on 15 January 2016.
Tracey Crouch
The findings of the report are disturbing. The government is committed to tackling corruption in sport and we will continue working with UK Anti-Doping and sport stakeholders to ensure that our athletes can compete in a clean sport environment.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-02-08.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many staff make up the Defence Cyber Operations Group.
Penny Mordaunt
The Defence Cyber Operations Group was designed to deliver cyber capability and mainstream cyber security throughout Defence by establishing a federation of cyber units. As this work matured it resulted instead in the formation of the Joint Forces Cyber Group in May 2013.
The Joint Forces Cyber Group (JFCyG) plans and co-ordinates cyber operations, and develops new tactics, techniques and plans to deliver military capabilities to confront high-end threats. It comprises Joint Cyber Units at Cheltenham and Corsham, the Joint Cyber Unit (Reserve) and Information Assurance Units.
I am withholding details on the JFCyG as their disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-04-28.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions she has had with the Cabinet Office on a cross-governmental approach to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mr Nick Hurd
The Secretary of State for International Development leads on this government’s approach to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with support from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster where appropriate. This will be a cross-government effort with individual Secretaries of State accountable through their single departmental plans. There will be continuous bilateral discussions with individual departments across Government. The Government also intends to produce a report in due course setting out how the UK is contributing to the Global Goals.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-10-21.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contingency plans his Department has for the decommissioning of nuclear-powered submarines if a suitable geological disposal facility is not identified.
Harriett Baldwin
Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) is the only type of waste from submarines that will require the use of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). A facility for the interim storage of ILW has been arranged at Capenhurst in Cheshire until the proposed GDF is available from 2040. In line with Government guidance, the interim ILW store will have a design life of at least 100 years – considerably longer than it is anticipated will be required.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2015-11-06.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the seaworthiness is of (a) HMS Torbay, (b) HMS Trenchant, (c) HMS Talent and (d) HMS Triumph.
Mr Philip Dunne
The safety of the UK submarine fleet is of paramount importance. The Ministry of Defence assesses seaworthiness for submarines through a robust sea clearance process. This assessment is kept under continuous review.
I am withholding the seaworthiness state of each submarine as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-02-01.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for milk.
George Eustice
We continue to support our hard-working dairy farmers by reducing inspections, extending the system of tax averaging, and opening new export markets.
The £26.2 million aid package we secured from the European Commission has helped to provide some immediate relief. A number of supermarkets have also pledged to pay a premium over and above the current market price.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-03-02.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department has a communication’s strategy to tackle violent extremism.
Mr Edward Vaizey
The Counter-Extremism Strategy, published in October last year, set out government’s response to the threat posed by extremism. As part of that response, the Department is supporting the Home Office led communications strategy. This includes work with broadcasters and technology companies to counter extremist ideologies, and to disrupt those sharing extremist content in the media and online.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-04-27.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for UK Erasmus students, lecturers and research fellows of the UK leaving the EU.
Joseph Johnson
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 my right hon. Friend 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 Steven Paterson on 2016-10-21.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many nuclear-powered submarines are waiting for decommissioning work to be (a) commenced and (b) completed.
Harriett Baldwin
There are 12 submarines in laid-up storage in Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport and seven at Rosyth Dockyard. Under the Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) one submarine will commence ‘Initial Dismantling’ at Rosyth later in 2016, subject to regulatory permissions, to refine the process.
While laid-up, the submarines are subject to regular maintenance and checks by both the Ministry of Defence and regulators, and pose no additional risk to workers or members of the public.