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Daily Report Tuesday, 30 June 2020
This report shows written answers and statements provided on 30 June 2020 and the
information is correct at the time of publication (07:30 P.M., 30 June 2020). For the latest
information on written questions and answers, ministerial corrections, and written statements,
please visit: http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers/
CONTENTS
ANSWERS 8
ATTORNEY GENERAL 8
Attorney General: Public
Inquiries 8
Attorney General: Public
Opinion 8
BUSINESS, ENERGY AND
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY 8
Arts: Intellectual Property 8
Business: Government
Assistance 9
Catering and Public Houses:
Social Distancing 9
Charities: Finance 9
Coronavirus Business
Interruption Loan Scheme 10
Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy:
Public Inquiries 11
Department for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy:
Public Opinion 11
Disability: Retail Trade 12
Employment 13
Flexible Working: Coronavirus 13
Horse Riding: Retail,
Hospitality and Leisure Grant
Fund 14
Hospitality Industry:
Coronavirus 15
Housing: Energy 15
Pubs and Restaurants:
Coronavirus 16
Small Business Commissioner 17
Small Business Grants Fund 17
Small Businesses: Billing 18
Small Businesses:
Government Assistance 18
Tidal Power 19
CABINET OFFICE 20
Cabinet Office: Public Inquiries 20
Government Departments:
Contracts 20
Infected Blood Inquiry 20
Ventilators: Procurement 21
DEFENCE 21
Defence in UK Prosperity
Review 21
Fleet Solid Support Ships:
Procurement 22
Military Aircraft 22
Ministry of Defence: Overseas
Aid 22
Ministry of Defence:
Procurement 23
Veterans: Females 23
DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND
SPORT 24
Citizens' Juries: Universal
Credit 24
Concert Halls and Theatres:
Coronavirus 25
Consumer Goods: Electrical
Safety 25
Culture: Coronavirus 26
Gambling: Video Games 27
Internet: Safety 27
Museums and Galleries:
Ethnic Groups 27
National Portfolio
Organisations: Coronavirus 28
Social Media: Freedom of
Expression 28
Sports: Coronavirus 29
Theatres: Coronavirus 29
EDUCATION 30
Apprentices 30
Apprentices: Coronavirus 30
Assessments 32
Children and Young People:
Broadband and ICT 32
Children: Asylum 33
Children: Coronavirus 33
Children: Exercise 34
Children: Mental Health 35
Covid-19 Education Catch-up
Fund 36
Education and Training:
Coronavirus 37
Education: Coronavirus 38
Financial Services: Education 40
Free School Meals: Costs 40
Further Education and Sixth
Form Education: Coronavirus 41
Further Education:
Coronavirus 42
Further Education: Insolvency 42
National Tutoring Programme 42
Primary Education: Free
School Meals 43
Primary Education: Sports 43
Pupil Premium: Coronavirus 43
Schools: Coronavirus 44
Schools: Educational Visits 45
Schools: Inspections 45
Schools: Police 46
Schools: Transport 48
Students: Coronavirus 48
Students: Finance 49
Teachers: Equality 50
Technology: Coronavirus 51
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND
RURAL AFFAIRS 52
Chester Zoo: Coronavirus 52
Clean Air Zones: Coronavirus 52
Dairy Response Fund 2020 53
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 53
Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs: Public
Inquiries 54
Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs: Public
Opinion 54
Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs: Small
Businesses 54
Disability: Food 55
Economic Growth:
Environment Protection 56
Environment: Coronavirus 56
Fisheries: Environment
Protection 57
Fisheries: Marine Protected
Areas 57
Fishing Catches 58
Furs: Sales 58
Highly Protected Marine Areas 59
Horticulture: Coronavirus 59
Marine Protected Areas 60
Nature Conservation 60
Nature Conservation: Finance 61
Nature Conservation: Maps 62
Pigeons: Conservation 62
Plastics: Waste 62
Textiles: Recycling 63
Tree Planting: Staffordshire 63
Waste Disposal: Staffordshire 64
Welfare Assistance Schemes:
Coronavirus 64
FOREIGN AND
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE 65
[Subject Heading to be
Assigned] 65
Brazil: Politics and
Government 66
British Council: Coronavirus 66
British Nationals Abroad:
Coronavirus 67
Cameroon: Coronavirus 68
Chile: Human Rights 68
China: Dogs 69
China: India 70
China: Overseas Aid 70
Conflict Resolution: Females 70
Cyprus: Foreign Relations 71
Foreign and Commonwealth
Office: Overseas Aid 71
Foreign and Commonwealth
Office: Public Opinion 72
Guinea: Coronavirus 72
Hussein Abdullah Khalil
Rashid and Zuhair Ebrahim
Jassim Abdullah Abas 73
Myanmar: Children 73
Nigeria: Violence 74
Poland: LGBT People 74
Sahel: Violence 75
Saudi Arabia: Human Rights 75
Saudi Arabia: Internally
Displaced People 76
Sudan: Coronavirus 76
Syria: Sanctions 77
USA: Human Rights 77
Violence: Gender 78
Yemen: Military Intervention 78
Zimbabwe: Abduction 79
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 79
Baby Care Units: Coronavirus 79
Blood: Contamination 80
Care Homes: Coronavirus 80
Coronavirus: Disease Control 81
Department of Health and
Social Care: Early Day
Motions 82
Health Services: Prisoners 82
Mental Health Services:
Coronavirus 82
NHS: Mental Health 83
Pre-eclampsia: Diagnosis 83
Pregnancy: Finance 84
Prisoners: Death 84
Social Services: Coronavirus 85
Social Services: Hygiene 85
HOME OFFICE 85
Animal Experiments:
Inspections 85
Asylum: Coronavirus 86
Asylum: Finance 86
Asylum: Housing 87
Chile: Human Rights 88
EU Nationals: Immigration 88
Frontier Workers: EU
Nationals 88
High Rise Flats: Fires 89
Home Office: Apprentices 89
Home Office: International
Men's Day 89
Home Office: Off-payroll
Working 90
Home Office: Racial
Discrimination 90
Immigrants: Biometrics 90
Immigrants: Health Services 90
Immigration 92
Immigration Controls 92
Immigration Controls:
Coronavirus 94
Immigration Controls: EEA
Nationals 94
Immigration: EU Nationals 94
Licensed Premises:
Coronavirus 96
Migrant Workers: Conditions of
Employment 97
Migrant Workers: EU Nationals 97
Migrant Workers: NHS 98
Migrant Workers: Pay 98
Nitrous Oxide: Antisocial
Behaviour 98
Passports 99
Places of Worship Security
Funding Scheme 99
Public Health: Finance 100
Refugees: Children 100
Refugees: France 101
Social Security Benefits:
Immigrants 101
UK Border Force: Aegean Sea 102
Visas: Asia 102
Visas: Philippines 102
HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT 103
Building Regulations: Parking 103
Coronavirus: Staffordshire 103
Evictions: Coronavirus 104
Help to Buy Scheme:
Coronavirus 105
Homelessness: Coronavirus 105
Housing: Management 106
Immigrants: Coronavirus 107
Local Government Finance 107
Local Government Finance:
Coronavirus 108
Local Government Finance:
Staffordshire 109
Local Plans: York 109
Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local
Government: Contracts 110
Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local
Government: Public Inquiries 110
Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local
Government: Public Opinion 111
Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local
Government: Training 111
Multiple Occupation:
Coronavirus 112
Multiple Occupation: Students 112
Private Rented Housing:
Students 113
Rough Sleeping: Coronavirus 113
Sleeping Rough: Coronavirus 114
Supermarkets: Coronavirus 115
Travellers: Coronavirus 116
INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT 116
Department for International
Development: Reorganisation 116
Violence: Gender 117
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 119
Department for International
Trade: Public Inquiries 119
Department for International
Trade: Public Opinion 119
Riot Control Weapons: Export
Controls 119
Riot Control Weapons: USA 120
JUSTICE 121
Courts: Coronavirus 121
Domestic Abuse 121
Legal Aid Scheme 122
Ministry of Justice: Public
Inquiries 123
Ministry of Justice: Public
Opinion 123
Prisoners' Release: Females 124
Prisoners: Coronavirus 124
Prisons: Visits 125
NORTHERN IRELAND 127
Economic Situation: Northern
Ireland 127
Northern Ireland Office: Public
Opinion 127
Terrorism: Northern Ireland 127
PRIME MINISTER 128
Prime Minister: Public Opinion 128
TRANSPORT 128
Aviation: Coronavirus 128
Biofuels 129
Bus Services and Rapid
Transit Systems: Stoke-on-
Trent North 129
Bus Services: Coronavirus 130
Coronavirus: Passenger Ships 130
Department for Transport:
Coronavirus 130
Department for Transport:
Public Inquiries 131
Electric Vehicles 131
Electric Vehicles: Linlithgow
and East Falkirk 131
Ferries: Freight 132
Motor Vehicles: Air
Conditioning 132
Motor Vehicles: Hydrogen 133
Passenger Ships: Coronavirus 133
Public Transport: Coronavirus 134
Public Transport: Rural Areas 135
Railways: Innovation 135
Roads: Accidents 136
TREASURY 137
Business Premises:
Coronavirus 137
Diversification 138
Education: Coronavirus 138
Members: Correspondence 138
Nurseries: Non-domestic
Rates 139
Overseas Aid 139
Public Expenditure 140
Retail Trade: Staffordshire 140
Self-employment Income
Support Scheme: Camberwell
and Peckham 141
Self-employment Income
Support Scheme: Directors 141
Transport: Staffordshire 141
Treasury: Public Inquiries 142
Treasury: Public Opinion 142
Veterinary Services:
Coronavirus 142
Video Games: Tax Allowances 143
WALES 143
Wales Office: Public Inquiries 143
Wales Office: Public Opinion 143
WOMEN AND EQUALITIES 144
Employment: Autism 144
Females: Coronavirus 145
WORK AND PENSIONS 145
Debts: Staffordshire 145
Department for Work and
Pensions: Coronavirus 146
Department for Work and
Pensions: Public Inquiries 146
Disability: Coronavirus 146
Employment and Support
Allowance 147
Employment: Disability 148
Pensions: Windrush
Generation 148
Social Security Benefits:
Coronavirus 148
Social Security Benefits: Fraud 149
Social Security Benefits:
Medical Examinations 149
Statutory Sick Pay 150
Universal Credit 150
Universal Credit: Pensioners 151
Universal Credit: Wales 151
WRITTEN STATEMENTS 152
CABINET OFFICE 152
The European Communities
(Designation) Order 2020 152
INTERNATIONAL TRADE 152
Negotiations on the UK’s
Future Trading Relationship
with the US: Update 152
Notes:
Questions marked thus [R] indicate that a relevant interest has been declared.
Questions with identification numbers of 900000 or greater indicate that the question was originally tabled as an
oral question and has since been unstarred.
ANSWERS
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Attorney General: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62604]
To ask the Attorney General, if she will publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-statutory
public inquiries being undertaken by her Department.
Michael Ellis:
The Attorney General’s Office is not currently undertaking any statutory or non-
statutory public inquiries.
Attorney General: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62482]
To ask the Attorney General, how much his Department spent on (a) opinion polling and
(b) focus groups each month since January 2019.
Michael Ellis:
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO), Government Legal Department (GLD) and HM
Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) have not had any spending on
opinion polling and focus groups since January 2019.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has spent £9,000 in May 2019, £9,000 in Nov
2019, £3,421 in Mar 2020 and £9,000 in May 2020 on opinion polling. The CPS has
not had any spending on focus groups since Jan 2019.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) commissioned a short reputation survey from
YouGov at a cost of £1100 + VAT on 30 May 2020 to inform and guide its work on
communications and recruitment. There has been no other spending on opinion polls
or focus groups since Jan 2019.
BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY
Arts: Intellectual Property
Pete Wishart: [62315]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what
assessment he has made of the level of reliance of UK creative industries on UK-based
trade mark attorneys; what assessment he has made of trends in the level of that reliance
after the transition period; and if he will make a statement.
Amanda Solloway:
The UK’s highly skilled legal profession play a vital role in advising UK businesses in
the creative sector, and indeed across all sectors, on how to make the most from
their IP portfolios
Officials at the Intellectual Property Office are having ongoing conversations with
representative bodies over how to best address any issues they may face once the
transition period ends.
Business: Government Assistance
Drew Hendry: [64961]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether there
are plans for additional recovery roundtables further to those announced on 15 June
2020.
Paul Scully:
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State held this series of roundtables as part of an
intensive programme of engagement to inform the Government’s approach to
economic recovery. The Department will continue to hold regular extensive
engagement with stakeholders across all sectors and to work with stakeholders
towards a clean, resilient recovery that will create new opportunities for long-term
growth and improved productivity in parts of the country that have been worst
affected.
Catering and Public Houses: Social Distancing
Mr Richard Holden: [62666]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what
assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing additional assistance grants
or support for pubs, cafes and restaurants with limited outside space that will not be able
to re-open as soon as others as a result of covid-19 social distancing measures.
Paul Scully:
All pubs, restaurants, bars, and cafes in England can begin to offer on-site services to
customers from Saturday 4 July, as long as they follow the COVID-secure guidelines,
found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-
19/updates. This includes both outdoor and indoor spaces.
The Government has also announced measures to ease pavement licensing as part
of the Business and Planning Bill, which will allow businesses to provide outdoor
seating in order to serve more customers while following the COVID-secure
guidelines.
The Department continues to engage with businesses and their representatives from
across the hospitality sector and the support available is kept under review.
Charities: Finance
Sir Edward Davey: [64838]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what
assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on medical research
charities; and if he will make a statement.
Amanda Solloway:
Ministers in BEIS and officials have met regularly with the Association of Medical
Research Charities and their members over the last months. The AMRC have shared
information on the potential challenges as a result of Covid-19, in particular on the
extent of cancer related research which they support in universities. We are aware of
range of risks to the sustainability of universities research from potential loss of
income from international students from other research funders, such as charities.
On 27 th June, we announced a major package of support for universities to enable
them to continue their research and innovation activities that are being impacted by
Covid-19. From the Autumn, Government will provide a package consisting of low-
interest loans with long pay-back periods, supplemented by a small amount of
government grants, to cover up to 80% of a university’s income losses from
international students for the academic year 20/21, up to the value of their non-
publicly funded research activity. Universities will need to demonstrate how these
funds are being utilised to sustain research in areas typically funded by charities and
business.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Owen Thompson: [64970]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the
level of interest rates in a lender’s normal pricing framework is a factor in determining
whether that company is accredited as a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan
Scheme lender.
Paul Scully:
Interest rates are one of a range of factors taken into consideration when the British
Business Bank reviews a lender’s application to become a Coronavirus Business
Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) delivery partner.
The accreditation agreement makes clear that the interest rate at which the lender is
prepared to lend at, and any associated fees, should be based on a lender’s normal
pricing framework.
The Government expects that the benefit of the CBILS guarantee is passed through
to the borrower. This should be reflected in the interest rate and lender-levied fees
that are charged on each CBILS facility, both during the period of the Business
Interruption Payment and for the remainder of the facility.
Owen Thompson: [64971]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether
accredited Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme lenders are permitted to
charge interest rates above 10 per cent for loans through that scheme.
Paul Scully:
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is being delivered by
more than 90 accredited lenders operating across the market. Lenders of the CBILS
are permitted to set interest rates above 10%.
The interest rate charged on a CBILS facility is at the discretion of the Lender, in line
with their own policies, as would be the case with any commercial facility. Under the
CBILS scheme, SMEs do however benefit from lower initial costs, as the government
provides a 'Business Interruption Payment' to cover any interest and Lender-levied
fees within the first 12 months. Therefore, the interest rate, and any associated fees,
should be determined based on lenders' normal pricing framework and take into
account the benefits and costs of the guarantee.
The Government also guarantees 80% of a CBILS facility and lenders must pass the
economic benefit of the existence of this guarantee to the borrower through lower
pricing than it may otherwise have had.
For further information about interest rates after the initial 12-month period,
businesses should speak to their lender on what interest rates they will charge after
this time.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62605]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will
publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his
Department.
Nadhim Zahawi:
The non-statutory Magnox Inquiry is currently underway, which is an independent
inquiry into the award of the Magnox decommissioning contract by the Nuclear
Decommissioning Authority and its subsequent termination.
Once convened, public inquiries are run independently of the Government. The
Department supports and cooperates fully with all public inquiries as required.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62468]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much his
Department spent on (a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since
January 2019.
Nadhim Zahawi:
The expenditure with our primary market research provider, Kantar UK LTD, between
January 2019 and March 2020 was £4 million. The table below shows spend by
month. We are unable to breakdown the expenditure into the activities undertaken by
the supplier.
MONTH SPEND
Jan-19 201,138
Feb-19 178,337
Mar-19 691,451
Apr-19 901,263
May-19 333,556
Jun-19 57,000
Jul-19 39,476
Aug-19 242,270
Sep-19 350,683
Oct-19 54,369
Nov-19 281,817
Dec-19 37,824
Jan-20 47,942
Feb-20 187,725
Mar-20 407,757
Total 4,012,608
Disability: Retail Trade
Thangam Debbonaire: [62496]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps
the Government is taking to monitor the effect on disabled people of the new covid-19
related rules on shopping.
Paul Scully:
The Government took into account people with disabilities when developing the
guidance.
The safer workplaces guidance provides some suggestions to help employers make
their workplaces COVID-19 secure for their employees, visitors and customers. We
expect all businesses to approach reopening in a sensible way, taking account of the
Government’s guidance and discussing with neighbouring businesses and their local
authorities where applicable.
Our guidance does not replace existing employment, health and safety or equalities
legislation. It provides information to employers on how best to meet these
responsibilities in the context of COVID-19.
Employment
Seema Malhotra: [64924]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference
to the Department for Work and Pensions Committee report, DWP's response to the
coronavirus outbreak, published on 22 June 2020, what the planned timescale is for
bringing forward the Employment Bill; and whether that Bill will contain provisions for
people in low-paid work and the gig economy.
Paul Scully:
This Government has a proud history of protecting and enhancing workers’ rights.
We remain committed to delivering the workers’ rights enhancements set out in our
2019 manifesto.
We have already made significant progress in implementing recommendations
arising from the Taylor Review, including legislating for stronger protections for
vulnerable agency workers and extending the right to a written statement to workers.
We have passed legislation that means almost 300,000 workers, including people in
low-paid work and the gig economy, will have a right to a payslip for the first time.
This helps workers in the flexible economy to better understand their pay and identify
if their employer is not meeting their minimum pay obligations.
As we set out in our 2019 recent Manifesto, this Government is committed to
continue building on this record by testing proposals to ensure that people are treated
fairly at work.
However, as Matthew Taylor himself has said, many of his recommendation are
complex and highly technical to implement. It is only right that we take time to
consider how best to achieve change that works for all.
We continue to work with stakeholders to test proposals, thus ensuring that
employment law reflects the reality of modern and new working relationships.
We intend to make further announcements on the next stages in due course.
Flexible Working: Coronavirus
Mr Barry Sheerman: [62298]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps
her Department is taking to ensure suitable flexible working arrangements for people with
disabilities in the context of the covid-19 outbreak.
Paul Scully:
The Government is committed to supporting disabled people affected by the Covid-19
outbreak. The Government continues to support disabled employees to access
assistive technology and other forms of support they need to remain in work. For
example, Access to Work is continuing to provide support for people with a disability
or health condition whether they are working in the workplace or are working from
home.
Currently the Government advice is that people should be working from home where
it is possible to do so. Employers have particular responsibilities towards disabled
workers including making reasonable adjustments to avoid disabled workers being
put at a disadvantage.
The law is clear: to discriminate directly or indirectly, against anyone because of a
protected characteristic such as age, sex or disability, race or ethnicity is unlawful. All
equality and discrimination laws and obligations continue to apply during the
Coronavirus pandemic.
Horse Riding: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund
Sir Desmond Swayne: [64807]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what
guidance his Department has issued to local authorities on the eligibility criteria for (a)
racing stables and (b) riding schools & Livery stables to access the covid-19 Retail,
Hospitality and Leisure Grant; and if he will make a statement.
Paul Scully:
Under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF) businesses in England
that would have been in receipt of the Expanded Retail Discount (which covers retail,
hospitality and leisure) on 11 March 2020, with a rateable value of less than £51,000,
will be eligible for cash grants of up to £25,000 per property.
Private stables are included in the guidance as an example of ineligible
hereditaments. However, this is not intended to rule out all stables. If a stable is a
genuine commercial enterprise and meets all the other criteria such as being eligible
for rates relief under the expanded retail discount scheme, then they can qualify for a
grant. It would be up to local authorities to decide whether the stable in question was
for personal/private or commercial use.
Guidance intended to support local authorities in administering this fund was first
published on 24 March and can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/881040/business_support_grants-local_authorities_guidance.pdf.
Guidance for Local Authorities on the Expanded Retail Discount Scheme can be
found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/877758/Expanded_Retail_Discount_Guidance_02.04.20.pdf.
Hospitality Industry: Coronavirus
Julian Sturdy: [62424]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will
confirm as soon as possible whether hospitality businesses will be able to open (a) indoor
and (b) outdoor spaces from 4 July 2020.
Paul Scully:
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced that, from 4 July pubs,
restaurants, bars and cafes (including workplace canteens) in England will be able to
reopen both their outdoor and indoor spaces and offer on-site services to customers,
provided they are COVID-secure and follow Government guidance.
The updated guidance can be found at the GOV.UK website.
Julian Sturdy: [62425]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether
hospitality businesses will be able to open their outdoor spaces only from 4 July 2020.
Paul Scully:
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced that, from 4 July pubs,
restaurants, bars and cafes (including workplace canteens) in England will be able to
reopen both their outdoor and indoor spaces and offer on-site services to customers,
provided they are COVID-secure and follow Government guidance. The updated
guidance can be found at the GOV.UK website.
Julian Sturdy: [62426]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the
planned reopening of hospitality venues from 4 July 2020 will occur simultaneously with
potential revisions to the two metre social distancing rule.
Paul Scully:
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced that, from 4 July pubs,
restaurants, bars and cafes (including workplace canteens) in England will be able to
reopen both their outdoor and indoor spaces and offer on-site services to customers,
provided they are COVID-secure and follow Government guidance. Businesses
should refer to the guidance that has been issued, and the updated guidance can be
found at Gov.uk website.
Our advice is changing to state that people should either stay 2m apart or, where this
is not possible, ‘1m plus’ – which is one metre plus mitigations. These mitigations will
depend on the workplace or setting.
Housing: Energy
Anthony Mangnall: [62632]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his
Department is taking to support households to improve their energy efficiency.
Kwasi Kwarteng:
In the Clean Growth Strategy, the Government set an aspiration for as many homes
as possible to be Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C by 2035 and is
developing a suite of mutually supporting policies and measures that will help deliver
this:
Our current Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and its successors will drive
over £6bn of additional investment to support energy improvements in low-income,
vulnerable and fuel poor households between 2018 and 2028. Government is
currently considering what the objectives and overall ambition of a successor ECO
scheme should be, from 2022 to 2026.
In order to improve rented properties, we introduced the Private Rented Sector
Minimum standard regulations on 1 April 2018. The regulations require landlords to
bring their properties to EPC Band E or above. We will consult on tightening the
minimum energy standards in due course.
We have also committed to consult on requirements for mortgage lenders to help
households improve the energy efficiency of the homes they lend to and last summer
we launched the £5m Green Home Finance Innovation Fund to support the
development of green finance products.
There are 21.5 million smart and advanced meters across Great Britain, as of the end
of March 2020. As part of a smart meter installation, households are offered an In-
Home Display which provides near-real time information on energy consumption and
costs, enabling consumers to easily understand how they can use less energy and
save money on their bills. Research shows that 73% of people with smart meters
have taken steps to reduce their energy use.
In addition, we have launched Simple Energy Advice, a digital platform offering
impartial and tailored advice for consumers on how to make their homes more energy
efficient.
Pubs and Restaurants: Coronavirus
Sir Edward Davey: [64835]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what
discussions he has had with the Information Commissioner on pubs and restaurants
being required to collect the names and addresses of customers after they reopen on 4
July 2020 as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.
Sir Edward Davey: [64837]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what
assessment he has made of the ability of pubs and restaurants to collect, process and
handle the data collection required of them as part of the plans for their reopening on 4
July 2020; and if he will make a statement.
Paul Scully:
The Department for Health and Social Care is responsible for the NHS Test and
Trace programme. Following the announcement that some businesses will be asked
to keep a temporary record of their customers and visitors, my Rt. Hon. Friend the
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy hosted a meeting with
representatives of the hospitality and hairdressing sector on 26 June. The Information
Commissioner was involved in the discussions.
Sir Edward Davey: [64836]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will list
the dates of meetings he has held with pub and restaurant trade bodies to discuss their
reopening on 4 July 2020.
Paul Scully:
The Government holds many meetings with companies, including representatives
from the public house and restaurant trade bodies to discuss a wide range of
business issues, including their reopening from 4 July 2020.
Details of meetings held by Ministers in the Department are recorded in our
transparency data, which is published at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/beis-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-
and-meetings
Small Business Commissioner
Douglas Chapman: [64939]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when a
permanent Small Business Commissioner will be appointed.
Paul Scully:
Officials expect to launch an open recruitment campaign in due course to appoint a
permanent Small Business Commissioner.
Small Business Grants Fund
Alec Shelbrooke: [62393]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will issue
guidance to local authorities to allow (a) businesses whose business rates are included in
their rent and (b) regular market traders to apply for the funds through the Discretionary
Grant Scheme.
Nadhim Zahawi:
On 1 May, the Government announced that up to £617 million has been made
available to local authorities in England to allow them to provide discretionary grants.
The Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund is aimed at small businesses with
ongoing fixed property-related costs that are not liable for business rates or rates
reliefs.
We are asking local authorities to prioritise the following types of businesses for
grants from within this funding pot:
• Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces. Examples could
include units in industrial parks, science parks, and incubators which do not have
their own business rates assessment.
• Regular market traders with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have
their own business rates assessment.
• Bed & breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates.
• Charity properties in receipt of Charitable Rate Relief, which would otherwise have
been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief.
Local authorities are responsible for defining the precise eligibility for this
Fund and may choose to make payments to other businesses based on local
economic need, subject to those businesses meeting the specific eligibility criteria.
Guidance to support local authorities to administer the Fund was published on 13
May at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-
on-business-support-grant-funding.
Small Businesses: Billing
Douglas Chapman: [64940]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many
late payment cases the Small Business Commissioner has successfully tackled in each
year since the office was created; and what the value of recovered payments has been in
each year since its creation.
Paul Scully:
Since its creation in December 2017, the Small Business Commissioner has handled
a total of 101 cases and recovered a total of £7,353,234.70, broken down as follows:
• January 2018 – December 2018: £443,023.80 (10 cases);
• January 2019 – December 2019: £5,993,178.99 (52 cases); and
• January 2020 – 25 June 2020: £917,031.91 (39 cases).
Small Businesses: Government Assistance
Charlotte Nichols: [62660]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he
has to provide support to small businesses not eligible for Small Business Grant Scheme
because they are not liable for business rates as a result of not occupying a
hereditament.
Paul Scully:
The Government has announced a package of support for businesses to help with
their ongoing business costs in recognition of the disruption caused by Covid-19. This
package of support includes the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) and the Retail,
Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).
In addition, on 1 May, the Government announced that up to £617 million is being
made available to Local Authorities in England to allow them to provide discretionary
grants. The Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LADGF) is aimed at small
businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs but not liable for business rates
or rates reliefs.
Local Authorities are responsible for defining precise eligibility for this fund and may
choose to make payments based on local economic need, subject to the recipient
businesses meeting the specific eligibility criteria.
Guidance, intended to support Local Authorities in administering the Discretionary
Grants Fund, was published 13 May and can be accessed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-
business-support-grant-funding.
Where businesses have been advised by the relevant local authority that they are not
eligible for these schemes, they should be able to benefit from other measures in the
Government’s unprecedented package of support for business, including:
• An option to defer VAT payments by up to twelve months;
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, now extended to cover all
businesses including those which would be able to access commercial credit;
• The Bounce Back Loan scheme, which will ensure that small and micro businesses
can quickly access loans of up to £50,000 which are 100% guaranteed by the
Government;
• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, to support businesses with their wage
bills;
• The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, to provide support to the self-
employed.
Further information on the other support available can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support.
Tidal Power
Andrew Rosindell: [62327]
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent
steps he has taken to encourage the development of tidal power projects.
Kwasi Kwarteng:
Renewable electricity generation has more than quadrupled since 2010. A
record 52.6% of electricity came from low-carbon sources in 2018.
We have the world’s largest offshore wind capacity at 9.8GW with CfD auction prices
for offshore wind falling by two-thirds between 2015 and 2019.
Tidal energy could still have a potentially important role in the long-term
decarbonisation of the UK. It has to reduce its costs sufficiently, however, to compete
with other renewable technologies.
CABINET OFFICE
Cabinet Office: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62606]
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-
statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his Department.
Penny Mordaunt:
The Cabinet Office is responsible for two independent statutory public inquiries; the
Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Infected Blood Inquiry. The department has no non-
statutory inquiries currently underway.
Government Departments: Contracts
Tulip Siddiq: [64988]
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what controls his Department requires from
Government departments to identify and disclose the award of Government contracts to
entities owned or controlled by Government ministers and senior civil servants from their
own or other departments.
Tulip Siddiq: [64989]
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what controls his Department requires from
Government departments to identify and disclose the award of Government contracts to
entities owned or controlled by major political party donors.
Chloe Smith:
Ministers and Civil Servants are bound respectively by the requirements of the
Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and the Civil Service Management Code,
which include provisions for the management of potential conflicts of interest.
Infected Blood Inquiry
Liz Saville Roberts: [64992]
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with
Ministers in the Welsh Government on the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Liz Saville Roberts: [64993]
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress he has made with on convening
a meeting with the health ministers of the four nations of the UK to discuss the Infected
Blood Inquiry.
Penny Mordaunt:
The Government is aware that there remains significant disparities in financial and
non-financial support for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and
blood products across the UK. I am working with HM Treasury, the Department of
Health and Social Care and health departments in the devolved administrations to
take forward the actions necessary to address these disparities and Cabinet Office
officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the devolved administrations on the
progress of this work. In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of
such discussions are not normally disclosed.
Ventilators: Procurement
Rachel Reeves: [64899]
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reasons the figures supplied on the
number of ventilators procured through the Ventilator Challenge are different in the
Answer of 23 June 2020 to Question 61475 and the Written Statement of 22 June 2020,
HCWS306.
Chloe Smith:
The Ventilator Challenge has been a significant success and has been rapidly
producing devices.
Further to the speech by the Prime Minister today, which is available on GOV.UK,
there are now well over 9,500 new ventilators. More information will be published in
due course.
DEFENCE
Defence in UK Prosperity Review
Gavin Robinson: [64934]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the
accuracy of the July 2018 Dunne Report findings on the disparity in defence spending
across the UK.
Jeremy Quin:
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 June 2020 to Questions 64207
and 64208.
Informed by the Dunne Review and our own refreshed Industrial Policy, the Defence
Prosperity Programme announced on 5 March 2019 aims to grow our contribution to
the economy, including through sustaining an internationally competitive and
productive UK Defence sector.
Activity underway includes a pilot with Invest Northern Ireland on a Defence
Technology Exploitation Programme to help SMEs develop stronger links and new
routes to market through primes and upper tier companies across the UK.
Attachments:
1. Defence: Northern Ireland [Hansard Extract 29 June..docx]
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement
Mr Kevan Jones: [64094]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's definition of full
operating capability for Carrier Strike includes the addition of at least one newly-built fleet
solid support ship.
Jeremy Quin:
No. Under current plans RFA FORT VICTORIA would sail as the task group’s supply
vessel.
Military Aircraft
Mark Menzies: [62399]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an
assessment of the long-term importance of Team Tempest to the British economy after
the covid-19 outbreak.
Jeremy Quin:
An assessment of the long-term importance of Team Tempest to the British economy
is part of the existing and ongoing work in the Combat Air Acquisition Programme
Concept Phase. This will inform the Programme Outline Business Case, due in
December 2020 to allow the Government to make informed decisions.
Ministry of Defence: Overseas Aid
John Healey: [64848]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much Official Development Assistance
has been spent by his Department in each year from 2015 to 2020.
James Heappey:
Ministry of Defence Official Development Assistance spend figures for this period are
as follows:
YEAR ODA EXPENDITURE (£MILLION)
2015 11.48
2016 5.11
2017 6.11
2018 4.99
2019 6.07
2020 5.58 (Forecast)
John Healey: [64849]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by how much his Department has been
requested to reduce its share of the Official Development Assistance budget; and how
that reduction will effect the 2 per cent spending target.
James Heappey:
No decisions have been taken on reducing the Ministry of Defence's share of the
Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget. ODA represents just 0.01% of the
UK’s defence budget. The UK remains committed to meeting the NATO 2% spending
target.
Ministry of Defence: Procurement
Marco Longhi: [63514]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to prioritise British firms in
the procurement of goods and services to increase employment and growth as the covid-
19 lockdown eases.
Jeremy Quin:
Our intention is always to secure the best capability for the Armed Forces at best
value for money for the taxpayer.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the vital contribution the UK defence
industry makes to our prosperity. In 2018-19 the MOD spent £19.2 billion with UK
industry and commerce, directly supporting 119,000 jobs across the country and
indirectly supporting many thousands more. Our UK supply chain has a wide regional
footprint and supports the prosperity of the UK across every region, stimulating high-
value, high-skilled jobs. We have launched a number of activities to support the
growth and competitiveness of the UK defence sector, including through the defence
prosperity programme. More broadly, the MOD is leading a cross-Government review
into the UK's defence and security sectors. This will identify how we can enhance our
strategic approach to ensure we have competitive, innovative and world-class
defence and security industries that drive investment and prosperity across the
Union, now and in the future.
Veterans: Females
Mrs Sharon Hodgson: [63250]
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what financial support is available to female
veterans who require child care when they access specialist support or therapy.
Johnny Mercer:
The requested information is not held by the Ministry of Defence. This type of support
would be provided by the Local Authority in the specific geographical area that the
female veteran resided.
However, NHS England actively encourage all their providers to offer veterans
flexible appointments that help them to access services (in terms of time or location)
and have partnership arrangements with Armed Forces charities that can provide
assessed childcare support and funding.
The Government provides a significant package of childcare support to parents and
carers, including our 30 hours offer for working parents of three and four year olds
which has rolled out successfully, benefiting around 600,000 children in the first two
years of delivery.
All three and four year olds, and the most disadvantaged two year olds, are able to
access 15 hours a week of early education. From September 2017, the Government
doubled the childcare entitlement for working parents of three and four year olds to
30 hours per week.
The Government also offers Tax-Free Childcare for every £8 parents pay their
provider via an online account, the government will pay £2 up to a maximum
contribution of £2,000 per child each year, for children under 12. There is also
support available for parents with childcare costs outside of the free early education
entitlements for lower income families. For example, eligible families can get help
with 85% of their childcare costs through Universal Credit, subject to a monthly limit
of £646 for one child or £1,108 for two or more children.
Further information on all Government childcare offers can be found at the following
link: https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT
Citizens' Juries: Universal Credit
Rachael Maskell: [63428]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps to
ensure that universal credit claimants participating in the Innovation in Democracy
Programme do not receive deductions to their universal credit as a result of that
participation.
Mr John Whittingdale:
The Innovation in Democracy Programme supported three local authorities to trial
innovative models of deliberative democracy to involve citizens in local decision-
making through the use of citizens’ assemblies. The programme ran from November
2018 to March 2020. The citizens’ assemblies took place between September and
December 2019.
All participants were offered £300 for the 4 days of the citizens assembly. In addition,
participants were reimbursed for costs of travel, childcare and other caring costs.
With regards to people on Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits, we
advised all prospective assembly members to speak to a trusted source of welfare
benefits advice.
Concert Halls and Theatres: Coronavirus
Mr William Wragg: [64232]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when live
performances will recommence in theatres and concert halls during the covid-19
outbreak.
Mr William Wragg: [64233]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his
Department has taken to assist (a) theatres and (b) concert halls to stage socially-
distanced live performances.
Mr William Wragg: [64234]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he
has made of the effects of the (a) two metre, and (b) one metre plus, social distancing
guidance on theatre and concert hall audience capacities.
Caroline Dinenage:
In order to ensure appropriate support and guidance is given to the cultural sector,
DCMS has established the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and the Entertainment and
Events working group which include extensive membership from across the artistic
and creative sectors.
The focus of these groups’ work is on ensuring that COVID-19 secure guidelines are
developed in line with the phasing ambitions and public health directions, building on
the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input.
These groups specifically include representatives for theatres and stage based
entertainment, all of whom are being consulted extensively on how the sector can
reopen and operate under social distancing.
Following the establishment of the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, on 23 June the Prime
Minister announced that from 4 July theatres will be able to reopen for rehearsal, pre-
production and broadcast, although not yet for live performance with an audience.
Alongside the work that we are doing with representatives of the entertainment and
events industry to develop supporting guidance, this represents the first steps in the
roadmap to recovery for our nations’ theatres.
The Government remains committed to supporting the cultural sector through this
pandemic and getting the curtain up at venues for live performances across the
country as soon as it is safe to do so.
Consumer Goods: Electrical Safety
Carolyn Harris: [64965]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he
has made of the potential merits of extending the scope of the online harms legislation to
include the sale of unsafe electrical goods online.
Carolyn Harris: [64966]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he
has had with the (a) Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and
(b) Office for Product Safety and Standards on including the sale of unsafe electrical
goods online as part of online harms legislation.
Caroline Dinenage:
Unsafe electrical goods pose an unacceptable risk to individuals. The law is clear:
only safe products should be placed on the market. To tackle the sale of unsafe
electrical goods online effectively, regulation must be consistent, transparent and
joined-up.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards is in a unique position across
Government to lead work tackling the sale of unsafe electrical goods. However, their
work must align with broader work on digital regulation, which DCMS leads. My
officials engage closely with the Office for Product Safety and Standards on the issue
of unsafe electrical goods sold online.
Policy development for online harms legislation is ongoing, including on the scope of
the new regulatory framework, to ensure that regulation is clear and proportionate,
and that it does not duplicate existing government activity. We will be publishing the
Full Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper Consultation later this
year, before moving to legislation.
Culture: Coronavirus
Dr Luke Evans: [64362]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is
taking through the Entertainment and Events Working Group to ensure that the arts and
culture sector can safely reopen as soon as possible as the covid-19 lockdown
restrictions are eased.
Caroline Dinenage:
The Secretary of State and DCMS are committed to supporting the cultural sector to
reopen as soon as it is safe to do so, and ensure appropriate support and guidance is
provided.
To that end, DCMS has established the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and the
Entertainment and Events working group which include extensive membership from
across the artistic and creative industries sectors. The Taskforce and Working
Groups will be focusing on ensuring that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed
in line with the phasing ambitions and public health directions, building on the existing
guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input.
Further details on the Entertainment and Events Working Group can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/cultural-renewal-taskforce-and-supporting-
working-groups#entertainment-and-events-members.
Gambling: Video Games
Paul Blomfield: [64900]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the
answer of 13 May 2020 to Question 41511 on Gambling: Video Games, when he plans to
publish a response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Report on
Immersive and Addictive Technologies.
Caroline Dinenage:
The government’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s
Report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies was published on 8th June. Copies
were placed in the libraries of the House, and it is also available on gov.uk here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-digital-
culture-media-sport-select-committee-report-on-immersive-and-addictive-
technologies
Our response includes a commitment to launch a call for evidence on loot boxes and
to lead work on developing a framework to support future independent research on
video games’ impacts on behaviour.
Internet: Safety
Daniel Zeichner: [61724]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to
Question 383 the oral contribution of the Minister for Digital and Culture to the Digital,
Culture, Media and Sport Committee, on 9 June 2020, whether it remains his
Department's policy to bring forward legislative proposals alongside the response to the
Online Harms White Paper consultation full response in Autumn, 2020.
Caroline Dinenage:
The Government is committed to making the UK the safest place to be online. DCMS
and the Home Office are working at pace to develop the legislation. We will publish a
full government response in the autumn. Following that, legislation will be ready in
this session.
Museums and Galleries: Ethnic Groups
Sir Oliver Heald: [61398]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an
assessment of the potential merits of a national museum for the study of Black, Asian and
minority ethnic history and culture on a similar scale and model to the Smithsonian
National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC; and if he
will make a statement.
Caroline Dinenage:
There are currently no plans to expand the portfolio of DCMS-Sponsored national
museums.
Many of the existing national museums display material relating to Black, Asian and
minority ethnic history and culture as part of their permanent exhibitions. This
includes material displayed at the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, V&A,
Tate, Horniman, and National Museums Liverpool. These collections include art,
ceramics, fashion and photography. Many museums work with diaspora communities
to better understand collection items and place them in historical and contemporary
context. A number of museums have also held temporary exhibitions that focus on
Black, Asian and minority ethnic history and culture.
National Portfolio Organisations: Coronavirus
Daisy Cooper: [62640]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his
Department has made of the financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on National Portfolio
Organisations; and what support his Department is providing to those organisations.
Daisy Cooper: [62641]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what his Department's
policy is on allocating the second tranche of Arts Council England funding to National
Portfolio Organisations.
Caroline Dinenage:
In order to support the sustainability of the Arts sector, including the National
Portfolio, DCMS has worked closely with Arts Council England (ACE) to provide a
tailored package of financial support. In March, ACE announced a £160m emergency
response package to complement the financial measures already announced by the
Government and to ensure immediate resilience of this vital sector.
This package includes £90 million of support for National Portfolio Organisations so
they can better sustain themselves, and their work, in the coming months. There is no
upper limit for the amount of funding National Portfolio Organisations can apply for,
and decisions on funding will be made on 30 June 2020.
In keeping with the arms-length principle, Arts Council England will determine
whether and to what extent organisations receive funding.
The Secretary of State, myself and officials continue to consult organisations within
the Art sector, including National Portfolio Organisations, extensively to ensure we
fully understand the impacts of Covid-19 and remain well placed to respond as it
develops.
Social Media: Freedom of Expression
Sir John Hayes: [61420]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is
taking to require (a) Twitter, Facebook and Google and (b) other technology companies
to protect freedom of speech.
Caroline Dinenage:
The UK supports freedom of expression as both a fundamental right in itself and as
an essential element of a full range of human rights. It is vital that we maintain a
thriving democracy and society where pluralism and freedom of expression are
protected. It is important that people are able to enjoy their right to freedom of
expression and participate in online discussions.
The government’s world-leading proposals for a new regulatory framework for online
harms will include robust safeguards to protect freedom of expression online. The
proposed approach will improve transparency for users about what is and is not
acceptable on different platforms, and will enhance users’ ability to challenge removal
of content where this occurs.
Sports: Coronavirus
Sir Christopher Chope: [64847]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what regulatory
impact assessment the Government made of the effect of the decision to extend the
restrictions on (a) cricket, (b) indoor swimming, and (c) real tennis beyond 4 July 2020;
and if he will make a statement.
Nigel Huddleston:
Sports and physical activity facilities play a crucial role in supporting adults and
children to be active.The Government has made it clear that it will adopt a phased
approach based on scientific and medical advice, and that the primary goal is to
protect public health.
The government is in regular contact with representatives of sports, including cricket,
swimming and tennis, to discuss both the impact of Covid-19 on sports and to explore
how and when grassroots sport can safely resume once lockdown restrictions start to
ease. The government has asked individual sports to consider the steps that would
need to be taken, and the conditions that would need to be met, for their activity to
resume.
Theatres: Coronavirus
Vicky Foxcroft: [64258]
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is
taking to help ensure the economic viability of theatres that are unable to operate under
social distancing measures.
Caroline Dinenage:
This Government recognises how severely theatres, and the wider Arts sector, have
been hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
In order to support the Arts sector through the pandemic, DCMS has worked closely
with Arts Council England (ACE) to provide a tailored package of financial support. In
March, ACE announced a £160m emergency response package to complement the
financial measures already announced by the Government and to ensure immediate
resilience of this vital sector.
This package includes £140 million of support for artistic organisations including
theatres, and £20 million for individuals, including self-employed theatre practitioners,
so they can better sustain themselves, and their work, in the coming months. More
than 9000 individuals and organisations have been successful in applying for this
emergency funding.
The Secretary of State, myself and officials continue to consult the arts sectors
extensively to ensure we fully understand the impacts of Covid-19 and remain well
placed to respond as the landscape develops. On the basis of that engagement,
DCMS and ACE are continuing to work closely to consider the additional measures
that are needed to ensure the long-term recovery and growth of the cultural sector,
including theatres.
EDUCATION
Apprentices
Mr Toby Perkins: [64152]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of new apprenticeship starts
were for (a) level 2, (b) level 3, (c) level 4 and (d) level 5 and above in each month of
each year since 2014.
Gillian Keegan:
The attached table shows the proportion of apprenticeship starts per level of each
month of the academic years 2014/15 to 2018/19, and the months up to April of the
2019/20 academic year.
Full-year figures for 2014/15 to 2018/19 are published here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/881571/201920-april_monthly-app-starts-fwk.xlsx. Reported-to-date
figures for 2019/20 are published here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/894270/june-2020-release_underlying-CSV-app-data-to-april-2020.csv.
Attachments:
1. 64152_Table [64152_apprenticeship_starts_table.xls]
Apprentices: Coronavirus
Karin Smyth: [63388]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support he is providing to NHS trusts to
mitigate the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on their ability to use mapped career
pathways of apprenticeships to improve social mobility.
Gillian Keegan:
Apprenticeships offer a complete pathway from entry-level through to postgraduate
level, giving people of all backgrounds the opportunity to pursue a career in the
health and social care sector. We are committed to minimising disruption to nurses’
training and career progression, while supporting the NHS to deal with the challenges
of COVID-19, and we have introduced a broad range of flexibilities to help support
this.
Nursing apprentices who have completed their programme and passed through the
apprenticeship gateway will be regarded to have met the end-point assessment
requirements and achieved their apprenticeship. The apprentice will then have the
opportunity to continue along the nursing apprenticeship pathway. We have also
issued guidance on how critical workers such as nurses may be able to continue off-
the-job training when redeployed to a new role.
We continue to engage regularly with NHS stakeholders, including Health Education
England and NHS Employers, to make sure the NHS is fully supported to recruit the
apprentices it needs to deliver high-quality care.
Karin Smyth: [63390]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on providing additional (a)
support and (b) incentives to SMEs to (i) retain and (ii) take on apprentices while dealing
with the economic challenges resulting from the covid-19 outbreak.
Gillian Keegan:
Apprenticeships will have an important role to play in creating employment
opportunities, particularly for young people, and supporting employers in all sectors to
access the skilled workforce they need to recover and grow post COVID-19.
The flexibilities we have introduced, including remote learning, are enabling
apprenticeships to continue. We are looking to support employers of all sizes, and
particularly smaller businesses, to take on new apprentices this year. We will set out
further details in due course.
We will ensure that there is sufficient funding to support small businesses wanting to
take on an apprentice this year and have extended the transition period of
transferring onto the apprenticeship service from 1 November 2020 to 1 April 2021.
This will enable smaller employers to have more control over the funding they use to
create new apprenticeship opportunities and allow them to reserve funds before
choosing the provider that best meets their needs.
As the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, I
hosted a series of round tables in June 2020 with employers, business representative
groups and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss
what further support employers may need in continuing to access apprenticeships.
Assessments
Stuart Anderson: [62602]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support his Department is providing to
(a) students who are home schooled to access exam centres for exams taking place in
summer 2020 and (b) teachers at those exam centres facilitating those exams.
Nick Gibb:
Following the cancellation of this year’s exams, the exam boards will be providing
students with calculated grades, wherever possible. No exams will take place in
summer 2020.
There will be an opportunity for students to sit exams in the autumn term, if they feel
their calculated grade does not reflect their ability. There will also be a small group of
students for whom there is not enough evidence for a calculated grade to be derived
in the summer, including some home educated students. It is particularly important
that these students are able to achieve grades through the additional exam series.
We have published guidance that sets out our expectation that the exam centre that
submitted entries for students for exams in summer 2020 should enter them in the
autumn if they wish to take exams, or take responsibility for ensuring that they have
somewhere appropriate to sit their exams in exceptional cases where attending the
original centre is not the best option for the student. This arrangement extends to all
students who wish to take exams in the additional autumn series, including those who
are home educated.
Children and Young People: Broadband and ICT
Helen Hayes: [64975]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to
ensure that children and young people eligible for technology support will have access to
devices and broadband over the 2020 summer holidays to catch-up on learning
programmes.
Nick Gibb:
The Government has committed over £100 million to support vulnerable and
disadvantaged children in England to access remote education and social care
services, including by providing laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers.
We are providing over 200,000 laptops and tablets to local authorities and academy
trusts for disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are
preparing for examinations in year 10, receiving support from a social worker or are a
care leaver. Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school
and children in year 10 do not have internet connections, we are providing 50,000 4G
wireless routers.
These laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers are the property of the local authority,
trust or school, and so will benefit children’s education long after we come out of the
measures required to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes supporting
children and young people to catch up on learning over the summer holidays.
Children: Asylum
Preet Kaur Gill: [64998]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2020 to
Question 59568 on Department for Education: Overseas Aid, what assessment his
Department has made of the potential effect of the reduction in Official Development
Assistance in cash terms on the provision of support to child and unaccompanied child
asylum seekers.
Vicky Ford:
It is the department’s policy that asylum seeker children who attend a school or early
years setting attract funding in the same way as all other children. This is allocated
through the schools national funding formula and other grants like the pupil premium
and teachers’ pay grant. The department’s Official Development Assistance (ODA)
contribution is an estimate of how much of the wider core schools funding for England
is allocated due to having these children on schools’ rolls. Our ODA spending in
future years will be primarily dependent on the number of asylum seeker children
arriving in the country.
Children: Coronavirus
Mr Richard Holden: [62663]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many free laptops have been made
available in (a) Durham County Council and Darlington Borough council area and (b)
each parliamentary constituency in the Durham County Council and Darlington Borough
council area for school children since the closure of schools in response to the covid-19
outbreak.
Nick Gibb:
The Government has committed over £100 million to support vulnerable and
disadvantaged children in England to access remote education and social care
services, including by providing laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers.
We are providing laptops and tablets to disadvantaged children who would otherwise
not have access and are preparing for examinations in Year 10, receiving support
from a social worker or are a care leaver. Where care leavers, children with a social
worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections,
we are providing 4G wireless routers.
The Department of Education has ordered over 200,000 laptops and tablets and
allocated devices to local authorities and academy trusts based on its estimates of
the number of eligible children that do not have access to a device. Local authorities
and academy trusts are best place to identify and prioritise children and young people
who need devices. The Department is working to provide these devices in the
shortest possible timeframe; deliveries to local authorities began in May and has
continued throughout June.
The Department has published information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G
wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy
trusts as of 14 June, which can be viewed here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/laptops-tablets-and-4g-wireless-routers-
progress-data. This includes 1,424 devices to Durham County Council and 410
devices to Darlington Borough Council for children with a social worker and care
leavers.
Layla Moran: [65004]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the ability
of (a) refugee and (b) asylum seeker children to access (i) laptops and (ii) the internet
during partial school closures during the covid-19 outbreak; and what steps his
Department is taking to tackle the disadvantage gap in relation to those children.
Nick Gibb:
The Government has committed over £100 million to support vulnerable and
disadvantaged children in England to access remote education and social care
services, including by providing laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers.
We are providing laptops and tablets to disadvantaged children who would otherwise
not have access and are preparing for examinations in year 10, those receiving
support from a social worker and care leavers. This includes looked after children,
including unaccompanied asylum seeking children. It also includes former
unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are now care leavers. Where care
leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in year 10 do
not have internet connections, we are providing 4G wireless routers.
The Department has ordered over 200,000 laptops and tablets and allocated devices
to local authorities and academy trusts based on its estimates of the number of
eligible children that do not have access to a device. Local authorities and academy
trusts are best placed to identify and prioritise children and young people who need
devices. This may include children in families who are refugees or who are seeking
asylum. The Department is working to provide these devices in the shortest possible
timeframe; deliveries to schools and local authorities began in May and have
continued throughout June.
Children: Exercise
Rosie Cooper: [64116]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure children
with disabilities are able to participate in appropriate physical activity whilst they are not at
school during the covid-19 lockdown.
Vicky Ford:
The department has worked closely with early years settings, schools and physical
activity experts to ensure that there is advice and resources to support everyone to
participate in regular exercise. The department has published online educational
resources approved by subject experts for schools and parents to help children to
learn at home. These resources include those for PE, which are available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-
resources/online-science-pe-wellbeing-and-send-resources-for-home-education.
On 19 May 2020, we announced £37 million for the Family Fund, which will provide
grants to families on low incomes with disabled and critically ill children. £10 million of
that funding has been committed specifically in response to the unique difficulties
presented by the COVID-19 outbreak for over 75,000 families, helping parents
educate and look after children who are staying at home more than usual. Details of
the announcement have been published here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/37-million-to-support-children-with-complex-
needs.
The government has provided £3.2 billion of additional to support local authorities to
address any pressures they are facing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak,
including in children’s social care and for special educational needs and disabilities
(SEND) services. We have also announced £750 million funding to support front line
charities during the outbreak, including those supporting vulnerable children.
Children: Mental Health
Andrew Gwynne: [62345]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to
support the mental health needs of BAME children; and if he will make a statement.
Vicky Ford:
Ministers and officials in the Department for Education and the Department of Health
and Social Care are meeting regularly to discuss the effect of the changes to
education and how to provide support for mental health and wellbeing of children and
young people.
We are aware that there is emerging evidence that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
(BAME) individuals can be more severely affected than the general population by
COVID-19. We also know that people from BAME backgrounds are more at risk of
experiencing mental health and wellbeing issues and that they access mental health
care less than people from white backgrounds.
NHS England and Improvement is working closely with BAME experts, health
professionals, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners and
others to support rapid knowledge and information sharing to encourage timely
access to NHS mental health services, and just as importantly, good BAME
experiences within those services.
In May, the Department of Health and Social Care announced £4.2 million for mental
health charities, including Young Minds to enable them to continue to support people
experiencing mental health challenges at this time. The department then provided a
further £5 million of additional funding for mental health charities to support adults
and children, including charities that offer some support to children and young people
from BAME communities, such as the What? Centre, which supports young people
with furthering their understanding of race, culture and identity in relation to mental
health.
The Department for Education has been working closely with health partners to
provide resources and update guidance to support and promote all children and
young people’s mental health during the outbreak and to prepare for the return of
pupils and students. We have encouraged schools to focus on mental wellbeing as
pupils return and published a list of resources to help those supporting children at
home, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-
resources/online-science-pe-wellbeing-and-send-resources-for-home-
education#mental-wellbeing.
All NHS mental health trusts have been asked to ensure that there are 24/7 open
access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and
Health Education England have also developed advice and guidance for parents and
professionals on supporting children and young people’s mental health and
wellbeing. Which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-
children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing.
Guidance on safeguarding in education settings includes specific information on
mental health and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-
19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers.
Guidance and for parents and carers to support their children’s education during the
COVID-19 outbreak is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-
childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
As pupils return, schools will need to be especially sensitive to the needs and
wellbeing of BAME members of staff, BAME parents and BAME pupils. The
department’s guidance to schools sets out that they should ensure they have
considered the impact on staff and pupils with protected characteristics, including
race and disability, in developing their approach.
Covid-19 Education Catch-up Fund
Alexander Stafford: [62705]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has plans to extend the covid-19
catch-up funding to students studying in (a) sixth form colleges, (b) 16 to 19 academies
and (c) 16 to 19 free schools.
Nick Gibb:
We are currently looking at how best to support young people in these institutions
given the disruption to education caused by COVID-19.
Rachel Hopkins: [63562]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will extend eligibility for the £1 billion
Covid-19 catch-up funding to students studying in sixth form colleges.
Gillian Keegan:
It is our ambition that all pupils and students have the chance to make up for lost
education. Where breaks in learning have been required, we want to ensure that
learners can resume their ‘classroom’ learning and continue to a successful
completion.
For many students in post-16 education, we know that remote learning has been
working well. We are currently looking at how we can best support 16-19 providers to
help their learners catch up and we will provide more details soon.
Education and Training: Coronavirus
Cat Smith: [64239]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to encourage young
people to stay in education and training during the covid-19 outbreak.
Gillian Keegan:
All young people are now required to continue in education or training until their 18th
birthday. Local authorities have a statutory duty to identify and track the participation
of 16 and 17-year-olds. This includes supporting those who are not participating to do
so and making sure that there is sufficient and suitable education and training
provision to meet their needs.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, colleges and providers have moved more learning
online to allow students to continue with studies remotely. We have provided advice
and signposted to support to help with this.
We know that remote learning has been working well for many students in post-16
education. We will continue to work with the sector to establish the best way to
support students to make up for the disruption due to COVID-19.
Although online education should remain the predominant way of learning for now,
further education providers are re-opening for 16-19 learners on the first year of a 2-
year study programme (this also includes apprentices). In addition, all learners under
19 years old can be offered a face-to-face meeting before the end of the summer
term, subject to the required safety measures being met.
We are currently reviewing options for the autumn term. We would like to see as full a
return as soon as possible in order to support young people and make up for time
spent out of education.
Education: Coronavirus
Rachael Maskell: [62509]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to help ensure there
is an agreement between (a) his Department, (b) schools and (c) parents on the (i)
delivery of lessons in person or virtually, (ii) amount of teacher pupil contact and (iii)
marking of and feedback on schoolwork.
Nick Gibb:
The Department will do whatever it can to make sure no child – whatever their
background or location – falls behind as a result of COVID-19. That is why we want to
support schools and parents to ensure children and young people’s education can
continue, though ultimately it is up to each school to determine how to deliver
education to its pupils.
The Department has worked with schools to produce case studies guidance on
remote education practice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/remote-education-practice-
for-schools-during-coronavirus-covid-19, which provides an opportunity for schools to
learn from each other's practice. This guidance stresses the importance of ensuring
regular teacher contact with pupils, and contains examples of approaches to marking
and feedback.
Schools and colleges should use best endeavours to support pupils attending school
as well as those remaining at home, making use of the available remote education
support: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare. We expect schools
and teachers to use their professional judgement, and knowledge of their pupils’
educational needs and home circumstances, to plan appropriate content that enables
education to continue. Schools should strive to set work that pupils and their parents
will be able to access across as wide a range of subjects as possible.
Expectations for next academic year will be published before the end of term.
Rachael Maskell: [62516]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what additional support his Department
plans to provide to parents to ensure effective children's learning during the covid-19
outbreak.
Alex Sobel: [62579]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support his Department is providing to
home-schooled children during the covid-19 outbreak.
Nick Gibb:
The Department will do whatever it can to make sure no child – whatever their
background or location – falls behind as a result of COVID-19.
That is why we have provided a comprehensive package of support for remote
education, including guidance for parents and carers:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-
coronavirus-covid-19, which covers how they can help their children to learn at home.
This support, and the resources set out below, will also be useful to parents and
carers of home-schooled children.
We have published an updated list of high quality online educational resources:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-
resources which have been assessed with the support of some of the country’s
leading educational subject experts to help pupils to learn at home. The list includes
resources in six priority areas including maths, English, science, PE, mental
wellbeing and SEND, from Early Years to Key Stage 5, and which are currently
available for free.
The Department has also worked with the BBC on its comprehensive new education
package, available on TV, via the red button and iPlayer, and online at BBC Bitesize.
Bitesize Daily TV shows were watched by over 2 million households on iPlayer in the
first two weeks of transmission.
Our latest guidance on education and childcare during coronavirus is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare
These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the support we
provide under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.
Karin Smyth: [63386]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to mitigate the effects
of the covid-19 outbreak on learners who have not been able to gain training placement
experiences and as a result may struggle to achieve the necessary competency for their
programme.
Gillian Keegan:
The current situation means that many learners are not able to carry out any
placement element of their programme due to social distancing measures and
employers being closed or having ‘work at home’ arrangements that are not suitable.
This is particularly the case for traineeships where the work experience is an integral
part of the programme. In such cases, temporary flexibilities that apply from 23 March
2020 allow reduced duration of work experience to complete learning aims where
appropriate. This also includes potential extension of traineeships by up to 12 months
where required and confirmation of attainment of qualification by email until hard copy
certificates can be issued.
More widely on other vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs), Ofqual has set
out in guidance how results should be issued this summer to enable as many
learners as possible to progress as they have planned. For many VTQs, a calculated
grade will be awarded – in a similar way to GCSEs and AS/A levels. For other VTQs
where a calculated grade is not possible, assessments will be delivered in an
adapted way this summer. We know for some VTQs that neither of these approaches
will be possible and that the only option will be to delay assessments into the next
academic year - this should be a last resort. Awarding organisations are working with
Ofqual and centres to deliver results and assessments wherever possible this
summer.
Financial Services: Education
Lee Anderson: [62623]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an assessment of the
adequacy of the provision of financial education to children and young people in response
to the impact of covid-19 outbreak.
Nick Gibb:
Financial education is taught within the national curriculum in mathematics and
citizenship. At present, due to the unprecedented challenges for schools caused by
the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government understands that schools will need flexibility
around the education they are providing to their pupils. We expect schools and
teachers to use their professional judgement, knowledge of their pupils’ educational
needs and home circumstances, to plan appropriate content that enables education
to continue.
Our latest guidance on teaching to support children is set out here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/remote-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19.
Longer term, the Department will continue to work closely with The Money and
Pension Service and HM Treasury to consider how to provide further support for the
teaching of financial education in schools.
Free School Meals: Costs
Robert Halfon: [64893]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the annual cost to the public purse is of
free school meals.
Vicky Ford:
Schools pay for benefits-related free school meals from their core funding. The
department includes a factor value in the national funding formula (£450 per pupil),
but both local authorities and schools have the freedom and flexibility to apply their
own local formulae. Last year, around 1.4 million children benefitted from this
important provision.
For universal infant free school meals, schools receive funding through a separate
grant. We spend around £600 million each year ensuring 1.4 million infants receive a
free meal through this programme. Universal infant free school meals allocations can
be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-infant-free-
school-meals-uifsm-2019-to-2020.
Further Education and Sixth Form Education: Coronavirus
Darren Henry: [62659]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to
ensure that (a) further education colleges and (b) sixth forms are supported during the
covid-19 outbreak.
Gillian Keegan:
I am very grateful for how sixth forms and FE colleges have responded to the unique
challenge of COVID-19.
We have confirmed that the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will
continue to pay grant funded providers their scheduled monthly profiled payments for
the remainder of the 2019/20 funding year. Allocations for 2020/21 have also now
been confirmed and payments will be made as scheduled. Up to date details are
contained in operational guidance available at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-
further-education-provision. For colleges in significant financial difficulties, the
existing support arrangements remain in place, including short-term emergency
funding.
My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has also announced a series of
wider measures to support employers and employees, recognising the significant
impacts caused by COVID-19. We have confirmed that FE providers can apply to the
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for non grant-funded employees. The
CJRS has been extended until August 2020. Up to date details of this support are
available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-
and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses.
As announced last summer, we will next year be increasing investment in education
and training of 16-19 year olds by £400 million, including an increased base rate, and
more funding for high cost and high value subjects, which will help the sector to
deliver in the difficult circumstances we are facing during the pandemic. In March, we
also announced an investment of £1.5 billion over five years in capital spending for
further education colleges.
For sixth forms, our priority is to ensure that Year 13 students can progress as
planned, including starting university, moving into apprenticeships or securing a job,
and to support Year 12 students to prepare for examinations next year.
We have published a planning guide for secondary schools (including those with sixth
forms) to help school leaders to prepare and decide arrangements:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-wider-opening-of-
schools-from-1-june/planning-guide-for-secondary-schools
These are rapidly developing circumstances and we will continue to keep the
situation under review and to keep Parliament updated accordingly.
Further Education: Coronavirus
Layla Moran: [61772]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he has made an assessment of the
potential merits of increasing the percentage of students further education establishments
are allowed to readmit following the covid-19 outbreak.
Gillian Keegan:
The guidance on how to phase the return of learners in further education is
underpinned by our latest understanding of COVID-19. To limit the risk of increasing
the rate of transmission, scientific advice indicates that we need to take a phased
approach that limits both the number of young people in attendance and how much
they mix with other learners and staff.
We are reviewing options for the Autumn term; we would like all learners to return to
on site delivery as soon as possible and we are working with the sector to support
them to do that, as soon as the scientific advice allows it, and with appropriate
measures in place to manage the transmission risk.
Further education colleges have done fantastic work to deliver excellent online
provision; many colleges had a significant online element to their offer prior to
COVID-19, and we expect this to continue as there is a phased return to more on site
delivery.
Further Education: Insolvency
Mr Toby Perkins: [64151]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which further education colleges are in
education administration as at 24 June 2020; when those colleges were placed into
education administration; which colleges were in education administration in 2018 and
are no longer in administration; and on what date those colleges (a) entered and (b)
ceased to be in administration.
Gillian Keegan:
As at 24 June 2020, 2 further education colleges are in education administration.
Hadlow College was placed into education administration on 22 May 2019. West
Kent and Ashford College was placed into education administration on 16 August
2019. There have been no other cases.
National Tutoring Programme
Layla Moran: [62576]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will take steps with the Education
Endowment Foundation to help ensure that none of the National Tutoring Programme
volunteer tutors are unpaid interns.
Nick Gibb:
The National Tutoring Programme, worth £350 million, was recently announced as
part of a £1 billion COVID-19 “catch-up” package to directly tackle the impact of lost
teaching time and will increase access to high-quality tuition for the most
disadvantaged young people.
We will be working closely with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to
identify high quality tutoring organisations and support them to ramp up their
recruitment of tutors.
The EEF will select high-quality tutoring organisations that meet agreed criteria.
These organisations will have differing models - some may use volunteers to deliver
tutoring sessions to pupils, while others will pay tutors. Dedicated coaches that are
based in schools will all receive a salary.
Primary Education: Free School Meals
Tulip Siddiq: [64985]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to fund universal infant
free school meals from September 2020.
Vicky Ford:
Universal infant free school meals will continue in the 2020-21 academic year,
providing a free nutritious lunch to pupils in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2. Details of
school allocations will be published shortly.
Primary Education: Sports
Karl Turner: [62404]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether he plans to make additional funding
available for the future of the Primary PE and Sport Premium scheme.
Nick Gibb:
The Government will confirm arrangements for the PE and Sport Premium in the
2020-21 academic year as soon as possible. The position for the 2021-22 academic
year and beyond will be considered at the forthcoming Spending Review.
Pupil Premium: Coronavirus
Tulip Siddiq: [64984]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many pupil premium applications have
been received since the closure of schools in England as a result of the covid-19
outbreak; and what effect those applications have had on the number of children eligible
for free school meals.
Vicky Ford:
The allocation of pupil premium funding to schools does not involve an application
process. It is based on the number of pupils on roll at the time of the January school
census who have been registered for benefits-based free school meals at any point in
the last six years; or are currently looked after; or have left care through adoption, a
special guardianship order or child arrangements order.
Details of pupil premium allocations to schools in the financial year 2020-21 are
available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-allocations-
and-conditions-of-grant-2020-to-2021.
Schools: Coronavirus
Rachael Maskell: [62513]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department plans to allocate
additional funding to schools for the provision of additional teaching space from
September 2020 in the event that those schools do not have adequate teaching space to
return to full-schooling under the covid-19 restrictions.
Nick Gibb:
As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, made clear when he
spoke at the daily press briefing on 19 June, the Department is working towards
bringing all children and young people back to school in September. We intend to
announce further plans over the coming weeks, including guidance to school leaders
on the protective measures necessary to support this.
Layla Moran: [64302]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to
ensure future covid-19 outbreaks in schools can be contained; and if he will make it his
policy to introduce a comprehensive test, trace and isolate strategy for schools.
Nick Gibb:
The new NHS Test and Trace service was launched on 28 May across England.
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace
and will need to share information about their recent interactions. The government
has recruited 25,000 contact tracers, able to track 10,000 new cases a day.
If a child or young person in school develops symptoms compatible with COVID-19,
they should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 7 days and arrange to have
a test. Where the child or young person tests positive, traced close contacts,
including the rest of their class, should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for
14 days
As part of the national test and trace programme, local Public Health England health
protection teams will contact all schools attended by someone who tests positive for
COVID-19. The health protection team will work with the school to carry out a rapid
risk assessment and advise of any further action that needs to be taken.
In some cases, a larger number of children may be asked to self-isolate at home as a
precautionary measure. Where schools are observing guidance on infection
prevention and control to reduce the risk of transmission, closure of the whole school
will not generally be necessary and should not be considered outside of discussion
with health protection teams.
Tim Farron: [64876]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department has provided
to schools on the provision of additional pastoral support for pupils when they return to
school during the covid-19 outbreak.
Vicky Ford:
The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health
and wellbeing of children and young people.
The return to school is a key part of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of
pupils, as attendance at school allows social interaction with peers, carers and
teachers, which benefits wellbeing, and enables staff to directly provide pastoral
support.
Throughout the government’s guidance on the wider opening of schools, we have
encouraged schools to focus on pastoral support as pupils return. Children in
Reception, year 1 and year 6 are now able to return to primary, and year 10 and year
12 pupils are able to receive face-to-face support at secondary. Primary schools with
capacity can bring back additional groups, in line with existing protective measures,
and we have given schools the flexibility to have face-to-face ‘check-ups’ with all
pupils during the summer term to provide pastoral support. Our intention is for all
children to return to school from September and guidance will be published soon.
Schools: Educational Visits
Anna McMorrin: [63459]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had on the
timescale for the reintroduction of (a) domestic and (b) overseas school trips.
Nick Gibb:
The department currently advises against any overseas, domestic or residential visits
for children under 18 organised by schools. This advice will remain under review and
will be updated in line with guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the
Department for Transport and Public Health England.
Schools: Inspections
Afzal Khan: [62581]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether Ofsted are required to examine
individual school policies and handling of racism in inspections.
Afzal Khan: [62582]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Ofsted officers are BAME.
Nick Gibb:
These are matters for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman. I have asked
her to write to the hon. Member and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries
of both Houses.
Schools: Police
Afzal Khan: [62583]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools-based police officers are
assigned to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) England, (ii) Greater Manchester,
and (iii) Manchester, Gorton.
Afzal Khan: [62584]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what powers of oversight and scrutiny senior
school staff have with regard to assigned schools-based police officers.
Afzal Khan: [62585]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has assessed the
effect of schools-based police officers on the BAME educational attainment gap.
Afzal Khan: [62586]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Safe Schools Partnerships are in
operation in (a) England, (b) North West, (c) Greater Manchester, and (d) Manchester,
Gorton.
Afzal Khan: [62587]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what processes are in place in the event of a
conflict between school staff and schools-based police officers.
Afzal Khan: [62588]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the remit of schools-based police
officers is with regard to discipline and pupil behaviour.
Afzal Khan: [62589]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools-based police officers are
involved in the teaching of personal social health and economic education or citizenship
lessons in their assigned school.
Afzal Khan: [62590]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many complaints have been made
about the behaviour or conduct of schools-based police officers in each of the last 10
years.
Afzal Khan: [62591]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) primary and (b) secondary
state-funded schools have an assigned schools-based police officer.
Afzal Khan: [62594]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools-based police officers
assigned to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in England are (i) police constables
and (ii) police community support officers.
Afzal Khan: [62595]
To ask the Secretary of State Education, whether his Department has assessed the effect
of schools-based police officers on Black and minority ethnic pupils.
Afzal Khan: [62597]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) primary and (b) secondary
state-funded schools have requested the presence of a schools-based police officer in
each year since 2002.
Afzal Khan: [63488]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what role senior school staff play in the line
management of schools-based police officers.
Afzal Khan: [63489]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many pupil referral units have an
assigned schools-based police officer.
Afzal Khan: [63490]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools-based police officers
assigned to state-funded primary and secondary schools in England are (a) white, (b)
Black or minority ethnic, (c) female and (d) male.
Afzal Khan: [63491]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what processes are in place to investigate
complaints against schools-based police officers.
Nick Gibb:
There are good examples of joint working between police forces and schools. Many
schools have links with their local police forces and police officers play an important
role in schools, engaging with and mentoring pupils. However, the detail is held and
decisions made about these relationships are rightly made at a local level between
schools who know their pupils and police forces who know their local
neighbourhoods.
Matters of oversight, remit and any complaints will all be dealt with locally.
Accordingly, the Department does not gather nor hold information on the number of
partnerships, the number of officers based in any school or the number of officers
supporting personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.
It is right for schools to have the flexibility to work with external organisations to
support the delivery of their PSHE programme to enhance teaching. As with any
visitor, where a school invites external agencies, including police forces, into school
they are responsible for ensuring they check the visitor’s and organisation’s
credentials as well as the details of their session to ensure it fits with their planned
programme. Schools should also adhere to the Keeping Children Safe in Education
Guidance and agree in advance of the session how safeguarding reports should be
dealt with.
The Department has not conducted an assessment on the effect of school-based
police officers on Black, Asian and minority ethnic pupils or the educational
attainment gap where such officers are deployed. We trust schools to do what is best
for their pupils and believe they are best placed to decide how to utilise school-based
police.
Schools: Transport
Mr Richard Holden: [62664]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether free school transport arrangements
will be maintained on the same terms for school children from families of low income who
are required to travel by bus from one local education authority to another.
Nick Gibb:
Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide free home to school transport for
eligible children. A child is eligible if they are of compulsory school age, attend their
nearest suitable school and it is more than the statutory walking distance from their
home. The statutory walking distance is 2 miles for children under the age of 8 and 3
miles for children aged 8 and over. A child is also eligible if they live within the
statutory walking distance but could not reasonably be expected to walk to school
because of their special educational needs, disability or mobility problems, or
because the nature of the route means it would be unsafe for them to do so.
There are additional entitlements to free home to school transport for those children
who are eligible for free school meals, or if a parent they live with receives the
maximum amount of Working Tax Credit. These are known as extended rights and
are intended to support low income families in exercising school choice. Under the
extended rights criteria, a child is eligible if they are aged 8 to 10 years, attend their
nearest suitable school and it is more than 2 miles from their home, they are aged 11
to 16 years, and attend one of their three nearest suitable schools which is between 2
and 6 miles from their home; or they are aged 11 to 16 years, attend a school that is
between 2 and 15 miles from their home that their parents have chosen on the
grounds of their religion or belief and, having regard to that religion or belief, there is
no suitable school nearer to their home.
The duty applies even if the school an eligible child attends is in the area of another
local authority.
There is no intention to change these requirements.
Students: Coronavirus
Tim Farron: [64878]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to
ensure that school behaviour policies do not adversely affect students who have
experienced trauma as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.
Nick Gibb:
It is important for schools to be calm and disciplined environments, where everyone
follows the rules. The Department has published advice that sets out how, as schools
start to welcome pupils back, schools should update their behaviour policy to reflect
the new protective measures and new rules and routines:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-
protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-
implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings.
Schools will be aware that the current circumstances can affect the mental health of
pupils in a way that affects behaviour. Our guidance on mental health and behaviour
in schools can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-and-behaviour-in-schools-
-2.
It sets out how mental health issues can bring about changes in a young person’s
behaviour or emotional state and how this can be reflected within the approach to
behaviour set out in Creating a Culture:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/behaviour-in-schools.
Additionally, some children will return to school having been exposed to a range of
adversity including bereavement and anxiety. This may lead to an increase in social,
emotional, and mental health (SEMH) concerns. We are aware that some children
will need additional support and access to services such as Educational
Psychologists, social workers, and counsellors, and the guidance below on
supporting vulnerable children during the COVID-19 outbreak acknowledges that staff
may need to be redeployed:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-
vulnerable-children-and-young-people/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-
children-and-young-people.
Students: Finance
Esther McVey: [60751]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans his Department has to provide
fiscal support to students in financial difficulty as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
Michelle Donelan:
As my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, have
both made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected
by COVID-19. Higher Education (HE) providers take their responsibilities seriously
and are best placed to identify the needs of their student body as well as how to
develop the services needed to support it.
Many providers will have hardship funds to support students in times of need,
including emergencies. The expectation is that where any student requires additional
support, providers will support them through their own hardship funds.
We have worked closely with the Office for Students to help clarify that providers can
draw upon existing funding to provide hardship funds and support disadvantaged
students impacted by COVID-19. Providers are able to use the funding, worth around
£23 million per month for April, May, June and July, towards student hardship funds.
Students with a part-time employment contract should speak to their employer about
the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-
coronavirus-covid-19 ), which has been set up to help pay staff wages and keep
people in employment. We have also asked that HE providers pay particular attention
to the additional financial hardships that are being faced by student staff who have
been reliant on income from campus-based jobs at this time.
Departmental officials are working hard with the sector to continue to monitor the
situation.
Teachers: Equality
Afzal Khan: [62715]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to
ensure that teaching staff with protected characteristics are supported to progress in their
careers.
Nick Gibb:
In October 2018, the Department set out its commitment to increasing the diversity of
the teaching workforce across all protected characteristics when it launched the
Statement of Intent.
This commitment to increasing teacher diversity was made alongside 10 co-
signatories from the sector (including unions and grassroots organisations) who set
out their own individual activities.
The Department has been making progress against its commitments, including:
• Providing £2 million of funding in nationwide Equality and Diversity regional ‘hubs’
to support aspiring leaders into headship. The hubs focus on providing coaching
and mentoring to increase representation across all protected characteristics in
senior leadership roles. Between 2014 and 2018 over 2,900 teachers have been
helped to take the next steps on their leadership journey through school led
diversity leadership training through the Equality and Diversity Fund.
• Reflecting the importance of diversity in the Department’s Recruitment and
Retention Strategy published in January 2019 to ensure people from all
backgrounds are supported and that barriers to their progression are removed.
• Encouraging representative recruitment for National Professional Qualifications for
school leadership through key performance indicators.
• Continuing to engage with signatories of the statement. In July 2019, we held a
roundtable to gather progress updates and showcase best practice.
Technology: Coronavirus
Alexander Stafford: [56206]
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to introduce retraining
programmes in (a) the renewable energy sector and (b) other clean technologies sectors
for people that may be unemployed after the covid-19 outbreak.
Gillian Keegan:
Apprenticeships will have an important role to play in creating employment
opportunities, particularly for young people, and supporting employers in all sectors to
access the skilled workforce they need to recover and grow post-Covid-19. They can
also help people re-train and re-enter the workforce.
Employers are at the heart of our reforms to apprenticeships, designing high-quality
standards that deliver the skills that they need. Standards developed by the
renewable and clean energy sectors include: dual fuel smart meter installer,
commercial energy specialist and power engineer.
Additionally, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is
undertaking work on a number of initiatives to support the energy, and wider
engineering sector. This includes: scholarships that are focused on helping young
people into areas of growth in the industry during the economic recovery period;
connected competence to identify and facilitate transferrable skills, so that training
doesn’t need to be replicated within the industry; and ‘Train to retain’ allowing existing
graduates to be retained and ultimately reskill them according to emerging industry
requirements.
The ECITB is also developing a programme for those at economic risk due to
COVID-19 impacts on their part of the industry. This will be similar to the work ECITB
and EDF collaborated on for workers at Cottam coal-fired power station, helping them
transition from established parts of the energy sector into growth areas.
We continue to work with further education providers and employers to ensure they
deliver the skills our workers and economy need. We are looking to support
employers of all sizes, and particularly smaller businesses to take on new
apprentices this year. We will set out further details in due course. We will also
ensure that there is sufficient funding to support small businesses wanting to take on
an apprentice this year. In addition, we have launched a new online Skills Toolkit to
provide free high quality digital and numeracy courses, the skills most sought after by
employers.
Alongside wider adult skills reforms, the government is providing £2.5 billion (£3
billion when including Barnett funding for devolved administrations) over the course of
the Parliament, for a new National Skills Fund to help adults learn new skills and
prepare for the economy of the future.
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS
Chester Zoo: Coronavirus
Jonathan Gullis: [62680]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is
taking to support Chester zoo during the covid-19 outbreak.
Victoria Prentis:
A number of schemes have been made available to businesses and charities that
should help them during this emergency. Zoos are eligible to apply for the Job
Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption
Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant
funding of up to £25,000.
The Zoos Support Fund was launched on 4 May with £14 million being made
available to zoos in England. In response to feedback from the zoo industry the fund
will now be extended to provide support to the sector of up to £100 million. Further
details on the new scheme and eligibility will be released over the coming weeks. We
will be engaging with some of the major zoos and aquariums, including Chester Zoo,
to assess future support options.
In England, zoos and aquariums have been able to reopen outdoor areas since 15
June, subject to social distancing measures being in place. From 4 July indoor areas
such as cafés and exhibits will be able to follow suit. Allowing zoos to fully reopen is a
vital step towards enabling them to cover some of the cost of animal care.
We continue to work with BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and
Aquariums) to monitor concerns and gather insights from industry on current issues.
Clean Air Zones: Coronavirus
Karin Smyth: [64953]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department
will provide updated guidance and advice to local authorities on how Clean Air Zone
programmes are affected by the covid-19 lockdown.
Rebecca Pow:
We are in active dialogue with all local authorities with nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
exceedances, including those planning Clean Air Zones (CAZs), and are continuing
to provide them with specific support and guidance. We are clear that even in these
challenging times, we are committed to delivering compliance with NO2 limits in the
shortest possible time and that NO2 reduction measures, including CAZs, are still
needed.
Dairy Response Fund 2020
Daniel Zeichner: [62444]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his
Department has made of the number of qualifying farmers expected to be granted
financial support from the Dairy Response Fund.
Victoria Prentis:
The new Dairy Response Fund which opened for applications on 18 June will help
support those dairy farmers who have seen decreased demand for their products as
bars, restaurants and cafes have been closed.
The deadline for applications to the fund is 14 August. Details of the number of
eligible applicants to the fund will be available in due course.
Anthony Mangnall: [62633]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an
assessment of the potential merits on enabling (a) sheep and (b) goat farmers to access
the Dairy Response Fund 2020.
Victoria Prentis:
We continue to monitor the impact of the Covid-19 disruption on all sectors and dairy
producers and are committed to providing support. Dairy producers are eligible for a
range of support, including the Covid-19 Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the
Bounce Back Loan Scheme, deferral of VAT payments, and the Self-Employed
Income Support Scheme. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme will ensure that the
smallest businesses can access up to £50,000 loans with a Government 100%
guarantee on each loan, to give lenders the confidence they need to support the
smallest businesses in the country. We will also cover the first 12 months of interest
payments and fees charged to the business by the lender.
Businesses in England can also apply for the Local Authority Discretionary Grants
Fund, which supports small and micro businesses with fixed property costs that are
not eligible for other grant schemes, and which have suffered a significant fall in
income due to Covid-19.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Mr Barry Sheerman: [64852]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to
the recommendation on breed specific legislation in paragraph 22 of the Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee's report on Controlling dangerous dogs, Ninth
Report of Session 2017–19, HC 1040, whether he plans to repeal section 1 of the
Dangerous Dogs Act.
Victoria Prentis:
The Government response to the report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Committee (EFRA) entitled "Controlling Dangerous Dogs (HC1040)", was published
on 28 January 2019 and addressed each of the Committee's recommendations. In its
response the Government noted it has commissioned research by Middlesex
University into dog attacks. The research is ongoing and will help to inform
implementation of some of EFRA's recommendations.
In their Ninth Report of Session 2017-19, HC 1040, EFRA stopped short of
recommending the repeal of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. In the
summary, the Committee stated "We agree with the Government that it would be
irresponsible to amend the breed ban immediately without adequate safeguards." In
response to the EFRA report, the Government referred to the suite of powers and
measures available to police and local authorities to respond to incidents involving
dangerous dogs and to help prevent dogs from becoming dangerously out of control.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62609]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish
the (a) statutory and (b) non-statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his
Department.
Victoria Prentis:
There are no statutory or non-statutory public inquiries currently being undertaken by
the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62475]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much his
Department spent on (a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since
January 2019.
Victoria Prentis:
The information requested is not held centrally and therefore can only be provided at
disproportionate costs.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Small Businesses
Sir John Hayes: [62288]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an
assessment of the potential merits of introducing a mandatory requirement that all
procurement by his Department be sourced from small and medium sized British
businesses.
Victoria Prentis:
Defra adheres to the requirements set out in the Public Contract Regulations (PCR)
2015, which look to set out and ensure that a fair and inclusive supply base exists
where all have an equal opportunity to bid. The PCR enable buyers to run
procurements faster, with less red tape and with a greater focus on getting the right
supplier and best tender in accordance with sound commercial practice. These
principles apply to above threshold requirements but equally apply to below threshold
ensuring sound commercial practice is maintained:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-new-thresholds-2020.
Defra adheres to and supports the initiatives set out in Procurement Policy Note
03/15, which sets out the need to make public procurements more accessible to
small and medium enterprises (SMEs):
www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0315-reforms-to-
make-public-procurement-more-accessible-to-smes.
Defra already recognises the important role of SMEs in delivering UK economic
growth and prosperity. The Government has remained committed to supporting the
SME agenda and Defra supports this. We encourage SMEs to bid for departmental
business and we monitor the level of business SMEs receive from us directly (by
winning contracts) or indirectly (by winning contracts with prime contractors or further
down supply chains). In support of this commitment, Defra has published its Small
and Medium Sized Enterprises Commercial Plan:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/817258/sme-commercial-plan-2018-2022.pdf.
We regularly review our approach and if a barrier is identified we look to remove it.
Disability: Food
Abena Oppong-Asare: [62687]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is
taking to work with food providers to ensure that disabled families have adequate access
to food supplies.
Victoria Prentis:
We know the difficulties that people with disabilities currently face in accessing food
and are taking steps to support this group. We have brokered discussions between
charities and retailers to help ensure that services are accessible for disabled people.
We know that a large number of vulnerable people continue to rely on friends, family
and wider community support. Where that is not possible, there are a number of
options available for people to access support.
Individuals can request help from an NHS volunteer responder, by calling or visiting
the Royal Voluntary Service website:
volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating.
Individuals can use one of the increasing range and number of local, regional and
national commercial services that provide home delivery of groceries. They can also
call their local authority, who will be able to help refer them to local voluntary and
commercial shop and drop services and may be able to offer other support too.
Most supermarkets also offer protected in-store shopping hours to vulnerable groups
including people with disabilities and their carers.
Economic Growth: Environment Protection
Caroline Lucas: [63295]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans the
Government has to amend regulations and environmental protections in order to
stimulate economic activity; what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the
Exchequer on those plans; and if he will make a statement.
Rebecca Pow:
The Government has no current plans to amend regulations and environmental
protections in order to stimulate economic activity.
However, as we rebuild our economy in response to the coronavirus pandemic, we
are working to deliver a fairer, greener and more resilient future. We will ramp up our
world-leading work on our ambitious legislative agenda through our landmark
Environment and Agricultural Bills. These bills will work hand in hand to protect and
recover our precious natural environment and diverse ecosystems in line with our 25
Year Environment Plan to leave the environment in a better place than we have
inherited it.
The net zero challenge remains and we need to transform our economy over the next
three decades to end our contribution to climate change. In the UK we’ve already
shown how to grow the economy while cutting emissions and we will continue to lead
the world as we respond to the economic impacts of COVID-19 and develop our net
zero strategy in advance of COP26.
Environment: Coronavirus
Sir Edward Davey: [62273]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the effect of the covid-19 lockdown on the UK's natural environment; and
if he will make a statement.
Rebecca Pow:
Our efforts to keep coronavirus under control have had follow-on impacts on our
natural environment. It is too early to draw detailed conclusions about the impacts of
the lockdown, but some trends are developing.
The unprecedented changes in living and working patterns during the coronavirus
outbreak are likely to have had an effect on air pollution and could potentially lead to
short-term improvements in air quality.
It has been encouraging to see reports that some of our wildlife, including our
common mammals and ground nesting birds, may be doing well, venturing into areas
where they would not normally be seen. It is similarly encouraging to see reports of
wildflowers blooming on roadside verges and land that has not been mown during the
lockdown.
Defra will continue to research and develop our understanding of the longer-term
implications from these unprecedented changes in living and working patterns. This
will ensure we apply that learning to delivering the Clean Air Strategy, 25 Year
Environment Plan, the Environment Bill and our approach to the Government’s Net
Zero commitment.
Fisheries: Environment Protection
Sir Edward Davey: [62272]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the effect on the marine environment of supertrawlers fishing in UK
waters; and if he will make a statement.
Victoria Prentis:
No specific assessments have been made of the impact of large trawlers on the
marine environment. However, the impact of all fishing activities is taken into account
when we assess the status of UK seas and set targets to achieve Good
Environmental Status under the UK Marine Strategy. Assessments carried out for the
2019 UK Marine Strategy Part One showed that commercial fishing is one of the
predominant pressures preventing good environmental status of UK seas from being
achieved. At the end of the transition period, any access by non-UK vessels to fish in
UK waters will be a matter for negotiation. Any vessels granted access to fish in our
waters, regardless of nationality, will need to abide by UK rules including those on
sustainability.
Fisheries: Marine Protected Areas
Cat Smith: [62498]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the effect of supertrawler fishing on the UK’s offshore marine protected
areas.
Rebecca Pow:
Marine protection is a devolved matter and the information provided relates to
England only.
The Common Fisheries Policy has restricted our ability to implement fisheries
management measures within offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The
Fisheries Bill proposes a new power to allow the introduction of measures for
conservation purposes, both within our MPAs and more widely across English
waters.
Not all fishing activities within MPAs will require management, only those likely to
damage the designated features, such as trawling on the seabed. The Marine
Management Organisation monitors activity to ensure fishing boats are complying
with current rules, and will ensure compliance with new measures as they are
introduced.
Luke Pollard: [65012]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment
his Department has made of the implications for his policy on marine conservation of the
Lloyd’s List Maritime Intelligence tracking data on the time spent fishing in UK Marine
Protected Area waters by foreign owned vessels over 100 metres.
Rebecca Pow:
Marine conservation is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore
relates to England only.
The Marine Management Organisation monitors fishing activity with dedicated
enforcement and surveillance work to protect fisheries, including offshore patrol
vessels for at-sea surveillance. It tracks the movement of all fishing vessels 24 hours
a day through satellite technology, deploys aerial surveillance, and coordinates
intelligence from third-party sources – detecting where and when illegal fishing is
suspected. Not all fishing activities within Marine Protected Areas will require
management; only those activities likely to damage the designated features, such as
trawling on the seabed.
At the end of the Transition Period, we will have the right to decide who fishes in our
waters and on what terms. Any decisions about giving access to fish for vessels from
the European Union, or any other coastal states, will be a matter for the UK to decide.
Fishing Catches
Cat Smith: [62499]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is
taking to ensure fishing catch limits do not exceed scientifically recommended
sustainable levels.
Victoria Prentis:
The Government’s priority in relation to annual negotiations on fishing opportunities is
to ensure that the total allowable catch for each fish stock that we have an interest in
is set within sustainable limits taking account of scientific advice. Management
measures, both technical and control based, are in place throughout the year to
ensure monitoring and compliance of agreed catch limits and methods of capture.
Enforcement of management measures is carried out through physical and electronic
means as appropriate. The Fisheries Bill will put in place Fisheries Management
Plans to help deliver and maintain stocks at sustainable levels into the future.
Furs: Sales
Anthony Mangnall: [62631]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department
will conduct a public consultation on the potential merits of bringing forward legislative
proposals to ban the commercial sale of fur in the UK after the end of the transition
period.
Victoria Prentis:
The Government shares the British public's high regard for animal welfare. There are
restrictions on some skin and fur products, which cannot be legally imported into the
UK. These include fur from cats and dogs, seal skins and products from commercial
hunts. Legislation has prohibited farming of animals for their fur since 2000 in
England and Wales, and 2002 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In addition, we do not allow imports of fur from wild animals caught using methods
which are non-compliant with international humane trapping standards. Where fur is
from an endangered species protected through the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species (CITES), its import or trade will be subject to CITES controls.
During the transition period it is not possible to introduce restrictions relating to the fur
trade. Once our future relationship with the EU has been established, we will have
the opportunity to consider further steps we could take in relation to fur sales.
Highly Protected Marine Areas
Sir Edward Davey: [62271]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the
timeframe is for the implementation of the recommendations of the Benyon Review into
Highly Protected Marine Areas; and if he will make a statement.
Victoria Prentis:
The Government welcomes the publication of the review into Highly Protected Marine
Areas (HPMAs) on 8 June 2020. It is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/highly-protected-marine-areas-hpmas-review-
2019.
We will consider Richard Benyon’s report and issue a formal response to him in due
course, recognising our immediate priority to support the cross-Government response
to Covid-19. From there on, we have an opportunity to develop a programme of work
to bring forward HPMAs for the first time in English waters. We would, of course,
consult widely with the public and stakeholders before any decision to designate
HPMAs.
Horticulture: Coronavirus
Andrew Griffith: [62711]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his
Department plans to respond to the Horticultural Trades Association’s proposal for a
grant aid scheme for ornamental growers to cover plants disposed of during the covid-19
outbreak.
Victoria Prentis:
Covid-19 represents a significant challenge to daily life and every part of the
economy, including the ornamental horticulture sector. The Government continues to
work closely with representatives from the horticulture industry to understand the
short-term and long-term impacts on the sector. We have recently received new data
on the financial position of the sector following the reopening of garden centres on 13
May. Once we have reviewed that data we will respond to the Horticultural Trades
Association’s proposal.
Andrew Griffith: [62712]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his
Department has made on designing a grant aid scheme for ornamental growers to cover
losses from plants disposed of during the covid-19 outbreak.
Victoria Prentis:
Covid-19 represents a significant challenge to daily life and every part of the
economy, including the ornamental horticulture sector. The Government continues to
work closely with representatives from the horticulture industry to understand the
short-term and long-term impacts on the sector. We have recently received new data
on the financial position of the sector following the reopening of garden centres on 13
May. Once we have reviewed that data we will respond to the Horticultural Trades
Association’s proposal.
Marine Protected Areas
Cat Smith: [62497]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is
taking to ensure the effectiveness of the UK’s offshore marine protected areas.
Rebecca Pow:
Marine protection is a devolved matter and the information provided relates to
England only.
One of Defra’s biggest challenges in seeking to ensure effective management of
offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has been the need to secure the agreement
of other countries through the Common Fisheries Policy process. This requirement
will end when the Transition Period has finished.
The Fisheries Bill proposes a new power enabling the Marine Management
Organisation (MMO) to implement fisheries management measures for conservation
purposes both within our MPAs and more widely across English waters. The MMO
will be able to use this power after the expiry of the Transition Period.
Activities within MPAs that require planning or licensing consent are assessed by the
relevant regulator, including the MMO, to prevent damage to these designated areas.
Nature Conservation
Lilian Greenwood: [64897]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has
to publish a strategy that will set out how a national nature recovery network is to be
established.
Rebecca Pow:
Our 25 Year Environment Plan marked a step-change in ambitions for wildlife and the
natural environment. It committed the Government to establishing a nature recovery
network in England and developing a new strategy for nature, setting out how we will
implement our international commitments under the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD).
The coronavirus outbreak has impacted on our plans. Key international meetings to
develop global biodiversity targets, including the CBD Conference in China (originally
planned for the end of 2020), have been postponed. At the same time, many of our
stakeholders no longer have the capacity to engage on the strategy at the moment.
This means that we have slowed the process of drafting the strategy so that we have
extra time to engage with stakeholders, and properly reflect on the emerging
international framework. We expect the main CBD Conference of the Parties to be
rescheduled for some time in 2021 and will update our domestic plans once this is
finalised.
Although work on the strategy has been delayed, we are bringing forward policies
and funding now that will deliver real change for nature and to establish a Nature
Recovery Network (NRN).
Our Environment Bill lays the foundation for the NRN. It sets the framework for at
least one legally binding biodiversity target. It establishes spatial mapping and
planning tools to inform nature recovery. It also creates duties and incentives, such
as biodiversity net gain, to drive change on the ground.
These measures will complement our plans for new funding for nature announced in
March this year.
Nature Conservation: Finance
Lilian Greenwood: [64898]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment
his Department has made of the resourcing needed to ensure that the proposed Local
Nature Recovery Strategies are (a) of a high standard and (b) cover the whole of
England.
Rebecca Pow:
The Government undertook an Impact Assessment of the Biodiversity Net Gain and
Local Nature Recovery (LNR) Strategy provisions in the Environment Bill which was
published on 15 October 2019. My officials are continuing to work with counterparts
in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and to engage
stakeholders to refine our estimates and work towards a more comprehensive
assessment of resources required to ensure delivery to a high standard. The
Environment Bill requires that, collectively, LNR Strategies cover the whole of
England.
Nature Conservation: Maps
Lilian Greenwood: [64896]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how he plans to
ensure that the national habitat map for England is (a) accurate and (b) comprehensive.
Rebecca Pow:
My officials are currently planning for how to deliver this new duty. We wish to make
the best use of recent advances in satellite imagery, increased computational power
and ground survey including using citizen scientists, to deliver a good standard of
National Habitat Map (NHM).
We intend to bid for further resources to deliver the NHM as part of an extensive
science assessment programme in the planning round for next year.
Pigeons: Conservation
Mr Richard Holden: [62665]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the
Government plans to take steps to protect racing pigeons from predators.
Victoria Prentis:
The Government's policy is that individuals should be free to manage wildlife within
the law. Some predatory species, such as raptors, are afforded legal protection to
help ensure that management does not impact on their conservation status. The
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 permits the granting of licences to control wild
birds but only for certain limited purposes, which are set out in section 16 of the Act.
There are currently no provisions in the Act to permit licences to be granted to protect
racing pigeons from predation by raptors or other avian predators.
Individuals are advised to deter predators, for example by using mesh to disrupt flight
lines and to fly birds at times when predators are least likely to be present. Those
who are concerned about the effects of raptors on racing pigeons can seek advice
from local Natural England officers, who offer free advice to those experiencing
problems.
Plastics: Waste
Craig Tracey: [62527]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the
Government is taking to ensure that (a) the 30 per cent of exported UK plastic waste
destined for Turkey is managed to standards equivalent to those in the UK and (b)
leakage into the environment, rivers and seas is prevented.
Rebecca Pow:
The UK and Turkey are both Parties to the United Nations Basel Convention on the
Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and Their Disposal. The
Convention provides a global system for controlling the export of hazardous wastes
and wastes collected from households. The UK and Turkey are also both members of
the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and are
subject to an OECD Council Decision which provides the legal framework for the
control of movements of wastes within the OECD to ensure the environmentally
sound and economically efficient recovery of wastes.
The requirements of the Basel Convention and the OECD Decision are implemented
in UK law by the EU Waste Shipment Regulations and the UK Transfrontier Shipment
of Waste Regulations. This legislation requires that those involved in the shipments of
waste take all necessary steps to ensure waste is managed in an environmentally
sound manner throughout its shipment and during its recycling or recovery in the
country of destination.
The UK regulators take a proactive and intelligence-led approach to checking
compliance with waste shipments legislation and intervene to stop illegal exports
taking place when necessary. In England in 2018/19, the Environment Agency (EA)
inspected almost 1,000 shipping containers at ports and returned over 200 of those to
sites. During this period, the EA also prevented 12,000 tonnes of waste from reaching
ports which may have otherwise been exported illegally.
Any operators found to be illegally exporting waste can face severe sanctions - from
financial penalties to imprisonment for a period of up to two years.
Textiles: Recycling
Anthony Mangnall: [62630]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department
will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring that consumer information is
provided to promote the sale of durable, repairable and recyclable textiles.
Rebecca Pow:
The Government committed in the Resources & Waste Strategy to support ecodesign
standards for products and to improve labelling schemes, as well as to address
challenges in the textiles sector.
We are seeking powers in the Environment Bill that will enable the Government to
mandate the provision of relevant information to help consumers make more
sustainable purchasing decisions. This information must be relevant to a product’s
impact on the natural environment and can include information relating to a product’s
durability, reparability and recyclability, as well as its recycled content.
The textiles sector remains a priority area for potential future regulations, including
but not limited to making use of those powers.
Tree Planting: Staffordshire
Jonathan Gullis: [62677]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is
taking to increase the rate of tree planting in (a) Stoke-on-Trent and (b) Staffordshire.
Rebecca Pow:
Working with the Devolved Administrations, we are committed to significantly
increasing tree planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by 2025, in line
with the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations. We announced a £640
million Nature for Climate Fund to help drive up planting rates in England.
To support this, we have opened a consultation on an England Tree Strategy and
welcome responses from the forestry sector and wider public. Responses will help us
to understand what more could be done to encourage even more tree planting. Within
this we hope to empower local communities, generating local support for, and where
possible participation in, afforestation at a new scale.
Waste Disposal: Staffordshire
Jonathan Gullis: [62679]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is
taking to ensure that commercial and household waste continues to be collected in (a)
Stoke-on-Trent, (b) Kidsgrove and (c) Talke.
Rebecca Pow:
Defra has worked with local government, other Government departments and the
waste industry to produce and publish guidance to help local authorities manage their
waste collection services and household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) during the
Covid-19 outbreak. Defra officials also meet local authority and industry
representatives weekly to share intelligence and to ensure that commercial and
household waste can continue to be collected safely during the pandemic.
Weekly surveys indicate that, due to the hard work of those in the sector, nearly all
English authorities are operating commercial and household waste collections as
normal, with only a small percentage reporting minor disruption. Demand for
commercial collections has dropped but services continue to operate for businesses
that need them. The Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government and I wrote
to local authorities on 5 May to thank those working to deliver waste services during
the Covid-19 outbreak for the vital role they are playing in protecting the environment,
public amenity and people’s health. We wrote a further letter on 28 June asking local
authorities to ensure that as much access as possible is provided to HWRC services
where this can be done safely.
Welfare Assistance Schemes: Coronavirus
Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: [64933]
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to
the £63m local welfare assistance to be used by local authorities announced by the Prime
Minister on 10 June 2020, what steps he is taking to ensure that the funding is spent by
local authorities on local welfare assistance; and what processes his Department plan to
use to monitor the effect of that funding on local welfare assistance.
Victoria Prentis:
We will issue guidance to local authorities to make clear that this additional funding is
to be spent on local welfare assistance. This guidance will be available imminently,
and details of a proportionate approach to monitoring will be outlined within this. The
strategic objective of this funding is to support individuals and families who are
unable to afford food and other essential items during the Covid-19 pandemic.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
[Subject Heading to be Assigned]
Mark Pawsey: [904033]
What assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the economies
of African countries.
James Duddridge:
The economic implications of COVID-19 will be huge for Africa, possibly worse than
the health impact itself. The IMF predict the worst growth rates in Sub Saharan Africa
since the 1970s – a recession for 2020 of -3.2%.
I am therefore working with the IMF, World Bank and the African Union to ensure we
support their efforts to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic across the continent,
including through support to the IMF’s Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust,
and its Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust, both of which will support African
recovery.
Ian Lavery: [904037]
What diplomatic steps the Government is taking to help provide protection and support
for LGBT+ communities in eastern Europe.
Wendy Morton:
The UK plays an active role in Eastern Europe and across the world in support of
LGBT+ rights. We became co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) in June last
year, in partnership with Argentina. The ERC is a group of 42 like-minded States that
share best practice and promote LGBT equality globally. Our plan is to deliver an
ERC Strategy and Action Plan to re-energise the ERC. In addition to this, our
embassies across the region proudly fly the rainbow flag for International Day Against
Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Gareth Davies: [904038]
What diplomatic steps his Department is taking to help improve the security situation in
the Sahel.
James Duddridge:
The UK is working with partners to address instability. I attended international
meetings on the Sahel earlier this month and in Mauritania in February. I stressed the
importance of improving governance and respecting human rights.
As part of our efforts, the UK is deploying 250 peacekeeping troops to Mali and has 3
RAF Chinook helicopters deployed to a Counter Terrorism operation. We are also
one of largest humanitarian donors to the Sahel. Between 2015 and 2019, the UK
provided humanitarian aid to 2.3 million across the region.
Cat Smith: [904045]
What recent assessment he has made of the level of risk of Russian interference in UK
democratic processes; and if the Government will publish the Intelligence and Security
Committee's Russia report.
Wendy Morton:
It is, and always will be, an absolute priority to protect our democratic and electoral
processes. The Government took steps during the election to protect the safety and
security of our democratic processes. The Government worked with a large number
of organisations to do this, and would like to thank them for their continued support
and work in this area.
As you would expect, the Government examines all aspects of the electoral process,
and that work is ongoing. With regards to the Intelligence and Security Committee’s
report on Russia, the Prime Minister has cleared the report for publication, which is
now a matter for the new Committee.
Brazil: Politics and Government
Ruth Jones: [64339]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent
assessment he has made of the political situation in Brazil.
Wendy Morton:
The UK and Brazil have a close dialogue on both bilateral and global issues of mutual
interest including the environment, science and trade. Brazil is a key partner in the
global response to Covid-19 and our countries are working together to find a vaccine.
UK Ministers and our Embassy and Consulates in Brazil regularly engage with the
Brazilian Government and we will continue to monitor the situation.
British Council: Coronavirus
Chi Onwurah: [63338]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate his
Department has made of the (a) amount of revenue lost by the British Council in English
teaching abroad programmes as a result of the covid-19 pandemic and (b) length of time
it will take the British Council to return to pre-covid-19 revenue levels.
Chi Onwurah: [63340]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions
his Department has had with representatives from the British Council on future service
cuts resulting from reduced income during the covid-19 outbreak.
Nigel Adams:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: The British Council's commercial income has been
heavily hit by Covid-19. We are currently finalising the terms of a £60m loan which
will stabilize the Council's financial situation until mid-August 2020, while we conduct
a strategic review of the Council's future strategy, operations and long-term
sustainable funding models. Discussions are ongoing about the recommendations of
this review.
Chi Onwurah: [63339]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent
assessment his Department has made of the ability of the British Council to provide
English teaching programmes through digital platforms; and what additional resources his
Department has made available to the British Council to continue English teaching
abroad programmes digitally.
Nigel Adams:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the British
Council's ability to operate, with the majority of their English language centres closed.
The British Council has adapted quickly to the crisis by moving to digital in many
areas. For example, they are now delivering online English teaching to 85,000
students in 44 countries, and have created new digital products including the IELTS
indicator test as an interim measure for international customers.
The FCO is finalising the terms of a £60m loan to support the British Council through
to mid-August while we conduct a strategic review of their business. Conversations
are ongoing about the recommendations of the review and how that will impact future
services and funding.
British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus
Marco Longhi: [63517]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether additional
flights are being planned to repatriate British citizens who missed the deadline to apply
for chartered flights during the covid-19 pandemic.
Nigel Adams:
Since the outbreak in Wuhan, we estimate that over 1.3 million people have returned
to the UK via commercial routes - the majority supported by our work to keep vital
routes open. We have brought home over 38,000 people on 186 special charter
flights organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, from 57 countries and
territories.
We believe the vast majority of British travellers seeking to return to the UK - who
don't have commercial options - have now done so. Through our embassies, and a
dedicated central team, we continue to support British nationals who need consular
support and are working to ensure commercial routes are maintained. While no
charter flights are currently planned, we are monitoring risks globally and continue to
review how best to provide assistance where necessary. Our travel advice and social
media pages are also regularly updated to ensure that those wishing to return are
aware of further developments.
Cameroon: Coronavirus
Harriett Baldwin: [63336]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the security situation in Cameroon during the covid-19 pandemic.
James Duddridge:
The UK Government remains deeply concerned about the situation in the North-West
and South-West (Anglophone) regions of Cameroon. As the UK highlighted at a
United Nations Security Council briefing on Central Africa, on 12 June, high levels of
violence are having tragic consequences on civilians. These could be exacerbated by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK has contributed approximately £540,000 to UNICEF to support with the
COVID-19 response and related water, sanitation and hygiene activities in
Cameroon. We have also contributed approximately £60,000 to the Centre Pasteur
Cameroun to decentralise COVID-19 testing across the country, in support of the
Government of Cameroon's National Response Plan. On 20 May the UK Government
also announced investment of up to £20 million in the new African Union COVID-19
Response Fund, which will be used to tackle coronavirus, and save lives, including in
Cameroon.
The UK welcomes the UN Secretary-General's call in February on armed actors to
refrain from attacks against civilians in Cameroon. We also welcome his call on 23
March for an immediate global ceasefire in armed conflicts, and his appeal to open
up spaces for diplomacy, protect the most vulnerable, allow humanitarian access,
and focus our collective energies on fighting COVID-19.
On 19 May I spoke to the Prime Minister of Cameroon and discussed the need for a
peaceful solution to the conflict. It is imperative that people are not prohibited by the
violence from accessing testing or wider humanitarian assistance. We continue to call
for an end to the violence in the North-West and South-West regions, and have
shared experiences on conflict resolution with the Government of Cameroon. We will
continue to work with international partners to support the restoration of peace in
these regions, at the same time as we support Cameroon, and other African partners,
to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on peace and security.
Chile: Human Rights
Tommy Sheppard: [63393]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what
representations he has made to his Chilean counterpart on reports of alleged human
rights violations by Chilean police.
Wendy Morton:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: Our Ambassador in Chile has talked with
representatives of the Chilean Government to express our concerns about the
violence witnessed during protests and about reports of human rights abuses by state
agents. We welcome the Chilean Government's acceptance of the UN's human rights
report and its recommendations and the Chilean Government's assurances, in public
and to our Ambassador, that allegations of human rights abuses will be investigated
fully and that perpetrators will be prosecuted. Our Embassy in Santiago remains in
close contact with the Chilean authorities and will continue to monitor the situation.
Tommy Sheppard: [63394]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent
assessment he has made of the potential merits of defining Chile as a human rights
priority country.
Wendy Morton:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: The UK Government is concerned about events that
have occurred in Chile. Our Ambassador in Chile has expressed our concerns about
the violence witnessed during protests in 2019 and about reports of human rights
abuses to the Chilean Government. We welcome the Chilean Government's
recognition that there have been human rights abuses and their assurances, in public
and to our Ambassador, that allegations of human rights abuses will be investigated
fully, and that perpetrators will be prosecuted. We continue to monitor the human
rights situation in Chile closely.
China: Dogs
Robert Courts: [62547]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what
representations he has made to the Chinese Government on (a) the treatment of dogs
and (b) general hygiene practices during that country's Yulin Dog Meat Festival which is
taking place from 21 to 30 June 2020.
Nigel Adams:
The UK Government is committed to raising standards of animal welfare at home and
abroad. The sale and consumption of dog meat is legal in many countries, including
China, and there are no international norms, laws or agreements governing this. We
believe that it is necessary to work with Governments around the world to gain
agreement on animal welfare standards, and to phase out cruel and inhumane
practices. There is no suggestion that the event will break any local or international
laws. We have previously raised our concerns on specific animal welfare issues with
the Chinese authorities and will continue to do so.
China: India
Sir Edward Davey: [63209]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the recent military skirmishes on the Himalayan border between India
and China; and if he will make a statement.
Nigel Adams:
The Prime Minister commented in Parliament on 24 June that we are monitoring the
situation closely and that we encourage both India and China to engage in dialogue.
The status of the India-China border is a bilateral issue and we welcome the call
between Foreign Ministers Wang Yi and Jaishankar on 17 June, the meeting
between Army Commanders on 22 June, and the agreement that both sides would
take steps to de-escalate.
China: Overseas Aid
Preet Kaur Gill: [62555]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much Official
Development Assistance his Department has been spent in China in each of the last five
years.
Nigel Adams:
[Holding answer 25 June 2020]: All information on FCO ODA spending is available at
GOV.UK link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-on-international-
development
Conflict Resolution: Females
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: [65001]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the
Women, Peace and Security agenda will remain a Government and departmental priority
of the new Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: [65003]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK
national action plan on women, peace and security 2018 to 2022, published in January
2018, National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security will continue to be a priority
when the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office is created.
Wendy Morton:
The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda is an important component of the
UK's work to promote human rights and support sustainable peace processes. 2020
is a key year for WPS due to the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution
1325. This Government is committed to marking the 20th anniversary, calling for
renewed commitment by the international community to implement all of the WPS UN
Security Council resolutions. The National Action Plan outlines our WPS strategy,
and the UK remains committed to implementing it.
The FCO and DFID already work closely to deliver both DFID's Strategic Vision and
the National Action Plan on WPS. The Integrated Review of foreign policy is expected
to conclude later in the year, which will define the Government's ambition for the UK's
role in the world and its outcomes will shape the objectives of the new department.
Gender equality and women's rights will remain a core part of the Government's
mission and will be at the heart of the new department.
Cyprus: Foreign Relations
Andrew Rosindell: [62318]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the compatibility of the exclusion of representatives of Turkey and
Turkish Cypriots from talks between the UK Government and the Greek Cypriot
Administration and the 1960 Cyprus Treaty of Guarantee.
Wendy Morton:
We regularly engage with the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. We use the opportunity of
these contacts to urge progress towards a settlement. Ultimately, it is for the Greek
Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to agree on the details of any final Settlement deal.
This will require the agreement of the two leaders, the support of Greece and Turkey
and - importantly - successful referenda in each community. The UK has always
made clear that we are open to whatever arrangements the two sides and other
Guarantor Powers can agree to meet the security needs of the two Cypriot
communities.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Overseas Aid
Yasmin Qureshi: [63286]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which Official
Development Assistance programmes that his Department funds are targeted at
supporting women and girls.
Wendy Morton:
The UK's Gender Equality Act 2014 (an amendment to 2002 International
Development Act, IDA), legally requires all overseas development funding to
meaningfully consider the impact of how it will contribute to reducing gender
inequality. The UK Aid Strategy prioritises the rights of women and girls under its
fourth strategic goal of tacking extreme poverty and helping the world's most
vulnerable.
The FCO supports a number of Official Development Assistance programmes
targeted at promoting girls' education, empowering women peacebuilders and
supporting female survivors of sexual violence in conflict. The programmes include
lobbying efforts encouraging foreign governments to prioritise girls' education
reforms, financial support for women mediator organisations, capacity building
programmes for female judges and women peacebuilders and consultations with
survivors of sexual violence. Additional information on the FCO's ODA programmes
can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-development-
assistance-fco-programme-spend
Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62469]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his
Department spent on (a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since
January 2019.
Nigel Adams:
This information is not held centrally and to compile it would incur disproportionate
cost.
Guinea: Coronavirus
Stephen Doughty: [63354]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the (a) political and human rights situation in the Republic of Guinea and
(b) the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on that country.
James Duddridge:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: The UK Government is concerned by the
deteriorating human rights and political environment in Guinea and the
demonstrations that have led to violence in recent months. On 27 February, I set out
the UK Government's deep concern over the violence and civilian deaths, following
the announcement of legislative elections in Guinea and in the lead up to the
referendum on the constitution. The elections and referendum were then postponed
until 22 March. We urge the Government of Guinea to respect democratic institutions
and all forms of human rights, including the right to peaceful protest. It was deeply
saddening that there was a further loss of life on the day the election and referendum
were held in Guinea. The UK has urged the Government of Guinea to ensure that all
deaths are properly investigated. We encourage all parties, the Government and the
Opposition, to engage in constructive dialogue, refrain from violence and protect
democracy.
We continue to raise our concerns with representatives of the Government of Guinea,
through our Ambassador in Conakry, on civic and political issues including the
importance of respect for the rule of law, and the need for elections to be free and
fair. The UK will continue to work with the Government of Guinea, international
partners and regional institutions both to support Guinea's democracy and stability
and to improve the day-to-day lives of all Guineans.
The elections took place against the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are working with the Government of Guinea to support them in their own
response to COVID-19. To support the people of Guinea, we are funding a
programme of mass media communications to increase the public's awareness and
understanding of the pandemic, and we have offered the Government of Guinea
technical assistance in responding to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
Hussein Abdullah Khalil Rashid and Zuhair Ebrahim Jassim Abdullah Abas
Brendan O'Hara: [63359]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to
Early Day Motion 630 of Session 2019-21, if he will (a) publicly condemn the 15 June
2020 decision of Bahrain’s highest court to uphold death sentences against Husain
Abdullah Khalil Rashid and Zuhair Ibrahim Jasim Abdullah following concerns of serious
due process violations and the alleged coercion of Zuhair’s confession through torture
and (b) make representations to his counterpart in Bahrain on the immediate
commutation of their death sentences.
James Cleverly:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: We have raised the cases of Zuhair Ibrahim Jasim
Abdullah and Hussein Abdullah Khalil Rashid at a senior level with the Government
of Bahrain.
The Government of Bahrain is fully aware that the UK is firmly opposed to the death
penalty, in all circumstances. The right to a fair trial is enshrined in the constitution of
Bahrain; we continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to follow due process
in all cases and meet its international and domestic human rights commitments.
Myanmar: Children
Henry Smith: [63306]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will take
diplomatic steps to hold the Myanmar military to account for the killing, maiming sexual
violence against children identified in the UN Secretary-General's Annual Report on
Children and Armed Conflict, published on 9 June 2020.
Nigel Adams:
The UK is clear that the Myanmar Military is responsible for gross human rights
violations across the country. This includes grave violations against children. On 23
June, I [Minister Adams] spoke to the Myanmar Minister for International
Cooperation. I [Minister Adams] encouraged Myanmar to continue to engage with the
International Court of Justice process, and highlighted the need for dialogue to
deescalate the conflict in Rakhine which has seen a significant increase in crimes
against children in the first half of this year. The UK has already imposed sanctions,
through the EU, on members of the Myanmar military responsible for serious human
rights violations. The UK led the international effort to establish the UN Independent
Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM), which will collect and preserve
evidence for us in future domestic or international accountability processes.
Nigeria: Violence
Ruth Jones: [61801]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make
urgent representations his Nigerian counterpart on undertaking full investigations into
cases of military complicity in violence against Christians and human rights abuses.
James Duddridge:
The UK is firmly committed to promoting and protecting human rights around the
world. We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the highest levels, the
importance of protecting civilians, including all ethnic and religious groups, and
human rights for all Nigerians. We are aware of allegations of military complicity in
attacks on communities of all faiths. We call for allegations of human rights abuses or
excessive use of force to be investigated and those responsible for any abuses to be
held to account.
Following allegations of human rights abuses made regarding Nigerian military
detention facilities in Amnesty International's recent report, 'We Dried Our Tears', the
British High Commissioner raised our concerns with the Nigerian Minister of Foreign
Affairs calling for a full investigation into the allegations and prosecution of any
individuals found to have committed abuses. We reiterate that the UK Government
does not provide any support to the military detention facilities mentioned.
Poland: LGBT People
Martyn Day: [62522]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions
he has had with his Polish counterpart on LGBTQ+ rights in that country.
Wendy Morton:
The UK is implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination and committed to
promoting and protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBT people in all
circumstances. Our Embassy in Warsaw is working actively on this agenda and is
engaged in dialogue on it with both civil society and government.
The Embassy has established itself as one of the diplomatic missions in Warsaw that
is most active on the LGBT agenda. During last year's Pride season, it brought the
diplomatic community in Warsaw together to endorse a joint letter expressing support
for LGBT equality and respect for human rights. Over 50 diplomatic missions signed.
The Embassy flies the Rainbow flag annually for International Day Against
Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and flew it again over the weekend of 20/21
June as part of its activity to promote Pride Month.
Sahel: Violence
Ruth Jones: [61803]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions
he has had with his UN counterparts on resolving conflict involving farmers and herders
(a) in Nigeria and (b) across the Sahel region.
James Duddridge:
The UK remains concerned about the deteriorating security situation in parts of
Nigeria, and in the Sahel. The UK Government routinely engages with the UN and its
agencies on conflict resolution in Nigeria, including through our Mission in New York
and the UN's Office for West Africa & the Sahel (UNOWAS).
I met the head of UNOWAS in February during my visit to Mauritania where I
attended the first meeting of the Sahel Alliance General Assembly and the sixth
Summit of the G5 Leaders. We discussed security in the region. We have
encouraged efforts by UNOWAS to develop regional solutions to preventing and
resolving disputes between farming and herding communities. In particular, we
encourage UNOWAS to increase engagement with regional governments on efforts
to address the long-term causes and drivers of the violence. I have also raised
insecurity in the Sahel with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General
to the African Union, Hannah Tetteh.
The deteriorating security situation in the Sahel is characterised by both extremist
violence and intercommunal conflict, including between farmers and herders. We are
the third largest humanitarian donor to the region and committed to tackling the long-
term drivers of instability, including factors relating to governance, conflict resolution
and access to basic services.
We reiterated our commitment to the region in UK statements on 5 June at the UN
Security Council and my statement at the Sahel Coalition meeting on 12 June. These
set out our intention to work with the UN, G5 Sahel countries and international
partners to ensure peace, stability, sustainable development and justice for the
people of the Sahel. Later this year, the UK will be deploying to the UN peacekeeping
mission MINUSMA. This will strengthen the Mission's ability to protect civilians from
the impacts of conflict in Mali.
Saudi Arabia: Human Rights
Kenny MacAskill: [64358]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the
Government has recently monitored the trials of Loujain al-Hathloul, Samar Badawi,
Nassima al-Sada and others who comprise the 13 women human rights defenders in
Saudi Arabia on trial for reportedly peaceful activism.
James Cleverly:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: We are monitoring the cases of Loujain al-Hathloul,
Samar Badawi, Nassima al-Sada, and all women's rights defenders. The UK attends
trials of international importance in all countries where permitted. The UK, along with
other embassies in Saudi Arabia, consistently attempt to attend the trials of Women's
Rights Defenders, and have been denied access since October 2018, with the
exception of the trials for those involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
We remain concerned about the continued detention of women's rights activists in
Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about the ongoing
detention of political detainees, including women's rights defenders, with Saudi
Ministers during his visit to Riyadh in March. We regularly raise areas of concern with
the Saudi authorities at all levels, through Ministers, our Ambassador and our
Embassy in Riyadh. We consistently underline the importance of political freedoms
globally. This includes respect for the right to peaceful protest, the rule of law, and
freedom of speech, the press, and assembly. We continue to raise concerns about
individual cases regularly and monitor the situation closely.
Saudi Arabia: Internally Displaced People
John McDonnell: [61659]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what
representations he has made to his Saudi Arabian counterpart on the reported forced
eviction of 20,000 members of the Huwaitat tribe to make way for a new city, NEOM; and
whether the Government will rescind its offer to help develop that project.
James Cleverly:
The NEOM City is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme for socio-economic
reform. We are aware of the reports of evictions in the area. We welcome the Saudi
announcement on 20 June to grant plots of land, housing, compensation and provide
job opportunities to residents within the project area. Saudi Arabia remains a Foreign
and Commonwealth Office human rights priority country, and we regularly raise areas
of concern with the Saudi authorities at all levels.
Sudan: Coronavirus
Dr Matthew Offord: [62403]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate his
Department has made of the number of UK nationals stranded in Sudan as a result of the
Sudanese Government closing commercial airports in response to the covid-19
pandemic.
James Duddridge:
The UK Government has helped over 200 British travellers return to the UK from
Sudan on a HMG special chartered flight on 21 May. When commercial flights were
available, the embassy highlighted these to British traveller through its Travel Advice
and social media channels. They also worked with international partners to enable
British travellers to return on other countries' charter flights. There are currently no
further HMG special charter flights planned but we welcome the decision by Emirates
to offer a commercial flight from Khartoum to Dubai on 26 June which anyone wishing
to depart Sudan could consider.
We believe that the majority of those British travellers in Sudan who are able and
wished to leave have taken one of these available means of return. Some appear to
have decided not to return at this point. It is difficult to be precise on the numbers of
British travellers who still wish to return home because there have been instances of
multiple registrations by the same individual, people not reporting their return to the
UK via other means, and long term residents registering for flights even though they
were not eligible. Through our embassy in Khartoum, officials are in regular contact
with those British travellers who have expressed a desire to return to the UK. We
encourage British travellers in Sudan wishing to return to the UK to visit our Travel
Advice page: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sudan which is regularly
updated to ensure that those wishing to return are aware of further developments.
Syria: Sanctions
Anna McMorrin: [62562]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the effect of increased economic sanctions by the US Administration on
the Syrian Government on achieving the reauthorisation of humanitarian and medical aid
border crossings under UN Security Council Resolution 2504, due for renewal by 10 July
2020.
James Cleverly:
We welcome US statements that these new sanctions are targeted and humanitarian
exemptions continue to apply. As such, we do not believe that they should impact
current negotiations regarding UN Security Council Resolution 2504. The renewal is
a matter for the UN Security Council and the UK continues to be vocal on the need
for cross-border aid into both north-west and north-east Syria.
USA: Human Rights
Catherine West: [64995]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent
representations he has made to his US counterpart on (a) the use of (i) choke holds and
(ii) racial profiling and (b) other human rights violations carried out by US police forces.
Wendy Morton:
The Foreign Secretary has been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling,
inexcusable and deeply distressing. We hope and trust that justice will be done. The
violence we've seen in the US around this is very alarming. We've been clear that
people must be allowed to protest peacefully. Our Embassy in the US has raised the
issue of the protests with the US Administration and have explained the very strong
interest in this issue among the British public.
Violence: Gender
Anthony Mangnall: [62625]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans the
Government has to raise the matter of gender-based violence at the next meeting of the
UN Security Council.
Nigel Adams:
COVID-19 has reinforced the urgency to tackle pervasive and endemic gender-based
violence. The UN Security Council will be an important platform to demonstrate the
UK's continued leadership on Violence against Women and Girls and Preventing
Sexual Violence in Conflict as part of our broader ambitions on gender equality. This
includes the upcoming UN Security Council Open video-conference on Women,
Peace and Security on 17 July, which will focus on conflict-related sexual violence.
The UK has led efforts to strengthen language on conflict-related sexual violence
through UN Security Council Peacekeeping Mandates and Resolutions. In April 2019,
we advocated and voted for UN Security Council Resolution 2467 on sexual violence
in conflict. This specified the importance of a survivor-centric approach in response to
conflict-related sexual violence, highlighted the need to support children born of
sexual violence, promoted specific language on sexual violence in sanction regimes,
and also referenced the Mukwege Foundation/Nadia Initiative Global Survivors Fund.
Yemen: Military Intervention
Margaret Ferrier: [63361]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions
(a) he and (b) officials in his Department have had with (i) the UN Secretary-General and
(ii) his officials about the decision to remove the Saudi and Emirati coalition from the UN
list of perpetrators of grave violations against children in conflict zones in 2019.
Margaret Ferrier: [64217]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment
he has made of the adequacy of the UN Secretary-General's decision to remove the
Saudi-led Coalition from his annual list of perpetrators of grave violations against children
in conflict zones despite verified evidence of ongoing grave violations against children
committed by the coalition in Yemen in 2019.
James Cleverly:
At the UN Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on 23 June, the UK
reaffirmed our commitment to tackling violations against children in armed conflict
and highlighted the need for a transparent and credible framework for accountability
based on a standardised and evidence-backed approach to de-listing and listing of
state and non-state actors for violations. The UK takes extremely seriously
allegations of abuses against children in armed conflict. We strongly support the work
of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed
Conflict and continue to fund her office and work. The UK regularly raises the
importance of human rights with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,
including at senior levels. The Coalition must protect children's rights and continue to
take positive steps to protect children in armed conflict, such as by implementing the
Memorandum of Understanding signed between the UN and Saudi Arabia in March
2019.
Zimbabwe: Abduction
Stephen Doughty: [63353]
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what
representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe on allegations of
maltreatment and abduction of opposition activists Cecilia Chimbiri, Netsai Marowa, and
Joana Mamombe MP; and what recent assessment he has made of the political situation
in that country.
James Duddridge:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: As I said in the House on 11 May, I had been an
optimist on Zimbabwe post-Mugabe, but things are bleak across the political,
economic, social and humanitarian fronts.
The UK is particularly concerned about the challenging human rights situation. I
spoke to the Zimbabwean Foreign Minister on 8 June and expressed my deep
concern regarding recent reports of the abduction and torture of Cecilia Chimbiri,
Netsai Marowa, and Joana Mamombe. I urged the Foreign Minister to ensure the
Government of Zimbabwe makes concrete progress on human rights, including
investigations into violations.
It is vital that the Zimbabwean authorities adhere to their international human rights
obligations and respect their Constitution, which prohibits enforced disappearances
and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. This was reiterated in a joint local
statement issued on 20 May by the UK alongside other partners, including
Ambassadors from the European Union, France, Germany and the United States of
America. The UK will continue to monitor developments in Zimbabwe closely and call
for the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Baby Care Units: Coronavirus
Mrs Sharon Hodgson: [64109]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has
to expand rapid testing for covid-19 in hospitals to the parents of newborn babies in
neonatal units.
Vicky Foxcroft: [64381]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has
taken to ensure that parents with babies on neonatal units have urgent access to covid-
19 testing.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, services have been working hard to support parents
to care for their babies as much as possible while still ensuring that services are safe.
Testing is a key part of the United Kingdom’s response to COVID-19, and, following
the publication of the Government’s Testing Strategy we have rapidly expanded our
capacity.
We are now providing testing to anyone with symptoms (England and Northern
Ireland; over fives in Wales and Scotland) Current clinical advice is that
asymptomatic testing can be conducted where clinically appropriate, for outbreak
investigation and infection control. These decisions are made by local decision
makers based on patient and procedural risk.
Blood: Contamination
Liz Saville Roberts: [64991]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent comparative
assessment he has made of the equity of the level of financial support provided to people
affected by the contaminated blood scandal in Wales and England.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
Since 1988, successive Governments have voluntarily provided ex-gratia financial
and non-financial support for people affected by HIV and/or hepatitis C through
historic treatment with National Health Service-supplied blood or blood products in
the 1970s and 1980s.
In 2017, country specific support schemes were set up in England, Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland. These four schemes are devolved, and each nation has made
different choices around their offers of support over time.
We are aware that there are disparities between the schemes, and we are working
with our partners in the devolved nations and other relevant Government
departments to improve parity of support for all beneficiaries across the United
Kingdom.
Care Homes: Coronavirus
Mr Clive Betts: [46544]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his
announcement on 28 April 2020 that residents and staff of care homes would be tested
for covid-19, how many tests on those (a) residents and (b) staff have been undertaken;
and what proportion of those (a) residents and (b) staff have been tested since that date.
Helen Whately:
[Holding answer 18 May 2020]: We are rapidly increasing our capability to deliver
and successfully process test results all around the country. As at 7 June 2020, we
have successfully delivered over one million individual test kits to our care homes.
We will continue to upscale and meet the needs of all those in care settings.
Coronavirus: Disease Control
Jonathan Ashworth: [60759]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions has he had
with representatives from local authorities on proposals for (a) local and (b) regional
lockdown measures.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
Ministers have met with local authorities multiple times, including Tom Riordan
attending a weekly Local Advisory Board chaired by the Chair of the Local
Government Association.
In the vast majority of cases, local public health teams are dealing very effectively
with outbreaks and containing them to settings like workplaces or care homes.
If local councils need additional powers to manage community flare ups, we will work
with them to review how best this can be achieved, but we expect the majority of
circumstances to be dealt with by public consent.
We will do all we can to avoid full lockdowns, but we can not rule them out.
Jonathan Ashworth: [60761]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to issue
guidance to local authorities on the (a) definition and (b) enforcement of a local lockdown.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
The Government wrote to all local authorities in May to ask them to produce Local
Outbreak Control Plans, and have allocated £300 million to develop and implement
these, including additional capacity.
We have been working with them to produce hints and tips for outbreak plans, which
has been shared. The Association of Directors of Public Health have also issued
Guiding Principles.
A further Framework for decision makers and Action Cards will be issued at the end
of the month, setting out measures that can be taken.
If local councils need additional powers to manage these, we will review if these can
be delivered, but we expect the majority of circumstances to be dealt with by public
consent.
Department of Health and Social Care: Early Day Motions
Patrick Grady: [62494]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish a response to
EDM 521 on the UK law on disability-selective abortion.
Helen Whately:
[Holding answer 25 June 2020]: Abortion is a sensitive area, Where there are
strongly held moral and ethical views.
Parliament decided the circumstances under which abortion can legally be
undertaken. It would be for Parliament to decide whether to make any changes to the
law on abortion. As with other matters of conscience, abortion is an issue on which
the Government adopts a neutral stance and allows Members to vote according to
their moral, ethical or religious beliefs.
Health Services: Prisoners
Ms Lyn Brown: [63272]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment
of the implications for his policies of the paper entitled Secondary care clinicians and staff
have a key role in delivering equivalence of care for prisoners: A qualitative study of
prisoners’ experiences, published in The Lancet: EClinicalMedicine on 23 June 2020.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
Offenders should have access to the same range and quality of healthcare services
as people in the community.
Responsibility for the provision of health services in prisons sits with NHS England
and NHS Improvement, which will no doubt want to take the findings of this report
and any possible implications for the delivery of prison health services into account.
Mental Health Services: Coronavirus
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: [55102]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his
Department has made of whether the number of (a) detentions under the Mental Health
Act, (b) referrals to NHS community mental health teams and (c) presentations at A&E
with a primary recorded psychiatric diagnosis has been affected by the covid-19
pandemic.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
Detentions under the Mental Health Act are measured through the Mental Health
Services Data Set (MHSDS) published by NHS Digital. NHS England and NHS
Improvement are working with NHS Digital and the other arm’s-length bodies to get
early access to MHSDS data where possible, to be able to explore trends in activity.
In relation to referrals to National Health Service community mental health teams
NHS England are aware that, through analysis of early access to MHSDS data, as
well as via feedback from regional teams and providers, there has been a reduction
in referrals since the start of the pandemic. To address this issue, NHS England and
NHS Improvement have been emphasising that mental health services have
remained open during the pandemic, providing a combination of care via digital
channels and face to face where needed, and are working to ensure that referral
routes, via primary care in particular, are clear.
With regard to accident and emergency attendances for people with mental health
needs, NHS England and NHS Improvement are undertaking an analysis of a sample
of trusts’ submissions of Emergency Care Data Set data to explore trends.
NHS: Mental Health
Zarah Sultana: [59896]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has
to tackle the effect of NHS staffing shortages on the mental health of (a) student nurses
and (b) NHS staff.
Helen Whately:
[Holding answer 22 June 2020]: The Department continues to monitor overall staffing
levels across the National Health Service (NHS), and we are working across
Government to ensure there are sufficient staff to provide a high-quality service. We
have committed to deliver 50,000 more nurses in the National Health Service This will
help support the 1.4 million people who make up the NHS workforce and address the
longstanding NHS nursing shortages that were identified in the Interim NHS People
Plan. Over the last year the number of full-time equivalent nurses has gone from
282,422 to 294,553 – an increase of 12,131 nurses.
NHS England and NHS Improvement launched an emotional, psychological and
practical support package for all NHS staff on 8 April 2020, accessed via the following
link:
people.nhs.uk/help/
Pre-eclampsia: Diagnosis
Jim Shannon: [64190]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to
diagnose earlier the symptoms of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
The Saving Babies’ Lives care bundle recommends the use of available algorithms to
identify women at risk for pre-eclampsia. National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence guidance, recommending treatment with aspirin from the first to the third
trimester of pregnancy for women at risk of pre-eclampsia and associated preterm
birth is in place.
In 2019, the Accelerated Access Collaborative (which brings together industry,
Government, regulators, patients and the National Health Service to accelerate the
introduction of ground-breaking new treatments and diagnostics) began supporting
implementation of a new Placental Growth Factor Blood test which can indicate
whether a woman has the disease and whether they will need delivery soon.
Pregnancy: Finance
Henry Smith: [62387]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans
to introduce financial support to cover subsistence costs for parents with a baby receiving
neonatal care during the covid-19 outbreak.
Henry Smith: [62388]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made
of the financial effect of the covid-19 outbreak on parents of babies born needing
neonatal care during the outbreak.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
The Government recognises that these are challenging times for everyone, but that it
is an especially stressful time for parents with babies in neonatal intensive care units.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, services have been working hard to support parents
to care for their babies as much as possible while still ensuring that services are safe.
The Department has no plans to introduce a bespoke fund to cover subsistence costs
for parents with a baby receiving neonatal care during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Government is providing funding for the charity Bliss to support families with
babies that require neonatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the
Government’s United Kingdom-wide £750 million package of support for the voluntary
sector announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in April 2020.
Prisoners: Death
Grahame Morris: [57178]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to Answer of 8 June
2020 to Question 53405 on Prisoners: Death, in what format his Department holds the
information requested.
Ms Nadine Dorries:
[Holding answer 15 June 2020]: Public Health England reports that it does not collect
data on the number or proportion of people who served prison sentences and have
died of a drug overdose or suicide.
Information on deaths of offenders during post-release supervision in the community
after a custodial sentence, by gender and apparent cause in England and Wales is
available in the annual publication, ‘Deaths of offenders in the community’, which can
be found at the following link:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/deaths-of-offenders-in-the-community-annual-
update-to-march-2019
Social Services: Coronavirus
Rosie Cooper: [59196]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the finding
published on 4 June 2020 by the Local Government Association and the Association of
Directors of Adult Social Service that providers of adult social care services may face
more than £6.6 billion in extra costs as a result of the covid-19 outbreak by the end of
September 2020, what assessment he has made of the implications of that finding for his
policies on adult social care; and whether he has plans to mitigate those costs to those
providers.
Helen Whately:
We recognise that COVID-19 is imposing significant pressures on the social care
sector. We have now made £3.2 billion available to local authorities so they can
address pressures on local services caused by the pandemic, including in adult social
care.
On 15 May we published details of an additional £600 million Infection Control Fund
for Adult Social Care. This funding is to support adult social care providers in England
reduce the rate of transmission in and between care homes and to support workforce
resilience.
Social Services: Hygiene
Sir Desmond Swayne: [61396]
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will extend the scope of
the Adult Social Care infection control fund grant to cleaning materials.
Helen Whately:
[Holding answer 23 June 2020]: On 15 May we published details of an additional
£600 million Infection Control Fund for Adult Social Care. This funding is to support
adult social care providers in England reduce the rate of transmission in and between
care homes and to support workforce resilience. Twenty-five percent of it may be
used to support domiciliary care providers and support wider workforce resilience to
deal with COVID-19 infections.
HOME OFFICE
Animal Experiments: Inspections
Kerry McCarthy: [64102]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 11
May 2020 to Question 41398 on Animal Experiments: Inspections, whether (a) planned
and (b) unannounced on-site inspection visits by the ASRU Inspectorate have resumed
following the updated guidance on social distancing.
Kit Malthouse:
No, the on-site activities of the inspection programme have not fully resumed.
Inspection activities to assess compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures)
Act are being continued remotely, for example by telephone and email. Requirements
for planned on-site inspection visits to assess compliance are considered on a case-
by-case basis and will be planned in accordance with the updated guidance.
On-site inspection visits will be resumed in due course in accordance with the
updated guidance.
Asylum: Coronavirus
David Linden: [28773]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had
with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers have access to
information on the covid-19 outbreak in languages other than English.
Chris Philp:
The Home Office are engaging with the wider Voluntary and Community sector via
the British Red Cross to ensure that the refugees and migrants they are supporting
are aware of the Government advice and are clear about the importance of adhering
to it.
All asylum accommodation providers continue to provide translated public health
guidance, available in 12 languages, and instructions to service users. Where
appropriate, service users are supported to ensure that they can self-isolate
effectively.
Public Health England is also coordinating engagement through its local centres,
linking into local authorities and their Directors of Public Health. They have also
translated advice on social distancing and self-isolation into multiple languages, in
addition to material provided by Doctors of the World, which is based on the
Government’s advice. This advice can be found within the Migrant Health Guide at
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide#main-messages.
Andrew Rosindell: [63243]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
ensure that asylum seekers are tested for covid-19 before being placed in dispersal
accommodation.
Chris Philp:
There is no routine testing for asylum seekers prior to them being dispersed, but in
line with government guidelines anybody with symptoms in England can now be
tested. Asylum seekers who test positive or have symptoms will be accommodated in
hotel or self contained accommodation while they are isolating.
Asylum: Finance
Alex Sobel: [7663]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
monitor the time taken to issue ASPEN cards to people on asylum support; and what
steps she is taking to ensure that back payments are paid in cases where there has been
a delay in issuing that card.
Alex Sobel: [7664]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to
ensure that people in receipt of asylum support are able to access payments via their
ASPEN card when moved to dispersal accommodation.
Chris Philp:
A dedicated ASPEN team is in place and manages, via the AIRE Service Provider, all
enquiries relating to ASPEN Cards which includes a contact email inbox.
The HO does not routinely collect data on the time taken to issue ASPEN cards but
we are continuing to work with all accommodation providers to ensure that applicants
are able to access financial support upon dispersal. There is an Emergency Support
Payment (ECP) provision available from Providers to ensure that Service Users are
supported until receipt of their ASPEN Card.
For service users awaiting payment of backdated support, there is a priority
workstream in place which is subject to robust scrutiny to ensure correct levels of
backdated support are provided.
Asylum: Housing
Thangam Debbonaire: [64947]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is her Department's
policy to serve eviction notices to people who have been granted refugee status to leave
their asylum accommodation before the ban on evictions ends due to the covid-19
outbreak; and what discussions she had had with the Secretary of State for Housing,
Communities and Local Government on accommodation needed for people facing
eviction in order to prevent them from becoming homeless.
Chris Philp:
Asylum seekers who are granted refugee status are normally given notice that they
must leave any accommodation that has been provided to them by the Home Office
within 28 days, as they may now take employment and have access to mainstream
benefits and housing assistance from their local authority. Whilst this process was
paused on 27 March for a period of three months, we are currently reviewing plans
about appropriate timing to resume issuing notices in individual cases in a carefully
phased and measured way and have been having discussions with the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government, Local Authorities and others on the
arrangements.
The timing of those decisions is not affected by the current restrictions on evicting
tenants from private rental properties. Those arrangements do not apply to those in
asylum support accommodation. This is confirmed in paragraph 2.2 of the
Government’s guidance to landlords and tenants, which can be found at: MHCLG
guidance
(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attach
ment_data/file/888843/Updated_Landlord_and_Tenant_Guidance.pdf)
Chile: Human Rights
Tommy Sheppard: [63395]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has
made of the ability of Chilean state agents under investigation for torture or ill-treatment
to enter the UK.
Chris Philp:
All passengers arriving in the UK at passport control are checked against police,
security and immigration watch lists on arrival at the border. The majority of these are
checked against our systems before they even travel, through the collection of
advanced passenger information (API). API helps protect the UK against terrorist
attacks, serious cross-border crime and abuses of the immigration system.
We are doing everything in our power to prevent foreign criminals entering our
country, Border Force officers can and do to refuse entry when they are known to the
UK authorities.
EU Nationals: Immigration
Layla Moran: [25729]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many non-EU citizens with
pre-settled status have been detained by border police and subsequently released.
Chris Philp:
Border Force does not hold the data requested in an accessible format.
All arrivals at the UK Border are considered on their individual merits and on the
basis of the evidence available, in line with the UK’s immigration rules.
Frontier Workers: EU Nationals
Stuart C McDonald: [8337]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the powers
granted under section 8 (2) of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020,
when a scheme for the issuance of Frontier Worker’s documents under Article 26 of the
Withdrawal Agreement will be implemented.
Kevin Foster:
Regulations will be made under section 8(2) of the European Union (Withdrawal
Agreement) Act 2020 protecting the rights of EEA and Swiss citizens who are frontier
working into the UK by 31 December 2020 and establishing a scheme to enable them
to apply for a frontier worker document to prove their right to enter the UK for work
after that date.
The scheme will be implemented as soon as possible, and further information will be
set out in due course.
High Rise Flats: Fires
Mr Stephen Morgan: [18899]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) research, (b) planning
and (c) development of procedures had been undertaken by her Department on mass
evacuations of tower blocks before the Grenfell Tower fire.
James Brokenshire:
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must
undertake and review regularly a fire risk assessment of the non-domestic premises
within tower blocks and put in place and maintain adequate and appropriate fire
precautions to mitigate the risk to life from fire. This includes ensuring adequate
means of escape for building users. The Local Government Association (LGA)
produced guidance on fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats to support
responsible persons to deliver an appropriate level of fire safety.
Operational guidance, including guidance on managing incidents and undertaking
mass evacuations in the event of a fire, is a matter for the sector.
Home Office: Apprentices
Mike Kane: [9044]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of staff
employed by her Department are apprentices.
James Brokenshire:
The number of staff currently employed in the Home Office as apprentices is 343,
which is 0.99% of headcount (this does not include individuals in the pipeline,
undergoing security checks). Further information is provided in the attached table.
Attachments:
1. PQ Table [PQ 9044.pdf]
Home Office: International Men's Day
Philip Davies: [18562]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department took
to mark International Men's Day on 19 November 2019.
James Brokenshire:
The Home Office recognised International Men’s Day on 19 November 2019 with a
news item on our internal intranet site. The story explained the significance of the
event and that the day shone a positive light on male role models, fatherhood and
men’s issues.
It also highlighted the importance of good mental health for men. The story included
an audio interview with a member of staff who discussed his experience of adoption
and fatherhood. All staff had an opportunity to engage in these communications.
Home Office: Off-payroll Working
Justin Madders: [29240]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many contractors working
for her Department have had their employment status assessed in relation to the new
IR35 rules on off-payroll working; and how many of those staff are subject to those rules.
James Brokenshire:
Following the announcement by HMRC on Wednesday 18th March 2020 of the delay
to the reform of the IR35 legislation from 6th April 2020 to the 6th April 2021 the
Home Department has ceased immediate preparations for compliance with the
revised legislation. We are continuing to assess all contingent labour contractors in
accordance with the current April 2017 legislation relating to the Public Sector.
Home Office: Racial Discrimination
Alex Sobel: [18975]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
ensure her Department does not contain institutional racism.
James Brokenshire:
The Home Office Diversity and Inclusion Strategy-2018-to-2025 sets out our
ambitions to create an inclusive culture in the Department and one where racism is
simply not tolerated.
Immigrants: Biometrics
Stella Creasy: [63333]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 23
June 2020 to Question 61486 on UK Border Force: Coronavirus, whether the policy to
begin fingerprinting migrants trying to enter the UK irregularly at its French border has
been implemented.
Chris Philp:
Border Force re-started collecting fingerprints of illegal migrants detected at
juxtaposed controls on the 15th of May 2020.
Immigrants: Health Services
Dan Jarvis: [33550]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will suspend
the Immigration Health Surcharge for critical workers during the covid-19 outbreak.
Kevin Foster:
We are grateful for the vital contributions critical workers are providing to essential
public services, including healthcare workers, teachers and care professionals, who
are at the forefront of the national effort to tackle coronavirus.
On 21 May, the Prime Minister announced NHS and health and care staff would be
exempted from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Officials in the Home Office and
the Department of Health and Social Care are working through how to implement this
change.
NHS, health and care workers who have paid the Surcharge since the announcement
will be refunded. Arrangements are being worked out and more details will be
announced in due course.
More generally it is fair to expect people arriving in the UK to work in non-healthcare
roles to make a contribution to the NHS services to which they gain immediate
access. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid as part of the visa application
process and income generated helps support NHS services across the whole of the
UK.
Paul Girvan: [4468]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has
made of the potential merits of excluding NHS workers from the Immigration Health
Surcharge.
Kevin Foster:
On 21 May, the Prime Minister announced that NHS and health and care staff would
be exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Officials in the Home Office and
the Department of Health and Social Care are working through how to implement this
change.
NHS, health and care workers who have paid the Surcharge since the announcement
will be refunded. Arrangements are currently being worked out and more details will
be announced in due course.
Bambos Charalambous: [9119]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether (a) EU citizens resident
in the UK and (b) UK residents in the EU will be required to pay an immigration health
surcharge after the UK leaves the EU.
Kevin Foster:
EEA and Swiss citizens who are resident in the UK before the end of the transition
period on 31 December 2020 will be eligible to apply to secure their status under the
EU Settlement Scheme and will have until 30 June 2021 to make their application.
Applications under the EU Settlement Scheme are not subject to the Immigration
Health Surcharge. This was agreed as part of negotiations on the Withdrawal
Agreement with the EU, which also protects the rights of UK nationals in the EU.
After the introduction of the new points-based immigration system, migrants to the UK
subject to immigration control will be treated the same and should pay the IHS if
staying for longer than six months. There are several published exemptions to this
rule.
Immigration
Jim Shannon: [33520]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
reduce decision-making timeframes for (a) visa and (b) asylum applicants; and if she will
make it her policy to grant Discretionary Leave to Remain to any applicant waiting more
than a year for a decision on their application.
Chris Philp:
The Home Office is committed to ensuring that all applications are considered without
unnecessary delay.
Information on our immigration routes with service standards and whether they have
been processed against these standards is available as part of our transparency
data, at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data#uk-
visas-and-immigration
If an application is deemed complex and expected to take longer than the standard
processing timescale, UKVI will write to the customer within the standard processing
time and explain what will happen next.
The published information on processing times for complex/ non straightforward visa
applications is published as part of the Migration Transparency data, available at
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data
All asylum claims are carefully considered on their individual merits on the evidence
available to the decision maker. We are committed to ensuring that asylum claims are
considered without unnecessary delay, so that those who need protection are
granted as soon as possible.
Discretionary Leave (DL) is granted outside the Immigration Rules in accordance with
published Home Office policy. DL covers those few individuals who do not qualify for
any leave under the Rules, but where there are exceptional or compassionate
reasons for allowing them to remain in the UK; as such, it is intended to be used
sparingly and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Delays in decision
making occur for a number of reasons, some of which are outside of the Home
Office’s control, and it would generally not be appropriate to grant DL under these
circumstances.
Immigration Controls
Andrew Percy: [20437]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the definition of a STEM
course is in relation to the proposed immigration rules.
Kevin Foster:
PHD qualifications relevant to the occupation will be a tradeable characteristic with
additional points awarded for a PHD in a STEM subject. This will cover PhD
qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Further guidance for applicants and employers will be provided before the
introduction of the new system.
Caroline Lucas: [21961]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the policy
statement, the UK's points-based immigration system, published on 19 February 2020,
when initiatives for NHS workers will be brought forward; and whether that pathway will
include routes for health and social care professionals.
Kevin Foster:
The Government is committed to introducing a Health and Care visa which will
provide eligible doctors, nurses and other allied health and social care professionals,
and their families, with fast-track entry, reduced visa fees and dedicated resource. In
addition, as announced by the Prime Minister on 21 May, all NHS workers and wider
health and social care workers, including those coming on the NHS Visa, will be
exempted from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Further details, including eligibility, will be published in due course.
Caroline Lucas: [21963]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her 19
February 2020 policy statement entitled The UK's points-based immigration system,
whether she has made an assessment of the potential effect of the (a) exclusion of an
immigration route for low-skilled work and (b) general salary threshold of £25,600 on the
adequacy of the number of staff in the health and social care sector.
Kevin Foster:
We will not be introducing an immigration route for those who do not meet the skills
and salary threshold for the skilled worker route and to allow employers to recruit at
or near the legal minimum wage across the globe.
Following advice from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) the Government has
reduced both the general salary and skills thresholds for those who wish to come to
the UK to work. There will also be an element of “tradeable” points which will mean
that those who do not meet the general salary threshold may still be able to enter the
UK if, for example, they have a job in a shortage occupation.
Additionally, we will be introducing a new fast-track Health and Care visa. This will
make it easier and quicker for the best global health professionals to work in the
NHS, for NHS commissioned service providers, and in eligible occupations in the
social care sector.
The MAC has been clear immigration is not the sole answer to the challenges in the
social care sector. As we implement the new immigration system, we want employers
to focus on investing in our domestic work force, including those who may need to
find new employment due to the impact of the present circumstances relating to
Covid-19.
The Government is working closely with the sector to go further to recognise the
contributions of social care workers. We will keep labour market data under very
careful scrutiny to monitor any pressures in key sectors, especially considering recent
events.
Immigration Controls: Coronavirus
Nick Thomas-Symonds: [38967]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Border Force officials
have been directed to routinely question people arriving in the UK from abroad with
regard to symptoms of covid-19.
Chris Philp:
Border Force's remit does not extend to medical screening of passengers at ports.
Medical assessments of arriving passengers is for Public Health Officials.
Travellers returning to the UK are not specifically tested for coronavirus.
Passengers arriving to the UK have to complete traveller locator forms and
quarantine for 14 days. Border Force undertake spot checks at the border to ensure
the forms have been completed.
Immigration Controls: EEA Nationals
Darren Jones: [5503]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Government plans to
phase out the use of EEA national identity cards as a valid form of identification at the UK
border.
Kevin Foster:
The documents that EEA and Swiss nationals need to travel to the UK will not
change until at least 2021.
We will announce further details of our plans to phase out the use of EEA national
identity cards in due course.
However, EU Settlement Scheme status holders and others who are protected by the
Withdrawal Agreement and equivalent agreements with the EFTA states will continue
to be able to use national identity cards for travel to the UK until at least December
2025, in accordance with the terms of those agreements. Thereafter, they will
continue to be able to travel here on their national identity card, provided it meets
International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
Immigration: EU Nationals
Steve McCabe: [39473]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will extend the deadline for
applications for EU Settled Status during the covid-19 outbreak.
Kevin Foster:
There are no plans to extend the deadline for applications to the EU Settlement
Scheme. There is still a year to go until the deadline of 30 June 2021 and the latest
published statistics, to 31 May 2020, show the scheme is performing well, with more
than 3.6 million applications having been received and over 3.3 million concluded.
EEA citizens can apply online, free of charge, simply by completing three key steps:
proving their identity, showing they live in the UK and declaring any criminal
convictions. There is support available online, by email and telephone from our
assisted digital provider.
Where a person eligible for leave under the scheme has reasonable grounds for
missing the application deadline, they will be given a further opportunity to apply. Our
compassionate and flexible approach will ensure individuals who miss the deadline
through no fault of their own can still obtain lawful status in the UK. We will publish
clear guidance for caseworkers in due course to ensure consistency of approach.
Wendy Chamberlain: [65021]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
ensure that EU nationals are aware of the requirement to have Comprehensive Sickness
Insurance prior to naturalisation.
Wendy Chamberlain: [65022]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason the requirement
for EU nationals to have Comprehensive Sickness Insurance prior to naturalisation has
been (a) introduced and (b) introduced at this time.
Kevin Foster:
We have not changed the requirements for naturalisation: it has always been a
requirement for a person to have been in the UK lawfully during the residential
qualifying period.
EEA Regulations set out the requirements which individuals need to follow if they
wish to reside here lawfully before attaining permanent residence. For example, in
the case of students or the self-sufficient – but not those who were working here – the
possession of comprehensive sickness insurance has always been a requirement.
Our customer guidance explains this position.
The British Nationality Act allows us to exercise discretion over this requirement in
the special circumstances of a case. The nationality application form and guide
encourage applicants to give us relevant information to help us do that.
Caroline Lucas: [7182]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20
January 2020 to Question 3166, what proportion of applicants who have applied to the
EU Settlement Scheme without a valid identity document have received (a) settled status
and (b) pre-settled status and (c) another outcome.
Caroline Lucas: [7183]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20
January 2020 to Question 3166, what funding will be available after March 2020 to
support vulnerable EU citizens who are (a) homeless, (b) elderly and (c) young people in
care in applying for the EU Settlement Scheme.
Kevin Foster:
The latest published information shows that more than 3.6 million (3,612,400) EU
Settlement Scheme applications had been received up to 31 May 2020. In the same
period 3.3 million (3,319,000) applications had been concluded of which 57% were
granted settled status and 41% pre-settled status.
The latest figures can be found in the Home Office’s ‘EU Settlement Scheme monthly
statistics’ available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/eu-settlement-
scheme-statistics
The Home Office remains committed to supporting vulnerable and hard to reach
groups after March 2020, through a wide range of support available online, over the
phone and in person to help people apply.
The Settlement Resolution Centre is in place to provide assistance to applicants with
any questions about the scheme or who need help applying. Additional support is
also available to those EU citizens in the UK who do not have the appropriate access,
skills or confidence to apply. This includes over 300 assisted digital locations across
the UK where people can be supported through their application. It is one of several
ways people can verify their identity, including by post. There are also over 80
locations where applicants can have their passport scanned and verified across the
UK. The Home Office also works closely with other Government departments,
including DfE, MHCLG, HMRC and DWP, as well as engaging with Local Authorities
and Devolved Administrations to support and promote the EUSS.
The Home Office recently committed a further £8 million of grant funding for FY
2020/21 to ensure important information and assistance continue to get through to
those hardest to reach, allowing charities, as well as local authorities to bid for
funding to provide support to vulnerable people, including young people across the
UK.
Licensed Premises: Coronavirus
Grahame Morris: [64158]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will amend the Temporary
Events Notice regulations to permit pubs to utilise outdoor spaces beyond the current
maximum of 21 days in a calendar year to facilitate the safe re-opening of licensed
premises.
Kit Malthouse:
The Government has no plans to change the regulations concerning temporary
events. However, provisions in the Business and Planning Bill will grant a permission
to make sales for consumption off the premises to many businesses that are currently
only licensed for the consumption of alcohol on the premises. Other provisions will
suspend licence conditions that overly restrict the hours of off-sales, ban off-sales in
open containers and ban deliveries of alcohol. Alongside other provisions on
pavement licensing, these measures will make it easier for licensed premises to
expand into outdoor spaces.
Migrant Workers: Conditions of Employment
Paul Blomfield: [20475]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made
of the potential effect of the closure of immigration routes to lower paid work on levels of
labour market abuse and exploitation.
Paul Blomfield: [20476]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
ensure that migrant workers can report labour market abuse to the police and other
labour enforcement agencies without their details being passed to immigration
enforcement.
Kevin Foster:
The Government has been clear free movement is ending and a new immigration
system will be introduced from January 2021.
The Government is committed to eradicating exploitation across all sectors of the
labour market and migrant workers are no exception.
The focus of the Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) is on protecting
vulnerable and exploited workers, who can raise concerns in confidence with the
GLAA through their telephone line.
Migrant Workers: EU Nationals
Stella Creasy: [18818]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she will take to
ensure the Government's proposed immigration policy for EU migration after the
transition period does not adversely affect the care sector.
Kevin Foster:
The independent Migration Advisory Committee has been clear immigration is not the
solution to addressing staffing levels in the social care sector. Senior care workers
who meet the criteria will be able to come to the UK through the points-based system.
We are working alongside employers to ensure the workforce has the right number of
people to meet increasing demands and have recently launched a national
recruitment campaign.
We are also providing councils with access to an additional £1.5 billion for adults and
children’s social care in 2020-21.
Migrant Workers: NHS
Matt Western: [28676]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to remove
immigration restrictions on non-resident health and care workers to fill NHS vacancies;
and if she will make a statement.
Kevin Foster:
The Government is committed to introducing a Health and Care visa which will
provide eligible doctors, nurses and other allied health and social care professionals,
and their families, with fast-track entry, reduced visa fees and dedicated resource.
In addition, as announced by the Prime Minister on 21 May, all NHS workers and
wider health and social care workers, including those coming on the NHS Visa, will
be exempted from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Further details, including eligibility, will be published in due course.
Migrant Workers: Pay
Afzal Khan: [6765]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is her policy to
remove the £30,000 minimum salary threshold for immigrants wishing to work in the UK
after the UK leaves the EU.
Kevin Foster:
The Government has published details relating to the UK’s Points-Based Immigration
System. Sponsoring employers must pay their workers at least the general salary
threshold of £25,600, or the going rate for their particular occupation, whichever is
higher. This includes a general salary threshold of £25,600. However, the tradeable
points mean a person can earn a lower salary if they are a new entrant to the labour
market, working in a job on the Shortage Occupation List or they have a relevant
PHD. There is a minimum salary threshold of £20,480.
As recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee for some public sector jobs,
the salary will be in line with the occupation’s national pay scale.
Nitrous Oxide: Antisocial Behaviour
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: [64290]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to
tackle the antisocial use of nitrous oxide.
Kit Malthouse:
Nitrous oxide is a psychoactive substance and subject to the provisions in the
Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (the 2016 Act). It is an offence under the 2016
Act to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess with intent to supply, import and
export a psychoactive substance, subject to certain exemptions. It is also an offence
to possess a psychoactive substance in a custodial institution, subject to certain
exemptions.
The government is committed to tackling illicit drug use and protecting our
communities from antisocial behaviour. The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing
Act 2014 introduced powers, such as Public Space Protection Orders, which the
police and local councils can use to prevent people from taking intoxicating
substances, including psychoactive substances such as nitrous oxide, in specified
areas.
Passports
Sir Desmond Swayne: [3660]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when blue passports will be
available to UK citizens who are renewing their passports.
Kevin Foster:
Since March 2020, blue and burgundy passports have been issued concurrently as
part of the usual phased approach that ensures a smooth and safe approach to a
new passport design. This transition continues, and currently passport applicants are
unable to select the colour of the passport that they will receive. However, the vast
majority of British passports being issued now are blue.
Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme
Claudia Webbe: [23485]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many mosques have
applied unsuccessfully for funding from the Place of Worship Security Fund.
Claudia Webbe: [23611]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many mosques have
received funding from the Place of Worship Security Fund since its establishment.
Claudia Webbe: [23612]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many mosques have
unsuccessfully applied for funding from the Place of Worship Security Fund since its
establishment.
James Brokenshire:
431 applications have been made to the Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme
since it began in 2016. In total, 109 applications were from Muslim communities. Of
these, 49 applications were successful whilst 60 applications were unsuccessful.
Public Health: Finance
Stuart C McDonald: [31530]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had
with Cabinet colleagues on the effect of no recourse to public funds rules on the public
health response to covid-19; and if she will make a statement.
Kevin Foster:
The Home Office is working closely with other government departments to support
people, including migrants with no recourse to public funds, through this crisis. We
are taking a compassionate and pragmatic approach to an unprecedented situation.
Testing and treatment for Covid-19 is free of charge to all regardless of immigration
status and NHS Trusts have been advised no immigration checks are required for
these patients. This message has been widely communicated to the public through
various means including in PHE’s migrant health guide (
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide )
£3.2 billion will be provided to local authorities in England with additional funding for
the devolved administrations under the Barnett formula as part of the wider
government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refugees: Children
Catherine West: [5490]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has
to ensure the continuation of family reunions and the safe passage of child refugees.
Chris Philp:
The Government remains committed to the principle of family reunion, as well as to
supporting vulnerable children.
The UK will continue to be bound by the Dublin Regulation provisions during the
transition period, allowing us to continue to transfer family reunion cases to the UK
throughout 2020, and we will continue to process all family reunion requests that
have been submitted but not completed under Dublin before the end of the transition
period.
The UK has presented a genuine and sincere offer to the EU on a future reciprocal
arrangement for the family reunion of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
together with a draft legal text.
The UK provides a safe and legal route to bring families of refugees together through
its refugee family reunion policy. This route will not be affected when we leave the
EU. In the year ending March 2020, over 7,400 Refugee Family Reunion visas were
issued to partners and children of those previously granted asylum or humanitarian
protection in the UK.
Additionally, Appendix FM to the Immigration Rules provides for family members
wishing to enter or remain in the UK on the basis of their relationship with a family
member who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, and those who are post-flight
family of a person granted protection in the UK.
Refugees: France
Bell Ribeiro-Addy: [27052]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much money from the
public purse has been allocated to the French Government for refugee control.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy: [27053]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government
allocates funding to support the permanent presence of Compagnies Republicaines de
Securite in Calais.
Chris Philp:
The UK made a financial contribution in 2018 to France to deliver on our obligations
under Articles 2-4 of the UK-France Sandhurst Treaty. These articles outline our
commitment to (i) continued implementation of the Dublin process (ii) facilitating the
transfer of unaccompanied minors under national relocation schemes, and (iii)
improving access to French domestic asylum procedures.
£3.6 million was specifically allocated to funding the development of the Dublin and
Dubs process to support transfers of eligible children to the UK, including training for
those working with unaccompanied children, family tracing and targeted information
campaigns. We continue to work with France to transfer eligible children under
section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the Dublin regulation and transfers are
ongoing.
The UK Government does not fund the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité,
whose deployment and operations are the responsibility of the French Government.
Social Security Benefits: Immigrants
Sam Tarry: [30202]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many workers have no
recourse to public funds; and what steps the Government will take to support those
workers financially during the covid-19 outbreak.
Kevin Foster:
The Government is keeping the situation under constant review. For example,
COVID19 has been added to the list of communicable diseases so anyone
experiencing symptoms, regardless of their immigration status will be treated for free
by the NHS.
The no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition is applied to the leave of most
migrants in the UK as a legitimate means of maintaining and protecting our economic
resources. Information about NRPF is held on individual case files so wider
population data, such as that requested for all households nationally, is not held by
the Home Office.
UK Border Force: Aegean Sea
Catherine West: [61750]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government has
taken to ensure that the UK Border Force assets in the Aegean Sea are operating
according to international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.
Chris Philp:
Border Force Maritime Command resources have been deployed to the Aegean
since 2015 to support search and rescue efforts where migrant vessels encounter
difficulties. Since operations started, they have been involved in the rescue of over
16,000 migrants. Crew receive training in all aspects of their work, which includes
human rights, asylum and modern slavery and human trafficking. This ensures that
they comply with the law and helps them identify those who are vulnerable.
Visas: Asia
Gareth Thomas: [21875]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to extend the
two-year multiple entry visa to (a) Chinese and (b) Indian nationals; and if she will make a
statement.
Kevin Foster:
UK standard visit visas are available with six month, two year, five year and ten year
validity for citizens of all countries including Chinese and Indian nationals. Most visit
visas are issued as multi entry as standard.
An application for a visit visa may be made anywhere in the world outside the UK.
Full details are available at https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
Visas: Philippines
Paul Maynard: [61704]
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when UK visa processing in the
Philippines will resume; and whether priority will be given to people with offers of
employment in the NHS.
Kevin Foster:
Visa processing cannot resume until Visa Applications Centres reopen. The decision
to reopen these is taken in conjunction with our commercial partners and is subject to
the easing of restrictions in locations by host Governments and our ability to provide
an effective service in that location. As centres reopen details of these will be
published on our commercial partner websites.
We continue to work with the NHS to identify and assist essential workers. NHS staff
can contact the UKVI NHS Team by emailing UKVINHSTeam@homeoffice.gov.uk
and the team will seek to assist them.
HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Building Regulations: Parking
Paul Maynard: [62375]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
provisions he plans to include in multi-storey car park building regulations to deter
suicides.
Christopher Pincher:
The Building Regulations 2010 apply to new-build structures rather than existing
structures. Thus the impact on suicide prevention of changes to the Building
Regulations requirements to guarding in car parks would be limited. Following the
publication of the government's 2012 suicide prevention strategy, local councils were
given the responsibility of developing local suicide action plans through their work
with health and wellbeing boards. A deadline of 2017 was set and by the end of 2016,
95 per cent of areas had plans in place or were in the process of drawing them up.
Advice on suicide prevention in public spaces is given in Public Health England's
2015 publication Preventing suicides in public places - A practice resource. This
guidance provides a targeted approach and proposes a range of measures, of which
physical barriers are a part. Requirement K2 of Schedule 1 to the Building
Regulations 2010 provides requirements for guarding to be provided in new buildings,
including car parking buildings. In relation to the design of guarding, statutory
guidance in Approved Document K sets a minimum guarding height of 1100mm to
changes of level other than at staircases (where the minimum height is 900mm).
Changes in level of less than 380mm do not require guarding. These are minimum
heights only. The government is not planning to increase the statutory guidance on
minimum heights of barriers in car parking buildings as a suicide prevention measure.
Coronavirus: Staffordshire
Jonathan Gullis: [62682]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
fiscal steps he is taking to support (a) Stoke-on-Trent, (b) Newcastle-under-Lyme
Borough Council and (c) Staffordshire County Council during the covid-19 outbreak.
Mr Simon Clarke:
We have now made £3.2 billion available to local authorities through an un-
ringfenced grant so they can address pressures they are facing in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Of this Stoke-on-Trent has received £16.06 million, Newcastle-
under-Lyme Borough Council has received £1.36 million and Staffordshire County
Council has received £37.76 million in additional funding across the two tranches.
In total, the Government has committed over £27 billion to local areas to support
councils and their communities. This also includes: £300 million to support the new
test and trace service, £600 million to support providers through a new Infection
Control Fund and £12.3 billion of support through the Small Business Grants Fund
and the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants.
Alongside this funding, the Government has provided over £5 billion of cashflow
support including the deferral of local authority payments of the Central Share of
retained business rates, valued at £2.6 billion, as well as up-front payments of £1.8
billion of business rates reliefs and £850 million of social care grant.
Furthermore, as I set out to the House on Monday 15 June, we are working closely
with colleagues across government on a comprehensive plan to ensure councils’
financial sustainability over the financial year ahead. Ministers will continue to keep
the House informed as these plans develop.
Evictions: Coronavirus
Mr Barry Sheerman: [62295]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues to prevent evictions in the long term for
those who have lost income as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
Christopher Pincher:
The Government has introduced an unprecedented financial support package to help
renters continue to pay their living costs, including rent, by supporting businesses to
pay staff salaries, strengthening the welfare safety-net with a £7 billion boost to
Universal Credit, and increasing the Local Housing Allowance rates so that they are
set at the 30th percentile of market rents in each area.
Emergency measures are also in place to ensure that tenants do not have to be
concerned about being evicted at this time. All possession procedures in the courts
are currently suspended until after 23rd August 2020 and the Coronavirus Act 2020
requires landlords to provide three months notice of their intention to seek
possession.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is working closely with
the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary on arrangements, including new rules, to
ensure that when the moratorium on evictions ends, the courts are better able to
address the need for appropriate protection of all parties, including those shielding
from coronavirus. This judicial-led work is to ensure that judges will have all the
information necessary to make just decisions in the current framework and that the
most vulnerable tenants will get the help they need.
The Department regularly engages with other Government departments, including the
Ministry of Justice, the Department for Work and Pensions, and HM Treasury,
regarding private renters.
Help to Buy Scheme: Coronavirus
Grahame Morris: [64892]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if will he
extend the Help to Buy scheme to support (a) housebuilders and (b) first time buyers with
approved mortgages in relation to new build handover dates that have been delayed
beyond that scheme's cut off date as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
Christopher Pincher:
The Government recognises the disruption COVID-19 has caused to housebuilding;
that is why we took decisive steps to re-open the housing market and ensure
housebuilding could safely recommence. The Government published a “Plan to
Rebuild” on Monday 11 May, setting out the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery
strategy. This makes clear that construction work can be undertaken across England
providing sites are able to operate safely in line with the new COVID-19 secure
guidelines.
As announced at Budget 2018, there is a new two year Help to Buy scheme
commencing from 1 April 2021, specifically for first time buyers and so supporting
people onto the housing ladder. Where new build properties are not completed within
the current Help to Buy scheme deadlines, they may be eligible for sale through the
new scheme. More information on the new Help to Buy scheme can be found at
https://www.helptobuy.gov.uk/equity-loan/eligibility/.
Homelessness: Coronavirus
Tim Farron: [62361]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether
his Department plans to publish further guidance to local authorities on how they should
be accommodating (a) rough sleepers and (b) homeless people and families as part of
the Government's response to the covid-19 outbreak.
Luke Hall:
MHCLG and our team of Expert Advisers are working closely with local authorities to
inform and co-produce their ‘next steps’ plans, identifying local solutions for those
individuals currently in hotels and other emergency accommodation. We have
recently announced new funding, set out below, to help to resource these ‘next steps’
efforts and we will shortly be publishing detailed guidance to support local authorities
to develop and bring forward proposals to the fund.
On 24 June, we announced that we are providing local authorities with a further £105
million to enable them to best support the c15,000 people placed into emergency
accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This commitment will help to ensure
that as few of these people as possible return to the streets, by helping to secure
tenancies, as well as provide short-term housing while plans for long-term homes
continue at pace for those accommodated throughout the pandemic. The funding will
cover a range of interventions, from moves into the private rented sector,
to extending or procuring interim accommodation, such as hotels or student
accommodation, and supporting individuals to reconnect with friends or family.
This funding is on top of the £433m that we announced on 24 May to provide
thousands of additional long-term homes for vulnerable rough sleepers. Homes
England, in partnership with MHCLG, have pledged to work hand in hand with
leading Housing Associations and local authorities to deliver this. Further detailed
information on the process to allocate this funding is being co-produced with partners
and will be published in due course.
There are no current plans to change the statutory homelessness duties, beyond the
extension of automatic priority need to domestic abuse victims, which the Secretary
of State announced on 2 May. Local authorities’ duties include those under the
Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 to seek to prevent and relieve homelessness for
all eligible households, as well as responsibilities under Part 7 of the Housing Act
1996 to provide suitable accommodation for homeless households that are eligible,
have a priority need for accommodation and are not homeless intentionally.
Housing: Management
Tom Tugendhat: [62504]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to cap Management Companies
raising fees on new developments without the explicit consent of residents on the
development.
Luke Hall:
The Government believes very strongly that fees, such as service charges, should be
transparent and communicated effectively, and that there should be a clear route to
challenge or redress if things go wrong.
The law is clear that service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to
work or services, these must be of a reasonable standard. Leaseholders may make
an application to the First-tier Tribunal to make a determination on the
reasonableness of their service charges.
The Government believes Permission fees and administration charges should only be
used where necessary and should only cover any reasonable costs incurred.
The Government established an independent working group chaired by Lord Best to
raise standards across the property sector, which also considered how fees such as
service charges should be presented to consumers and the circumstances under
which permission fees and administration charges could be justified, and whether
they should be capped or banned. The working group has published its final report to
Government and suggested that Government should consider introducing a
prescribed list of acceptable fees. We are considering the report’s recommendations
carefully and will announce next steps in due course.
Immigrants: Coronavirus
Stuart C McDonald: [64938]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with
reference to his Department's press release, £105 million to keep rough sleepers safe
and off the streets during coronavirus pandemic, published on 24 June 2020, whether
that additional funding can be used to support people with no recourse to public funds.
Luke Hall:
At the beginning of the crisis, our priority was to urgently bring vulnerable people
inside so they could self-isolate and stop the virus spreading. We backed this with
£3.2 million in emergency funding for local authorities to support vulnerable rough
sleepers, and a further £3.2 billion to help councils to manage the impacts of COVID-
19, including supporting homeless people. The £3.2 billion funding is not ringfenced
and can be used across any local services facing pressures, including rough
sleeping.
On 24 June we announced that we are providing local authorities with a further £105
million to enable them to best support the c15,000 people placed into emergency
accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is on top of the £433
million which we announced on 24 May to provide thousands of additional long-
term homes for vulnerable rough sleepers. This commitment will help to ensure that
as few of these people as possible return to the streets. The funding will cover a
range of interventions, from moves into the private rented sector, to extending or
procuring interim accommodation such as hotels or student accommodation and
supporting individuals to reconnect with friends or family. This could also include
provision for people eligible through the suspension of the derogation or support to
return home.
It is at the discretion of local authorities to decide who they can support, whether this
is British citizens or foreign nationals. The rules relating to eligibility, including those
for individuals with no resource to public funds, have not changed. Local authorities
must use their judgement in assessing what support they may lawfully give to each
person on an individual basis, considering that person’s specific circumstances and
support needs. Local authorities already regularly make such judgements on
accommodating individuals who might otherwise be ineligible, during extreme
weather for example, where there is a risk to life. The Government recognises that
these are unprecedented times and expects local authorities to support people who
are sleeping rough, and also to minimise unnecessary risks to public health, acting
within the law.
Local Government Finance
Layla Moran: [63482]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
estimate he has made of the number of local authorities who have discussed Section 114
orders with a Minister in his Department in each of the last five years.
Mr Simon Clarke:
In the past five years, two section 114 notices have been issued, both by
Northamptonshire County Council in 2018. This is a measure that councils can use,
under the Local Government Finance Act, to impose immediate spending controls on
the authority. The notices were issued at the same time as Ministers and officials
from MHCLG were involved in a range of discussions with Northamptonshire County
Council in relation to the intervention made by the Secretary of State in 2018 using
powers in the Local Government Act 1999.
The Department recognises the additional costs and pressures on finances councils
are facing as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis. We continue to engage regularly
with the local government sector, which includes our ongoing financial monitoring
survey and direct contact with councils and their representatives, local leaders and
Chief Executives.
Throughout the pandemic, the Department has encouraged any local authorities with
concerns about unmanageable financial pressures to approach MHCLG in the first
instance. We have worked closely with CIPFA who have temporarily amended their
guidance on the use of section 114 notices to further encourage local authorities to
make contact with the Department to advise of any immediate financial concerns.
The Department is working on a comprehensive plan to ensure councils’ financial
sustainability over the financial year ahead.
Local Government Finance: Coronavirus
Alec Shelbrooke: [62394]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether
local authorities will receive grant funding for additional covid-19 related spending
required by central Government; and if he will issue guidance to local authorities that
normal democratic scrutiny including full council meetings must resume before (a)
consideration of emergency budgets and (b) the issue of statutory notices.
Mr Simon Clarke:
We have made £3.2 billion available to local authorities through an un-ringfenced
grant so they can address pressures they are facing in response to the COVID-19
pandemic. In total, the Government has committed over £27 billion to local areas to
support councils and their communities. I am working closely with colleagues across
government on a comprehensive plan to ensure councils’ financial sustainability over
the financial year ahead and will continue to keep the House informed as these plans
develop.
The Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local
Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations
2020 enable all local authority meetings to be held remotely and do not preclude
physical meetings or a hybrid form of meeting where these can be held in accordance
with public health regulations and guidance. It is for each local authority to determine
what is appropriate in their specific circumstances. In giving councils this flexibility,
they are expected to hold these meetings in a manner that ensures the decision-
making process remains accessible to their residents.
Local Government Finance: Staffordshire
Jack Brereton: [63470]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with
reference to the allocation of an additional £474 million of Government funding to local
authorities in Staffordshire in response to the covid-19 outbreak, if he will publish the (a)
expenditure of that funding by local authority area and (b) the budget headings under
which that funding was spent.
Mr Simon Clarke:
Councils are on the front line as we tackle this pandemic, and we have now made
£3.2 billion available to local authorities through an un-ringfenced grant so they can
address pressures in response to COVID-19. It is important that we carefully monitor
the pressures councils are facing. We have now carried out three rounds of the
COVID-19 financial monitoring survey and received data for every single authority in
the latest round. We are currently analysing the results from the third round and we
will publish the data in due course. We are extremely grateful for the continued
collaboration from councils, which enables us to understand pressures at a national
and local level. A summary of the data provided to us by councils in England from the
first two rounds of monitoring can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-covid-19-financial-impact-
monitoring-information . We are not currently publishing LA-level data, but are
keeping this approach under review. We know from the first two rounds of monitoring
that the majority of the money is being allocated to supporting those most vulnerable
in society, as we would expect. Other service areas that money is being allocated to
environmental costs (which includes death management) and housing which includes
homelessness and rough sleeping.
Local Plans: York
Rachael Maskell: [63430]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will
work with a wide group of stakeholders to deliver a local plan for York.
Christopher Pincher:
The Government wants to see all parts of England covered by an up to date Local
Plan to deliver the certainty that local communities and businesses deserve. It is for
the Council to deliver a Local Plan for York.
The Local Plan is currently at examination and the Council are addressing areas of
concern raised by the Inspector but they have expressed their commitment to
producing a Local Plan.
I would encourage you and your constituents to consider the findings of the
Inspector’s report once it is issued.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Contracts
Tulip Siddiq: [64986]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
checks are done as standard in the award of contracts by his Department to identify and
disclose any award of Government contracts to entities (a) owned or controlled by
Government ministers or senior civil servants and (b) where such persons have a
significant beneficial interest.
Tulip Siddiq: [64987]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
checks are done as standard in the award of contracts by his Department to identify and
disclose any award of Government contracts to entities (a) owned or controlled by major
political party donors and (b) where such persons have a significant beneficial interest.
Luke Hall:
As a contracting Authority as defined in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015,
MHCLG complies with its legal obligations when assessing tender proposals and the
organisations bidding for opportunities.
Companies submitting tenders for work are also required to declare any conflicts of
interest as part of their tender and these are assessed in relation to the specific
requirement.
The standard checks MHCLG undertakes when awarding contracts depends on the
procurement procedure we use to award the contract. Where we undertake a stand-
alone procurement, we carry out checks for conflicts of interest and grounds for
exclusion as defined in Regulations 24 and 57 of the Public Contracts Regulations
2015 and by Procurement Policy Notice 01/2019.
Where we buy services through an existing Government framework agreement, these
checks will have been undertaken by the relevant Contract Authority - for example
Crown Commercial Service – at the time they put the framework agreement in place.
We require staff involved in any tender evaluation to declare conflicts of interests
before engaging in that process. Any declared conflict of interest would typically
result in an individual being excluded from the evaluation on proprietary grounds.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62607]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will
publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his
Department.
Luke Hall:
MHCLG is not sponsoring any statutory or non-statutory public inquiries.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62476]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how
much his Department spent on (a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month
since January 2019.
Luke Hall:
The cost of establishing the full spend on opinion polling and focus groups is
disproportionate. Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
undertakes many research projects each year using external experts. Some of these
projects will include either opinion polling or focus groups. This would form part of a
wider package of research and to establish the specific cost of that part of the work
across all of the projects would exceed 2.5 working days of effort.
Details of contracts awarded by MHCLG are routinely published on Contracts Finder.
MHCLG is able to provide the following limited information where it is able to identify
spend through contracts solely for a) Opinion polling and b) focus groups.
Opinion Polls
MONTH VALUE (EXCL. VAT)
May 2019 £5,000
July 2019 £1,100
October 2019 £825
January 2020 £2,300
March 2020 £2,600
June 2020 £4,000
Focus Groups
MONTH VALUE (EXCL VAT)
March 2020 £9,999
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Training
Rachel Hopkins: [65037]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how
often training on understanding and applying the Nolan principles is delivered for staff in
his Department.
Rachel Hopkins: [65038]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how
many of his Department’s (a) senior civil servants, (b) private office staff and (c) staff
have received training on understanding and applying the Nolan principles in each of the
last three years.
Luke Hall:
The 7 principles of public life are referenced in Civil Service Learning’s online
induction module, which all new civil servants, including those joining MHCLG, are
encouraged to undertake. In addition, new civil servants are familiarised with the Civil
Service Code, which outlines that all Civil Servants are expected to commit to the
Civil Service’s core values of Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality. Guidance
on compliance and how to raise a concern if an individual feels they have been asked
to act in a way that might contravene the code is provided on MHCLG’s intranet.
MHCLG also promotes awareness of the code through our induction checklist,
relevant communications and has a senior level champion in place for the code and
whistleblowing.
Multiple Occupation: Coronavirus
Robert Halfon: [64894]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
guidance his Department has issued on house movings in houses in multiple occupation
during the covid-19 outbreak.
Christopher Pincher:
There is no prohibition on moving home and anyone in England who wishes to move
home can do so, including into houses in multiple occupation. Guidance on moving
home is available on the GOV.uk website at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-
coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.This guidance provides important public health
information to ensure that the process of moving home and key activities around this,
such as viewing property, can happen safely and the risk of spreading coronavirus is
minimised.
Multiple Occupation: Students
Steve McCabe: [62285]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
guidance the Government issues for landlords of houses of multiple occupation
specifically let to students on cleaning properties before new tenants move in.
Christopher Pincher:
On 13 May we announced that anyone in England could now move home as long as
they followed the advice at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-
home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.
This sets outs that letting agents and landlords should take steps to ensure any
properties are prepared ready for new tenants. This may include cleaning to minimise
any potential spread of the virus in line with government advice at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-
healthcare-settings.
Letting agents and landlords should consider how best to conduct tenancy check-ins
for new tenancies agreed while broader measures remain in place, taking care to
follow government advice on social distancing to minimise possible spread of
coronavirus.
Private Rented Housing: Students
Steve McCabe: [62284]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
guidance the Government has issued to students who are due to return to their university
towns to commence tenancies in July 2020.
Christopher Pincher:
On 13 May we announced that anyone in England could move home as long as they
followed the advice at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-
moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.
This includes students moving into university-run and privately rented
accommodation. Everyone involved in the moving process must follow social
distancing to minimise the spread of the virus.
Letting agents and landlords should also consider how best to conduct tenancy
check-ins for new tenancies agreed while broader measures remain in place, taking
care to follow government advice on social distancing
Rough Sleeping: Coronavirus
Mr Barry Sheerman: [62294]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
steps he is taking to ensure that rough sleepers who have been granted accommodation
for the duration of the covid-19 outbreak will be able to remain housed safely, in the long
term.
Luke Hall:
Almost 15,000 vulnerable people, including those who were street homeless, have
been housed in emergency accommodation, including hotels, since the start of the
COVID-19 lockdown period, according to returns from local authorities to MHCLG.
Building on the considerable success so far, we announced that Dame Louise Casey
is spearheading a Taskforce to lead the next phase of the Government’s support for
rough sleepers during this pandemic. The Taskforce has one overriding objective: to
ensure that as many people as possible who have been brought in off the streets in
this pandemic do not return to the streets.
On 24 May the Government announced radical plans to provide thousands of long-
term, safe homes for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during this
pandemic. This ambitious commitment will be backed by £160 million this year
through accelerating plans for the £381 million announced for rough sleeping
services at Budget, bringing the total to £433 million over the lifetime of this
parliament.
This funding will support up to 6,000 rough sleepers into longer term accommodation,
with 3,300 units of this accommodation becoming available in the next 12 months.
Homes England, in partnership with MHCLG, have pledged to work hand-in-hand
with leading housing associations and local authorities to deliver this.
However, we are going even further. On 24 June we also announced that we are
providing local authorities with a further £105 million to enable them to best support
the nearly 15,000 people placed into emergency accommodation during the COVID-
19 pandemic. This commitment will help to ensure that as few of these people as
possible return to the streets. The funding will cover a range of interventions, from
moves into the Private Rented Sector to procuring interim accommodation such as
hotels or student accommodation.
Tim Farron: [62360]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will
publish the letter sent from the Minister for Homelessness to local authorities on 28 May
2020 on the moving on phase of accommodating rough sleepers who have been offered
emergency accommodation as part of the covid-19 response; and if he will publish the
Government’s advice to councils on their duties to provide emergency accommodation to
rough sleepers and those becoming homeless during that outbreak.
Luke Hall:
The letter sent from the Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing to local authorities
on 28 May 2020 can be accessed via the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-letter-sent-on-28-
may-2020-to-councils-about-accommodating-rough-sleepers
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government will continue to work
collaboratively across government, and with councils, health providers and charities,
to ensure rough sleepers can move into safe accommodation once the immediate
crisis is over.
Sleeping Rough: Coronavirus
Sally-Ann Hart: [63549]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
plans his Department has to ensure that rough sleepers do not return to the street as the
covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.
Luke Hall:
This is a public health crisis more than anything and so requires a health response.
To enable this our priority was to urgently bring vulnerable people inside so they
could self-isolate and stop the virus spreading.
Almost 15,000 vulnerable people have been housed in emergency accommodation,
including hotels, since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Building on the considerable success so far, we announced that Dame Louise Casey
will spearhead a Taskforce to lead the next phase of the Government’s support for
rough sleepers during this pandemic
The Taskforce has one overriding objective: to ensure that as many people as
possible who have been brought in off the streets in this pandemic do not return to
the streets.
We announced on 24 June that we are providing local authorities with a further £105
million to enable them to best support the c15,000 people placed into emergency
accommodation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A further £16 million will also be provided so that vulnerable people currently in
emergency accommodation can access the specialist help they need for substance
misuse issues, in order to rebuild their lives and move towards work and education.
This brings the total funding for substance misuse this year to £23 million.
This funding is on top of the £433 million which we announced on 24 May to provide
thousands of additional long-term homes for vulnerable rough sleepers. This
ambitious commitment will be backed by £160 million this year to support up to 6,000
rough sleepers into longer term accommodation, with 3,300 units of this
accommodation becoming available in the next 12 months.
Supermarkets: Coronavirus
Tom Tugendhat: [62505]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he
plans to end the relaxation of restrictions on night-time deliveries to supermarkets; and
what plans he has to introduce tighter conditions on the time of deliveries where they
cause a disturbance to neighbouring residents.
Alec Shelbrooke: [63314]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he
plans to reinstate the conditions on food supply deliveries which were relaxed on 13
March 2020 due to the covid-19 outbreak.
Christopher Pincher:
The Government made a Written Ministerial Statement on 13 March, setting out the
need for flexibility around deliveries to supermarkets and other retailers of food,
sanitary and other essential items given the disruption to supply chains due to the
impact of the Coronavirus. This statement is being kept under review. Conditions are
a matter for local authorities, and should be kept to a minimum, and must meet the
tests set out in National Planning Policy Framework of being necessary, relevant to
planning and the development, enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other
respects. We are also continuing to engage with supermarkets on the extent to which
the relaxation is being used.
Travellers: Coronavirus
Christian Wakeford: [62710]
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what
steps the Government is taking to ensure that Traveller populations in the UK are
relocated to (a) safe and (b) appropriate areas during the covid-19 outbreak.
Christopher Pincher:
The Government is working hard to ensure all communities receive the support they
need during this pandemic. It is for local authorities to determine how best to support
vulnerable groups, in line with their public health responsibilities. To enable
compliance with COVID-19 public health guidance, access to basic amenities,
including water, sanitation and waste disposal facilities is essential. My Noble Friend,
the Minister for Communities, wrote to local authorities to highlight the potential
vulnerabilities of Gypsy & Traveller communities, noting that local authorities may
conclude that some families may require alternative places to stop where access to
essential facilities is provided or can be made temporarily available. A copy of the
letter is available at the following link:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm
ent_data/file/882564/COVID-19_-
_mitigating_impacts_on_gypsy___traveller_communities.pdf Local authorities are
best-placed to determine when it is appropriate to use their powers to evict
unauthorised encampments under Sections 77 and 78 of the Criminal Justice and
Public Order Act (1994) during the pandemic. Unauthorised encampments can cause
harm to the local environment, and the rights of settled residents must be respected.
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Department for International Development: Reorganisation
Yasmin Qureshi: [63279]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, which trade unions were
consulted by her Department as part of the decision to merge the Department for
International Development with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Nigel Adams:
There was no formal consultation with our trade unions (PCS and FDA) prior to this
decision being made. We have now commenced discussions and they will have a key
role to play as we develop the new organisation.
Yasmin Qureshi: [63282]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether the new Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office will work to the same standards of spending
transparency used by her Department.
Wendy Morton:
The UK is globally recognised for its expertise and transparency in aid spending. The
new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will continue to benefit from
that expert knowledge as it delivers aid programmes to some of the world’s poorest
people.
We are committed to improving transparency of aid globally and maintaining our high
standards for overseas spending. We will continue to be accountable to parliament
and to taxpayers for how we spend UK aid, and to mandate our partners to be
transparent.
Chris Law: [64945]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has
made of the implications for the merger of her Department with the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office of the Aid Transparency Index rating the transparency of aid
spending by her Department as very good and by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
as fair.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan:
The 2020 Aid Transparency Index was launched on 24 June and DFID remains ‘very
good’ and the 2nd best bilateral donor, and the FCO has improved performance,
moving into the ‘fair’ category for the first time and scoring above average for the
non-specialised ministries (foreign/defence/trade) assessed. DFID and FCO both lost
points because they were unable to provide sufficiently forward-looking budget
forecasts due to the limitations of the current Spending Review settlement, which will
be addressed in future assessments.
The UK is globally recognised for its expertise and transparency in aid spending. The
new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will continue to benefit from
that expert knowledge as it delivers aid programmes to some of the world’s poorest
people.
We are committed to improving transparency of aid globally and maintaining our high
standards for overseas spending. We will continue to be accountable to parliament
and to taxpayers for how we spend UK aid, and to mandate our partners to be
transparent.
Violence: Gender
Marsha De Cordova: [63501]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether she has had
discussions with UN agencies on increasing funding for gender-based violence services
as part of the Global Humanitarian Response plan.
Wendy Morton:
The UK is deeply concerned about the surge in gender-based violence (GBV) during
the COVID-19 pandemic. We have consistently encouraged the UN agencies,
including United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA),
to prioritise GBV within the Global Humanitarian Response Plan (GHRP) through
bilateral channels and joint advocacy with other donors.
Whilst we are pleased to see improvements in how GBV is being addressed overall in
the GHRP, the UK is continuing to discuss with UN agencies what more can be done
to ensure sufficient focus, finance and accountability for GBV in the humanitarian
response. All UN agencies and international actors must demonstrate that the
shadow pandemic of GBV is taken seriously in the global response to COVID-19 and
be held accountable for addressing it.
We have committed £20 million to UNICEF and £10 million to UNFPA through the
GHRP, which includes funding to scale up reporting, protection and support services
for women and girls affected by violence in the world’s poorest countries. £20 million
of UK Aid funding to UNHCR’s work with refugees and internally displaced people
also includes support for adapting and scaling-up essential services for gender-based
violence and child protection.
Marsha De Cordova: [63502]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much funding her
Department has allocated to gender-based violence services during the covid-19
pandemic.
Wendy Morton:
The UK is working to leverage a strong and co-ordinated response globally to address
the “shadow pandemic” of gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have committed £20 million to UNICEF and £10 million to UNFPA, which includes
funding to scale up reporting, protection and support services for women and girls
affected by violence in the world’s poorest countries. £20 million of UK Aid funding to
UNHCR’s work with refugees and internally displaced people also includes support
for adapting and scaling-up essential services for gender-based violence and child
protection.
We are urgently reorienting existing bilateral programmes to ensure women and girls
can continue to access support during the lockdown. For example, in Nepal, the UK
is financing 14 Women’s and Children Service Centres across the country and 62
One Stop Crisis Centres.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Department for International Trade: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62622]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will publish the (a) statutory
and (b) non-statutory public inquiries being undertaken by her Department.
Greg Hands:
The Department for International Trade came into existence in 2016 and since this
time there have been no statutory and non-statutory public inquiries.
Department for International Trade: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62474]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how much her Department spent on
(a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
Greg Hands:
The information requested is not held centrally by the Department for International
Trade and therefore can only be provided at disproportionate costs.
All the Department’s contracts of over £10,000 can be found on the Government
Contracts Finder web-site at https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder.
Riot Control Weapons: Export Controls
Emily Thornberry: [63259]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many licences have been
issued under Annex 3 of the EC regulation on torture and death penalty goods relating to
PAVA and OC sprays; and which end users were specified for those licences.
Mr Ranil Jayawardena:
Our records show the following licences were granted between 2006 and 2019:
49 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) for end users that include one for
commercial use (for use as a flavouring in the Food Manufacturing industry); one for
forensic analysis; one for government; two stockists; two for demonstration purposes
(not for resale) and 41 for law enforcement agencies; and one SIEL (Transhipment)
licence for naval use;
Three Standard Individual Trade Control Licences (SITCLs), where two were for law
enforcement agencies and one was for testing and evaluation purposes;
One Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL) has been granted with the conditions that
(a) the exporter may only export to a government directly or companies using the
listed goods in fulfilment of a government contract, and (b) export under this licence is
restricted to armed forces, the police, the Home Department (or equivalent), other
security forces, and law enforcement.
Riot Control Weapons: USA
Bell Ribeiro-Addy: [62636]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether he plans to suspend the
sale and export to the US of UK manufactured (a) public order equipment and (b)
equipment used for law enforcement.
Mr Ranil Jayawardena:
My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade and I have been
sorry to see the violence that has taken place in the United States of America.
All export licence applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis against the
Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria (‘Consolidated
Criteria’). In reaching a decision, the Department for International Trade (DIT)
receives advice from a number of Departments including the Ministry of Defence
(MOD) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Together, we draw on all
available information, including reports from Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGOs) and our diplomatic missions. The Consolidated Criteria provides a thorough
risk assessment framework and requires us to think hard about the impact of
exporting any equipment. These are not decisions my Department takes lightly, and
we will not license the export of items where to do so would be inconsistent with the
Consolidated Criteria.
Any licence granted by my Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International
Trade may be subject to conditions. In addition, in line with the Consolidated Criteria,
my Department is able to review licences – and suspend or revoke as necessary –
when circumstances require. There are currently eight extant licences that may be
linked to law enforcement agencies. Six are Open Individual Export Licences
(‘OIELs’), which have potential end users that include law enforcement agencies.
Two are Standard Individual Export Licences (‘SIELs’), which have numerous
potential end users that include law enforcement agencies. There are also 15 Open
General Licences (‘OGLs’) for which businesses can register that cover the export of
anti-riot gear.
Much information is in the public domain already. We publish information on all export
licences issued, refused and revoked on a quarterly and annual basis as official
statistics on GOV.UK – at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/strategic-export-
controls-licensing-data – and whilst data on actual exports is not required to be
centrally held, the licences issued until the end of December 2019 are available.
Emily Thornberry: [64865]
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what measures firms are required to
comply with to export tear gas to law enforcement agencies or military forces in the
United States.
Mr Ranil Jayawardena:
Such firms need to hold a Section 5 firearms certificate; apply for, and be granted, an
export licence; and submit any necessary export declaration to HM Revenue &
Customs, in accordance with the conditions of the licence and customs legislation.
JUSTICE
Courts: Coronavirus
Mr David Lammy: [62278]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to tackle the backlog of
cases in Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts as the covid-19 lockdown restrictions are
eased.
Chris Philp:
COVID-19 has been an unprecedented challenge for the criminal justice system, but
we have kept courts open and cases flowing through the system throughout. The UK
has been a global leader and we are ahead of comparable systems, keeping our
system open and functioning throughout COVID-19. The most time-critical hearings
have continued to take place in the Magistrates’ Courts, including hearings where the
defendant is in custody or there is a risk to the public, as well as dealing with
applications to extend custody time limits.
In the Crown Court, whilst jury trials were paused we kept the system moving,
disposing of over 5,000 cases. Jury trials were restarted on 18 May, and by mid-July
all courts will have reopened. This has all been enabled through significantly
increased use of technology, with over 6,500 cases heard remotely, and with close
collaboration and joint working with partners and stakeholders across the criminal
justice system.
There is more we need to do and HMCTS are pursuing an ambitious plan to continue
to increase capacity, including increasing the use of video and audio enabled justice
via a national rollout of Cloud Video Platform (CVP), expanded opening hours, and
exploring ways to gain additional court capacity. This will all be set out in more detail
in a Courts Recovery Plan which will be published soon.
Domestic Abuse
Stella Creasy: [64907]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department is conducting an
internal review of domestic abuse policy.
Alex Chalk:
We are determined to drive the fundamental change necessary to keep victims of
domestic abuse and their children safe. The Domestic Abuse Bill is the culmination of
significant policy work and consultation on how we improve our response to this
crime, which we are committed to keeping under review. Most recently, on 25 June
2020, we published our comprehensive report into the family courts system:
‘Assessing risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases’.
We are taking immediate action to implement the panel’s recommendations, and will
be undertaking further work to address the long-standing, systemic issues identified
in the report particularly where there are allegations of domestic abuse. This work will
include a review into the presumption of ‘parental involvement’ and whether the right
balance is being struck between the risk of harm to children and victims, and the right
of the child to have a relationship with both parents.
Legal Aid Scheme
Karl Turner: [R] [62405]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much the Legal Aid Agency has paid out
(a) since 31 March 2020 and (b) for a comparable period of time in the last three years
with regard to (i) closed cases and (ii) payments on account.
Karl Turner: [R] [62406]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the oral evidence of the
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State's evidence to the Justice Select Committee on 4
May 2020, Q131 HC299, what the unbilled amount of legal aid of over £100m is by legal
area.
Karl Turner: [R] [62407]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the funds
available to legal aid practitioners with regard to (a) unclaimed costs for completed
matters and (b) payments on account.
Alex Chalk:
The most recent statistics published for the Legal Aid Agency cover up to and
including March 2020. Figures for quarters of the 2020/21 financial year are
scheduled for future release, and as such payment data for part (a) of question 62405
cannot yet be provided. The figures for part (b) of the question are displayed below,
matching the equivalent period of April, May and June inclusive for each financial
year:
CLAIMS FOR CIVIL REPRESENTATION – FIRST QUARTER ONLY
Completed case expenditure
(where costs met by LAA)
Payments on account (live
cases)
Q1 2017/18 £153,943,450.58 £53,508,814.89
Q1 2018/19 £149,331,830.09 £61,087,711.51
Q1 2019/20 £168,696,887.77 £68,007,236.47
The figure of £100m referred to by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State was
based upon estimates produced by the Ministry of Justice relating to unbilled work for
completed cases. The breakdown of the estimates is as follows:
• Criminal Legal Aid in relation to representation in the Crown Court and Higher
Courts
- £130m
• Civil Legal Aid in relation to representation in the civil and family courts
- £80m
All of the above estimates of unbilled work pertain to the position as at 31 st March
2020.
As at 31 st March 2020, the estimate produced by the Ministry of Justice of the
amounts available for legal aid providers to claim in relation to unbilled work on
completed matters were –
• Criminal Legal Aid in relation to representation in the Crown Court and Higher
Courts
- £130m
• Civil Legal Aid in relation to representation in the civil and family courts
- £80m
As at 31 st March 2020, the estimate produced by the Ministry of Justice of the
amount available for legal aid providers to claim in relation to payment on account for
civil matters pertaining to representation in the civil and family courts was £165m.
Ministry of Justice: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62615]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-
statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his Department.
Alex Chalk:
The Ministry of Justice is not conducting any inquires at this time. All previous public
inquiries carried out by the Ministry of Justice, whether statutory or non-statutory,
have concluded and the reports have been published.
Ministry of Justice: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62471]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much his Department spent on (a) opinion
polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
Chris Philp:
The information requested is not held centrally and therefore can only be provided at
disproportionate costs.
Prisoners' Release: Females
Kate Green: [62432]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2020 to
Question 58089, of the 230 women who were not deemed suitable for the End of Custody
Temporary Release scheme how many (a) lacked suitable accommodation in the
community, (b) no longer wished to proceed with their application and (c) were deemed to
present an unacceptable level of risk if released.
Lucy Frazer:
236 women in custody asked to be considered for the End of Custody Temporary
Release scheme (ECTR).
As of Friday 12 June, 6 women were released under ECTR and 22 were still in the
process (undergoing police and probation checks).
49 women did not consent to ECTR.
128 women did not pass the initial risk screening at establishment level, and 31 were
screened out later in the process following checks by police and probation.
No women were deemed unsuitable due to a lack of accommodation. The National
Probation Service (NPS) established 7 joint NPS/CRC Homelessness Prevention
Taskforces (HPT) in England and Wales in March 2020. All homeless prisoners who
are otherwise eligible for ECTR, are referred to the HPTs who will work with local
housing providers to source appropriate accommodation. During the Covid -19
pandemic, Ministry of Justice funding has also been made available to house ECTR
released prisoners in short term accommodation for up to 56 nights. This can include
hotel and B&B accommodation. Those who are at risk of homelessness, will be
referred to Local Authorities for assistance. Through The Gate case workers will be
assigned to each person released on ECTR to support their move into longer term
housing as well as other resettlement pathways.
Prisoners: Coronavirus
Mr David Lammy: [62282]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure
effective communication between prisoners and their lawyers during the covid-19
outbreak.
Mr David Lammy: [62283]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, on what date he plans to enable legal
practitioners to (a) attend Her Majesty’s Prisons and (b) take effective instructions from
their clients.
Lucy Frazer:
Alongside the closure of courts, the Government suspended all but exceptional visits
to prisons in March. This was to ensure the safety of both prisoners and our staff
through the pandemic.
Despite the absence of physical visits, prisoners do maintain the right to access legal
advice, and we have looked to ensure that prisoners have continued to have the tools
to make contact with their legal representatives via telephone, video link or written
correspondence.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic we have enhanced the capability of prison
videoconferencing facilities, particularly to support priority court work such as
sentencing hearings and prisoners approaching their parole hearing dates. We have
made use of the additional 1,250 mobile phones issued to prisons without in-cell
telephony in order to facilitate private conversations with legal advisors, alongside
encouraging Governors to ensure prisoners can have conversations with their
representatives in confidence.
We are also taking steps to increase the available capacity of video conferencing
across the estate through increased operating hours to include longer hours during
the weekdays, and at some locations on Saturdays. This will sit alongside renewed
guidance to all governors on the importance of making sure that adequate time for
legal advice is made available to prisoners where possible.
Alongside this work, we are increasing the physical number of video link outlets at
some critical sites where capacity is limited, as well as to support specialist courts
including Youth and women’s prisons, together with the re-purposing of some unused
spaces within prisons for more video link capacity.
Over the coming weeks, we are also looking to resume face-to-face access, where
possible, in line with the easing of Government restrictions and advice from Public
Health England. Advice to governors will be published as part of the National
Framework.
Prisons: Visits
Ms Lyn Brown: [61691]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which prisons in England and Wales were
providing virtual visits to prisoners on the 18 June 2020.
Ms Lyn Brown: [61692]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the timeframe is for each prison in
England and Wales to provide virtual visits.
Ms Lyn Brown: [61693]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information his Department holds on
prisons in England and Wales that have experienced problems with the virtual visits
system that resulted in (a) delayed visits and (b) the prevention of the provision of those
visits.
Ms Lyn Brown: [61694]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department holds a list of the
names of prisoners that are prohibited from accessing virtual visits.
Ms Lyn Brown: [61695]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what criteria his Department uses to determine
whether a prisoner is eligible to access virtual visits.
Ms Lyn Brown: [61696]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the cost to the public purse is of the (a)
installation and (b) operation of virtual visits in each prison in England and Wales.
Ms Lyn Brown: [61697]
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the contract to provide virtual visit
technology to prisons in England and Wales was put out to tender.
Lucy Frazer:
We have introduced a temporary emergency video calling service in recognition of
the importance of maintaining family contact while social visits have been temporarily
suspended in prisons in England and Wales. Due to the urgency of the situation and
the complexity required in assessing and approving a solution to provide these
services, a direct award under Regulation 32 (2) (c) was made. We have published
information regarding the provision of video calls on GOV.UK and made clear we will
continue to expand secure video calling to more establishments during this time.
The list of prisons providing video calling visits to prisoners on the 18 June 2020 was
as follows; Berwyn, Bronzefiled, Buckley Hall, Chelmsford, Cookham Wood,
Deerbolt, Downview, Durham, Eastwood Park, Feltham, Full Sutton, Gartree, Guys
Marsh, High Down, Hull, Send, Stocken, Swinfen Hall, Wayland, Werrington, and
Wetherby. We are currently engaged with further establishments to train and help
prepare them to introduce this service, which means further establishments will go
live at different times based on local preparedness. Some establishments have
encountered local network and connectivity issues which have required bespoke
technical solutions to be developed to allow them to commence live calls.
The Ministry of Justice does not hold a central list of offenders who are denied
access, specific incidents that have led to issues, and the costs involved with the
system broken down by prison. In principle, all prisoners will have access to video
calls, however, Governors and Directors may withhold access from prisoners where,
based on an assessment of risk, to do so is necessary, non-discriminatory and
proportionate under Prison Rule 34 or YOI Rule 9. In these instances the reasons for
withholding access must be recorded. As we are in the process of implementing
provision more widely throughout the estate it is too early to make operational
assessments, however, this will be conducted at a suitable time.
At the appropriate time, we will consider future options for video calling across the
estate beyond Covid-19 restrictions, which may include a competition for such
services.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Economic Situation: Northern Ireland
Ruth Jones: [64327]
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment the
Government has made of the economy of Northern Ireland.
Mr Robin Walker:
Whilst the Northern Ireland economy has its challenges, I am confident that Northern
Ireland has a promising economic future as we recover from this crisis. This
Government will always stand by the people of Northern Ireland.
We want Northern Ireland not only to recover but to prosper. For this to happen we
need to ensure that we are driving innovation and sustainability, enhancing
connectivity, developing a skilled workforce, promoting exports and attracting
investment.
We will continue to work collaboratively with businesses, the Northern Ireland
Executive and local partners to get the economy back up and running, laying the
foundations for a stable and sustainable economic future.
Northern Ireland Office: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62477]
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much his Department spent on
(a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
Mr Robin Walker:
The Northern Ireland Office has had no spend on (a) opinion polling or (b) focus
groups in any month since January 2019.
Terrorism: Northern Ireland
Louise Haigh: [64962]
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what estimate his Department has
made of the (a) number of victims who will be entitled to the Victims Payment Scheme
and (b) the estimated cost in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Mr Robin Walker:
Unlike fatalities, there is no comprehensive dataset about seriously injured victims of
the Troubles. In this context the ability to estimate with confidence both the number of
applications to the scheme and the number of awards that will be issued is
constrained. The Northern Ireland Civil Service, which now has responsibility for
delivering the scheme, will need to keep this, and costs in years 1-4, under close
review moving forward.
Louise Haigh: [64963]
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on what eligibility criteria have his
Department estimated the cost of the Victims Payment Scheme.
Mr Robin Walker:
The costs of the Scheme will be based on the eligibility criteria as outlined in the
Victims Payments legislation (Regulations 5, 6, and 7).
Louise Haigh: [64964]
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he had with the
Northern Ireland Executive before 29 May 2020 on who would cover the ongoing cost for
the Victims Payment Scheme.
Mr Robin Walker:
The Regulations are clear that the Executive should fund the scheme. The Secretary
of State for Northern Ireland has been in regular recent contact with the First and
deputy First Ministers to discuss a number of aspects of the scheme, including the
ongoing costs. Our position is clear. All costs for this scheme, including ongoing
costs, should be funded by the NI Executive. It is a devolved matter and devolved
matters are typically funded by the block grant.
PRIME MINISTER
Prime Minister: Public Opinion
Caroline Lucas: [62378]
To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the Answer of 19 June 2020 to Question 57942
whether he has undertaken (a) polling and (b) other evidence gathering of public opinion
to underpin his statement that nobody in Number 10 has done anything to undermine the
Government's covid-19 messaging.
Boris Johnson:
I refer the Hon. Member to my Parliamentary statement of 23 June 2020, Official
Report, Column 1167 onwards, which outlines how we are working with the public to
combat the Covid-19 virus, and to trust in the common sense of the British people.
That common sense and the public’s sacrifices have allowed us to get the virus under
control and downgrade the Covid Alert Level.
TRANSPORT
Aviation: Coronavirus
Mark Menzies: [62396]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his (a) US
and European counterparts and the (b)(i) UK and (ii) international aerospace industry on
establishing globally consistent plans for the resumption of flying.
Kelly Tolhurst:
The aviation sector is important to the UK economy and the government recognises
the challenging times it is facing as a result of COVID-19. The Department for
Transport has kept an open dialogue with the aviation sector including with the
aerospace industry, through regular structured engagement at both ministerial and
official level.
Additionally, the International Aviation Taskforce’s industry Expert Steering Group
has been established to bring together all interested parties to co-produce solutions
where possible through a cross-sector representative membership, including
aerospace industry body ADS, airports, airlines and international representatives to
ensure that the work of the UK is in sync with wider global efforts in the aviation
sector.
Biofuels
Andrew Rosindell: [62326]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with car
manufacturers on the introduction of bio fuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Rachel Maclean:
The Department supports biofuels through the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation
(RTFO), a scheme which has been successful for the past 12 years in supporting a
market for biofuels. In 2018, renewable fuels supplied under the RTFO scheme,
which were overwhelmingly biofuels, made up 3.1% of total road and non-road
mobile machinery fuel supply.
The Department’s ministers and officials regularly consult on biofuels policy with a
range of stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers. For example, the Department
has recently consulted on the introduction of E10 petrol, which would increase the
amount of bioethanol in petrol vehicles. In addition, the Low Carbon Fuels Team in
the Department holds quarterly meetings with industry experts to discuss our biofuels
strategy. The last meeting, which I had the pleasure of speaking at, was on 25 June.
Bus Services and Rapid Transit Systems: Stoke-on-Trent North
Jonathan Gullis: [62668]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to
increase the number of (a) bus and (b) light rail services in Stoke-on-Trent North
constituency.
Rachel Maclean:
On 23 May, the Government announced a further £283 million to help protect and
increase bus and light rail services as we begin to restart our economy.
As part of the ‘Better Deal for Bus Users’ package £30 million of additional funding is
also being provided to local authorities to improve current bus services, or restore lost
services where needed.
The Department will continue to work with both sectors to understand how services
can adapt to any ‘new normal’ that emerges from the Covid-19 outbreak so that a
sustainable long-term recovery can be made.
Bus Services: Coronavirus
Anthony Mangnall: [62634]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect
on rural communities of reductions in the level of rural bus services during the covid-19
outbreak.
Rachel Maclean:
On 23 May, the Transport Secretary announced a further £254 million to help
increase bus services across England as quickly as possible as we begin to re-open
our economy. This is in addition to the £397 million the Government announced on 3
April 2020 to keep England’s buses running to serve those who need to rely on them.
In addition, the Government allowed local authorities to use the extra £30 million in
2020/21 to support essential bus services and provided £20 million through the Rural
Mobility Fund to support demand responsive services in rural communities.
Coronavirus: Passenger Ships
Ms Nusrat Ghani: [62503]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the cruise ship sector will be
required to follow the covid-19 public health guidelines as set out for the public transport
sector or the hospitality industry.
Kelly Tolhurst:
The Department has been working closely with the cruise industry to assist in their
development of robust guidance to enable a safe resumption of operations.
Due to the variety of environments on board a cruise ship, the cruise industry will
apply guidelines for both the hospitality and transport sector. These should be applied
where appropriate.
Officials continue to work with the cruise industry, together with other government
departments, including Public Health England, to ensure the necessary measures
and protocols are put in place.
Department for Transport: Coronavirus
Geraint Davies: [64815]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the
implications for his policies of the report of the all-party group on air pollution entitled, Air
Quality Strategy to Reduce Coronavirus Infection.
Rachel Maclean:
The Government is committed to making lasting changes to the way people, goods
and services travel to help make our country greener and healthier, and to deliver
clean economic growth. In line with our clean air and net zero carbon targets, our
policies will ensure that emissions continue to fall over time right across the country
through a green economic recovery from COVID-19 that has transport at its heart.
This includes a £5 billion package of investment in zero emission buses, cycling and
walking in line with the recent recommendations of the all-party group on air pollution.
Department for Transport: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62617]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-
statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his Department.
Chris Heaton-Harris:
The Department will, as a matter of course, publish any inquiries it is required to do
so as part of the terms of reference for that inquiry. For those where publication is not
a requirement, Ministers will take a decision to publish on a case-by-case basis.
Electric Vehicles
Jonathan Gullis: [62670]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to
encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.
Rachel Maclean:
The Government is investing around £2.5bn, with grants available for ultra-low
emission vehicles, as well as funding to support charge point infrastructure at
homes, workplaces, on residential streets and across the wider roads network. The
Government is consulting on bringing forward an end to the sale of new petrol and
diesel cars and vans, from 2040 to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears
feasible, including hybrids for the first time. This will help inform our thinking on what
further appropriate measures to achieve a faster transition will need to be. The
Transport Secretary has also announced that the government will consult on
measures to improve the consumer experience of using the public charging network
so that charging an electric vehicle is as straightforward as refuelling a conventional
vehicle today. Go Ultra Low is a joint Government and industry campaign designed to
educate individuals and businesses about the benefits of switching to an electric
vehicle. The campaign provides facts and information across high reach channels
such as paid media (cinema, radio, digital), PR and events.
Electric Vehicles: Linlithgow and East Falkirk
Martyn Day: [62523]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many electric vehicles were registered in
Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency in the most recent period for which records are
available.
Rachel Maclean:
At the end of 2019, there were 147 battery electric vehicles licensed to addresses in
the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, which comprised of 127 cars and 20
other vehicles.
Ferries: Freight
Karl Turner: [61472]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2020 to
Question 51908 on Ferries: Freight, if he will publish the names of the external experts
that provided (a) legal, (b) technical and (c) financial advice on the design of the Public
Service Obligation Agreements; and what the cost to the public purse was of that advice.
Kelly Tolhurst:
[Holding answer 23 June 2020]: The Government is providing up to £35.2m in
funding to maintain capacity for critical goods for 9 weeks across 16 critical freight
routes. During the height of the crisis, we believed it was important to keep this vital
flow of critical goods such as medicines and food into and across the UK.
The providers of expert advice are as follows:
1. Legal advice - Slaughter & May
2. Technical advice - Costain
3. Financial advice - PwC
The amounts spent on the external experts to date are as follows:
1. Slaughter & May - £394,048
2. Costain - £188,676
3. PwC - £178,058
These figures exclude VAT.
Motor Vehicles: Air Conditioning
Mr Barry Sheerman: [62297]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to
ensure that drivers are protected from poor air quality by adequate vehicle filtration
systems.
Rachel Maclean:
The Government is determined to improve air quality and the Department’s officials
are engaging with international expert groups, who are developing measurement
procedures for vehicle interior air quality. There are currently no legislative
requirements for vehicle cabin air filtration systems however some manufacturers
install higher efficiency air filtration systems.
Motor Vehicles: Hydrogen
Alexander Stafford: [62703]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the
potential for hydrogen-powered vehicles to support improvements in air quality.
Rachel Maclean:
In 2018, the Department for Transport published the outputs of the Transport Energy
Model. The model provides a clear assessment of the relative environmental impacts,
including air quality, of a range of fuel and powertrain options for cars, vans, buses
and heavy goods vehicles over the period to 2050, including hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles.
Alexander Stafford: [62704]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to increase the
number of hydrogen powered vehicles in use in the UK.
Rachel Maclean:
We are supporting hydrogen technology to deliver our ambitions for greener transport
where the market favours its use. The Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport
Programme is increasing the uptake of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and
growing the number of publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations. The
programme is delivering new refuelling stations, upgrading some existing stations as
well as deploying hundreds of new hydrogen vehicles. Government is supporting
public and private sector fleets to become early adopters through the £2m FCEV
Fleet Support Scheme. In addition, £6.4m of the Low and Ultra-Low Emission Bus
Scheme funding has been invested in more than 60 hydrogen buses operating in
Birmingham and near Gatwick. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ (OLEV) Low
Emission Freight Trials is funding 20 projects to support industry-led trials of
alternative propulsion technologies for commercial fleets in the UK, including
hydrogen. OLEV and the Advanced Propulsion Centre are funding a wide range of
development projects in hydrogen vehicles, and hydrogen is eligible for support under
the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation following changes made to the scheme in
April 2018.
Passenger Ships: Coronavirus
Ms Nusrat Ghani: [62500]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with
representatives of the cruise ship sector on resumption of their operations as covid-19
restrictions are eased.
Ms Nusrat Ghani: [62501]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the
economic effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the UK cruise ship sector.
Ms Nusrat Ghani: [62502]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the economic contribution was of the
cruise ship sector to the UK economy in 2019; and what estimate he has made of that
economic contribution in 2020.
Kelly Tolhurst:
I fully recognise the impact that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had on the UK
cruise sector and I would like to place on record my recognition of the proactive
action it took to suspend operations and to work tirelessly with Government to
repatriate thousands of passengers and crew.
The cruise sector and, the supply chains it supports, makes a highly significant
contribution to the UK economy with the industry estimating that it generates a total of
around £10bn for the Country’s economy each year.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department’s officials and I have held
regular calls with the cruise sector on a wide range of operational and financial issues
and continue to do so. We will actively support the sector as it develops a pathway
towards the safe resumption of cruises which I know many millions of people in the
UK have enjoyed and will want to again.
Public Transport: Coronavirus
Andrew Rosindell: [62321]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to enforce the
mandatory wearing of face coverings on public transport.
Chris Heaton-Harris:
Since Monday 15 June most passengers must wear a face covering when travelling
on public transport in England, unless they are exempt for health, disability or other
reasons. We expect to see a gradual ramp-up of enforcement, supported by a
significant communications campaign over the coming months.
The regulations made under the Public Health Act 1984 includes powers for
operators to deny access to a service, to direct a passenger to wear a face covering,
or direct someone to leave a service, if they are not wearing a face covering.
Transport operators have discretion over how they use these powers - they are not
obliged to use them. If the passenger still doesn’t comply with operators’
encouragement and instructions without a legitimate exemption, there are new
powers for the police and Transport for London authorised personnel to issue a fixed
penalty notice of £100, or £50 if paid within 14 days.
We have published updated guidance for operators which clearly sets out advice on
ensuring passenger compliance with the face covering regulations, which is available
here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-
transport-guidance-for-operators/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-transport-guidance-for-
operators#face-coverings
Andrew Rosindell: [62322]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that
passengers are aware of the requirement to wear face coverings on public transport.
Chris Heaton-Harris:
Since Monday 15 June most passengers must wear a face covering when travelling
on public transport in England, unless they are exempt for health, disability or other
reasons.
We are making passengers aware of the new requirement, including the exemptions
in place, through the Department for Transport’s Safer Transport communications
campaign. We are working closely with transport operators to make sure they are
communicating the requirements to their staff and passengers.
We have published updated guidance for passengers which clearly sets out the
requirement to wear face coverings on public transport, which is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-
passengers#face-coverings
Public Transport: Rural Areas
Geraint Davies: [64820]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the
level of access to public transport in towns and rural communities compared with urban
areas.
Rachel Maclean:
The Government is committed to levelling up the country to provide equal opportunity
for all and recognises the vital importance public transport plays in supporting the
economy and bringing society together across rural and urban areas.
The Department currently publishes tables of estimated travel time to key services by
different modes in Journey times to key services (JTS01) with different levels of
rural/urban areas. This can be found here:
www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/journey-time-statistics-data-tables-
jts#journey-times-to-key-services-jts01
In addition to this, the National Travel Survey (NTS) provides a range of measures
which include a breakdown by Rural / Urban classification which can be found here:
www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/nts99-travel-by-region-and-area-type-of-
residence
Railways: Innovation
Jonathan Gullis: [62669]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to use
new technological solutions to improve the running of the railways.
Chris Heaton-Harris:
Research, development and innovation to improve the running of the railway is
primarily the responsibility of the rail industry. The cross-industry Executive Technical
Leadership Group is chaired by Network Rail, and owns the current Rail Technical
Strategy, which sets out a vision for rail and how technology can help meet the
objectives of cutting carbon, reducing cost, increasing capacity and improving the
customer experience. The strategy is currently being revised.
Roads: Accidents
Bill Wiggin: [62313]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road accidents involving vans
there were in Herefordshire in 2019.
Rachel Maclean:
The latest annual published statistics are for 2018. There were 40 reported personal
injury road accidents involving light goods vehicles/vans (goods 3.5 tonnes or under),
in Herefordshire, in 2018.
Detailed final data on reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain for 2019
will be published in September 2020.
Bill Wiggin: [62717]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many fatalities there have been from
road accidents in Herefordshire in the past 10 years.
Bill Wiggin: [62718]
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many fatalities there were from road
accidents in Herefordshire in 2019.
Rachel Maclean:
Detailed final statistics on reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain for
2019 will be published in September 2020. The latest annual published statistics are
for 2018.
The number of fatalities in reported road accidents in Herefordshire, between the
years 2009 and 2018 can be found in the below table:
FATALITIES IN REPORTED ROAD ACCIDENTS IN
HEREFORDSHIRE, 2009-2018
Year Number of fatalities
2009 13
2010 7
2011 14
FATALITIES IN REPORTED ROAD ACCIDENTS IN
HEREFORDSHIRE, 2009-2018
2012 5
2013 5
2014 13
2015 7
2016 6
2017 11
2018 12
Source: DfT, STATS19
TREASURY
Business Premises: Coronavirus
Hywel Williams: [64856]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the valuation of properties
under the Non-Domestic Rating (Definition of Domestic Property) (Wales) Order 2010,
what guidance his Department has issued to the Valuation Office Agency on non-
domestic properties that have been let out to key workers during the covid-19 pandemic;
and what discussions he has had with representatives from the Welsh Government on
that matter.
Hywel Williams: [64857]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will he take steps to ensure that the
Valuation Office Agency classifies accommodation let out to key workers on reduced
rates as being commercially let and in fulfilment with the specified time periods for short-
term letting availability.
Jesse Norman:
Business rates and ratings are devolved in Wales, and are therefore a matter for the
Welsh Government.
In England, to be classed as non-domestic property the owner must have made the
property available for commercial short-term letting for at least 140 days in the last
year; to have actually let it for a total of at least 70 days; and have arranged for it to
be available on the same basis over the next 12 months.
Diversification
Scott Benton: [62653]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential
merits of introducing an economic diversification fund to assist constituencies where
economies have historically been dependent on a single industry.
Kemi Badenoch:
The Government is committed to supporting every local area invest in their local
economic priorities and to level up opportunity across the country, including
Blackpool. This is why at the previous Budget we announced £6bn for local transport
in England, £10.9bn new capital investment into housing, and £5bn to support the
rollout of gigabit broadband to the 20% hardest to reach areas. These build on the
government’s previous investments, such as the Blackpool 21st Century Centre, the
Blackpool Bridges and the Blackpool Tramway Extension funded through our Local
Growth Fund. In addition to this Blackpool has been shortlisted as one of the 100
Towns for our £3.6bn Towns Fund.
Education: Coronavirus
Ben Lake: [65000]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2020 to
Question 61760, how much of the (a) £650 million catch-up funding for schools and (b)
£350 million for the establishment of a National Tutoring Programme is new funding.
Steve Barclay:
The government will provide a £1 billion catch-up package for children in England.
Additional funding that is required on top of existing departmental budgets in 2020-
21, accounting for any changes in the forecast cost of programmes and wider
budgetary underspends, will be provided at Supplementary Estimates in the usual
way. Funding for costs that fall beyond 2020-21 will be reviewed at the
Comprehensive Spending Review.
Members: Correspondence
Dame Diana Johnson: [62351]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 28 April
2020 from the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North constituency on the
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Kemi Badenoch:
I would like to reassure the Member that her letter is receiving urgent attention and
will be responded to shortly.
Nurseries: Non-domestic Rates
Claire Hanna: [65030]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral contribution of the
Secretary of State for Education of 18 March 2020, Official Report, column 1083 on
business rate relief for nurseries, what the Barnett consequentials are for Northern
Ireland of that relief.
Steve Barclay:
The Northern Ireland Executive will receive around £3 million of additional funding as
a result of the business rate relief for nurseries.
Overseas Aid
Sarah Champion: [64925]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with Cabinet
colleagues on how the Government will deliver the planned 30 per cent reduction on
Official Development Assistance; and how that target will be monitored against delivery.
Steve Barclay:
The UK has a legal commitment to spend 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI)
each year on Official Development Assistance (ODA). The government reviews the
ODA funding it allocates to projects on a regular basis in order to ensure delivery of
its commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on ODA. Since this commitment is linked to the
size of the economy, the level of ODA spend is likely to decrease this year, and
therefore commitments of aid spending are being reviewed across all departments.
HM Treasury allocates ODA budgets to departments and is responsible for decisions
on changes to these. We take evidence-based spending decisions and ensure
departments maintain high standards of programme delivery that are consistent with
HMG best practice.
Chris Law: [64944]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has requested that
government departments identify a minimum of 30 per cent reduction in planned Official
development Assistance spending for 2020.
Steve Barclay:
The UK has a legal commitment to spend 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI)
each year on Official Development Assistance (ODA). The government reviews the
ODA funding it allocates to projects on a regular basis in order to ensure delivery of
its commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on ODA. Since this commitment is linked to the
size of the economy, the level of ODA spend is likely to decrease this year, and
therefore commitments of aid spending are being reviewed across all departments.
HM Treasury allocates ODA budgets to departments and is responsible for decisions
on changes to these. We take evidence-based spending decisions and ensure
departments maintain high standards of programme delivery that are consistent with
HMG best practice.
Public Expenditure
Anneliese Dodds: [65009]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has for requiring government
departments to reduce their spending in the 2020-21 financial year.
Steve Barclay:
Departments have been reviewing their plans for this year in light of the focus they
are putting on Covid-19 response and recovery, accelerating and reprioritising activity
as necessary.
As we exit the current crisis, we will take stock of the economy and public finances
and make further decisions as required
Retail Trade: Staffordshire
Jonathan Gullis: [62681]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support high street
businesses affected by the covid-19 outbreak in (a) Stoke-on-Trent and (b) Kidsgrove.
Kemi Badenoch:
The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to
protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of
guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. High street businesses continue to have
access to a range of support measures including, but not limited to:
• A 12-month business rates holiday for all eligible retail, leisure and hospitality
businesses in England
• The retail, hospitality and leisure grant fund (RHLGF)
• A Discretionary Grant Fund for Local Authorities in England
• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
• The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBL) for small and micro enterprises
• VAT deferral for up to 12 months
• The Time To Pay scheme, through which businesses in financial distress, and with
outstanding tax liabilities, can receive support with their tax affairs
• Protection for commercial leaseholders against automatic forfeiture for non-payment
until June 30, 2020 – with an option for the Government to extend if needed.
The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses
can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible and how to
apply - https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder.
On 11 May the Government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy which sets out
a cautious roadmap for easing existing measures in a safe and measured way.
Following this roadmap, on 15 June the non-essential retail sector reopened, and on
23 June the Prime Minister announced that from 4 July some businesses in the
leisure and hospitality sectors will be able to reopen providing they adhere to COVID
Secure guidelines. Following a review, the Prime Minister has also set out where it is
not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social
distance of one metre plus mitigations which reduce the risk of transmission.
The Government`s response is kept constantly under review and we will continue to
work hard to support high street businesses as the economy reopens.
Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Camberwell and Peckham
Ms Harriet Harman: [64809]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are receiving assistance
under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme in Camberwell and Peckham
constituency.
Jesse Norman:
As of 31 May 2020, 5,000 individuals had claimed for the Self-Employment Income
Support Scheme in the Camberwell and Peckham parliamentary constituency area.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Statistics were published on Thursday 11
June. The statistics referenced can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/self-employment-income-support-scheme-
statistics-june-2020
Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Directors
Matt Western: [64999]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the
potential merits of including Directors of micro limited companies in the second payment
of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Olivia Blake: [65032]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will provide support for directors of limited
companies who take the majority of their income in dividends.
Jesse Norman:
I refer the Honourable Member to the written answer to Parliamentary Question
54215 given on 9 June 2020: www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-
questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-06-03/54215/
Transport: Staffordshire
Jonathan Gullis: [62683]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps he is taking to improve local
transport infrastructure in (a) Stoke-on-Trent and (b) Kidsgrove.
Kemi Badenoch:
My Honourable Friend will know that Budget 2020 confirmed that Stoke-on-Trent will
receive a share of £117 million of the wider Transforming Cities Fund subject to
further business case approval, a share of the £500m Potholes Fund in 2020-21, and
£18.5 million investment in the Etruria Valley Link Road from the Local Growth Fund.
I believe the Transport Secretary will be providing details of Stoke-on-Trent’s
allocation from the Transforming Cities Fund in the coming months, as well as
confirming allocations from the £250 million Emergency Active Travel Fund
announced on 9 May as the first stage in a £2 billion package to create new era for
cycling and walking over this Parliament.
Treasury: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62618]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-
statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his Department.
Kemi Badenoch:
There are currently no (a) statutory or (b) non-statutory public inquiries being
undertaken with HMT as the sponsor.
Treasury: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62467]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department spent on (a) opinion
polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
Kemi Badenoch:
HM Treasury has spent the below on (a) opinion polling in the periods under
question:
SEPTEMBER 2019 NOVEMBER 2019 MAY 2020 JUNE 2020 TOTAL
£3,000 £2,400 £13,188 £6,828 £25,416
The recent increase was partially to help understand public perceptions in order to
inform the government’s response to the pandemic in the Spring Budget.
HM Treasury has spent no amounts on focus groups in the periods under question.
Veterinary Services: Coronavirus
Marco Longhi: [63523]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to support veterinary
practices affected by the covid-19 outbreak through business rate relief.
Jesse Norman:
The Government has provided enhanced support through business rates relief to
businesses occupying properties used for retail, hospitality and leisure given the
direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published
guidance for local authorities on eligible properties. As set out in the guidance,
support is targeted at premises that are wholly or mainly being used as shops,
restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues; for
assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering
accommodation. It is for local authorities to determine eligibility for reliefs, having
regard to guidance issued by the Government.
A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for
the business rates holiday, such as veterinary practices, has also been made
available.
Video Games: Tax Allowances
Alex Sobel: [64313]
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the
contribution of the Video Games Tax Relief to the UK's (a) economy and (b) job market.
Jesse Norman:
HMRC publish annual statistics on all of the UK’s Creative Sector Tax Reliefs. These
statistics show that since Video Games tax relief was introduced in 2014 it has
supported almost £2.6bn of expenditure across the UK.A 2018 British Film Institute
(BFI) report on the screen sector tax reliefs found that across all parts of the value
chain, the Video Games Tax Relief had helped to generate 4,640 direct full-time
equivalent (FTE) jobs in 2016.
WALES
Wales Office: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62619]
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will publish the (a) statutory and (b) non-
statutory public inquiries being undertaken by his Department.
David T C Davies:
The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales is not currently undertaking any public
inquiries.
Wales Office: Public Opinion
Judith Cummins: [62479]
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how much his Department spent on (a) opinion
polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
David T C Davies:
The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales has not spent any money on opinion
polling or focus groups since January 2019.
WOMEN AND EQUALITIES
Employment: Autism
Dan Jarvis: [64193]
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to ensure that
employers are not discriminating against autistic job applicants during recruitment in
accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Kemi Badenoch:
It is generally unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 (the Act), for an employer to ask a
job applicant about their health or disability - which would include autism - during the
initial stages of a recruitment process. The Act aims to ensure that all disabled
applicants are given the opportunity to have their ability to carry out a job properly
assessed by prohibiting employers from asking questions about their disability and
health during the recruitment process, except in a few specific circumstances (for
instance to establish whether a job applicant can undertake a function intrinsic to the
job). The Act is clear that questions about health and disability can only be asked
when an applicant has been offered a job.
The Equality and Human Right Commission enforces the Act and provide guidance
on recruitment: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/publication-download/your-
rights-equality-work-when-you-apply-job
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) provides authoritative and
impartial advice free to employees or employers in relation to employment
discrimination issues via their website ( http://www.acas.org.uk ) and telephone
helpline 0300 123 1190 or text relay service 18001 0300 123 1190. Acas also
provides employees and employers with Early Conciliation to help them resolve/settle
their workplace dispute without going to court.
Dan Jarvis: [64194]
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to ensure that
employers are providing reasonable workplace adjustments for autistic employees in
accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Kemi Badenoch:
The Equality Act 2010 (the Act) places obligations on employers in relation to
disabled employees. An employer is required to make reasonable adjustments to any
element of a job which may place disabled people at a substantial disadvantage
compared to non-disabled people. It is advisable for a disabled person to discuss with
an employer or educational provider what reasonable adjustments they would
require, since action is dependent on employers having knowledge of a person’s
disability.
The Equality and Human Right Commission enforces the Act and provide guidance
on reasonable adjustments: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/multipage-
guide/reasonable-adjustments-practice
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) provides authoritative and
impartial advice free to employees or employers in relation to employment
discrimination issues via their website ( http://www.acas.org.uk ) and telephone
helpline 0300 123 1190 or text relay service 18001 0300 123 1190. Acas also
provides employees and employers with Early Conciliation to help them resolve/settle
their workplace dispute without going to court.
Females: Coronavirus
Claire Hanna: [63534]
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will publish the equalities impact
assessments undertaken by her Department to determine the impact of covid-19 related
legislation on women.
Kemi Badenoch:
Departments do not routinely publish these assessments, as it is important that
officials can draft them with openness and candour. Individual departments and their
ministers are responsible for equality of policies, and the government takes this
responsibility very seriously. The government has assessed the equalities impacts of
non-pharmaceutical interventions on different groups of people, including those with
protected characteristics and has engaged with individuals, expert groups, charities
and other organisations in the policy development process. This is a key part of the
decision making process and the government has discharged its obligations under
the Equality Act at each stage of its COVID-19 response
WORK AND PENSIONS
Debts: Staffordshire
Jonathan Gullis: [62671]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is
taking to support debt advice providers in (a) Stoke-on-Trent and (b) Kidsgrove to ensure
the maintenance of support for people in financial difficulty as a result of the covid-19
outbreak.
Will Quince:
DWP staff in Stoke and Trent and Staffordshire have continued to maintain strong
working relationships with debt advice providers in the area, including Citizens
Advice. This includes regular communication between Citizens Advice officers, local
Partnership Managers and Jobcentre staff to resolve concerns in a timely manner.
Local DWP staff are actively signposting claimants to the most appropriate source of
debt advice support and we are working closely with local organisations including
Potteries Money Wise and Saltbox, who offer free advice to the local community, to
ensure people are still able to access the help they need during the COVID-19
outbreak.
Department for Work and Pensions: Coronavirus
Jonathan Gullis: [62675]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she has taken to ensure
the adequacy of the capacity of her Department to provide services during the covid-19
outbreak.
Mims Davies:
The Department has redeployed staff from non-business critical areas to front line
delivery roles, made use of staff from other Government Departments, has recruited
and continues to recruit significant numbers of new staff and has utilised contract and
agency staff in certain roles.
The Department is continually assessing the service being offered to customers and
we continue to keep staff numbers under review as part of our response to the impact
of COVID-19 on the labour market.
Department for Work and Pensions: Public Inquiries
Lee Anderson: [62621]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish the (a) statutory
and (b) non-statutory public inquiries being undertaken by her Department.
Mims Davies:
The requested information is not available. No information is held because there have
been no inquiries that the Department has sponsored.
Disability: Coronavirus
Abena Oppong-Asare: [62685]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department
has made of the effect of the easing of covid-19 lockdown restrictions on disabled people.
Abena Oppong-Asare: [62686]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with
representatives from disabled people on the easing of covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Justin Tomlinson:
The Government is committed to supporting disabled people affected by the COVID-
19 outbreak. We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people
using existing and new data sources.
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work has had discussions with
charities, disabled people's organisations and individuals to understand the range of
experiences disabled people have had during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify
the support needed as lockdown restrictions are eased.
The Government is ensuring that disabled people continue to have access to
accessible communications, updated guidance, including workplace and transport
related guidance, as well as other support during the Covid-19 outbreak. All equality
and discrimination laws and obligations continue to apply during the COVID-19
pandemic.
The Cabinet Office Disability Unit continues to work with disability stakeholders and
across Government Departments to ensure that the needs of disabled people are
considered in the UK Government’s response to COVID-19.
Employment and Support Allowance
Abena Oppong-Asare: [62688]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason employment and
support allowance was not increased in line with the uplift in universal credit in March
2020.
Justin Tomlinson:
The Government has announced a suite of measures that can be quickly and
effectively operationalised to benefit those facing the most financial disruption during
the pandemic. The Department was experiencing significantly increased demand and
had to prioritise the safety and stability of the benefits system overall. The IT system
which supports Universal Credit has more capacity to make the necessary changes
than the systems that support legacy benefits. It also uses different technology from
other DWP systems and these older systems have complex interactions and
interdependencies. We estimate that 2.5m households receiving Universal Credit will
have benefited straight away from the increase in the standard allowances which was
announced on 20 March, and which is additional to the planned annual uprating. New
claimants who have either become unemployed, or whose earnings or work hours
have decreased because of the outbreak, will benefit too; subject to their eligibility.
We have also made a number of changes to legacy and other working age benefits in
response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including increasing certain entitlements, such
as Local Housing Allowance. Up-to-date information about the employment and
benefits support available, including Employment and Support Allowance, can be
found here: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/employment-and-
benefits-support/
Taken together, DWP’s pandemic measures represent an injection of over £6.5 billion
into the welfare system and, along with the other job and business support
programmes announced by the Chancellor, represent one of the most
comprehensive packages of support introduced by an advanced economy in
response to COVID19.
Employment: Disability
Jonathan Gullis: [62674]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress her Department has
made on the production of a Green Paper on disability.
Justin Tomlinson:
The Department will be bringing forward a Green Paper on health and disability
support, focusing on how the welfare system can better meet the needs of claimants
with disabilities and health conditions. The Green Paper will be strongly influenced by
the views of disabled people and representatives from disability organisations,
drawing on the significant engagement we have conducted and which will continue,
albeit through different channels, over the summer.
Given the necessary focus on the departmental response to COVID-19, we are
working to a longer timescale than previously anticipated but we remain committed to
publishing in the coming months.
Pensions: Windrush Generation
Bell Ribeiro-Addy: [62638]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has made an
assessment of the effect on members of the Windrush generation living in frozen rate
countries of the policy not to uprate the pensions of UK pensioners living overseas unless
there is a legal requirement to do so or where there is a reciprocal agreement in place
that provides for that uprating.
Guy Opperman:
DWP continues to support the cross-government commitment, actively supporting
people of the Windrush generation and working closely with the Home Office.
The policy on up-rating UK state pensions overseas is a long-standing one of
successive post-war Governments. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide and
is uprated abroad where there is a legal requirement to do so. There are no current
plans to change this.
Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus
Grahame Morris: [63312]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will bring forward proposals
to increase financial support for key workers who need to self-isolate due to showing
covid-19 symptoms.
Will Quince:
[Holding answer 29 June 2020]: As part of the Government’s strategy to support
people affected by COVID 19, DWP has made a number of changes to make sure
people can self-isolate, and to ensure people who need financial help have access to
the benefit system.
• We have introduced new provisions making Statutory Sick Pay payable from day 1
– as opposed to day 4 – where an eligible individual is sick, self-isolating or
shielding (in England and Wales).
• If their income is reduced while sick or self-isolating and they require further
financial support, individuals may be able to claim Universal Credit and new style
Employment and Support Allowance, depending on their individual circumstances.
We have increased the Universal Credit standard allowance by £20 per week for the
next 12 months – up to £1,040 this year. This is in addition to the 1.7% inflation
increase (announced Nov 2019) as part of the Government’s decision to end the
benefits freeze and means more financial support for millions of people across the
UK.
Social Security Benefits: Fraud
Kate Osamor: [62538]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the
number of claimants of (a) universal credit and (b) legacy benefits who have had
fraudulent claims made in their name in each month in 2020.
Will Quince:
We do not have an estimate of the number of claimants of (a) Universal Credit and(
b) Legacy benefits who have had a fraudulent claim made in their name in each
month in 2020.
If an individual approaches DWP alleging they have had their identity hijacked, we
will investigate the matter.
Where a person has had their identity hijacked and their details have been used to
make a fraudulent claim for Universal Credit, the Department may consider the
reinstatement of legacy benefits where it is clear they played no part in the making of
the claim.
Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations
Caroline Lucas: [62379]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Answer of 9
June to Question 52251 on Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations, what policy
on mandatory face-to-face assessments for benefit applications applied from 17 June
2020; what her timescale is for confirming next steps; if she will indefinitely suspend
mandatory face-to-face assessments for benefit applications indefinitely; and if she will
make a statement.
Justin Tomlinson:
Under pre-existing arrangements for assessments for the health and disability
benefits, we will always look to conduct a paper-based assessment where possible.
Face-to-face assessments remain suspended while we review what activity we can
gradually start reintroducing in line with the latest public health advice and we expect
to announce our next steps shortly.
Statutory Sick Pay
Kirsten Oswald: [62488]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of
the potential merits of permanently removing waiting days for statutory sick pay for all
illnesses and impairments.
Justin Tomlinson:
As part of the Government’s strategy to support people affected by coronavirus
(COVID 19), my department has made a number of limited changes to the operation
of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). In doing so, we have balanced the need to provide
additional support for employees who are sick, self-isolating or shielding due to
coronavirus and are unable to work as a result, with considerations about the burden
on employers.
Temporarily suspending waiting days ensures SSP is payable from day one of a
period of absence, rather than day four, to encourage people to follow government
advice to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
We consulted last year on a range of measures, including reform of SSP, designed to
reduce ill-health related job loss. We will bring forward proposals on next steps later
this year.
SSP is just one part of the government’s safety net. Where an employee’s income is
reduced while off sick and they require further financial support they may be able to
claim Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance, depending
on individual circumstances.
Background
• SSP is paid at £95.85 per week for up to 28 weeks by the employer.
• Employers can choose to go further than their statutory requirements and provide
more financial support to their employee throughout their sickness absence.
• We have increased the standard rate in Universal Credit by £20 a week for one
year – this will mean claimants will be up to £1040 a year better off.
• The consultation: Health is everyone’s business was published in July 2019 and
closed in October 2019.
Universal Credit
Neil Gray: [64935]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost to the public purse
was of legal fees in the case of Johnson, Woods, Barrett and Stewart v the Secretary of
State for Work and Pensions rules on by the Court of Appeal on 22 June 2020.
Will Quince:
This cost is not available at this time as this case is not yet concluded.
Neil Gray: [64936]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the decision of
the Court of Appeal of 22 June 2020 in the case of Johnson, Woods, Barrett and Stewart
v the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the
potential merits of allowing universal credit applicants to choose the day in the month that
their assessment period starts from.
Will Quince:
The monthly Universal Credit assessment period and payment structure are
fundamental parts of its design, mirroring how the majority of working people are
paid. Assessment periods for Universal Credit start from the date of entitlement (date
of claim) and each subsequent assessment period will begin on the same date of the
month.
All claimants decide when to claim, and therefore can choose when to fix their
assessment period commencement date.
Universal Credit: Pensioners
Jonathan Gullis: [62673]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent steps her Department
has taken to ensure an effective transition from universal credit to receipt of the state
pension.
Will Quince:
The Government announced in March that anyone reaching State Pension Age while
claiming Universal Credit is eligible for a run-on until the end of the assessment
period in which they reach State Pension Age.
This removes any potential gap in provision with these pensioners receiving, on
average, an additional £350.
Regulations were laid on 29 June to put this measure on a statutory footing.
Universal Credit: Wales
Jessica Morden: [64868]
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit
claimants in (a) Wales and (b) each constituency in Wales are directly affected by the
decision of the Court of Appeal of 22 June 2020 in the case Johnson, Woods, Barrett and
Stewart v the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Will Quince:
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at
disproportionate cost.
WRITTEN STATEMENTS
CABINET OFFICE
The European Communities (Designation) Order 2020
Paymaster General (Penny Mordaunt): [HCWS325]
An error has been identified in the laying letter for The European Communities
(Designation) Order 2020, and as a result it was laid under an incorrect procedure. The
Order should have been laid under the Negative Procedure but the laying letter indicated
that there would be no parliamentary procedure. This was due to an administrative error.
A correction has been issued under Votes and Proceedings 23 June 2020.
The statutory instrument was laid on 27 May 2020 and the House authorities have agreed
that they consider this instrument to be laid under the Negative Procedure from the date
of laying. I wish to inform the House that the 40-day laying period ends on 3 July 2020.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Negotiations on the UK’s Future Trading Relationship with the US: Update
Secretary of State for International Trade (Elizabeth Truss): [HCWS324]
The second UK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiating round took place from 15-
26 June 2020.
Talks continued to be positive and constructive, with progress being made towards a
comprehensive agreement. Discussions spanned the majority of areas covered by the
FTA, with further sessions coming over the next two weeks on the remaining major policy
areas. This follows almost 20 intersessional meetings held in between rounds one and
two.
The Government is clear there is no set deadline for this agreement. Any deal the
Government strikes must be fair, reciprocal and ultimately in the best interests of the
British people and the economy. Furthermore, the Government remains clear on
protecting the NHS and not compromising on the UK's high environmental protection,
animal welfare and food safety standards.
During the round, talks advanced across a number of chapters and teams are now into
detailed discussions on text.
There was good progress on a dedicated SME chapter. This included agreement that the
next formal UK-US SME Dialogue will be held in Boston in October 2020.
UK negotiators also underlined the importance of high ambition on services, with financial
services particularly vital to any final agreement.
On professional business services, both sides agreed to go further than existing
precedent and agree provisions that reflect the strength of the UK-US relationship. This
included a discussion on how best to support regulators pursue closer collaboration on
the recognition of qualifications and licencing.
There was also discussion of specific proposals that might benefit the legal services
sector.
More work needs to be done and both sides committed in the round to a full programme
of engagement ahead of round three. Talks scheduled over the coming weeks include
rules of origin, market access, digital, telecoms, intellectual property and business
mobility.
The third negotiating round is expected to take place at the end of July.
Below is a summary list of those areas discussed in the round, which continued to take
place through video conferencing:
• General Coordination
• Trade Remedies
• Services Sectors – Professional Business Services
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Services Sectors - Transport
• Anti-Corruption
• Competition
• Cross cutting services
• Financial Services
• Good Regulatory Practice (GRP)
• Customs & Trade Facilitation
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)
• Investment
• Legal Group - Core Text
• Sectoral Annexes
• Environment
• State Owned Enterprises
• Technical Barriers to Trade
• Other issues – including innovation and women’s economic empowerment
• Economics
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