Daily Report Monday, 15 June 2020 CONTENTS...2020/06/15 · Daily Report Monday, 15 June 2020 This...

Daily Report Monday, 15 June 2020

This report shows written answers and statements provided on 15 June 2020 and the

information is correct at the time of publication (06:36 P.M., 15 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 7

BUSINESS, ENERGY AND

INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY 7

Batteries: Manufacturing

Industries 7

Carers: Barnsley Central 7

Conditions of Employment 8

Coronavirus: Vaccination 8

Economic Situation:

Coronavirus 9

Electric Vehicles: Charging

Points 9

Employment: Social

Distancing 10

Engineering: Coronavirus 10

European Union Intellectual

Property Office: Brexit 11

Hospitality Industry:

Coronavirus 11

Hospitality Industry: Social

Distancing 11

Hydrogen: Carbon Emissions 12

Local Enterprise Partnerships:

Coronavirus 12

Merchant Shipping:

Redundancy 13

Offshore Industry: Coronavirus 13

Post Offices: ICT 14

Pre-payment: Meters 14

Public Houses: Coronavirus 15

Renewable Energy: Feed-in

Tariffs 15

Research: Publishing 16

Retail Trade: Coronavirus 17

Vaccination: Manufacturing

Industries 17

Yell Group: Regulation 17

CABINET OFFICE 18

Business: Linlithgow and East

Falkirk 18

Cabinet Office: Pay 18

Civil Servants: Coronavirus 18

Companies: European Union 19

Faculty: Contracts 19

Life Expectancy: Linlithgow

and East Falkirk 19

Ministerial Responsibility 19

Self-employed: Linlithgow and

East Falkirk 20

Zero Hours Contracts:

Scotland 21

DEFENCE 21

Fleet Solid Support Ships:

Procurement 21

http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers

http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers

Ministry of Defence: Carers 21

Nuclear Submarines:

Decommissioning 22

Nuclear Weapons: Transport 22

Torture 22

Torture: Prosecutions 23

Type 31 Frigates:

Procurement 23

USA: NATO 23

USA: Riot Control Weapons 24

DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND

SPORT 24

Broadband: Standards 24

Charities: Coronavirus 24

Chatham Dockyard:

Coronavirus 25

Dance and Theatre:

Coronavirus 26

Football: Finance 27

Football: Sportsgrounds 27

Historic Royal Palace:

Coronavirus 28

Historic Royal Palaces:

Pensions 28

Leisure and Sports:

Coronavirus 29

Museums and Galleries: Tax

Allowances 29

National Citizens Service Trust 29

Poverty: Coronavirus 30

Wildlife Parks and Zoos:

Social Distancing 30

EDUCATION 31

Academic Year: Food 31

Apprentices: Shipping 32

Apprentices: Transport 33

Coronavirus: Educational

Institutions 34

Erasmus+ Programme 35

Free School Meals 35

Free School Meals: Voucher

Schemes 37

Further Education and Skilled

Workers: Coronavirus 38

Further Education:

Assessments 39

Further Education: Shipping 39

GCSE: Students 40

History: Education 40

Home Education: Coronavirus 41

Home Education: Sheffield

South East 42

Lifeguards: Qualifications 42

Primary Education:

Assessments 42

Private Education:

Coronavirus 43

Pupil Premium: Coronavirus 44

Pupils: Computers 44

Schools: Attendance 45

Schools: Coronavirus 45

Schools: Protective Clothing 48

Schools: Social Distancing 49

Universities: Coronavirus 49

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND

RURAL AFFAIRS 51

Agricultural Shows:

Coronavirus 51

Carbon Emissions 51

Fish: Consumption 51

Flood Control: Finance 52

Fly-tipping 53

Locusts: Africa and South Asia 53

Waste Disposal: Applications 54

Welfare Assistance Schemes 55

Zoos: Coronavirus 56

FOREIGN AND

COMMONWEALTH OFFICE 57

Bahrain: Huddersfield

University 57

British Nationals Abroad:

Coronavirus 58

Chile: Human Rights and

Torture 58

China: Coronavirus 58

Coronavirus: Travel

Information 59

Germany: USA 59

Huddersfield University:

Bahrain 59

Human Rights: Sanctions 60

Immigrants: Coronavirus 60

Israel: Palestinians 60

Kazakhstan: Coronavirus 61

Libya: Armed Conflict 61

Mubarak Bala 61

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe 62

Richard Solomon Tarfa 62

Ukraine: Peace Negotiations 63

Ukraine: Religious Freedom 64

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 64

Coronavirus: Disease Control 64

Coronavirus: Mental Health 64

Department of Health and

Social Care: Buildings 65

Department of Health and

Social Care: Written Questions 65

Maternity Services: Immigrants 65

Mental Health Act 1983 66

Mental Health Services 66

Mental Health Services:

Children and Young People 67


Coronavirus 67


Nurses 68

Mental Health Services: Staff 69

Mental Health: White Papers 69

Oxygen: Care Homes 70

Suicide: Males 70

Surgical Mesh Implants:

Compensation 71

HOME OFFICE 71

Airports: Scotland 71

Barbecues: Fire and Rescue

Services 71

Deportation: Coronavirus 72

Local Government: Licensing 72

Nitrous Oxide: Coronavirus 72

Police Custody: Death 73

Police: Ethnic Groups 74

Police: Protective Clothing 74

Police: Racial Discrimination 75

Road Traffic Offences 75

Travellers: Caravan Sites 76

UK Border Force: Protective

Clothing 76

Visas: Turkey 76

HOUSE OF COMMONS

COMMISSION 77

Parliamentary Estate: Art

Works 77

HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND

LOCAL GOVERNMENT 78

Affordable Housing:

Construction 78

Floods: Property Development 78

Hate Crime 79

High Rise Flats: Insulation 79

Homelessness 80

Housing: Immigrants 80

Integrated Communities

Innovation Fund 81

Local Government Finance:

Coronavirus 81

Local Government Finance:

Durham 82

Local Government:

Coronavirus 82

Local Government: Equality 86

Ministry of Housing,

Communities and Local

Government: Ministers' Private

Offices 87

Parking: Private Sector 87

Planning: Reform 88

Racial Discrimination 88

Regeneration: Urban Areas 89

Religious Buildings:

Coronavirus 89

Schools: Community Relations 90

INTERNATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT 90

Developing Countries:

Coronavirus 90

Developing Countries:

Ventilators 91

Occupied Territories:

Coronavirus 91

World Health Organisation:

Overseas Aid 92

Yemen: Coronavirus 93

Yemen: Humanitarian Aid 94

INTERNATIONAL TRADE 95

Chile: Arms Trade 95

Coronavirus: Travel

Information 95

Department for International

Trade: Carers 96

Ferries 96

Overseas Trade: Israel 96

Riot Control Weapons: USA 97

Trade Agreements: Higher

Education 98

JUSTICE 99

Courts 99

Courts and Tribunals 99

Courts: Coronavirus 101

Courts: Opening Hours 102

Courts: Wales 102

HM Courts and Tribunals

Service: Coronavirus 103

Legal Aid Scheme: Asylum 104

Magistrates: Video

Conferencing 104

Prison Accommodation 105

Prison Sentences 110

Prisoners' Release:

Homelessness 110

Prisons: Coronavirus 111

Prisons: Education 118

LEADER OF THE HOUSE 119

Deferred Divisions:

Coronavirus 119

NORTHERN IRELAND 119

Northern Ireland Renewable

Heat Incentive Scheme 119

Renewable Heat Incentive

Inquiry: Northern Ireland 120

TRANSPORT 120

Airlines: Coronavirus 120

Aviation: Coronavirus 120

British Airways: Coronavirus 121

Bus Services: Coronavirus 121

Driving Instruction:

Coronavirus 122

Driving Tests: Coronavirus 122

Members: Correspondence 123

Public Transport: Coronavirus 123

Railways: Coronavirus 124

Stena Line: Coronavirus 126

TREASURY 127

Agricultural Shows:

Coronavirus 127

Aviation and Tourism:

Coronavirus 127

Bounce Back Loan Scheme 127

Cash Dispensing 128

Companies: Coronavirus 129

Concert Halls and Theatres:

VAT 130

Coronavirus Job Retention

Scheme 130


Scheme and Self-employment

Income Support Scheme 131


Scheme: Dunfermline and

West Fife 131

Debts: Coronavirus 131

Food: Wholesale Trade 132

Legal Profession: Scotland 132

Loans: Coronavirus 133


Mortgages: Coronavirus 134

Non-domestic Rates:

Environment Protection 134

Retail Trade: Coronavirus 135

Roadchef: Employee Benefit

Trusts 135

Self-employed: Coronavirus 136

Self-employment Income

Support Scheme 137


Support Scheme: Directors 138


Support Scheme: Females 138

Social Enterprises:

Coronavirus 138

WALES 139

Employment: Wales 139

Tourism: Wales 139

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES 140


Scheme 140

Ethnic Groups: Coronavirus 140

WORK AND PENSIONS 141

Carer's Allowance 141

Carer's Allowance:

Coronavirus 142


Social Security Benefits:

Medical Assessments 143

Social Security Benefits:

Uprating 143

Statutory Sick Pay 144

Statutory Sick Pay:

Coronavirus 144

Universal Credit 145

Universal Credit: Coronavirus 145

Universal Credit: Wales 147

Welfare Tax Credits 147

MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS 148

HOME OFFICE 148

Police: Demonstrations 148

Police: Powers 149

INTERNATIONAL TRADE 150

Riot Control Weapons: USA 150

WRITTEN STATEMENTS 159

BUSINESS, ENERGY AND

INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY 159

Business Update 159

CABINET OFFICE 160

Second meeting of the

Withdrawal Agreement Joint

Committee: Update 160

HOME OFFICE 160

Prüm – Data Sharing Update 160

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

BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

Batteries: Manufacturing Industries

Simon Baynes: [58103]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he

is taking to facilitate the development of electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the UK;

and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits for North Wales and Wrexham

of Stoke-on-Trent becoming a manufacturing location for those batteries.

Nadhim Zahawi:

There are a range of factors that will influence the location of any UK Gigafactory

investment, and the final location decision will be a commercial matter.

The Government has a long-standing programme of support to maintain the

competitiveness of the UK automotive sector. Through the Automotive Sector Deal,

we are working with the industry to develop world-leading battery technologies.

We have already invested £274 million in the Faraday Battery Challenge (FBC)

through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The FBC is a cutting-edge

programme, helping UK businesses to lead the world in the design, development,

and manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. Under the FBC, we have invested

£120 million in the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC), the first phase of

which was completed in March 2020, and which will provide a state-of-the-art pilot

facility to test new cell technology. UKBIC will play a key role in laying the

groundwork to secure a battery Gigafactory in the UK.

The Faraday Institution commissioned a study which showed that by 2040, an

estimated eight Gigafactories (of 15GWh per year capacity) will be needed in the UK

and consequently employment in the automotive industry and battery supply chain

could increase to 246,000 jobs.

The Government has announced up to £1 billion of additional funding to develop UK

electric vehicle supply chains, and for further electric vehicles research and

development. This funding will accelerate mass production of key technologies in the

UK, through major investments in the manufacturing of batteries, electric motors,

power electronics, and hydrogen fuel cells, along with their component and materials

supply chains.

Carers: Barnsley Central

Dan Jarvis: [57212]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his

Department is taking to ensure that unpaid carers working in Barnsley Central

constituency are supported to remain in work.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-06-10/58103


Paul Scully:

The Government recognises the crucial role unpaid carers play, especially during this

difficult period.

On 8th April we published guidance for unpaid carers on GOV.UK, which includes

general advice on infection control, advice on caring where someone has symptoms,

how to create care plans, make alternative care arrangements at short notice and

access links to various NHS resources.

We have provided additional funding to Carers UK’s helpline, information and support

services, to help more carers access trusted information and advice. We also

continue to signpost carers to the charity’s website for additional information and

support during this pandemic.

We are committed to supporting carers in Barnsley Central and across the country to

remain in work, recognising the challenges of balancing work and care also in the

longer term.

This is why the Government is now consulting on proposals to introduce Carer’s

Leave, to support working people who are also carers to balance employment with

their caring responsibilities.

This Government is also clear about the benefits of flexible working for employers

and for their employees, including those with caring responsibilities. In our manifesto

we said that, subject to consultation, we would introduce measures to make flexible

working the default.

Conditions of Employment

Barbara Keeley: [57937]


is taking to prevent employers dismissing and re-employing staff for the purposes of

changing the terms and conditions of their employment.

Paul Scully:

Terms and conditions of employment are for negotiation and agreement between

employers and employees (or their representatives). Provided they do not

discriminate unlawfully, for example on grounds of race, sex or disability, employers

are free to offer the terms and conditions of employment which best suit their

business needs. Once agreed, however, they form a legally binding contract of

employment. While it is always open to either party to seek to renegotiate the terms

of the contract, if the employer changes any of the terms without the employee’s

agreement, the employee may be entitled to seek legal redress.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

John Spellar: [57083]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to

the Answer of 9 June to Question 53292 on Coronavirus: Vaccination, what weight was



given to consideration of the potential effect on the (a) prosperity agenda and (b) regional

balance in the selection criteria for the decision on where to locate the Vaccines

Manufacture and Innovation Centre.

Amanda Solloway:

The selection criteria for the location of the Vaccines Manufacturing Innovation

Centre is listed on the competition brief and the selection was made on that basis.

This includes the ability to work with centres of excellence across the country and to

help deliver on the goals of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

Economic Situation: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: [54153]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what

assessment he has made of the potential effect of a green and sustainable economic

programme on the level of economic recovery after the covid-19 outbreak.

Kwasi Kwarteng:

As we recover from COVID-19, the Government intends to deliver a UK economy

which is stronger, cleaner, more sustainable and more resilient.

The UK has shown that growing our economy and cutting emissions can be achieved

at the same time. We have grown our economy by 75% while cutting emissions by

43% over the past three decades. Low carbon businesses and their supply chains

support hundreds of thousands of existing jobs and will be key to future job

growth.Many of the actions we need to take to reach our target of net zero emissions

by 2050 will support the future growth of our economy.

The Government recently launched a £40 million venture capital fund to supercharge

the development of next generation clean, low-carbon technologies, and since

lockdown was announced, we have published the first stage of our Transport

Decarbonisation plan and have announced a £2 billion package for cycling and

walking.

Electric Vehicles: Charging Points

Alexander Stafford: [55141]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what

reason Ofgem has halted work on the electricity charging reform.

Kwasi Kwarteng:

There are currently two Significant Code Reviews (SCRs) that are the focus of

Ofgem’s work on electricity charging reform: the Targeted Charging Review (TCR)

and the Access and Forward-Looking Charges Review (Access SCR). Ofgem

indicated in its forward work programme update, which was published on 16th April

2020 and is available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-

information-energy-licensees-coronavirus-covid-19-response, that work on both the

TCR and Access SCR will continue to be progressed.



In addition, National Grid Electricity System Operator has been leading a task force at

Ofgem’s request to consider the future of balancing services charges. As part of its

reprioritisation in April 2020 of the forward work programme, Ofgem has paused

some activities including the Balancing Services Charges Task Force. This decision

was taken to enable stakeholders and Ofgem to prioritise the response to

coronavirus. The Task Force will resume work in July 2020.

Employment: Social Distancing

Dan Jarvis: [57213]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his

Department is taking to ensure that employers are following guidance on social

distancing in the workplace for employees who are (a) clinically extremely vulnerable and

(b) clinically vulnerable.

Paul Scully:

The guidance is non-statutory but does not change existing obligations relating to

health and safety, employment, or equalities. Employers have a duty under UK law to

protect the health and safety of their workers and other people who might be affected

by their business. This includes considering the risks that COVID-19 represents.

Employers should carry out a risk assessment in consultation with their workers to

inform what actions to take, to give the best combination of protection from their usual

risks as well as the risks of COVID-19. Employers should consider whether workers

who are classed as either clinically extremely vulnerable or clinically vulnerable are

exposed to any specific risks. If so, they should take the steps needed to protect

those individuals.

Health and safety legislation is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, the

Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and by local authorities. If the

enforcing authority finds that an employer is not taking action to properly manage

workplace risk, a range of actions is open to them including specific advice or issuing

notices.

Engineering: Coronavirus

Chi Onwurah: [57206]


is taking to utilise advice from the engineering sector as part of the Government's

response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Nadhim Zahawi:

Throughout the Covid-19 outbreak, we have closely engaged with the engineering

and manufacturing sectors, ensuring that their input helps to shape the Government’s

response.

We have also worked closely with businesses, business bodies, trade unions, Public

Health England, and workplace safety experts to develop a “national consensus” on

the safest ways of working across the economy. This has included engagement with



stakeholders from the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Through this work we

have developed specific guidance for different types of workplaces, including

factories, plants, and warehouses.

Last week, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and

Industrial Strategy convened a series of Economic Recovery roundtables, bringing

together businesses, business representative groups, and leading academics to

consider measures to support economic recovery and ensure we have the right skills

and opportunities in place for our workforce.

European Union Intellectual Property Office: Brexit


To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take

steps to limit rights of representation at the UK Intellectual Property Office to those

persons with a UK or Channel Island address if there are no reciprocal rights of

representation for UK practitioners before the European Union Intellectual Property Office

at the end of the transition period.

Amanda Solloway:

Officials are having ongoing conversations with representative bodies over how to

best approach the issues surrounding address for service once the transition period

ends.

Hospitality Industry: Coronavirus

James Wild: [58099]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he

plans to publish covid-19 guidance for businesses in the hospitality sector on how to re-

open safely.

Paul Scully:

We launched our pubs and restaurants taskforce on 11th May to develop new

guidelines for their reopening where and when it is safe to do so.

As my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced in the roadmap, it is our

ambition to allow such businesses (subject to the scientific and medical advice) from

4th July. Our intention is that any new guidance will precede this.

Hospitality Industry: Social Distancing

Mr Clive Betts: [57088]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when pubs,

bars and restaurants reopen following covid-19 lockdown measures what (a) enforcement

measures and (b) penalties will be in place if those venues fail to enforce social

distancing.




Paul Scully:

We are working at pace to develop safe ways for pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes to

reopen at the earliest opportunity it is safe to do so, through our pubs and restaurants

taskforce. As set out in the roadmap, it is our ambition to reopen pubs, cafes, bars

and restaurants from 4 July at the earliest, subject to the scientific advice at the time.

However, pubs, restaurants and cafes can continue to offer takeaway-enabled

services as they have been during lockdown.

Our guidance forms part of employers’ normal health and safety practice. Health and

safety legislation is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, the Health and

Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and by local authorities. Social distancing is a

key part of our scientific advice. This will be considered by employers as part of their

risk assessment.

If the enforcing authority finds that an employer is not taking action to properly

manage workplace risk, a range of actions are is open to them, including specific

advice or issuing enforcement notices.

Hydrogen: Carbon Emissions

Dr Alan Whitehead: [55646]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will

undertake a consultation on how clean hydrogen can help cost-effectively decarbonise

the UK economy.

Kwasi Kwarteng:

The Government is committed to exploring the development of hydrogen as a

strategic decarbonised energy carrier, alongside electricity and other decarbonised

gases.

There are a number of workstreams underway in this area, involving regular

engagement with industry and academic stakeholders across the hydrogen value

chain to understand the potential of hydrogen deployment across the energy system,

in line with our net zero commitments. A recent example is the newly formed Expert

Group advising on the development of sustainable business models to support low

carbon hydrogen production.

Specific policies and programmes may be subject to consultation in due course. We

are currently considering options for formalising regular engagement between

Government and Industry on hydrogen, with the key aim of stimulating activity in the

2020s that will test potential of hydrogen in meeting net zero.

Local Enterprise Partnerships: Coronavirus

Dr Luke Evans: [56183]


is taking to ensure that local enterprise partnerships play a key role in regional economic

recovery after the covid-19 outbreak.



Nadhim Zahawi:

The Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government chairs an Economic

Recovery Working Group, bringing together representatives of local authorities, Local

Enterprise Partnerships, and Combined Authorities. This Group works with local

regions to understand the full scale of the challenges they face in the short to

medium-term.

We are not starting recovery planning from a blank page. Through the Local Industrial

Strategies programme, Local Enterprise Partnerships have done excellent work to

develop an evidence base and to scope long-term priorities for their areas. In the

short-term, we encourage partners to prioritise those issues their existing strategies –

have not considered. This will include how to restart the economy whilst maintaining

social distancing in line with Government guidance.

Merchant Shipping: Redundancy

Mick Whitley: [57374]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make

representations to P&O Ferries’ owners DP World on the 1,100 redundancies planned in

the UK on international roll-on roll-off ferry routes.

Nadhim Zahawi:

We understand this is a very difficult time for employees and businesses across the

UK, particularly those impacted by the sharp reduction in transportation and travel.

The Government has made an unprecedented support package available to

businesses to avoid job losses, where possible. Measures include access to billions

of pounds of loans, grants, guarantees, and tax deferrals, as well as extending the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to October 2020.

The Government will continue to engage with businesses and do everything we can

to support jobs as we re-open the economy.

Offshore Industry: Coronavirus

Drew Hendry: [57262]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference

to the quarantine of oil and gas workers, whether the quarantine exemption for people

who are required for the continued safe and secure operation, maintenance and essential

support services for offshore oil and gas infrastructure in the UK applies to workers (a)

entering the UK to operate on infrastructure domestically, or (b) returning to the UK

having conducted the same commercial activities in other EEA nations.

Kwasi Kwarteng:

In line with many other countries, the Government has introduced a series of

measures and restrictions at the UK border which are supported by the Scientific

Advisory Group for Emergencies, to contribute to keeping the overall number of

transmissions in the UK as low as possible. These measures came into effect on 8

June. A small proportion of people required to maintain essential supply chains,



critical national infrastructure or to contribute to the crisis response have been made

exempt from the requirement to self-isolate. Offshore workers undertaking, or

required to commence, activities in the UK and on the UK Continental Shelf on or in

relation to offshore installations, upstream petroleum infrastructure, critical safety

work on offshore installations and wells that are being decommissioned or which are

being preserved pending demolition or reuse or activities for the provision of workers,

goods, materials or equipment or other essential services required to support the safe

operation of offshore work have been exempted from these measures. Offshore

workers entering the UK who are required to undertake those activities in the UK or

on the UK Continental Shelf are covered by the exemption. Those travelling overseas

to work on infrastructure outside of the UK will not be exempt on their return to the

UK, unless they will be conducting the specified activities in the UK or on the UK

Continental Shelf within 14 days of their return.

These measures will be subject to review every three weeks.

Post Offices: ICT

Sir Greg Knight: [57099]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will

commission an independent judge-led investigation into the Post Office and its (a)

management and (b) administration of the Horizon computer system.

Paul Scully:

Government has committed to launching an Independent Review to consider whether

the Post Office has learned the necessary lessons from the Horizon dispute and to

assess its work to rebuild its relationship with its postmasters.

The findings outlined throughout the Horizon judgments provided an extensive insight

as to what went wrong at the Post Office, including an independent view of the facts

all sides have been looking for.

Government wants to be fully assured that the right lessons are learned for the future

and concrete changes have taken place at Post Office Ltd to ensure that this situation

will never be repeated. This is the purpose of the independent review we are in the

process of setting up.

Full details of the Terms of Reference for the independent review have been set out

in a Written Ministerial Statement that Minister Scully made on Wednesday 10 th

June. An independent chair will be announced in due course

Pre-payment: Meters

Martyn Day: [55093]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many

households in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK

have prepayment meters; and what the change in the number of such meters was in

each of those areas over the last five years.



Kwasi Kwarteng:

The latest Ofgem data on Prepayment Meters (PPM) shows that there are 4.3 million

customers using PPM meters, which represents around 15% of all customers in

Great Britain.

Neither Ofgem nor the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

routinely collect regional PPM customer numbers However, in 2017 BIES collected a

one off local authority area breakdown, which showed there were 460,529 PPM

customers in Scotland, 14,008 PPM customers in the Falkirk Council local authority

area and 13,143 for the West Lothian Council local authority area. This data does not

include customers who pay for their gas using a PPM as this data has not been

compiled, however there are fewer gas PPMs as a whole in the market.

The number of Prepayment Meter accounts in the GB energy market over the last

five years has remained around 4.5 million. There has, however been an increase in

competition in the PPM market over the past five years with PPM specialists

providing greater choice for consumers beyond the six large suppliers. A cap on PPM

prices was introduced in April 2017 and remains in force.

Public Houses: Coronavirus

James Wild: [58100]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he

plans to publish covid-19 guidance for pubs on how to re-open safely.

Paul Scully:

The Government launched our pubs and restaurants taskforce on the 11th of May to

develop new guidelines for their reopening where and when it is safe to do so.

As my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced in the roadmap, it is our

ambition to allow such businesses (subject to the scientific and medical advice) from

the 4th of July. Our intention is that any new guidance will precede this.

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs

Martyn Day: [55092]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many

households in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency have received income under the

feed-in tariff in the last five years for which figures are available.

Kwasi Kwarteng:

There are 2616 domestic homes in the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency

registered for feed-in tariff payments in Ofgem’s Central FIT register.



Research: Publishing

Daniel Zeichner: [55694]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his

Department plans to make an assessment of the potential financial effect on the higher

education institutions of UK Research and Innovation's review of its Open Access policy.


To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if UK

Research and Innovation’s review of Open Access policy is independent from the work of

the cOAlition S consortium.


To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if the UK

Research and Innovation’s review of Open Access policy will be considered as part of the

work undertaken by the Department’s research sustainability taskforce.

Amanda Solloway:

The Government’s university research sustainability taskforce is examining how best

to respond to the challenges for the sector resulting from COVID-19, with the aim of

sustaining the university research base and its capability to contribute effectively to

UK society and economy in the recovery from COVID-19 and beyond. Given the

broader focus and urgency of addressing the impacts of COVID-19, at this time, the

outcome of the UKRI Open Access Review does not form part of the taskforce's

consideration.

The OA Review is independent from Plan S. Working internationally however, is

important to help achieve open access. UKRI has joined cOAlition S, a consortium

comprising research funders and foundations from across the world and supported by

the European Commission and the European Research Council. The coalition aims

to help make full and immediate Open Access to research publications a reality, and

is built around the Plan S principles. UKRI will consider outcomes of the work of

cOAlition S as part of its ongoing Open Access Review alongside other evidence and

inputs. The outcomes of the review will determine decisions on UKRI’s OA policy.

As part of the UKRI open access review, UKRI is working with BEIS to consider

implications for stakeholders. UKRI has commissioned an independent analysis to

help assess the possible implications for various groups, including higher education

institutions. This analysis will include direct costs and benefits and wider social and

economic implications, and will be considered alongside other evidence gathered

through the review, including via the consultation on a proposed UKRI policy which

has recently closed. The consideration of the COVID-19 impacts on research sector,

including economic implications, will be taken into account in the UKRI review.




Retail Trade: Coronavirus

Martyn Day: [56071]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what

assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the prohibition

under regulation 6A(1) of The Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations 2012

to include minimum payment surcharges by retail merchants to their customers as a

result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully:

Business are generally free to set out acceptable terms of payment from consumers.

For most retail payments, the Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations

ban merchants from charging a fee in addition to the advertised price of a transaction

on the basis of a consumer’s choice of payment instrument (for example, consumer

credit or debit cards, or e-money). The cases in which surcharges are banned are set

out in regulation 6A(1). The Government is examining a range of ways to support

businesses and consumers in these difficult times, but there are no plans to review

this legislation at present.

Vaccination: Manufacturing Industries


To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans

the Government has to support long-term domestic vaccine manufacturing capability.

Amanda Solloway:

Long-term domestic vaccine manufacturing capability is being considered jointly with

the Department of Health and Social Care and Government is working closely with

the Bioindustry Association (BIA) to ensure that the UK has the manufacturing

capabilities to produce new vaccines at the levels required.

In addition, Government has recently announced £93 million investment to accelerate

the launch of the UK’s new Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre; a facility

that will utilise innovative processes to manufacture vaccines at scale.

Yell Group: Regulation

Kirsten Oswald: [55700]

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what contact

his Department has had with regulatory agencies on the business practices of Yell Ltd.

Paul Scully:

The Department has not been in contact with regulatory agencies in connection with

the business practices of Yell Ltd.

Business-to-business contract disputes are generally a matter for the parties

involved, except in a small number of regulated sectors.




We would encourage any business that is being offered a service to read the contract

carefully, and research the reputation of the service provider before making any

commitment.

CABINET OFFICE

Business: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: [57284]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many small and medium-sized businesses

in Linlithgow and East Falkirk placed a bid for a public contract in the last five years.

Chloe Smith:

This information is not held centrally.

Cabinet Office: Pay

Martyn Day: [53527]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the average annual salary was for (a)

BAME and (b) non-BAME employees in his Department in each of the last five years.

Chloe Smith:

Further to the answer given to PQ 18715 on 21 February 2020, some general data on

civil service pay broken down by declared ethnicity is available online at

https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/workforce-and-business/public-

sector-pay/civil-service-pay/latest.

Civil Servants: Coronavirus

Helen Hayes: [43996]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department has provided to

(a) cleaning, (b) catering and (c) other companies who provide services to the civil

service on (i) personal protective equipment and (ii) sick pay during the covid-19

outbreak.

Chloe Smith:

I apologise for the delay in responding, but I can confirm that departments, including

the Cabinet Office, continue to liaise regularly with their suppliers as they respond to

the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19.

In respect of personal protective equipment it is the responsibility of employers to

ensure that the latest guidance as published by the appropriate Public Health body is

followed. The latest guidance can be found on gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-

contact-centres. Cabinet Office stands ready to support companies with any

questions or assist with difficulties regarding the guidance.

The Cabinet Office has issued Procurement Policy Note 02/20 to provide guidance

for suppliers. This outlines the approach that contracting authorities should adopt. In




https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres




https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0220-supplier-relief-due-to-covid-19

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0220-supplier-relief-due-to-covid-19

the Cabinet Office this has meant continuing to guarantee payments to service

providers when delivery is impacted by Covid-19 resource shortages and paying

employees that are absent due to presentation of Covid-19 symptoms or the need to

be shielded or self-isolated.

Companies: European Union

Martyn Day: [57280]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people are employed by companies

registered in the EU in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland, and (c) Linlithgow and East Falkirk

constituency.

Chloe Smith:

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have

therefore asked the Authority to respond.

Attachments:

1. UKSA Response [PQ57280.pdf]

Faculty: Contracts

Helen Hayes: [54980]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the (a) scope and (b) remit of the

Government's contract with Faculty is to deliver services related to the covid-19

pandemic.

Chloe Smith:

I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to PQs 54981 and 54931 on 9 June

2020.

Life Expectancy: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: [57295]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what life expectancy is for (a) men and (b)

women in Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency.

Chloe Smith:



Attachments:


Ministerial Responsibility

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: [57314]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answers of 8 June 2020 to

Question 54223 on Ministerial Responsibility, of 29 May 2020 to Question 48589 on

Universal Credit: Coronavirus and of 11 May to Question 43737 on Ministerial





Responsibility, and with reference to the oral contribution of 6 May 2020 of the Leader of

the House, Official Report, column 583, what communication he has had with the Cabinet

Secretary on the non-publication of that document since the 2019 general election.


To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June 3030 to

Question 54223 on Ministerial Responsibility, the Answer of 2 May 2020 to Question

48583 the Answer of 11 May 2020 to Question 43737 and with reference to the oral

contribution of 6 May 2020 of the Leader of the House, Official Report, column 583, on

Business Statement, for what reason he has not published the directory of ministerial

contacts.



Question 54223 and of 29 May 2020 to Question 48589 on Ministerial Responsibility, and

with reference to the oral contribution of 6 May 2020 of the Leader of the House, Official

Report, column 583, what investigations he has made to establish why the Department

has not published that document in a timely manner.



Question 54223 and of 29 May to Question 48589 and of 11 May 2020 to Question

43737 on Ministerial Responsibilities, and with reference to the oral contribution of 6 May

2020 of the Leader of the House, Official Report, column 583, for what reason that

document has not been published despite (a) six months having elapsed since the

general election and (b) more than one month having elapsed since the first written

question in relation to republishing that document.

Chloe Smith:

Further to the answer given to PQ 43737 on 11 May 2020, it is taking longer than

usual to compile a new List of Ministerial Responsibilities document including as a

result of the challenges of Covid-19. An update will be published in due course.

Self-employed: Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Martyn Day: [57282]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people are registered as self-

employed in (a) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK.

Chloe Smith:



Attachments:






Zero Hours Contracts: Scotland

Martyn Day: [57283]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people under the age of 25 in (a)

Scotland and (b) Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency are employed on zero-hours

contracts.

Martyn Day: [57285]

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people in Linlithgow and East

Falkirk constituency are employed on zero-hours contracts; how many of those people

are (a) aged between 16 and 24-years old and (b) women.

Chloe Smith:



Attachments:

1. UKSA Response [PQ57283_ 57285.pdf]

DEFENCE

Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement

Douglas Chapman: [57998]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect of

the covid-19 pandemic on the bidding process for the Fleet Solid Support ships.

Jeremy Quin:

The bidding process for the Fleet Solid Support ships has not yet begun. The Ministry

of Defence is currently reviewing the programme's requirements, procurement

strategy and schedule, and it is not possible to provide any update until this work has

been completed.

Ministry of Defence: Carers

Sir Edward Davey: [57074]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many staff in his Department had caring

responsibilities in each of the last five years.

Johnny Mercer:

The information is not held in the format requested.

The Ministry of Defence recognises the unique challenges faced by people with

caring responsibilities. In addition to flexible working arrangements, in 2018 the

Department adopted the Civil Service Carer's Passport. This provides staff with the

right to discuss and formally agree with their Line Manager a working pattern that

considers both working and caring responsibilities. Serving military personnel have

the option, where appropriate, to adopt flexible working arrangements, including for





caring responsibilities, under the 'Flexible Service' arrangements introduced in

January 2019.

Nuclear Submarines: Decommissioning



the covid-19 pandemic on the timescale to decommission nuclear submarines in Rosyth.

Jeremy Quin:

We are working closely with our industry partners to minimise the impact of COVID-

19 on our submarine programmes.

It is currently estimated that there is likely to be minimal impact on the overall

timescale to dismantle the decommissioned nuclear submarines in Rosyth.

Nuclear Weapons: Transport

Martyn Day: [55094]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times nuclear convoys travelled

through Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency in the most recent year for which data is

available.

James Heappey:

The Ministry of Defence keeps defence nuclear material convoy movements to the

minimum necessary to maintain the operational effectiveness of the UK's nuclear

deterrent. I am withholding information on the frequency and routes used by the

convoys for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

Torture

Jamie Stone: [58051]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether it is Government policy that the (a)

prohibition of torture is absolute and (b) obligation to prosecute torture is absolute.

Johnny Mercer:

The Government is committed to its obligations under the UN Convention Against

Torture (UNCAT). There is an absolute prohibition of torture under international law.

The UNCAT requires each State Party to ensure that all acts of torture are listed as

offences under its criminal law, however the prosecution of any crime is never

automatic. The statutory presumption in the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel

and Veterans) Bill does not act as a pardon, amnesty or statute of limitations.

Prosecutors will continue to have discretion on whether to prosecute for criminal

offences, including torture, taking into account factors such as sufficiency of evidence

and public interest.




Torture: Prosecutions


To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the circumstances are in which a

prosecutor is able to exercise their discretion not to prosecute an offence of torture.

Johnny Mercer:

Prosecutors will continue to have discretion on whether to prosecute for criminal

offences, including torture, on the basis of their assessment of the sufficiency of

evidence and whether a prosecution would be in the public interest. The statutory

presumption in the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill is

compliant with the UN Convention Against Torture, as it is a rebuttable presumption

which leaves a prosecutor with discretion to prosecute where they consider it

appropriate to do so. It does not act as a pardon, amnesty or statute of limitations.

Type 31 Frigates: Procurement



the covid-19 pandemic on the timescale of the Type 31e frigate project.

Jeremy Quin:

The Department is working with Babcock and its suppliers to de-risk and mitigate any

potential for impact to the Type 31 programme due to COVID-19. Most of the current

key outputs for the programme are focused on design, infrastructure development

and supply chain mobilisation, and work continues within the Government's safe

working requirements.

USA: NATO

Dr Julian Lewis: [57055]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what preliminary assessment he has made of

the reduction in NATO's (a) potential for deterrence and (b) fighting capability as a result

of result the implementation of President Trump's proposal to cut the total of US troops

based in Germany by almost one-third; what discussions he had with his counterpart in

the US Administration (i) before and (ii) after the announcement of that proposal; and if

he will make a statement.

James Heappey:

The UK Government does not comment on speculation. The United States and

United Kingdom are strong partners and allies, with a uniquely close and active

defence and security partnership. Ministers and officials regularly engage with the US

on a wide range of security issues, both bilaterally and in NATO, including the

deployment of US troops in Europe.




USA: Riot Control Weapons

Owen Thompson: [57278]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department holds contracts for

the supply of (a) tear gas, (b) rubber bullets and (c) riot shields to any companies based

in the USA.

Jeremy Quin:

The Ministry of Defence has not entered into any contracts with any US based

companies for the provision of tear gas, rubber bullets or riot shields.

DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

Broadband: Standards

John Nicolson: [52104]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he plans to

publish further details on how the Government will achieve its target Gigabit-capable

connectivity for all by 2025; and if he will make a statement.

Matt Warman:

The Government is committed to delivering nationwide coverage of gigabit capable

broadband as soon as possible and believes that the best way to do this is to

promote network competition and commercial investment wherever possible, and to

intervene with public subsidy where necessary.

The Government is taking action to remove barriers to commercial deployment

including, for example, through the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold)

Property Bill, which will make it easier to connect tenanted properties with an

unresponsive landlord. We are also committed to legislating to mandate gigabit

connectivity in new build homes. For harder to reach areas, we have committed to

invest a record £5 billion to support gigabit capable broadband deployment. We will

be publishing more details in due course.

Charities: Coronavirus

Alex Norris: [57333]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is

taking to ensure that funding from the charity relief package announced in April 2020 is

reaching those that most need it.

Mr John Whittingdale:

The government has pledged £750 million to meet the needs of vulnerable groups

through targeted support for voluntary and community sector organisations on the

frontline of the Covid response. This includes £360m distributed through government

departments and £200m for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, being

delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund. A diverse advisory panel has

been set up to assist in the distribution process for the fund.




The government has also unlocked a further £150 million from dormant bank and

building society accounts, which will be distributed to organisations to support urgent

work for groups in need to tackle youth unemployment, expand access to emergency

loans for civil society organisations and help improve the availability of fair, affordable

credit to people in vulnerable circumstances.

We have published clear and comprehensive guidance on the £750 million, plus

other sources of support, at

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-support-for-voluntary-community-and-social-

enterprise-vcse-organisations-to-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19.

The VCSE Support Package builds on the significant package of support available

across sectors, including the Job Retention Scheme.


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an

assessment of the potential merits of ringfencing funding from the Government's charity

support package for charities and organisations working with communities that are

disproportionately affected by the covid-19 outbreak.


The government has pledged £750 million to meet the needs of vulnerable groups

disproportionately affected by Covid-19 through targeted support for voluntary and

community sector organisations.

A diverse advisory panel has been set up to assist in the distribution process for the

fund. DCMS and the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF - our distribution

partners for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund) are working with a number of

organisations to improve the reach of the Coronavirus Community Support Fund for

organisations disproportionately affected.

The government has unlocked a further £150 million from dormant bank and building

society accounts, which will be distributed to organisations to support urgent work for

groups in need to tackle youth unemployment, expand access to emergency loans for

civil society organisations and help improve the availability of fair, affordable credit to

people in vulnerable circumstances.

Chatham Dockyard: Coronavirus

Tracey Crouch: [57174]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the

Answer of 8 June 2020 to Question 54086 on Chatham Dockyard: Coronavirus, if it will

issue the Trust with a letter of comfort that guarantees its limited reserves position to

assist cash flow management and credit status along similar lines to that issued to the

Historic Royal Palaces.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-support-for-voluntary-community-and-social-enterprise-vcse-organisations-to-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19





Nigel Huddleston:

DCMS is in close contact with the senior team at Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

about the challenging situation the Trust is facing. We are in active conversations to

explore what support might be available.

Dance and Theatre: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has

received representations from representatives of (a) dancing schools, (b) the Royal

Shakespeare Company and (c) other stage-based entertainment bodies on how those

bodies can reopen and operate in conformity with social distancing rules; whether he has

made an assessment of the practicability of those proposals; and what support his

Department provides to those bodies to ensure that they will not cease to exist before

their reopening is permitted by the Government.

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 industries 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

dance and stage based entertainment, all of whom are being consulted extensively

on how the sector can reopen and operate under social distancing. Full details of the

Taskforce can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/culture-secretary-

announces-cultural-renewal-taskforce and 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.

The Secretary of State, my fellow Ministers and DCMS officials continue to consult

the creative and cultural sectors extensively to ensure they understand fully the

potential impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak on the sector. DCMS officials and

ministers have also held regular calls with representatives from across the arts and

cultural sector and these have included representatives from the Royal Shakespeare

Company and a number of dance schools and representatives including Sadler’s

Wells and Northern Ballet.

The Secretary of State and DCMS are committed to supporting the cultural sector

through this pandemic and getting the curtain up at venues across the country as

soon as it is safe to do so. In addition to the unprecedented financial measures the

Government has announced DCMS has also worked closely with its arm’s-length

bodies to deliver tailored support packages at speed, including the £160m

Emergency Funding Package announced by Arts Council England, made possible by

Government funding.


Football: Finance

Alison McGovern: [57192]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the

Government plans to allocate £550 million to grassroots football.

Nigel Huddleston:

The Government has committed to investing an additional £550m into grassroots

football facilities over the next 10 years. This will bring the government’s total

investment over that period to £730m, and will support the bid for the 2030 Men’s

FIFA Football World Cup.

The FA has produced, in partnership with the Premier League, Sport England and

DCMS, the 'National Football Facilities Strategy' (NFSS), which is a coherent

overarching shared strategy for capital investment in football over the next ten years.

As part of the NFFS, a 'Local Football Facilities Plan' is being produced for every

Local Authority across the country to create a tailored local investment plan.

Football: Sportsgrounds


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions the

Government has had with partners of the Football Foundation on that organisation's plans

for a 25-year programme to deliver new astroturf and grass pitches across the country.


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what methodology the

Government plans to use to assess which areas of the country would most benefit from

funding in grassroots football as part of the pledge to spend £550 million revamping

community football pitches.

Nigel Huddleston:

The Government is committed to supporting grassroots football. The established

partnership with the Football Association and the Premier League sees a combined

£70m go to new facilities delivered by the Football Foundation. All funding parties are

represented on the Football Foundation board.

Government has committed to investing a further £550m into grassroots football

facilities over the next 10 years to support plans to bid for the 2030 Men’s FIFA

Football World Cup.

The FA has produced, in partnership with the Premier League, Sport England and

DCMS, the 'National Football Facilities Strategy' (NFSS), which is a coherent

overarching shared strategy for capital investment in football over the next ten years.

This sets out the football facility requirements across the country and the intention to

invest in 20,000 improved grass pitches and 1,000 3G facilities.

The Foundation has coverage across the whole country with funding reaching 98% of

all local authorities and boroughs in England so far. As part of the NFFS, a 'Local




Football Facilities Plan' is being produced for every Local Authority across the country

to create a tailored local investment plan. This will help the Football Foundation

prioritise its investment most efficiently and effectively.

Historic Royal Palace: Coronavirus

Chris Stephens: [R] [57255]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions

officials in his Department have had with representatives from trade unions on proposals

for reopening (a) Hampton Court Palace, (b) Hillsborough Castle and (c) other Historic

Royal Palaces sites on 16 June 2020 following the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will

publish the risk assessments undertaken at those sites.

Nigel Huddleston:

DCMS officials have had no such discussions with representatives of trade unions on

Historic Royal Palaces' (HRP) proposals for the reopening of the specific sites in their

care, nor are DCMS officials in possession of the risk assessments referred to. Trade

Union representatives have, however, been attending the Heritage Working Group

which has discussed guidance for safe reopening within the heritage sector. Whether

HRP can safely reopen is a matter for HRP to consider in-line with government and

Public Health England guidelines.

Historic Royal Palaces: Pensions


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he

has had with (a) the Historic Royal Palaces and (b) their staff and trades union

representatives on their decision to cut employer pension contributions to 6.5 per cent.

Nigel Huddleston:

The Secretary of State has had no specific discussions with Historic Royal Palaces

(HRP) or their staff and trades union representatives on cuts to employer pension

contributions. HRP has responsibility for the recruitment, remuneration, development,

retention and motivation of its own staff.


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he

has had with representatives from Historic Royal Palaces on reinstating employer

pension contributions at the level they were prior to the covid-19 outbreak; and if his

Department will take steps to compensate workers affected by reductions in employer

pension contributions introduced by that organisation in June 2020.

Nigel Huddleston:

The Secretary of State has had no such discussions with HRP on reinstating pension

contributions in respect of HRP’s staff, which is a matter for HRP to consider in

consultation with their staff, as appropriate, in-line with the affordability of any such

measures and their obligations as employers.




Leisure and Sports: Coronavirus

Sir Mike Penning: [54040]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what guidance his

Department has issued to indoor sports and leisure activity providers on the safe

reopening of instructing facilities for (a) snow sports and (b) indoor rock-climbing during

the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Nigel Huddleston:

There is no requirement under the terms of the Public Statues (Metropolis) Act 1854

to obtain the consent of the Secretary of State before the removal of sculptures

erected in London.

Museums and Galleries: Tax Allowances


To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an

assessment of the potential merits of extending museums and galleries tax relief to

remove the limitations on selling exhibitions.

Caroline Dinenage:

The objective of the Museums and Galleries Exhibitions Tax Relief is to encourage

the creation of more and higher quality permanent galleries and temporary

exhibitions, as well as to support touring of the best exhibitions across the country

and abroad, raising the UK’s profile internationally.

The Relief is designed for organisations which display works of historic, scientific,

artistic or cultural interest.

The Government continues to monitor the take-up and impact of the relief on the

museums sector and the public purse, particularly with respect to the sunset clause in

the relief which means it is due to come to an end in March 2022.

National Citizens Service Trust

Tim Loughton: [55653]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many youth

workers contracted by the NCS programme have been furloughed.


By April 2020, an estimated 64.6 full-time equivalent youth workers contracted by the

NCS network have been furloughed. This figure is based on self-reported data from

NCS Providers to the NCS Trust.




Poverty: Coronavirus

Nadia Whittome: [56207]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his

Department is taking to support child poverty charities working in BAME communities

during the covid-19 outbreak.


The Government has announced a broad package of support for businesses and

charities to ensure that organisations that need support are able to access it. This

includes the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Coronavirus Business

Interruption Loan Scheme, and the option to defer VAT payments due between 20

March and 30 June 2020.

In addition, on 8 April the Government announced a £750 million funding package to

ensure charities providing frontline services to vulnerable people affected by the

pandemic can continue their vital work. Of this, £360 million was to be allocated to

individual government departments based on evidence of service need. This funding

has now been allocated to government departments, who are using a range of

approaches to award funding either directly to charities or through bidding processes.

As part of this package, the Department for Education will provide £26.4 million to

support vulnerable children in England.

£370 million has been allocated to support small and medium sized charities during

the pandemic. This includes £60 million funding through the Barnett formula to

support charities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Of the £310 million to be

spent in England, £200 million has been distributed to the National Lottery

Community Fund to award grants through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund.

Applications for this fund opened on 22 May and the National Lottery Community

Fund is assessing applications in the order in which they are received, in order to

award grants as quickly as possible. Child poverty charities working with BAME

communities during the Covid-19 outbreak are eligible to apply for this funding.

Wildlife Parks and Zoos: Social Distancing

Sir George Howarth: [51592]

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his

Department has made of the potential merits of re-opening zoos and safari parks with

appropriate social distancing measures.

Nigel Huddleston:

As announced by the Prime Minister on 10 June, outdoor areas of zoos and safari

parks will be allowed to reopen from 15 June, subject to appropriate social distancing

measures being in place. This includes keeping indoor exhibitions, such as reptile

houses and those in aquariums, closed, and ensuring other amenities like cafes offer

takeaway services only.



The move follows close work by the Government with the zoo industry to ensure

visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards are put in place. The decision to

relax restrictions on these select outdoor attractions is part of the Government’s

careful approach to easing the lockdown in phases, guided by the advice of scientific

and medical experts and the fact the risk of transmission is much lower outdoors.

Officials in the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs continue to meet

weekly with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and with the

CEOs of the largest charitable zoos and aquariums in England, providing a forum to

monitor concerns and seek insights from key sector representatives on current

issues.

EDUCATION

Academic Year: Food


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that

distribution of food to communities with specific needs is maintained during the school

holidays.

Vicky Ford:

As schools open more widely, and their kitchens reopen, we expect schools to make

food parcels available for collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for

free school meals who are not yet able to return to school. Where this is not possible,

schools can continue to offer vouchers to eligible pupils. It is not intended for the

national voucher scheme to run during the summer holidays.

The government has made significant wider support available for children and

families. On 10 June, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister confirmed an additional

£63 million to be distributed to local authorities in England to help those who are

struggling to afford food and other essentials due to COVID-19.

In addition, the government has introduced an uplift to Universal Credit and Working

Tax Credit by around £1,000 a year for the next 12 months as part of an injection of

over £6.5 billion by government into the welfare system. Additionally, the Department

for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Environment, Food and

Rural Affairs are providing £16 million for food support through charities including

FareShare and WRAP.

The Department for Education will also be running the Holiday Activity and Food

Programme this year with £9 million of funding for 10 programmes across 17 local

authority areas. We will announce the names of the successful bidders for this

funding later this month.


Apprentices: Shipping

Emma Hardy: [56136]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to guarantee

maritime apprenticeships in (a) Hull and (b) Dover as a result of plans by P&O Ferries to

make seafarer redundancies on ferries working from those ports.

Emma Hardy: [56137]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a)

maritime and (b) offshore employers are not deterred by the covid-19 pandemic from

recruiting apprentices.

Gillian Keegan:

We have introduced a broad range of flexibilities, including encouraging the remote

delivery of apprenticeships, to ensure that apprentices can continue with their

learning as far as possible and to support the continued take-up of apprenticeships:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-

programme-response/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-apprentices-employers-

training-providers-end-point-assessment-organisations-and-external-quality-

assurance-pro.

Apprenticeships will have an important role to play in creating employment

opportunities, particularly for young people, and in supporting employers in all sectors

to access the skilled workforce that they need to recover and grow, following the

COVID-19 outbreak. Apprenticeship standards available in the maritime sector

include Able Seafarer (Deck) and Marine Pilot.

We are looking to support employers of all sizes, and particularly small businesses,

and in all sectors, including the maritime sector, 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 that want to take on an apprentice this

year.

A substantial package of support for businesses, including the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme ( https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-job-

retention-scheme ), is available to enable people to remain in employment and

reduce redundancies. Where redundancies are made, we will endeavour to provide

comprehensive and practical support to ensure that apprenticeships can continue.

We have launched a new hub for apprentices that offers guidance and information to

support apprentices that may be, or are being, made redundant:

https://help.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/360003798540-

Apprentice. We will continue to review how best to support these apprentices as part

of the wider economic recovery.

Emma Hardy: [57334]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make it his policy to increase the

number of seafarer apprentices.



https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme



https://help.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/hc/en-gb/sections/360003798540-Apprentice




Gillian Keegan:

Employers are at the heart of our reforms to apprenticeships, which include designing

high-quality standards that deliver the skills that employers need and determining

which apprenticeships employers offer and when they offer them. Over 550

employer-designed standards are now available and standards developed by the

maritime sector include Able Seafarer at level 2, Maritime Operations Officer at level

3 and Marine Pilot at level 5. We announced in October 2018 that all new starts

would be on these high-quality standards from 1 August 2020 and almost 75% of new

apprenticeship starts are now on standards.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have introduced a broad range of

flexibilities, including encouraging the remote delivery of apprenticeships, in order to

ensure that apprentices can continue with their learning as far as possible and to

support the continued take up of apprenticeships by employers. The Marine Pilot

Standard is one of the standards where flexibilities to the end point assessment have

been agreed.


opportunities, particularly for young people, and in supporting employers in all sectors

to access the skilled workforce that they need to recover and grow, following the

COVID-19 outbreak. 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 that want to take on an apprentice this year.

Apprentices: Transport

Emma Hardy: [57335]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to increase the

number of apprentices in all sectors of the transport industry over the next five years.

Gillian Keegan:

We are working closely with intermediary bodies in the transport sector to promote

apprenticeships to 55,000 employer members. This includes through campaigns,

events and school and college partnerships. The National Skills Academy for Rail is

supporting employers in the sector to develop new apprenticeship standards,

ensuring employers identify the skills they need for the future. Transport sector

ambassadors are also engaging intermediary bodies to foster commitment to

apprenticeship delivery in the transport sector.


opportunities, particularly for young people, and supporting employers in all sectors,

including transport, to access the skilled workforce they need to recover and grow

post COVID-19. 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.


We continue to work closely with the Department for Transport to support apprentices

in the aviation and aerospace sector.

Coronavirus: Educational Institutions

Dr Dan Poulter: [51841]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that the

transmission rate of covid-19 is low and manageable in (a) nurseries, (b) primary schools,

(c) secondary schools and (d) sixth form colleges.

Nick Gibb:

As a result of the huge efforts everyone has made to adhere to strict social distancing

measures, the transmission rate of COVID-19 has decreased and the Government’s

five tests have been met. Based on all the evidence, the Department asked primary

schools to welcome back children in nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside

priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers), from 1 June.

From 15 June, secondary schools can invite year 10 and 12 pupils (years 10 and 11

for alternative provision schools) back into school for some face-to-face support with

their teachers, to supplement their remote education, which will remain the

predominant mode of education for these pupils this term. Priority groups can

continue to attend full-time.

Ensuring the safety of children, young people, the workforce and families is our

overriding priority, and we have been led by the science in determining when it is safe

to bring children back. We are taking a phased approach to opening up schools and

other education settings to more children, to limit the risk of increasing the rate of

transmission. It is important to underline that all education and childcare settings

remain safe places for children.

The Department has published extensive and detailed guidance for settings, also for

parents and carers, on how to prepare. All of the Department’s COVID-19 guidance

for childcare and educational settings – including that on implementing protective

measures and preparing settings to reopen - can be found in one place on GOV.UK

at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-

schools-and-other-educational-settings.

The measures set out in the protective measures guidance – including the ability to

access the new national test and trace programme - can be seen as a hierarchy of

controls that, when implemented, creates an inherently safer system, where the risk

of transmission of infection is substantially reduced.

We continue to follow the best scientific advice and believe that our cautious, phased

return is the most sensible course of action to take. We will only ask schools and

further education colleges to welcome more children and young people back when

the scientific advice indicates that we can. If necessary, we will ask settings to re-

impose measures.


https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-schools-and-other-educational-settings



Erasmus+ Programme

Emma Hardy: [56134]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the

Chancellor and Home Secretary on the (a) budget for and (b) functioning of, a domestic

alternative to the Erasmus+ scheme.

Emma Hardy: [56135]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether a date for publishing the details of

an alternative scheme to Erasmus+ has been set; and whether any such date will take

into account the need for students to finalise plans to study abroad in September 2020.

Michelle Donelan:

The government remains committed to international exchanges in education, both

with the EU and further afield.

For students planning to study abroad in September 2020, the UK will continue to

participate fully in the current (2014-2020) Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps

(ESC) programmes under the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU. This

means that the projects that have been successfully bid for during the current

programmes will continue to receive EU funding for the full duration of the project,

including for those programmes where funding runs beyond 2020 and the end of the

transition period. Participants who are due to study, train, volunteer or spend time

abroad through Erasmus+ and ESC exchanges will be able to participate fully and for

the full duration of their exchange.

Beyond the 2020/21 academic year, the government remains open to considering

participation in elements of the next Erasmus+ programme, provided that the terms

are in the UK’s interests. Future participation is subject to our ongoing negotiations

with the EU. In parallel, the government is continuing to develop the option for a

domestic alternative to Erasmus+, to ensure that we are prepared for every

eventuality, and will publish information on a possible alternative, if appropriate, in

due course.

Free School Meals

Tulip Siddiq: [56087]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding his Department has

allocated to (a) the free school meals budget, (b) free school meal vouchers and (c)

reimbursing schools for other means of providing free school meals in each week since

20 March 2020.


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate his Department has made of

the cost of funding the continued provision of free school meals over the summer

holidays in 2020.





Vicky Ford:

The department provides free school meals for 1.3 million of the most disadvantaged

children. This funding is equivalent to £2.30 per meal, saving families around £400 a

year. During this period, we are asking schools to support children at home who are

eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals, by providing meals or

food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. However, we

recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all

schools. That is why on 31 March, we launched a national voucher scheme as an

alternative option, with costs covered by the department.

As of Monday 8 June, Edenred has reported that over £139 million worth of voucher

codes has been redeemed into supermarket e-gift cards by schools and families

through the scheme. Edenred has reported that over 17,500 schools had placed

orders for the scheme as of Tuesday 26th May.

We are continuing to provide schools with their expected funding, including funding to

cover benefits-related free school meals and universal infant free school meals,

throughout this period. However, if schools are unable to use the national voucher

scheme and choose an alternative approach, they can be reimbursed through the

exceptional costs fund, where the costs cannot be met from their existing resources.

Further details are available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-

for-schools.

Provision for free school meals is ordinarily term time only. However, during the

Easter holidays and May half term break, the department met the costs of the

national voucher scheme. This was in recognition of the unprecedented levels of

disruption and uncertainty for schools during this time. As schools open more widely,

and their kitchens reopen, we expect schools to make food parcels available for

collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for free school meals who are

not yet able to return to school. Where this is not possible, schools can continue to

offer vouchers to eligible pupils. It is not intended for the national voucher scheme to

run during the summer holidays.

The government has made significant wider support available for children and

families. On 10 June, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, confirmed an

additional £63 million to be distributed to local authorities in England to help those

who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to COVID-19. Thousands

of disadvantaged children will also receive additional support over the summer

through our Holiday Activities and Food programme which offers activities and free

meals. In addition, the government has introduced an uplift to Universal Credit and

Working Tax Credit by around £1,000 a year for the next 12 months as part of an

injection of over £6.5 billion by government into the welfare system. Additionally, the

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are providing £16 million for food support

through charities including FareShare and WRAP.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools



These are rapidly developing circumstances. We continue to keep the situation under

review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2020 to

Question 48566 on Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes, on what date the first e-Code

email that hard bounced was sent prior to being discovered by Edenred on the weekend

starting 2 May 2020; for what reason there was a gap between that discovery and

Edenred contacting schools to alert them to the problem on 7 May 2020; and what

estimate he has made of the number of eligible children who missed out on free school

meals as a result of that issue.

Vicky Ford:

During this period, we are asking schools to support children at home who are eligible

for and claiming benefits-related free school meals by providing meals or food parcels

through their existing food providers wherever possible. However, we recognise that

providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is

why on 31 March, we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option,

with costs covered by the department.

For the national voucher scheme, our supplier, Edenred, has indicated that orders

are processed within four days. The latest information provided by Edenred indicates

that parents and schools are facing minimal or no waiting time for orders that are

placed online, despite continued growth in the number of parents and schools using

the scheme.

We do not hold data regarding the timescale of individual hard bounces, but we can

confirm that Edenred acted promptly upon discovering the issue. On 7 May, Edenred

issued communications to schools with hard bounce backs to let them know that they

had input incorrect parent email addresses. Further to this, in the week commencing

11 May, Edenred issued additional communications to schools to address a number

of incomplete orders which required further action from the schools, and again

highlighted that some orders used incorrect or invalid parent email addresses.

We are continuing to work very closely with Edenred to improve the performance of

the national voucher scheme. The scheme continues to get easier and faster to use,

putting supermarket vouchers into the hands of thousands of families and schools.

The department is closely monitoring the delivery of the national voucher scheme.

However, we do not hold information on provision for each eligible family.

As of Wednesday 3 June, Edenred has reported that over £129 million worth of

voucher codes had been redeemed into supermarket e-gift cards by schools and

families through the scheme. Edenred has reported that over 17,500 schools had

placed orders for the scheme as of Tuesday 26 May.


These are rapidly developing circumstances. We continue to keep the situation under


Further Education and Skilled Workers: Coronavirus

Ian Mearns: [57180]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the

effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the ability of (a) people to access appropriate further

education skills training and (b) of employers to recruit skilled workers to support recovery

after the covid-19 outbreak..

Ian Mearns: [57181]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made on the effect

of covid-19 on the availability of support and training for post-16 students; and whether

his Department plans to publish guidance on post-16 education and training due to begin

in September 2020.

Gillian Keegan:

Training is vital in order to provide the highly skilled workforce that employers need to

support the recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak.

We have supported further education providers and introduced a range of flexibilities,

including encouraging online delivery, so that as many learners as possible can

successfully complete their courses. We have also ensured that furloughed workers

are able to start apprenticeships.

We have frequently engaged with further education providers to monitor the level of

training that they are able to deliver and we have been actively working with them to

address issues. From 15 June, providers should begin to offer some face to face

contact to 16 to 19 learners in the first year of a 2-year study programme. We want to

have all learners back into education settings, as soon as the scientific advice allows,

because it is the best place for them to learn and because we know how important it

is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers and teachers.

We will also continue to work with providers and employers to ensure that they

deliver the skills that our workers and economy need. This includes looking at

ensuring that we support employers, especially small businesses, to take on new

apprentices 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. We have also already announced that we are providing an extra £3 billion

over the course of this Parliament for a new National Skills Fund to help people learn

new skills.

Our latest guidance on COVID-19 for the post-16 sector and all other educational

settings is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-

19-guidance-for-schools-and-other-educational-settings. Guidance for education and

training that is due to begin in September 2020 will be published in due course.






These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under


Further Education: Assessments


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that

practical exams or assignments to assess the skills and safety of students that were due

to take place in further education settings are able to take place.

Gillian Keegan:

It is imperative that as many students as possible receive their results this summer so

they can progress to the next stage in education or employment. The department has

been working closely with Ofqual to agree how this can be done. Some results will be

calculated and some assessments will be adapted. Where a qualification is used to

signal occupational competence, the assessments may need to be delayed, in which

case they should be completed as soon as possible.

Ofqual has published its framework for the awarding of results for vocational and

technical qualifications: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/exceptional-

arrangements-for-assessment-and-grading-in-2020. This framework sets out what

awarding organisations must do to provide results for students who were due to take

assessments this summer.

Ofqual and awarding organisations are working with schools, colleges and other

providers to implement these measures. Ofqual has also published an online

interactive tool -

https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/AllQualifications/summer2020tool/ - which

contains information on how results will be generated for individual qualifications.

Further Education: Shipping

Emma Hardy: [57336]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support his Department provided to

maritime training colleges in England in each of the last five years for which data is

available.

Emma Hardy: [57337]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what funding his Department has allocated

to maritime training colleges in England in each of the last five years for which figures are

available.

Gillian Keegan:

The government funds a range of study programmes for 16 to 19 year olds, and via

the Adult Education Budget (AEB), to help learners gain the skills they need to get

into and progress in work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Additional funding is

available to support apprenticeships.


https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/exceptional-arrangements-for-assessment-and-grading-in-2020



https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/AllQualifications/summer2020tool/

https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/AllQualifications/summer2020tool/



Within this, funding is available for particular qualifications related to maritime studies,

but in general the government does not separately allocate funding to maritime

training colleges as they are a part of different institutions.

Education and Skills Funding Agency funding allocations, for each institution, are

published on GOV.UK for 16 to 19 ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-education-

funding-allocations?mxmroi=2305-8593-35041-0#published-allocations ) and AEB (

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/19-funding-allocations ).

GCSE: Students

Mr Kevan Jones: [51655]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to support external

candidates unable to sit GCSE exams that have been cancelled due to the covid-19

outbreak but who must matriculate to sixth form education in 2020.

Nick Gibb:

The Department anticipates that the vast majority of students will be able to use the

calculated grades they receive in the summer to move on to their next steps.

There may be a relatively small number of students, including some private

candidates, where there is not enough evidence to calculate a grade. The

Department understands that 16 to 19 schools and colleges will consider a range of

other evidence and information for these students to allow them to progress wherever

possible.

Students who are unable to receive a calculated grade will also have the opportunity

to sit exams in the autumn.

History: Education

Dr Rupa Huq: [57301]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make it his policy to include in the

school curriculum mandatory lessons on (a) black history and (b) UK colonial history.

Nick Gibb:

The Department is committed to an inclusive education system which recognises and

embraces diversity and supports all pupils and students to tackle racism and have the

knowledge and tools to do so.

The national curriculum is a framework setting out the content of what the

Department expects schools to cover in each subject. The curriculum does not set

out how curriculum subjects, or topics within the subjects, should be taught. The

Department believes teachers should be able to use their own knowledge and

expertise to determine how they teach their pupils, and to make choices about what

they teach.

As part of a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils should be taught about different

societies, and how different groups have contributed to the development of Britain,

and this can include the voices and experience of Black people. The flexibility within

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-education-funding-allocations?mxmroi=2305-8593-35041-0#published-allocations



https://www.gov.uk/guidance/19-funding-allocations

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/19-funding-allocations



the history curriculum means that there is the opportunity for teachers to teach about

Black history across the spectrum of themes and eras set out in the curriculum. For

example, at Key Stage 1, schools can teach about the lives of key Black historical

figures such as Mary Seacole and Rosa Parks or others; and at Key Stage 3, cover

the development and end of the British Empire and Britain’s transatlantic slave trade,

its effects and its eventual abolition. The teaching of Black history need not be limited

to these examples.

Home Education: Coronavirus

Julian Sturdy: [55680]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made

of participation levels in the home learning curriculum set by schools during the covid-19

lockdown.

Nick Gibb:

The Department is continuing to assess the impact of the potential effect of school

closure on children and young people’s education attainment. We are working closely

with schools and nurseries, sector organisations, international institutions and across

Government to understand the risks to education attainment and wellbeing, and

identify how best to help children and young people make up for the time spent out of

school.

It is up to each school to determine how to deliver education to its pupils and whether

and how to monitor participation. We recognise that many schools have already

shared resources – both online and printed resources – for children who are at home,

and we are committed to ensuring that all children at home can continue to learn

remotely in a number of ways during these very difficult circumstances.

We are supporting sector-led initiatives such as the Oak National Academy – a new

enterprise which has been created by 40 teachers from schools across England. It

will provide 180 video lessons for free each week, across a broad range of subjects,

for every year group from Reception through to year 10. By 24 May, over 2.3 million

users had visited the Oak Academy site and over 10.7 million lessons had been

accessed.

Additionally, the Government has committed over £100 million to boost remote

education, including by providing devices and internet access for those who need it

most, ensuring every school that wants it has access to free, expert technical support

to get set up on Google for Education or Microsoft’s Office 365 Education, and

offering peer support from schools and colleges leading the way with the use of

education technology.

These are rapidly developing circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under



Home Education: Sheffield South East

Mr Clive Betts: [57089]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for each of the secondary schools in

Sheffield South East constituency, how many computers have been provided to date to

allow disadvantaged pupils to study from home.

Nick Gibb:

The Department is providing laptops and tablets to vulnerable and disadvantaged

children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for examinations in

year 10, receiving support from a social worker, including pre-school children, or are

a care leaver. Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school

and disadvantaged children in year 10 do not have internet connections, we are

providing 4G wireless routers.

Local authorities and academy trusts are best placed to identify and distribute the

laptops and tablets to children and young people who need devices. The Department

invited local authorities to order devices for the most vulnerable children first - those

with a social worker and care leavers.

Computer devices are being delivered to local authorities and academy trusts daily

and will continue to be distributed throughout June.

Lifeguards: Qualifications

Daisy Cooper: [58092]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what (a) estimate he has made of the

number of and (b) assessment he has made of the reliability of National Pool Lifeguard

Qualifications; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the

expiry date of those qualifications to support the reopening of swimming pools as covid-

19 restrictions are eased.

Nick Gibb:

This is a matter for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I

have asked its Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, to write to the hon. Member and a copy

of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Primary Education: Assessments

Caroline Lucas: [53381]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to his letter to the honorable

Member for righton, Pavillion dated April 7 2020, reference 2020-0008728POGibb, if he

will publish the basis on which he determined that the Information Commissioner’s Office

was content with the proposals for the reception baseline assessment’s use of data; what

assessment he has made of the compatibility of the contents of that letter with the

statement made by the Information Commissioner on 14 May 2020 that its r review of the

Reception Baseline Assessment's use of data was still ongoing and that it had not made




a definitive decision or made a comment whether we are content or not with this”; and if


Nick Gibb:

The Department submitted an Article 36(4) consultation with the Information

Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in December 2019, where it was confirmed that the ICO

would continue to monitor the reception baseline assessment (RBA) through its

relationship with the officials working on the national pupil database (NPD). The

Department is unaware of any statement made by the Information Commissioner on

14 May 2020 and we have confirmed with the ICO that no statement about the RBA

was made on this date. No comment can therefore be made on this. Information on

the RBA and the RBA privacy notices can be found here: https://www.nfer.ac.uk/for-

schools/participate-in-research/information-about-the-201920-reception-baseline-

assessment-pilot/.

Private Education: Coronavirus

Charlotte Nichols: [52582]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department has issued to

private schools on a timeline for reopening schools following the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb:

Guidance on the wider opening of all schools applies to all schools in England,

including independent schools, can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-

information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-

from-1-june. It includes detailed guidance on how schools can manage and minimise

risks to children, teachers, and their families as they reopen.

We encourage all independent schools to follow the timelines we have outlined for

wider opening and welcome the constructive and supportive approach taken by the

sector throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

At this point, we have asked primary schools to welcome back children in Reception,

year 1 and year 6, alongside the priority groups (vulnerable children and children of

critical workers) that could already attend. While we will be unable to welcome all

primary children back for a month before the summer, we continue to work with all

parts of the education sector on the next steps. We would like to see wider opening to

enable schools that have capacity to do so to bring back more children in the smaller

class sizes before the summer holidays.

As outlined by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister on 24 May, secondary schools

should prepare to invite year 10 and 12 pupils back into school for some face-to-face

support with their teachers from 15 June.


Pupil Premium: Coronavirus

Dr Lisa Cameron: [54125]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an assessment of the

potential merits of introducing a catch-up pupil premium for vulnerable and disadvantaged

children and young people after the covid-19 lockdown.

Vicky Ford:

We will do whatever we can to ensure no child, whatever their background or

location, falls behind as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. So far, we have

committed over £100 million to support remote education. We are providing laptops

and tablets to vulnerable and disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have

access and are preparing for exams in year 10, to those receiving support from a

social worker, including pre-school children, and care leavers. Where care leavers,

children with a social worker at secondary school and disadvantaged children in year

10 do not have internet connections, we will be providing 4G wireless routers to them

so that they can learn at home.

As well as announcing the biggest funding increase for schools in a decade, raising

current levels by £14.4 billion over the next three years, we continue to pay schools

quarterly additional funding worth £2.4 billion each year through the pupil premium to

help them support their disadvantaged pupils. Since April 2020, pupil premium rates

per pupil are at their highest ever.

We are working with partners to explore how schools can use their resources,

including pupil premium, to most effectively support pupils to make up for time spent

out of school.

Pupils: Computers

Matt Western: [58056]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to his oral contribution of 9

June 2020, Official Report, column 180, when the 230,000 laptops for school pupils were

ordered by his Department; and what schedule for delivery has been agreed with the

supplier.


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to his oral contribution of 9

June 2020, Official Report, column 180, what the role of Computacentre is in distributing

laptops to school pupils; on what basis that company was selected for that service; how

much that company is being paid for that programme; and what checks his Department

has conducted on that company's payment of tax in the UK.

Nick Gibb:

The Department has ordered over 200,000 laptops and tablets. This order was

placed on 19 April.

The Department is providing these devices in the shortest possible timeframe. Over

100,000 devices have been delivered to local authorities and academy trusts and




thousands of devices continue to be delivered each day. Laptops and tablets will

continue to be delivered throughout June.

Computacenter is a supplier on a government framework. Computacenter has been

contracted to provide laptops and tablets in order to meet the requirement for

disadvantaged and vulnerable children across England to receive devices to support

remote education and access to social care services during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Further details of the contract are publicly available:

https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e9047eeb-be82-4506-8a97-

448ff0d73cfe.

As with all Government contracts, due diligence checks have been undertaken to

assess the suitability of the supplier.

Schools: Attendance

Afzal Khan: [53598]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) nursery, (b) reception, (c) year

one and (d) year six pupils attended school in England on 1 June 2020.

Afzal Khan: [53599]


one and (d) year six pupils attended school in Greater Manchester on 1 June 2020.

Afzal Khan: [53600]


one and (d) year six pupils attended school in Manchester, Gorton constituency on 1

June 2020.

Nick Gibb:

The closest matching available data on pupil attendance in educational

establishments since 23 March was published on Tuesday 9 June at the following link

and covers data up to Thursday 4 June:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-attendance-in-

education-and-early-years-settings

The data is collected from individual education establishments and the published

figures include estimates for non-response.

Schools: Coronavirus

Abena Oppong-Asare: [52591]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the higher mortality risk

from covid-19 among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, what guidance he is giving

to schools on protecting staff and children from a BAME background and their families

from covid-19; and what support he is giving to schools to enable them to implement that

guidance.

https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/e9047eeb-be82-4506-8a97-448ff0d73cfe






https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings




Nick Gibb:

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. On 2 June, Public Health England published their review into disparities in

the risk and outcomes of COVID-19, which included ethnicity. There is still much work

to do to understand the key drivers of disparities, the relationships between the

different risk factors and what we can do to reduce the impact. The Government is

considering how the review and ongoing work on this issue should inform our

approach. Schools should be especially sensitive to the needs and worries of BAME

members of staff, BAME parents and BAME pupils, and consider if any additional

measures or reasonable adjustments may need to be put in place to mitigate

concerns.

We have provided detailed guidance on implementing protective measure in schools

on GOV.UK: 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.

This includes advice on approaches and actions schools should implement to create

an inherently safer system, where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially

reduced.

Afzal Khan: [53587]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions officials in his Department

have had with representatives from local authorities on the provision of home to school

transport in advance of the reopening of schools on 1 June 2020.

Nick Gibb:

The Department has been in regular contact with local authorities during the period of

partial school closure and in preparation for the phased wider opening of schools

from 1 June, and these conversations will continue. This has included meetings with

representatives of local authority home to school transport teams.

Neil Coyle: [54923]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department has taken to

ensure that the guidance and instructions it has issued to schools in response to the

covid-19 outbreak is consistent and non-contradictory.

Nick Gibb:

The Department for Education is working closely with Public Health England and

others to develop guidance for the education sector on COVID-19.

The Department is engaging closely and constructively with unions, serving school

leaders and other school stakeholder organisations to respond to sector concerns

and support schools as they open for more pupils.

We continue to update our guidance in response to feedback and to ensure it reflects

the most up-to-date information to make sure that teachers, parents and young

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






people are as well-informed as possible in the current rapidly changing

circumstances.

If staff or parents need further advice after reading the guidance on GOV.UK, the

Department has set up a dedicated COVID-19 helpline for queries relating to

education and children’s social care.


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of pupils in (a) nursery

settings, (b) reception, (c) Year 1 and (d) Year 6 returned to school in (i) England and (ii)

York in the week commencing 1 June 2020.

Nick Gibb:

The closest matching available data on pupil attendance in educational

establishments since 23 March was published on Tuesday 9 June at the following link

and covers data up to Thursday 4 June:


education-and-early-years-settings.

The data is collected from individual education establishments and the published

figures include estimates for non-response.

Navendu Mishra: [55133]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether additional Government funding will

be made available to schools to cover the costs those schools have incurred in

responding to the covid-19 crisis.

Nick Gibb:

We are providing additional funding to schools, on top of existing budgets, to cover

unavoidable costs incurred due to the COVID-19 outbreak that cannot be met from

their existing resources.

Schools are eligible to claim for: increased premises related costs associated with

keeping schools open over the Easter and summer half term holidays; support for

free school meals for eligible children who are not in school, where schools are not

using the national voucher scheme; and additional cleaning costs required due to

confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, over and above the cost of existing

cleaning arrangements.

Schools will continue to receive their budgets for the coming year, as usual,

regardless of any periods of partial or complete closure.


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of pupils in each education

authority in England in (a) reception year, (b) Year 1 and (c) Year 6 returned to school in

the week commencing 1 June 2020.







Nick Gibb:

Data on pupil attendance in educational establishments since 23 March was

published on Tuesday 9 June at the following link and covers data up to Thursday 4

June:


education-and-early-years-settings.

The attendance breakdown at a national level for year groups, which was published

on 10 June, can be found in table 3 in the underlying data. The data is collected from

individual education establishments and the published figures include estimates for

non-response.

Schools: Protective Clothing

Karen Bradley: [57971]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools will receive automatic

funding from his Department to cover the cost of personal protective equipment.

Nick Gibb:

We have worked closely with Public Health England (PHE) and stakeholders on our

approach and guidance throughout the Department’s COVID-19 response. In

particular, we have worked with PHE to issue guidance to all schools and nurseries

on a hierarchy of controls which, when implemented, create an inherently safer

system where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced. These

include measures such as ensuring that anyone with symptoms does not attend their

school or nursery, cleaning hands regularly, good respiratory hygiene, regular

cleaning of touched surfaces, minimising contact and mixing and, where needed, use

of personal protective equipment (PPE).

As our guidance details, the majority of staff in schools, nurseries and children’s

social care settings will not require PPE beyond what they would normally need for

their work, even if they are not always able to maintain a distance of 2 metres from

others. PPE is only needed in a very small number of cases, which are set out clearly

in our published guidance.

Schools will continue to receive their core funding allocations through which PPE

should be funded.

The full guidance on safe working in schools, nurseries and children’s social care

settings, including the use of PPE, can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-

and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-

care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe.





https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe




Schools: Social Distancing


To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what

additional funding he is making available to schools to cover the costs of adapting

premises to meet social distancing requirements.

Nick Gibb:

We have made over £200 million in Devolved Formula Capital allocations available to

schools for the financial year 2020-21. Schools can invest this in capital projects to

meet their own priorities. There is, however, no expectation that schools carry out

building works to adapt their premises to support social distancing.

We have published guidance on the additional funding we are providing to schools to

cover unavoidable revenue costs incurred due to the COVID-19 outbreak that cannot

be met from their existing resources. The fund is targeted towards the costs we have

identified as the biggest barrier to schools operating as they need to at this

challenging time.

The cost categories covered by the fund are clearly set out in the guidance –

increased premises related costs of opening over school holidays; support for free

school meals for eligible children who are not in school, where schools are not using

the national voucher scheme; and additional cleaning costs relating to cases or

suspected cases of COVID-19, above the cost of existing cleaning arrangements.

Details are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-

covid-19-financial-support-for-schools/school-funding-exceptional-costs-associated-

with-coronavirus-covid-19-for-the-period-march-to-july-2020

Universities: Coronavirus

Stephen Hammond: [55669]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what financial support he plans to allocate to

universities that lose income due to the loss of international student fees during the covid-

19 outbreak.

Stephen Hammond: [55670]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he plans to take to ensure the

continued viability of subject-specialist universities after the covid-19 outbreak.

Michelle Donelan:

The government recognises that the COVID-19 outbreak is bringing significant

financial challenges to the higher education (HE) sector and we have been working

closely with the sector, including specialist providers, to monitor its likely impacts.

On 4 May 2020, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education,

announced a package of measures to ensure sustainability in HE at a time of

unprecedented uncertainty.


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-schools/school-funding-exceptional-costs-associated-with-coronavirus-covid-19-for-the-period-march-to-july-2020






We will stabilise the admissions system and pull forward tuition fee payments,

expected to be worth £2.6 billion, for HE providers so that they receive more cash in

the first term of the 2020/21 academic year. This will have no impact on students but

will allow providers to better manage financial risks over the autumn. This will be

available to all providers across the UK.

In reprofiling these payments, we are clear in our expectation that providers should

use the cashflow benefits appropriately, taking significant steps to improve

efficiencies and manage their finances in order to avoid cashflow problems in the

future. Reprofiling in this way is a one-off intervention for the autumn term only, to

help providers take all necessary steps now to prepare for the future.

On Friday 5 June, the department announced Sir Steve Smith as the International

Education Champion, a key deliverable of the 2019 International Education Strategy.

Sir Steve will assist with opening up export growth opportunities for the whole UK

education sector, tackling international challenges such as those posed to attracting

international students and forging lasting global connections.

In England, we will also bring forward £100 million of quality-related research funding

for providers to the current academic year to help to address some of the immediate

pressures faced by university research activities.

The department will consider purchasing land and buildings where they can be used

for new or expanding schools and colleges in England. This will take place as part of

existing programmes and using established procedures. This financial year (across

purchases from all suitable vendors and including but not limited to HE providers), we

have budgeted up to £100 million to acquire sites for planned projects in England.

Details are available on GOV.UK at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-

and-students.

The government has also confirmed that providers are eligible to apply for its support

packages, including business loan support schemes. The Office for Students (OfS),

the regulator in England, estimates that this could be worth at least £700 million to

the sector. We will only intervene further where we believe there is a case to do so

and where we believe that intervention is possible and appropriate and as a last

resort.

In such instances, we will work with providers to review their circumstances and to

assess the need for restructuring and any attached conditions. The department will

be working with HM Treasury and other government departments and with the

devolved administrations to develop this restructuring regime.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students



ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agricultural Shows: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what joint working

officials in his Department are undertaking with officials in the (a) Department for

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (b) Department for Digital, Culture, Media

and Sport on providing financial support for agricultural and country shows.

Rebecca Pow:

We regularly engage with other departments across Government in supporting the

interests of rural business. The Government has made available a full range of

support measures to businesses during these unprecedented times, including the

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme,

the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and Bounce Back Loans. These

schemes are available to businesses based in rural areas.

Carbon Emissions


To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to

the Government's target of the UK achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, what

assessment he has made of the potential merits of including the carbon emissions of

imported products in the calculation of the UK's carbon emissions.

Rebecca Pow:

Defra produces annual estimates of the UK’s carbon footprint. The latest data was

published on 4 May 2020: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uks-carbon-footprint.

These are consumption-based emissions and include the emissions embedded in

imported products. However, consumption emissions are officially categorised as

“experimental statistics” because of inherent uncertainties in the estimates produced.

The UK’s greenhouse gas emissions statistics used for the purposes of measuring

progress against the net zero target are calculated in line with the standard

international accounting approach for measuring emissions as established by the

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Fish: Consumption

John Redwood: [53986]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is

taking with the UK fishing sector to encourage consumption of fish caught by that sector

throughout the UK.

Victoria Prentis:

UK food is renowned for its quality, and high standards of food safety, traceability,

animal welfare and sustainability. Defra will always champion UK producers and

support them in producing more of our great British food, including seafood.




Defra is currently working in partnership with Seafish on the Sea For Yourself

campaign, an initiative to promote seafood species caught in UK waters.

The campaign directs consumers across the UK to the Fish is the Dish website, with

tips and recipes to show consumers how they can cook these species, as well as to

information on online sales to direct them to websites where they can buy local fish

and shellfish.

The campaign launched in March, was set up to support the fishing industry to

encourage people to eat and buy UK seafood. Following our exit from the EU, we are

taking steps to raise awareness of the wide number of species and opportunities that

can be found in UK waters.

Defra has also announced a £1 million Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme to help

seafood businesses in England sell their products locally and nationally. Managed by

the Marine Management Organisation, the scheme has already allocated close to

£900,000 to help increase the supply and consumption of domestically caught

seafood in markets across England.

Flood Control: Finance


To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will increase

spending on flood defences in line with the recommendations of the 2007 Pitt Review.


To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment

he has made of trends in the level of allocation of Government funding for flood defences

since 2007; if he will make a comparative assessment of the allocation of such funding

and the prevalence of flooding incidents in each year since 2007; and if he will make a

statement.

Rebecca Pow:

The Government is currently investing £2.6 billion between 2015-2021 to deliver

more than 1,000 flood defence projects to better protect 300,000 homes by 2021.

Overall funding for flood defences nationally has increased steadily in real terms

since 2005/06, from an annual average of £671 million between 2005/06 and 2009/10

to an annual average of £821 million for the period 2014/15 to 2018/19.This is on top

of £1 billion to maintain flood defence assets between 2015 and 2020. This is an

increase in real terms when compared to the average of £812 million over the

previous five years.

At the Budget in March, it was confirmed that Government will double the amount it

invests in the flood and coastal defence programme in England to £5.2 billion over six

years from 2021, better protecting a further 336,000 properties, including 290,000

homes. Additional funding of £200 million will help over 25 local areas to take forward

wider innovative actions that improve their resilience to flooding and coastal erosion.



Defra’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Partnership Funding policy was introduced in

2011 following the recommendations of Sir Michael Pitt’s review of widespread

flooding in 2007. It was a move away from the previous approach whereby the

Government would fully fund some schemes but once that money was committed no

further schemes were funded.

On 17 April 2020, Defra and the EA announced and published an update to the

Partnership Funding Policy, which comprised 4 technical changes to this policy,

including an intention to launch a consultation later this year (2020) on floods funding

policy to gather insights from across the country. These views will help to further

develop our floods funding vision for the future.

Fly-tipping

Peter Gibson: [56169]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take

steps to strengthen local authority powers on tackling fly tipping from (a) members of the

public and (b) commercial operators.

Rebecca Pow:

Fly-tipping is unacceptable and illegal wherever it occurs. It blights local communities

and the environment and is an issue we are committed to tackling.

We have recently provided local authorities with enhanced enforcement powers to

tackle fly-tipping. Since January 2019 local authorities have been able to issue fixed

penalty notices (FPNs) of up to £400 to householders who fail in their duty of care

and give their waste to fly-tippers. We had previously given local authorities the

power to issue FPNs to those who were caught fly-tipping.

We have also given local authorities, that are also waste collection authorities, the

power to search and or seize vehicles that they suspect have been involved, are

involved or are about to be involved in fly-tipping and other waste crimes.

Going forward, we are seeking powers in the Environment Bill to ensure agencies

and authorities can work more effectively to combat waste crime through better

access to evidence and improved powers of entry.

In addition to enhancing enforcement powers, we committed in the Resources and

Waste Strategy (RWS) to develop a fly-tipping toolkit to help local authorities and

others work in partnership to tackle fly-tipping. The RWS is available at

www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-andwaste-strategy-for-england.

Locusts: Africa and South Asia

Ian Lavery: [54113]


he has made of the effect of recent locust swarms in Africa and South Asia on the supply

of imported food into the UK.


http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-andwaste-strategy-for-england

http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-andwaste-strategy-for-england


Victoria Prentis:

We continuously monitor a range of regularly reported and publicly available statistics

and data on supply of food to the UK. Through these close observations, we are

aware of how locust swarms are affecting parts of Africa and Asia, and their impact

on the countries affected. There is currently no specific impact on trade volumes as a

direct result of the locust swarms.

We are also including a new requirement in the Agriculture Bill for the UK

Government to report on food security to Parliament at least once every five years,

demonstrating the importance we place on this subject. The report will contain

information on food supply including the role of strong domestic production alongside

diverse sources of supply. The report is a major undertaking and will draw evidence

from a wide range of sources including an analysis of the key trends.

The UK has a robust and reliable food industry that is experienced in dealing with

scenarios that can affect food supply, from adverse weather damaging crops to

transport issues abroad. The size and diversity of the industry is a key factor in

enabling the food sector to remain resilient to food supply chain disruptions. The

expertise, capability, levers and resilience to plan for and respond to food supply

disruption lies within the industry.

The Government has well established ways of working with the food industry on

potential disruptions to the supply chain, and we will continue to work closely with

stakeholders and industry to support preparations for a range of scenarios. We also

engage widely with international partners to share information and good practice

guidance regarding the security and resilience of food supply.

Waste Disposal: Applications


To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the average

length of time was for the Environment Agency to process a waste permit application

from point of first application to final determination in each of the last two years; and what

proportion of waste permit applications took longer than six months to process.


To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many and

what proportion of waste permit applications have taken longer than 12 months to

process from point of first application to final determination in each of the last two years.

Rebecca Pow:

The Environment Agency prepares data for reports by Financial Year and this

response includes information between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2020.

Cumulatively, over the last two years, 6.3% (166 of 2,639) of waste permit

applications took longer than 12 months to determine.

Between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019, 6.5% (85 of 1,308) of waste permit






Cumulatively, over the last two years the average length of time taken to determine a

waste permit application is 129 days. This is broken down by reporting year as

follows:

Between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019 it was 131 days. Between 1 April 2019 and

31 March 2020 it was 128 days.

Cumulatively, over the last two years 21.2% (560 of 2,639) of waste permit

applications took longer than six months to determine. This is broken down by

reporting year as follows.


applications took longer than six months to determine.


applications took longer than six months to determine.



he has made of the (a) length of potential delays in processing waste permit applications

at the Environment Agency and (b) potential effect of those delays on investment in new

waste processing facilities.

Rebecca Pow:

No assessment has been made of potential delays in processing waste permit

applications at the Environment Agency or the potential effect of those delays on

investment in new waste processing facilities. Each application is considered on its

own merit and discussed with the individual applicant, and it is important they are

assessed thoroughly.

Welfare Assistance Schemes

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: [57983]


the £63 million of local welfare assistance to be used by local authorities announced by

the Prime Minister on 10 June 2020 , what his timescale is for (a) publishing guidance on

use of that funding and (b) making that funding available.

Victoria Prentis:

Defra will distribute the funding directly to local authorities to ensure they can support

people facing severe financial difficulty who may be struggling to afford food and

other necessities. Local authorities set the criteria for eligibility for welfare assistance

schemes. We recognise that local authorities have set up different structures and

schemes to support their communities during COVID-19 according to local need.

This funding is a one-off boost to local authorities in recognition of the fact that some

people in our communities are facing sudden and severe financial difficulties. The



COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary event and it is right that we take

extraordinary measures in response to it.

Neil Gray: [57984]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how the additional

£63 million funding for the Welfare Assistance Fund announced at Prime Minister’s

Questions on 10 June 2020 is being funded; when it will become available; and for how

long that funding will be made available.

Neil Gray: [57985]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much of the

additional £63 million funding for the Welfare Assistance Fund announced at Prime

Minister’s Questions on 10 June 2020 will be made available to local authorities in

Scotland; and if she will make a statement.

Neil Gray: [57987]


the announcement by the Prime Minister on 10 June 2020 of a £63 million welfare

assistance fund in response to the covid-19 outbreak, how her Department plans to

distribute that fund among local authorities; and if she will make a statement.

Neil Gray: [57988]


the announcement by the Prime Minister on 10 June 2020 of a £63 million welfare

assistance fund in response to the covid-19 outbreak, whether people who have no

recourse to public funds will be eligible for that fund in each local authority; and if she will

make a statement.

Victoria Prentis:

To support those people who are facing severe financial difficulties during this crisis,

the Government has announced further funding of £63 million to be given to and

disbursed by local authorities in England. This will ensure that the most vulnerable

families can afford food and other essentials. This funding will sit alongside the £6.5

billion of extra support the Government is providing through the benefits system to

protect the most vulnerable throughout this crisis.

The additional £63 million will be for local authorities to spend at their discretion and

at the pace which suits the needs of their community. The money will be distributed

through a Section 31 grant. Funding arrangements will be finalised shortly. Most local

authorities already operate these schemes and understand the legal context within

which they operate, including entitlement for those with no recourse to public funds.

Zoos: Coronavirus

Andrew Rosindell: [54018]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what financial

support his Department plans to provide to zoological institutions which have been






affected by the covid-19 outbreak to ensure that they can continue their conservation and

animal welfare work.

Victoria Prentis:

I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friend, the Member for North

Devon, Selaine Saxby, on 27 April 2020, PQ UIN 37936, the hon. Member for

Dunfermline and West Fife, Douglas Chapman, on 11 May 2020, PQ UIN 43675 and

the hon. Member for York Central, Rachael Maskell on 19 May 2020, PQ UIN 45322.

The Zoos Support Fund is open for applications until 19 July 2020.

As announced by the Prime Minister on 10 June, outdoor areas of zoos and safari

parks will be allowed to reopen from 15 June, subject to appropriate social distancing

measures being in place. This includes keeping indoor exhibitions, such as reptile

houses and those in aquariums, closed, and ensuring other amenities like cafes offer

take-away services only.

The move follows close work by the Government with the zoo industry to ensure

visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards are put in place.

The decision to relax restrictions on these select outdoor attractions is part of the

Government’s careful approach to easing the lockdown in phases, guided by the

advice of scientific and medical experts and the fact the risk of transmission is much

lower outdoors.

Officials continue to meet weekly with BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos

and Aquariums) and with the CEOs of the largest charitable zoos and aquariums in

England providing a valuable forum to monitor concerns and seek insights from key

sector representatives on current issues.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

Bahrain: Huddersfield University

Martyn Day: [57299]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the

Answer of 9 March 2020 to Question 25129, whether his Department was consulted by

the University of Huddersfield on or subsequent to the establishment of an MSc in

Security Science reserved for students at Bahrain's Royal Academy of Policing.

James Cleverly:

There have been no consultations between HMG and the University of Huddersfield

about its provision of an MSc in Security Science exclusively to students at the Royal

Academy of Policing.


British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: [55986]


Answer of 18 May 2020 to Question 46666 on British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus, of

the 150 charter flights delivered by the Government to support repatriation efforts, from

which countries charter flights have been commissioned by the Government to repatriate

British citizens; and if he will publish the (a) date, (b) starting location and (c) final

destination of each such charter flight.

Nigel Adams:

I refer you to the answer of PQ 46666.

Chile: Human Rights and Torture


To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions

he has had with his Chilean counterpart on UN reports of (a) torture and (b) other human

rights violations by Chilean state agents.

Wendy Morton:

The UK Government shares the concerns of the UN about events that have occurred

in Chile. 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 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, if appropriate, perpetrators

will be prosecuted. Our Embassy in Santiago remains in close contact with the

Chilean authorities and will continue to monitor the situation.

China: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what

representations he has made to his Chinese counterpart on releasing prisoners of

conscience Gedhun Choekyi Nyimain, Hu Chigen and Bishop James Zhumin due to the

risk of covid-19 to detainees in overcrowded prisons.

Nigel Adams:

The risk of the spread of COVID-19 in places of detention is a matter of concern

around the world. We will continue to engage closely with the Chinese authorities on

the COVID-19 crisis. We pay close attention to the human rights situation in Tibet,

and raise our concerns with the Chinese authorities.




Coronavirus: Travel Information

Mark Pritchard: [55668]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what travel will be

classed as essential under the terms of his Department's covid-19 Exceptional Travel

Advisory Notice.

Nigel Adams:

Since 17 March, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all but

essential travel globally due to the unprecedented international border closures and

other restrictions currently in place in response to the global pandemic.

Whether travel is essential or not is a personal decision. Travellers may have urgent

family or business commitments to attend to. Circumstances differ from person to

person. Only individuals can make an informed decision based on the risks.

Current Her Majesty's Government guidance also states that members of the public

should not stay overnight away from their own home, except for in a limited set of

circumstances, such as for work purposes.

We are monitoring the international situation very closely and keeping all our travel

advice under constant review to ensure it reflects the latest situation on the ground

and our assessment of risk to British people.

Germany: USA


To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what notice was

given to the Government by the US Administration of its intention to cut the number of US

troops in Germany by almost one-third; and what representations the Government have

made on this proposal (a) directly and (b) via NATO to President Trump (i) before and (ii)

since its announcement.

Wendy Morton:

The UK Government does not comment on speculation. The United States and

United Kingdom are strong partners and allies, with a uniquely close and active

defence and security partnership. Ministers and officials regularly engage with the US

on a wide range of security issues, both bilaterally and in NATO, including the

deployment of US troops in Europe.

Huddersfield University: Bahrain

Martyn Day: [58027]


Answer of 9 March 2020 to Question 25129 on Bahrain: Huddersfield University, whether

her Department was consulted by the University of Huddersfield on or subsequent to their

establishment of an MSc in Security Science reserved for students at Bahrain's Royal





James Cleverly:

There have been no consultations between HMG and the University of Huddersfield

about its provision of an MSc in Security Science exclusively to students at the Royal


Human Rights: Sanctions

Lisa Nandy: [57190]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to

the United States' Magnitsky Act, what progress the Government is making on

introducing a UK autonomous global human rights sanctions regime.

Nigel Adams:

As the Foreign Secretary said in a Statement on Tuesday 2 June, we intend to bring

the global human rights sanctions regulations before the House before the Summer

recess. This legislation would allow us to impose sanctions in response to serious

human rights violations or abuses around the world.

Immigrants: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is

on the return to the UK of people with leave to remain in the UK.

Nigel Adams:

Our objective remains to bring home British travellers who want to return to the UK,

as soon as possible. From the outset, our priority for the charter flight programme has

been getting British travellers home. But after we launched the charter flight

programme, it became clear that there were people with Indefinite Leave to Remain

(ILR) who normally reside in the UK and wanted to get back, particularly in India and

Pakistan. Where possible, we are working to help vulnerable UK residents with ILR

provided that they have lived in the UK within the last year. This is beyond the scope

of our standard consular assistance, where such assistance is usually just for British

nationals, but these are exceptional times.

Israel: Palestinians


To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent

discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the Middle East peace

process.

James Cleverly:

We continue to work closely with international partners strongly advocating a two

state solution and encouraging a return to meaningful negotiations between both

parties. I have continued to encourage the Palestinians to offer their own detailed

proposals for a settlement, and to find a means of restarting discussions with the US.

I did so with Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh on 3 May and in a virtual meeting of




the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee with Israel, the Palestinians, and the international

community on 2 June. As well as, most recently, on 4 June when I met with Shtayyeh

and Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki during my virtual visit to the Occupied Palestinian

Territories. The Foreign Secretary discussed the Middle East peace process and our

opposition to the unilateral annexation of territory during calls with Alternate Israeli

Prime Minister Gantz on 20 May, Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry on 21 May,

Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi on 28 May and Israeli Foreign Minister Ashkenazi

on 2 June.

Kazakhstan: Coronavirus

Jim Shannon: [55974]


representations he has made to the Government of Kazakhstan on the release of 24

Muslims who have been jailed for up to eight years for exercising their freedom of religion

or belief, in response to the risk of covid-19 in overcrowded prisons in that country.

Wendy Morton:

The UK is a strong supporter of human rights in Kazakhstan. The Foreign and

Commonwealth Office, including through our embassy in Nur-Sultan, has raised, and

will continue to raise, with the Kazakh authorities the importance of taking steps to

protect and respect individuals' rights to exercise Freedom of Religion or Belief. We

will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Chris Bryant: [55891]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the

Government plans to introduce (a) additional sanctions and (b) other measures in relation

to (i) the Russian Wagner Group and (ii) other groups operating in Libya in violation of

international law.

James Cleverly:

The UK is deeply concerned about reports of Russian Wagner Group personnel and

other external actors operating in Libya. We take seriously violations of International

Humanitarian Law and breaches of sanctions, including the UN arms embargo. We

continue to stress to all states the necessity of complying with and enforcing

international law. The UK carefully considers all reports of sanctions breaches,

including the reports of the UN Panel of Experts, and regularly reviews sanctions

measures.

Mubarak Bala



representations he has made to his Nigerian counterpart on the arrest of Mubarak Bala,

President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, on 28 April 2020.




James Duddridge:

The UK Government is monitoring the arrest of Mr Bala closely. I raised Mr Bala's

case with the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs on 21 May. Our High Commission in

Abuja has also discussed the case with the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

Police. The recent update from the Nigerian authorities is that Mr Bala has been

charged with 'insulting contempt of religious creed and insulting public disturbances'

under the penal code and racist and xenophobic offences under the cybercrime act.

The charges are made under Kano State Law.

The Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Rehman

Chishti MP, is also engaged and has raised this matter with international

counterparts. On 6 May, Mr Chishti spoke to the Chief Executive of Humanists UK

and stressed the UK's close monitoring of the case. The Minister of State responsible

for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, also discussed Mr Bala's case

with the Chief Executive of Humanists UK on 20 May.

We will continue to stress the importance of a transparent investigation that respects

Mr Bala's human rights, the rule of law, and the Nigerian constitutional right to

freedom of religion or belief. Defending freedom of religion or belief for all remains a

UK policy priority and we will continue to use our voice internationally to protect this

human right, championed by Mr Chishti.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Olivia Blake: [58108]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent

discussions he has had with his Iranian counterpart on securing the release of Nazanin

Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

James Cleverly:

The permanent release of all arbitrarily detained dual nationals in Iran and their return

to their families in the UK remains our top priority. While the further extension of Mrs

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's temporary release is a welcome step, we continue to urge the

Iranian Government to make it permanent so she can return to her family in the UK

and will continue to raise this at the highest levels with Iran. The Foreign Secretary

raised this with Foreign Minister Zarif on 16 March and I raised this with the Iranian

Ambassador on 26 March. Our Ambassador in Tehran consistently raises all of our

dual national detainees with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Richard Solomon Tarfa



representations he has made to his Nigerian counterpart on the imprisonment of

Professor Richard Solomon Tarfa on 25 December 2019.



James Duddridge:

The British High Commission in Abuja has raised Professor Tarfa's case with the

National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria and the Kano State authorities. The

UK Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Rehman Chishti

MP, has also raised the case at a senior level within the Federal Government. We

have repeatedly underlined the importance of an open and transparent legal process

for Mr Tarfa, in accordance with Nigerian law and international human rights

standards.

Ukraine: Peace Negotiations

Catherine West: [58039]

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the

Government is taking to (a) facilitate the peace process in Ukraine and (b) support the

implementation of reforms in Ukraine in line with the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.

Wendy Morton:

The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and

to helping Ukraine build a strong economy, strong institutions and counter Russian

aggression. We welcome President Zelensky's commitment to ending the conflict in

eastern Ukraine. We have been clear on the importance of finding a diplomatic

solution and continue to support the Minsk agreements, as well as the work of

Germany and France within the Normandy Format. We continue to call on Russia to

play its part to end the conflict by immediately ceasing its support for the armed

formations it backs and fulfilling its obligations under the Minsk agreements. We

repeatedly raise with Russia the need to use its influence over its proxies to ensure

unrestricted access for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and humanitarian

organisations. Continued discussions are fundamental for further progress towards

peace.

In common with the EU and other like-minded partners, the UK continues to provide

substantial assistance to strengthen Ukraine's democracy and institutions, and to

support implementation of Ukraine's reform programme. In July 2017, we hosted the

inaugural Ukraine Reform Conference, launching a series of annual reform

conferences. For 2020/21, the UK has allocated over £40 million of programme

support, with at least £12 million through the Good Governance Fund to help Ukraine

deliver economic and governance reforms, including in the context of Ukraine's

aspirations towards EU and NATO integration. This work includes initiatives to tackle

corruption, deliver sustainable economic development and strengthen democracy.

The UK is working to protect citizens affected by the conflict, develop peace-building

expertise and promote social cohesion and resilience. This year we are focused on

supporting Ukraine to mitigate and address the secondary implications of COVID-19

on conflict and stability.


Ukraine: Religious Freedom


To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment

he has made of the level of freedom of religion or belief in the (a) Donetsk People’s

Republic and (b) Luhansk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine.

Wendy Morton:

The Government is deeply concerned about violations of Freedom of Religion or

Belief in many parts of the world. It is a universal human right for all people to be able

to practise their faith or belief without fear or discrimination. This is an issue that the

UK has long championed, including through the Prime Minister's appointment of

Rehman Chishti MP as his Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. In the

self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" in

eastern Ukraine, we are extremely concerned by reports of such infringements

including the seizing and sealing of churches and other places of worship, forced

cancellation of services and arrests and harassment of clergy.

This is part of a wider pattern of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by

Russia's proxies in the non-government controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. We

continue to call on Russia to use its considerable influence over them to ensure

respect for all international human rights, to fully implement recommendations

contained in the reports of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

(OHCHR) and grant unhindered access for international humanitarian organisations.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Martyn Day: [53533]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is

collecting data on patients that have had their treatment options (a) changed and (b)

paused as a result of the covid-19 outbreak to ensure that the effect of those changes are

appropriately (i) tracked and (ii) recorded.

Edward Argar:

Data is not available in the format requested.

Coronavirus: Mental Health

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: [54207]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his

Department has made of the potential effect of prolonged social isolation on the mental

wellbeing of the general public.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

We are working with the National Health Service and Public Health England, service

users, academics and the voluntary sector to gather evidence and assess the




potential longer-term mental health impacts of COVID-19 and plan for how to support

the public’s mental health and wellbeing throughout the ‘recovery’ phase.

Mental health services remain open and are working to support people with mental

health problems through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond and, on 22 April, the

Government launched a major effort to tackle loneliness due to social isolation during

the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure that, for people of all ages and backgrounds,

staying at home does not need to lead to loneliness.

Department of Health and Social Care: Buildings

Rachel Hopkins: [54300]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer on 15

May to Question 43779 on Civil Servants, in how many multi-hub locations employees of

his Department are working together with employees of another Department or agency in

London managed by the Government Property Agency; what the addresses are of those

locations; and what other Departments and agencies employ staff at those locations.

Edward Argar:

The Department does not have any employees in London located in properties

managed by the Government Property Agency.

Department of Health and Social Care: Written Questions

Dame Diana Johnson: [54047]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to respond to

Question 38442, submitted on 21 April 2020, by the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull

North.

Jo Churchill:

The hon. Member’s question was answered on 3 June.

Maternity Services: Immigrants

Mohammad Yasin: [56105]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate he has

made of the number of non-EU nationals who cannot (a) leave the UK during the covid-

19 outbreak and (b) afford access to NHS maternity treatment.

Edward Argar:

[Holding answer 11 June 2020]: The Department does not collect or hold data on the

number of non-European Union nationals who cannot leave the United Kingdom

during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Department does not collect or hold data on the number of non-EU nationals

who have been charged for National Health Service maternity care but are unable to

pay.




Mental Health Act 1983

Munira Wilson: [55124]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when his Department plans to

publish the White Paper on reforming the Mental Health Act 1983.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

[Holding answer 10 June 2020]: We have committed to publishing a White Paper

which will set out the Government’s response to Sir Simon Wessely’s Independent

Review of the Mental Health Act 1983 and pave the way for reform of the Act.

We will publish our White Paper as soon as it is possible to do so. We will consult

publicly on our proposals and will bring forward a Bill to amend the Act when

parliamentary time allows.

Mental Health Services


To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many new referrals there

were to NHS secondary mental health services in March and April 2020 compared to the

same period in 2019.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

The information requested is shown in the following table.

ENGLAND MARCH 2019 APRIL 2019 MARCH 2020 APRIL 2020 2

Referrals to

mental health

services starting

in reporting period 1

321,326 303,373 297,516 Not yet available

Source: Mental Health Services Data Set, NHS Digital 3

Notes:

1 A person may have had more than one referral within any given period.

2 Data for April 2020 are still being collected and analysed.

3 Caution should be made when comparing data as the coverage of the Mental

Health Services Data Set has increased with 266 providers submitting data in March

2020 compared to 171 providers in March 2019.


To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many new referrals there

were to NHS secondary mental health services in March and April (a) 2020 and (b) 2019.




Ms Nadine Dorries:

[Holding answer 10 June 2020]: The information requested is shown in the following

table.

ENGLAND MARCH 2019 APRIL 2019 MARCH 2020 APRIL 2020 2

Referrals to

mental health

services starting

in reporting period 1

321,326 303,373 297,516 Not yet available

Source : Mental Health Services Data Set, NHS Digital 3

Notes :

1 A person may have had more than one referral within any given period.

2 Data for April 2020 are still being collected and analysed.

3 Caution should be made when comparing data as the coverage of the Mental

Health Services Data Set has increased with 266 providers submitting data in March

2020 compared to 171 providers in March 2019.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People


To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to

ensure that child and adolescent mental health service can meet the needs of children

and young people when covid-19 lockdown is fully lifted.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

National Health Service mental health services have remained open, and services

have deployed digital tools to connect with people and provide ongoing support.

We expect mental health services to liaise with local partners to ensure referral

routes are understood, particularly where children and young people are not at

school.

NHS England has asked all mental health trusts to ensure there are 24 hours a day,

seven days a week open access telephone lines for urgent NHS mental health

support, advice and triage for all ages through a single point of access.

Mental Health Services: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: [54049]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made

of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on access to (a) improving access to psychological

therapies, (b) child and adolescent mental health services and (c) community mental

health services.



Ms Nadine Dorries:

[Holding answer 8 June 2020]: The Government and NHS England and NHS

Improvement recognise that the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are

significant and are working closely with mental health providers to ensure those who

need them have access to mental health services.

Our community mental health services, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies

services and children and young people’s services have remained open for business

throughout this time and are working to support people with mental health issues

through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, deploying innovative digital tools to

connect with people and provide ongoing support.

For those with severe needs or in crisis, NHS England has instructed all National

Health Service mental health trusts to establish 24 hours a day, seven days a week

mental health crisis lines for urgent NHS mental health support, advice and triage for

people of all ages through a single point of access.

Mental Health Services: Nurses

Dr Dan Poulter: [57170]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) individual and (b)

full-time equivalent registered mental health nurses have been working for NHS provider

organisations in (i) each year since 2009-10 and (ii) 2020-21.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

NHS Digital publishes Hospital and Community Health Services workforce statistics.

These include staff working in hospital trusts and clinical commissioning groups, but

not staff working in primary care or in general practitioner surgeries, local authorities

or other providers.

The following table shows the number of mental health nurses as at September each

year since 2009 and as at February 2020, the latest available data, full time

equivalent (FTE) and headcount.

MENTAL HEALTH NURSES, FTE

MENTAL HEALTH NURSES,

HEADCOUNT

September 2009 40,602 50,844

September 2010 40,247 50,028

September 2011 39,024 48,061

September 2012 38,135 46,395

September 2013 37,397 45,143

September 2014 36,581 44,073

September 2015 35,671 43,169


MENTAL HEALTH NURSES, FTE

MENTAL HEALTH NURSES,

HEADCOUNT

September 2016 35,488 42,959

September 2017 35,390 42,941

September 2018 35,835 43,539

September 2019 36,696 44,610

February 2020 37,388 45,657

Mental Health Services: Staff

Yasmin Qureshi: [54077]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has

made of the extent of staff shortages in the NHS mental health workforce; and what steps

his Department is taking to tackle those shortages.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

Expanding the mental health workforce is a key priority for the Government. We

understand the need to get the right workforce in place to deliver our ambitious

commitments to transform mental health services and, most importantly, achieve

better outcomes for the people we are here to serve.

Our interim NHS People Plan set out immediate actions we will take to fill vacancies

and secure the staff we need for the future – including addressing pensions tax

concerns, increasing university clinical placements for all nursing specialities by over

5,000 more and bolstering the workforce through greater international recruitment.

In response to ‘Stepping forward to 2020/21: The mental health workforce plan for

England’, the overall mental health workforce has grown by over 6,000 individuals

since March 2017.

Mental Health: White Papers


To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish the

White Paper on mental health.


To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government plans

to implement all of the recommendations from the Independent Review of the Mental

Health Act 1983.




Ms Nadine Dorries:

We have committed to publishing a White Paper which will set out the Government’s

response to Sir Simon Wessely’s Independent Review of the Mental Health Act 1983

and pave the way for reform of the Act.

We will publish our White Paper as soon as it is possible to do so. We will consult

publicly on our proposals and will bring forward a Bill to amend the Act when

parliamentary time allows.

Oxygen: Care Homes

Navendu Mishra: [52588]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to

ensure that nursing homes and care homes receive the oxygen supplies they require.

Edward Argar:

Where care or nursing home residents are assessed as requiring oxygen by their

health care professional, either an oxygen concentrator or oxygen cylinders will be

installed by the regional Home Oxygen Service (HOS) provider, who also deliver

training on proper use. The HOS provider is then responsible for the ongoing

maintenance of the concentrator or replacement of oxygen cylinders as needed. The

HOS contracts in England require HOS providers to deliver the equipment within four

hours in urgent cases. All the HOS providers have maintained their service levels

throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period and supply chains have remained

resilient.

Suicide: Males

Martyn Day: [54973]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to

reduce the risk of suicide in middle-aged men on low incomes; and if he will make a

statement.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

The NHS Long Term Plan’s Mental Health Implementation Plan sets out our plans to

invest £57 million in suicide prevention. This will see investment in all areas of the

country by 2023/24 to support local suicide prevention plans and establish suicide

bereavement support services. We have worked with NHS England to ensure that

local areas use this funding to test approaches to reaching and engaging men.

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy highlights men, and especially middle-aged

and young men, as a group at high risk of suicide, and in January 2019, we published

the first cross-Government suicide prevention workplan. It includes sections on

tailoring prevention approaches towards reducing suicide risk in high-risk groups

such as men.



Surgical Mesh Implants: Compensation

Mr Kevan Jones: [55665]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussion (a) he, (b)

Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had with their

counterparts in the Treasury on plans to introduce a compensation fund for people

affected by mesh implants.

Ms Nadine Dorries:

We are currently awaiting the report of the Independent Medicines and Medical

Devices Safety Review, which is expected on 8 July.

The Review is independent of Government and it would not be right to pre-empt the

Review’s report or recommendations before they have been made public. We can

confirm that the Government will consider its recommendations most carefully.

We would urge anyone who believes that they may have been affected by mesh

implants to seek clinical advice and support for what help is available.

HOME OFFICE

Airports: Scotland


To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have arrived

at Scottish airports from international destinations since 8 June 2020 to date.

Chris Philp:

Border Force does not release location specific statistics on the arrival of passengers

to an individual airport.

However on 28 May 2020, the Home Office published additional statistics relating to

Covid-19 and the immigration system here. This contains information on the impact of

COVID-19 on passenger arrivals and includes data on the number of passengers

arriving in the UK by air routes only.

The Home Office is due to publish the next quarterly Immigration Statistics on 27

August 2020.

Barbecues: Fire and Rescue Services

Mr Barry Sheerman: [57093]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, how many call outs the fire service has

received for incidents related to barbecues in each of the last ten years, broken down by

fire authority.

Kit Malthouse:

The Home Office publishes figures on accidental primary fires started by barbecues

at a national level in table FIRE0605, available here:




https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/fire-statistics-data-tables#cause-

of-fire. The data is available from 2010/11 to 2018/19 but is not broken down by fire

and rescue service.

In 2018/19, there were 315 accidental primary fires started by barbecues in England.

Of these, 112 were dwelling fires, 97 in other buildings, 90 outdoors and 16 road

vehicles.

Deportation: Coronavirus

Thangam Debbonaire: [39826]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to pursue

deportation proceedings during the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Philp:

Removals of foreign national offenders and those who have no lawful basis to stay in

the UK are still taking place where routes are available, and Immigration Enforcement

are following the latest guidance from Public Health England.

Local Government: Licensing

Sir Mike Penning: [54042]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government plans

to permit local authorities to allow reimbursement of fees for the annual premises licence;

and what guidance the Government has issued to local authorities on the reimbursement

or reduction of those fees during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kit Malthouse:

Kit Malthouse, the Minister for Crime and Policing, wrote to the chairs of the licensing

committees on 8 April about issues arising from the coronavirus outbreak. He set out

an expectation that where a business was unable to pay the charge for reasons

related to coronavirus then the licensing authority should exercise its discretion to

delay suspending the licence. This would allow the business to continue selling

alcohol until it was able to pay.

Nitrous Oxide: Coronavirus

Philip Davies: [54050]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made

of the change in the level of the use of nitrous oxide during the covid-19 outbreak.

Philip Davies: [54051]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made

of the provisions available for communities to educate people on the dangers of nitrous

oxide inhalation as a psychoactive substance.

Kit Malthouse:

Public Health England continues to provide information on the dangers of nitrous

oxide through FRANK and support in schools. FRANK, the government’s drug





information and advisory website, provides information on a wide range of drugs,

including advice on what to do if people are concerned about their own use of the

drug, or someone else’s use. It is regularly updated in response to changing patterns

of drug use and emerging information. FRANK also signposts users to support

services and provides a 24 hour free-to-use confidential helpline, text and email

message services and online chat. FRANK offers information about nitrous oxide

covering the risks of use, including taking it with alcohol.

FRANK receives over 500,000 visits per month with high levels of awareness and

trust. User research commissioned by Public Health England has shown that 83% of

18 to 24 year old adults are aware of the site and 85% of its users trust FRANK to

provide reliable information about drugs.

The government is continuing to monitor the effect of Covid-19 on drug use and

markets through official sources and through our partners.

Police Custody: Death

Dr Matthew Offord: [54893]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have died in

police custody in each of the last five years, by ethnicity.

Kit Malthouse:

Every death in custody is a tragedy, and we are committed to delivering meaningful

and lasting change to prevent deaths in custody.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct publish figures for deaths in or following

police custody each year, including by ethnicity. Data for the last five years are

attached.

These figures cover deaths that happen whilst a person is being arrested or taken

into detention, including deaths that occur in or on the way to hospital following

transfer from the scene of arrest or police custody. They do not include suicides that

occur after a person has been released from police custody

Attachments:

1. Table - PQ 54893 - [Table - PQ 54893.xlsx]

Sir Mark Hendrick: [55879]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will investigate the number

of BAME deaths in custody where restraint was used in the last 15 years; and what

assessment she has made of the accuracy of the Report of the Independent Review of

Deaths and Serious Incidents in Police Custody which notes that every prosecution over

a death in custody in the past 15 years has ended in acquittal.

Kit Malthouse:

Every death in custody is a tragedy, and we are committed to delivering meaningful

and lasting change to prevent deaths in custody.



The Independent Office for Police Conduct publish figures for deaths in or following

police custody each year. Prior to 2018/19 the data includes ethnicity but does not

state whether restraint was used.

In 2018/19, there were 16 deaths in custody, of whom 15 individuals were white and

one was black. Six of these 16 individuals had some force used against them either

by officers or members of the public before their deaths, although this use of force did

not necessarily contribute to their deaths. All six people were white.

The Ministerial Board on Deaths in Custody will continue to oversee and drive

progress in response to the independent review. This includes ongoing work to make

police procedures more accountable following a death in custody as part of a wider

package of police integrity reforms.

Police: Ethnic Groups

Dr Matthew Offord: [54898]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers are

employed in England and Wales, by ethnicity.

Kit Malthouse:

The Home Office collects and publishes data on the ethnicity of police officers in

England and Wales on an annual basis. The latest available data, as at 31 March

2019, can be found in Table D2 of the published workforce statistics, available here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachm

ent_data/file/831666/police-workforce-mar19-tables.ods

Data as at 31 March 2020 are due to be published on 30 July 2020.

Police: Protective Clothing


To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to issue

guidance to police forces in England and Wales on wearing PPE when coming into

physical contact with members of the public; and if she will make a statement.

Kit Malthouse:

The Government recognises the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

for all of those on the frontline and has published guidance on appropriate PPE for

emergency workers, including the police.

The NPCC and the College of Policing have issued operational guidance to all forces

on the use of PPE tailored to their unique role to ensure officers and staff are

protected sufficiently. The guidance covers how, when and what type of PPE to wear

across a range of practical scenarios.

The guidance is available online here: https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-

do/COVID-19/Documents/Personal-Protective-Equipment-Operational-Guidance-

1.pdf



Police: Racial Discrimination


To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken in

2020 to investigate potential institutional racism in the police.

Kit Malthouse:

Racism, in any form, is abhorrent and has no place in our society.

In this country, the power of the police to fulfil their duties is wholly dependent on their

ability to secure public support for their actions and behaviour and to maintain public

respect. Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling

crime and maintaining public trust and confidence in a modern diverse society. The

police have worked hard to improve equality and diversity in policing - the workforce

is more diverse than ever before, but there is still much more to be done.

Police training has improved and professionalised, and we continue to work with the

College of Policing to support forces in their efforts to address under-representation

in the recruitment, retention and progression of officers, including those from BAME

backgrounds. Our drive to recruit 20,000 officers over the next three years gives us a

significant opportunity to attract a wide range of people into a career in policing and

support the police to achieve this aim.

We have also ensured that there is greater transparency and accountability in many

areas of policing and continue the drive for improvements. If there is a death or

serious injury following contact with the police, or if there are allegations of racially

aggravated misconduct, these matters must be referred to the independent police

“watchdog”, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). In February of this

year, the Government implemented reforms to provide the IOPC with a power to

investigate serious police conduct matters on its own initiative.

However, we know that we cannot be complacent and we continue to work across

policing to ensure that those we trust to protect us meet the high standards of

professional conduct expected by the public.

Road Traffic Offences

Andrew Griffith: [55080]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many offences under

Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for non-compliance with Regulation 97 of the

Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, have been recorded in (a) Sussex and (b) England.

Kit Malthouse:

The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of recorded Fixed

Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for vehicular noise offences, including a breakdown by

Police Force Area. The latest available data are here:


ent_data/file/841256/fixed-penalty-notices-police-powers-procedures-mar19-

hosb2519-tables.ods



The data that the Home Office holds will not cover all offences under Section 42 of

the Road Traffic Act 1988 for non-compliance with Regulation 97 of the Road

Vehicles Regulations 1986. Offences may be dealt with in ways other than FPNs,

such as by issuing a vehicle rectification notice or through seizure of the vehicle if it

has other serious defects.

Travellers: Caravan Sites

Paul Bristow: [54266]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to bring forward

legislative proposals to introduce a new offence of intentional trespass to tackle unlawful

traveller encampments.

Kit Malthouse:

Potential measures to criminalise the act of trespassing when setting up an

unauthorised encampment in England and Wales were announced in the December

2019 Queen’s Speech for inclusion in the Police Powers and Protection Bill.

On 5 November 2019, the Government launched a consultation seeking views on

how best to strengthen police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments -

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-police-powers-to-tackle-

unauthorised-encampments. This consultation closed on the 5 March. I will announce

the outcome of this consultation in due course.

UK Border Force: Protective Clothing

Rosie Duffield: [33678]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her

Department has made of the adequacy of the supply of personal protective equipment for

UK Border Force staff.

Chris Philp:

Border Force has a command structure and is actively working with Regional Teams

and the National Operations HQ, to determine PPE needs for frontline and

operational support staff, and to manage stock levels. Demand for PPE has

increased so we are sourcing it through our established suppliers and supplementing

with additional external suppliers to meet the demand.

Visas: Turkey

Kate Osamor: [38569]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether people subject to the

ECAA-2 Visa will have access to the (a) Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, (b) Small

Business Grant Fund and (c) Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.

Kevin Foster:

The Government is committed to ensuring people are not unfairly impacted in terms

of their immigration status as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. To this end, an




individual who holds valid leave under the Turkish EC Association Agreement as a

business person can benefit from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Small

Business Grant Fund and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme if they meet

the eligibility criteria for those schemes.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Parliamentary Estate: Art Works


To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of

Commons Commission, whether art depicting (a) former slave owners and (b) people

involved in the slave trade is on display on the Parliamentary Estate.

Pete Wishart:

The Parliamentary Art Collection has been built up by Members over the past 150

years. It documents the history and work of Parliament up to the present day, and

includes portraits, satirical prints and group portraits featuring 17th, 18th and 19th

century parliamentarians who, as predominately wealthy landowners and

businessmen, were often directly involved in, and profited from, slavery and the slave

trade, or came from families who had.

There is no definitive listing of individual MPs with close connections to the trade, but

they will be numerous, and some will be included in artworks on display in

Parliament. The intention of the artworks is not to venerate people who have

supported and committed acts of atrocity, but to truthfully reflect the history of

Parliament, our democracy and the people who played a part in it. In 2007 Parliament

held a large public exhibition in Westminster Hall ‘Abolition, Parliament and the

People’ to reflect on its own role in significantly shaping the progress and

development of the transatlantic slave system through legislation, before responding

to one of the first and most successful public campaigns which called for the abolition

of the trade and then slavery itself. The 1807 Act of Parliament to abolish the British

slave trade was followed in 1833 with the Slavery Abolition Act.

The Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art and the Lord Speaker’s Advisory

Panel on Works of Art supported by the curatorial team are actively working to

improve the diversity of the art collection, both in terms of the people portrayed and

the artists commissioned, to ensure that the Collection reflects and celebrates the

diversity of all who contribute to Parliament. The most recent example is the bust of

Olaudah Equiano, a former enslaved African and abolitionist, which is currently on

display in Portcullis House.


HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Affordable Housing: Construction


To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with

reference to the Answer of 14 May 2020 to Question HL3740, what assessment he has

made of level of resources required to secure delivery of the over 10,000 affordable

homes supported through the Community Housing Fund that can be delivered relatively

quickly once capital funding is made available; if he will make it his policy to provide

bridging funding to enable those projects that are ready to be delivered to get on site by

the Autumn; and if he will make a statement.

Christopher Pincher:

The level of resources required to deliver all of the community-led housebuilding

schemes currently within the Homes England Community Housing Fund Programme

will depend on a range of factors including: the amount of funding already received as

pre-development revenue grant; the tenure mix (including market sale or rent) and

local variations in the build costs of individual schemes.

Recent data from Homes England indicates an average capital grant allocation of

£48,000 per unit and a further revenue grant requirement of £3,500 per unit.

As at May 2020, the Homes England programme has current applications for

schemes anticipating the delivery of 10,780 homes, including 4,347 homes from

applications that have already been allocated revenue or capital funding (or both).

The total grant requirement to deliver the 10,780 homes within the Homes England

programme is therefore likely to be approximately £555 million, of which £12.3 million

has already been paid in revenue grant and £2.5 million paid in capital grant.

The Community Housing Fund closed at the end of March. Where they are

appropriately constituted and registered as providers of social housing (Registered

Provider), community groups may apply for capital funding from the Shared

Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme (SOAHP). Those which are not

registered may apply in partnership with a Registered Provider.

Floods: Property Development


To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what

steps he plans to take to prevent the building of new homes (a) in flood risk areas and (b)

on flood plains.


National planning policy on managing flood risk was last updated in 2018 and is clear

that inappropriate development in areas at current or future risk of flooding should be

avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk, including

floodplains, towards areas at least risk. Only water compatible or essential



infrastructure developments are allowed in the functional floodplain, where water has

to flow or be stored during times of flood. Where development is necessary in a flood

risk area, and where there are no suitable sites available in areas with a lower risk of

flooding, it should be made safe without increasing flood risk elsewhere and be

appropriately flood resistant and resilient.

As announced in Planning for the Future, We will review our policy for building in

areas at flood risk; this will seek to ensure that communities across the country know

that future development will be safe from floods. We will assess whether current

protections in national planning policy are enough and consider options for further

reform.

Hate Crime

Naz Shah: [57233]


plans he has to maintain the programmes linked to the Hate Crime Action Plan beyond

2020.

Luke Hall:

The Government is committed to preventing and tackling hate crime and with the

participation of our civil society partners we are considering a range of options to

tackle hate crime beyond the current action plan. In the interim we have ensured that

key hate crime projects remain funded and we have launched a competitive grant

scheme for 2020-21 to support projects related to our hate crime objectives with

funds worth up to £2 million.

High Rise Flats: Insulation

Mike Amesbury: [57348]


reference to the oral evidence of the Minister of State to the Housing, Communities and

Local Government Committee on 18 May 2020 on Cladding: progress on remediation,

what the source is for the number of high-risk buildings over 18 metres with flammable

non-ACM cladding referred to by the Minister in his answer to Question 22.

Mike Amesbury: [57349]

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant

to the oral evidence of 18 May 2020 from Lord Greenhalgh to the Housing, Communities

and Local Government Committee on Cladding: progress on remediation, Q22, what

proportion of the 1,700 high-risk buildings with flammable non-ACM cladding are (a)

social sector and (b) private sector residential buildings.


The Department estimates there to be 1,700 residential buildings over 18 metres in

height with potentially unsafe non-ACM cladding. This is a working estimate produced

by MHCLG officials to help with development of the Building Safety Fund. The

estimate is continuously under review as we receive further information from building




owners and local authorities and housing associations as part of the ongoing data

collection exercise to gather information on the external wall systems of high-rise

residential buildings . A refined estimate is due to be published in due course which

will give further breakdowns such as tenure as appropriate and will be informed by

the data we will gather from building owners following opening of registration for the

Building Safety Fund on 1 June 2020.

Homelessness

Barry Gardiner: [57880]


provision he is making for local authorities to continue the Everyone In campaign to

house and support people who were street homeless.

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.

£3.2 billion has been provided to support councils to respond to the coronavirus

pandemic, including supporting homeless people. This is in addition to £3.2 million in

targeted funding for councils to support vulnerable rough sleepers.

On 24 May, the Secretary of State announced plans for thousands of long-term, safe

homes to support many of the vulnerable rough sleepers who have been supported

during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, individuals taken off the streets during the

pandemic can get the support they need to rebuild their lives.

This unprecedented commitment – the biggest of its kind since the Government’s

Rough Sleeping Initiative began – will be backed by £160 million in 2020/21 to inject

3,300 new units of accommodation over the next 12 months, part of 6,000 in total.

This means in 2020/21 we are providing £606 million to tackle homelessness and

rough sleeping. This marks a £238 million increase in funding from the previous year

and further demonstrates our commitment to assist the most vulnerable in society.

Housing: Immigrants

David Linden: [55003]


reference to the Government’s covid-19 recovery strategy, whether he plans to (a) issue

guidance to local authorities on accommodating persons with no recourse to public funds,

(b) list the legislative provisions that local authorities may use to accommodate those

persons and (c) fund local authorities to accommodate those persons.

Mr Simon Clarke:

The Government is aware of concerns about those with no recourse to public funds

experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis.



We are ensuring local authorities are supported, with £3.2 million in targeted funding

to help support individuals who are sleeping rough off the streets, and an additional

£3.2 billion provided to local authorities as part of the wider government response to

the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding has been provided to help local authorities to reduce risks to public

health and to support individuals on the basis of need.

The legal position on those with no recourse to public funds has not been amended.

The legal position on those with no recourse to public funds has not been amended,

and the Government expects local authorities to use the funding they have been

provided to support people who are sleeping rough, and to minimise unnecessary

risks to public health, acting within the law.

Integrated Communities Innovation Fund

Naz Shah: [57234]

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether

he has plans to extend the Integrated Communities Innovation Fund beyond 2020.

Luke Hall:

We know that the causes of poor integration are complex and we have to admit that it

will take generational change to truly deliver the well-integrated communities that we

want to see. But first we need to know what works.

The Integrated Communities Innovation Fund (2019/20) supported 16 projects to test

innovative approaches to integration and generate important learning on how to

bridge divides and bring communities together.

The purpose of the Innovation Fund was to trial new approaches and address this

evidence gap. In order to understand which interventions have been effective, we

now need to review the findings. A national evaluator will compile this evidence,

which will be shared widely and used to inform future policy.

Local Government Finance: Coronavirus

James Murray: [57398]

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether

(a) the £3.2 billion in funding allocated to help local authorities respond to the covid-19

outbreak and (b) any future funding to assist local authorities to support vulnerable

groups during the covid-19 outbreak can be used to accommodate and support people

with (i) conditions attached to their leave and (ii) no leave at all, and who have no

recourse to public funds.

Luke Hall:

The Government is aware of concerns about those with no recourse to public funds

experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis.



We are ensuring local authorities are supported, with £3.2 million in targeted funding

to help support individuals who are sleeping rough off the streets, and an additional

£3.2 billion provided to local authorities as part of the wider government response to

the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding has been provided to help local authorities to reduce risks to public

health and to support individuals on the basis of need.

The legal position on those with no recourse to public funds has not been amended.

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: Durham

Mary Kelly Foy: [58072]


recent assessment he has made of the effect of changes in local authority (a) budgets

and (b) funding formula during the covid-19 outbreak on the capacity of Durham County

Council to maintain services.

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, Durham County Council has received £33.15 million.

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.

Following the allocation of the £1.6 billion in March, we reviewed the funding formula,

by using monthly data and our conversations with councils to refine our assessment.

To allocate the additional £1.6 billion in April, we used our latest and best

assessment of the distribution of additional COVID-19 pressures.

Local Government: Coronavirus



support he is providing to local authorities to enable them to restructure their local

economies after the covid-19 outbreak.



Mr Simon Clarke:

The Government is working with a range of local growth partners - including local

authorities, mayors and Local Enterprise Partnerships in England - to coordinate our

activity. I chair an Economic Recovery Working Group, providing a forum to bring

together local, regional, and national thinking on recovery and discuss the challenges

affecting different places.

To support this work, the Government has 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. MHCLG has also announced a £50

million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to address the impact of unwinding

economic support schemes, and address scarring in town centres. The 2019

Conservative Manifesto committed to creating a UK Shared Prosperity Fund which

binds together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in

each of our four nations. Final decisions on the design of the UK Shared Prosperity

Fund will need to be taken after a cross-Government Spending Review, as we

develop a national approach to recovery.



reference to the covid-19 outbreak, whether his Department plans to review local

authority recovery plans.

Mr Simon Clarke:

As the Government eases the social distancing guidelines, MHCLG is engaging with

all local authorities in England to understand their readiness for restarting the

economy, and to provide support where possible.

We have written to all local authorities to encourage them to take the lead in

restarting their local areas and officials continue to engage with all local authorities to

discuss their preparations for restarting their local economies, and will be holding

follow-up conversations with groups of authorities to acquire intelligence, collate

examples of best practice, and to provide further support.

Following successful meetings with Greater Manchester, Liverpool and the West

Midlands, MHCLG Ministers are continuing with a small series of Regional

Stocktakes as case studies across England which are providing insight into the

challenges that apply across all local areas.

Government has 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. The package recognises the additional costs and pressures on

finances councils are facing as a result of the current crisis. It demonstrates the

Government’s commitment to making sure councils have the resources they need to

support their communities through this challenging time.

In addition, the Economic Recovery Working Group provides a forum to bring

together local, regional, and national thinking on recovery, and will facilitate close


coordination as the Government’s own recovery planning develops. We recognise

that it is crucial to bring the expertise and geographic diversity of local government to

bear on those discussions.

Mr Stephen Morgan: [55004]


steps the Government is taking to ensure that local areas that experience a second spike

in relation to covid-19 receive additional funding to tackle that spike.

Mr Simon Clarke:

The government has put together an unprecedented package, committing over £27

billion to local areas, to ensure all councils and their communities have the resources

they need to continue fighting the coronavirus pandemic. This includes £3.2 billion

made available to councils so they can address pressures they are facing in

response to the covid-19 pandemic. This funding is un-ringfenced, recognising local

authorities are best placed to decide how to meet the major covid-19 service

pressures in their local area.

We will continue to work with local government over the coming weeks to ensure we

have a collective understanding of the costs they are facing.



support his Department plans to provide to local authorities that will be required to

implement local lockdowns as a result of a second spike in covid-19.

Mr Simon Clarke:

My Department has been working with the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) and the

Department of Health and Social Care to develop a framework for the local

management of further outbreaks. In addition, all upper tier local authorities have

been asked to develop local outbreak control plans based on the existing statutory

responsibilities of their Directors of Public Health. The Ministry of Housing,

Communities and Local Government , alongside other relevant Departments, is

considering whether further powers are required for local authorities to manage future

outbreaks in line with these plans.



steps the Government is taking to ensure coordination between local authorities in a

region in the event that local lockdowns are required at regional level.

Mr Simon Clarke:






Communities and Local Government , alongside other relevant Departments, is







To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who will

hold the decision-making power over local lockdowns in the event that an area without an

elected Mayor that experiences a second spike of covid-19.

Mr Simon Clarke:






Communities and Local Government, alongside other relevant Departments, is




To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the

Government's definition is of a geographical location in the event that local lockdowns are

required.

Mr Simon Clarke:






Communities and Local Government, alongside other relevant Departments, is





assessment he has made of the ability of people who are shielding to access existing

support for accessing (a) food, (b) medicines, (c) other essentials.


The Government has established an outbound call centre to proactively call people

who have not yet registered to confirm their support needs. Up to 200,000 calls a day

have been made at peak volumes. The shielding programme was set up at an

unprecedented speed in March to help clinically extremely vulnerable individuals

access support, including food, basic supplies and medicines. Anyone who has an

NHS or GP letter advising them they need to shield, and has registered as having no

other means of accessing food, has been eligible for a Government parcel containing

food and essential supplies to be delivered to their home. For those who have




requested support, we have delivered over 2.5 million food packages to those at

highest risk across England, and an NHS Medicine Delivery Service is available from

community pharmacies and dispensing doctors where family, friends or volunteers

cannot collect prescriptions. In April alone community pharmacies provided over

400,000 free medicine deliveries to shielding individuals. Additionally, the Department

works closely with local authorities so that they can also adequately support their

shielding population.


To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what (a)

financial, (b) emotional an (c) additional support the Government plans to provide to

people (i) who are shielding, (ii) who live with people who are shielding and (iii) identified

as clinically vulnerable when the family members and volunteers they rely on return to

work as lockdown restrictions are lifted during the covid-19 outbreak.


The Government launched the shielding programme in March to help clinically

extremely vulnerable individuals get food parcels, basic supplies and put them in

contact with local services and volunteers to provide social and emotional support.

The Government will continue to provide the support that the shielded in our

communities need. We will continue with our package of financial support, including

the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Income Support Package until October and

Statutory Sick Pay. In line with the current public health advice, those living with

shielding people are not advised to shield themselves, and should follow social

distancing guidance, remaining alert and safe.

Mary Kelly Foy: [58073]


discussions he has had with local authority leaders on the implementation of regional

covid-19 lockdowns.

Mr Simon Clarke:






Communities and Local Government, alongside other relevant departments, is



Local Government: Equality



instructions he has issued to local authorities on undertaking a race equality audit.




Mr Simon Clarke:

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has not issued any

guidance on this issue.

We are aware that the Government's Race Disparity Unit (RDU) is currently in

dialogue with several city councils and local authorities across the North, the

Midlands and the South, to support their endeavours to replicate the Race Disparity

Audit model. They are keen to see how their data can be used to identify and act on

areas of local challenge. Through these collaborations the RDU is also seeking to

improve the quality and range of local authority data to support its analysis of regional

variances.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Ministers' Private

Offices

Grahame Morris: [57947]

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how

many Private Office staff by grade were deemed to be carrying out essential work that

required their daily physical attendance in 2 Marsham Street (a) before and (b) after

Parliament’s Whitsun recess.

Grahame Morris: [57948]


many Private Office staff by grade were deemed to be carrying out essential work that

required their physical attendance in 2 Marsham Street on some days of the week (a)

before and (b) after Parliament’s Whitsun recess.

Luke Hall:

In line with guidance from the Cabinet Office, a very small number of officials are

voluntarily undertaking essential work in 2 Marsham Street on some days of the week

As the number of officials is so small, it would not be appropriate to identify them by

grade.

Parking: Private Sector

Andrew Rosindell: [54017]


steps he has taken to encourage private car park operators to (a) lower and (b) scrap

their fares during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Simon Clarke:

While the private parking industry is currently self-regulating, government has been

collaborating closely with the industry during the response to the COVID-19

(Coronavirus) outbreak. The private parking appeals services voluntarily suspended

processing new appeals, meaning that parking operators are unable to pursue

charges against a motorist while an appeal has been registered. Many operators

have offered free car parking to NHS workers in private car parks, and government




has been working with operators, active travel firms and businesses to explore how

car parking can be used to promote cycling and walking as part of the recovery effort.

Planning: Reform

Mr Laurence Robertson: [57899]

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he

expects to introduce a White Paper on Planning Reform.


As set out in Planning for the Future published at the Budget in March, we will be

publishing a bold and ambitious planning White Paper which will aim to make the

planning system clearer, more accessible and more certain for all users. The White

Paper will be published later this year.

Racial Discrimination

Naz Shah: [57235]


much funding his Department allocates from the public purse to tackling racism each

year; and what proportion of his Department's resources has been allocated to race

equality in 2019-2020.

Luke Hall:

All forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable and tackling racially motivated

hate crime remains a priority for this government.

MHCLG paid approximately £219,00 to projects specifically to target racism in the

financial year 19/20. These include Show Racism the Red Card and the Anne Frank

Trust who work with young people across the country to challenge prejudice and

discrimination. We are also supporting Kick It Out to tackle racism in sport and have

confirmed funding for the Kingston Race Equality Council to improve support for

victims of racially motivated hatred nationally.

In addition to this, 2019 saw the first provision of an annual £500,000 grant to support

Windrush Day celebrations. This annual grant will be providing £500,000 to a further

49 projects this year. Government has also committed to spending a total of £1

million on the Windrush monument, which will be placed in London Waterloo Station.

We are committed to continue promoting shared values among people of all

backgrounds through sustainable social integration and meaningful civic participation,

whilst tackling and preventing religiously and racially discriminatory behaviour. To

support this, we have launched a competitive grant scheme for 2020-21 to support

projects in this space, with a budget of up to £2 million.



Regeneration: Urban Areas



steps he is taking support the redesign and regeneration of the high street after the covid-

19 outbreak.

Mr Simon Clarke:

Government appreciates that all high streets, big or small, are a crucial part of our

communities and local economies, creating jobs, nurturing small businesses and

injecting billions of pounds into our economy. We want to see fruitful hubs where

people live, shop, use services, and spend their leisure time, and that includes a

welcoming and safe night-time economy.

Government recognises that this is a challenging time for everyone in the country and

COVID-19 is having a significant impact on our high streets and town centres. That is

why we have provided a £330 biilion package of support for businesses in recognition

of the disruption caused by Covid-19. This support builds on an ongoing programme

of initiatives put in place to support our high streets and town centres in the long term,

including:

• An accelerated £1 billion Future High Streets Fund as part of the £3.6 billion Towns

Fund to support local areas in England to renew and reshape town centres and

high streets;

• The High Streets Task Force, supporting local leaders in their work revitalising their

high streets and town centres by providing proactive support to local areas to

develop data-driven innovative strategies and connect local areas to relevant

experts;

• Permitted development rights to support change of use on the high street.

On 25 May, government announced a new £50 million fund, Reopening High Streets

Safely Fund. Councils across England will share the additional funding to support the

safe reopening of high streets and other commercial areas. The money will allow

local authorities to put in place additional measures to establish a safe trading

environment for businesses and customers, particularly in high streets. Expenditure

for reimbursement under this grant will be eligible from 1 June 2020 and the project

will run to the end of March 2021. This funding comes on top of the Government’s

comprehensive package of support for business and workers during the economic

emergency.

Religious Buildings: Coronavirus

Preet Kaur Gill: [55108]


scientific advice he has received on the safe reopening of places or worship, and if he will

publish that advice.



Luke Hall:

The Government is working to publish evidence documents and studies, including

from Public Health England, which have formed the basis of SAGE’s discussions and

advice to Ministers, regularly, and will publish more evidence in the coming weeks.

Schools: Community Relations

Naz Shah: [57232]


reference to the recommendations made in the Integrated Communities Strategy green

paper published by his Department on 14 March 2018 on social mixing for children from

different backgrounds, what steps he is taking to improve social mixing between pupils of

different ethnicities in schools in line with those recommendations.

Luke Hall:

We set out an ambitious programme of actions in our Integrated Communities Action

Plan to support the education sector to drive forward integration, as part of a cross-

government commitment to building strong integrated communities

We recognise the important role that young people play in this agenda and the

significance of forging meaningful connections and relationships with people from

different backgrounds. As part of this, we committed to working with the National

Citizen Service Trust and DCMS to support social mixing opportunities for young

people in areas of high segregation. We are also continuing to work with DfE to

support the National Schools Linking Programme.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing Countries: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has

had with her counterparts overseas on raising financial support for developing nations to

tackle the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton:

The Coronavirus outbreak is the biggest global crisis in a generation. This calls for

decisive and co-ordinated action to respond to the global health, economic and

humanitarian implications, especially to support the poorest and most vulnerable.

The UK is playing a leading role in galvanising international action and unlocking

timely financial support – both direct UK support and through the UN and the wider

multilateral system. The UK is also using its voice and influence in key international

forums such as the G7 and G20 - for example, helping secure agreement in the G20

to suspend all debt repayments for the poorest and most vulnerable countries until

the end of 2020. The Secretary of State and I also work closely with our counterparts

in other major donor countries including the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy,



Japan and Australia to encourage funds to be made available as quickly as possible

to where the risks and needs are greatest.

The UK is bringing others with us to raise much-needed financial support. For

example, at the UK-hosted Global Vaccine Summit on 4 June world leaders,

foundations, the private sector and civil society pledged $8.8 billion to help Gavi, the

Vaccine Alliance, to address the short and long-term challenges posed by the

pandemic.

Developing Countries: Ventilators

Wendy Chamberlain: [57377]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department

is taking to support developing countries to increase the number of ventilators available

during the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton:

The UK is at the forefront of the global response to COVID-19. We are using UK aid

to its full effect to counter the health, humanitarian, and economic risks and impact of

this pandemic in the developing world. We have committed up to £764 million of UK

Aid to combat COVID-19 and reinforce the global effort to find a vaccine.

Our funding is supporting a range of initiatives and partners to ensure it can reach

those who need it the most. This includes £75 million for the World Health

Organisation (WHO) to help lead international efforts to stop the spread of the virus

and access critical medical supplies; £55 million to International Red Cross and Red

Crescent Movement appeals to provide medical supplies and equipment to hospitals

and clinics, and build quarantine areas and disinfection facilities; and a range of

support to NGOs.

The WHO and UNICEF are working with governments to identify requirements and

ensure that supplies, including the critical medical equipment for oxygen therapy,

reach those in need.

Occupied Territories: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: [57195]


is taking to support the covid-19 response in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Dr Philippa Whitford: [57226]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent steps her

Department has taken to help support the Occupied Palestinian Territories' response to

the covid-19 pandemic.





To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment her

Department has made of the capacity of Gaza’s health system to respond effectively to

the covid-19 pandemic.


To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment her

Department has made of the availability of (a) testing kits, (b) personal protective

equipment and (c) hygiene supplies necessary to contain the covid-19 pandemic in Gaza.


To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent steps her

Department has taken to help prevent the spread of covid-19 in the Occupied Palestinian

Territories.

Layla Moran: [57341]


has taken to support (a) healthcare services and (b) disease prevention in Gaza since the

covid-19 outbreak.

James Cleverly:

The UN assesses that although the current number of detected cases remains

relatively low in Gaza and the West Bank, the capacity of the Palestinian health

system to cope with an increase in COVID-19 cases is poor, including the low

availability of PPE and ventilators. The situation is particularly severe in Gaza, where

the health system has shortages in specialised staff, drugs and equipment.

The UK has pledged £764 million to support the global humanitarian response to

COVID-19. We have delivered additional vital support in the Occupied Palestinian

Territories by providing funding to the World Health Organization and UNICEF to

purchase and co-ordinate the delivery of medical equipment, treat critical care

patients, train frontline public health personnel and scale up laboratory testing

capacity. I also recently announced £20 million in new funding, which will help the

Palestinian Authority support its health workers who have been on the frontline

battling coronavirus.

World Health Organisation: Overseas Aid


To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much funding was

allocated from (a) the UK Government public purse and (b) other countries to the World

Health Organisation in 2019.

Wendy Morton:

The UK is the third biggest donor to the WHO, giving £120 million per annum on

average. We do not routinely keep data on funding allocated by other countries. The

World Health Organization holds this information.






Yemen: Coronavirus

Sarah Champion: [57221]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has

had with her international counterparts on the provision of additional funding to slow the

spread of covid-19 in Yemen.

James Cleverly:

Over the last month the International Development Secretary and I have held several

calls with our counterparts, including from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, to

stress the importance of donors providing additional funds to the humanitarian

response in Yemen.

UK officials have also held similar discussions with their counterparts around the

world.

The UK announced our new pledge of £160 million in humanitarian funding for

Yemen in the 2020/21 financial year at the Yemen Pledging Conference on 2 June,

taking our total commitment since the conflict began to £970 million.

We will continue to encourage further funding from other donors over the coming

months.

Kenny MacAskill: [57385]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what proportion of the

Government’s £160 million humanitarian aid package for Yemen is being allocated to

help the covid-19 pandemic response in that country.

James Cleverly:


Yemen in the 2020/21 financial year at the Yemen Pledging Conference on 2 June, of

which 32% has already been disbursed.

The package as a whole will help tackle the wide-ranging, direct and indirect impacts

of COVID-19 in Yemen which are already exacerbating a dire humanitarian crisis.

Our support will also specifically provide over 700,000 medical consultations, train

12,000 healthcare workers to work safely in a COVID-19 environment and provide a

much-needed boost to nearly 4,000 health centres.


To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he is taking to

ensure that some of the Government’s £160 million humanitarian aid package for Yemen

is used to stop the spread of covid-19 in communities on both sides of the conflict; and

what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using UN-backed Yemeni-led

frameworks established by (a) the International Initiative on COVID-19 in Yemen and (b)

other private sector organisations to deliver aid to both sides.





To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her

Department has made of the potential merits of collaborating with (a) the International

Initiative on covid-19 in Yemen and (b) other UN-backed Yemeni-led frameworks

established by the private sector to support the WHO’s response to the covid-19

pandemic in Yemen, in order to distribute the £160 million humanitarian aid package

announced by the Government on 2 June 2020.

James Cleverly:


Yemen in the 2020/21 financial year at the Yemen Pledging Conference on 2 June.

As part of this commitment, the UK will support the UN’s plans to tackle the spread of

COVID-19 in Yemen and expects to provide over 700,000 medical consultations,

train 12,000 healthcare workers to work safely in a COVID-19 environment and

provide a much-needed boost to nearly 4,000 health centres to continue providing

existing health services.

In addition, the UK is also supporting the Yemeni Private Sector Cluster, which in

April sourced a vital shipment of COVID-19 related supplies and equipment for

Yemen.

Yemen: Humanitarian Aid


To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the

Government’s announcement of 2 June 2020 on a new £160 million humanitarian aid

package for Yemen, what (a) public health expertise and (b) medical equipment the

Government is planning to provide to the Yemen under that aid package to help tackle

the ongoing humanitarian crisis in that country; and whether her Department has made

an assessment of the potential merits of using the UN-backed International Initiative on

COVID-19 in Yemen to deliver such resources.

James Cleverly:

As part of our £160 million commitment in humanitarian funding for Yemen in the

2020/21 financial year, the UK expects to provide over 700,000 medical

consultations, train 12,000 healthcare workers to work safely in a COVID-19

environment and provide a much-needed boost to nearly 4,000 health centres to

continue providing existing health services.

The UK also continues to engage closely the World Health Organisation (WHO) and

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), including through advice and support, to

help them with their COVID-19 response in Yemen.

We are also working with the British NGO UK Med to explore the possibility of

seconding medical experts to support the UN’s COVID-19 response.




To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment the

Government has made of the potential merits of providing (a) financial assistance and (b)

medical supplies to (i) the UN-backed International Initiative on COVID-19 in Yemen and

(ii) UN-backed Yemeni-led frameworks established to support the WHO’s response to the

covid-19 pandemic in Yemen.

James Cleverly:


Yemen in the 2020/21 financial year at the Yemen Pledging Conference on 2 June.

As part of this commitment, the UK will support the UN’s plans to tackle the spread of

COVID-19 in Yemen and expects to provide over 700,000 medical consultations,

train 12,000 healthcare workers to work safely in a COVID-19 environment, and

provide a much-needed boost to nearly 4,000 health centres to continue providing

existing health services.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Chile: Arms Trade


To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the Government invited

representatives of the Republic of Chile to an arms and surveillance fair in Farnborough

in March 2020.

Graham Stuart:

Representatives of the Republic of Chile were invited to the Home Office Security

and Policing 2020 event, at Farnborough in March 2020, by the Department for

International Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation. They did not attend.

Coronavirus: Travel Information

Anthony Mangnall: [55039]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans her Department has to

explore UK labelling approaches that could be used to promote the standards of

agricultural import produce.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena:

HM Government is committed to world-class food standards. We will consider the full

range of measures available to maintain our current levels of protection for

consumers and the environment – and enhance consumer choice, including the

possibility of labelling, where appropriate. In doing so, we will respect our WTO

obligations to make sure that any technical regulations do not create unnecessary

obstacles to international trade. British food regulators, such as the Food Standards

Agency, will continue to make sure that all food imports comply with British

standards.




Department for International Trade: Carers


To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many staff in her Department

had caring responsibilities in each of the last five years.

Greg Hands:

The Department for International Trade is committed to supporting those members of

our workforce with caring responsibilities. Building a diverse and inclusive department

continues to be a key priority. For carers specifically we adopted the Civil Service

Carers Passport and aligned our policies to the Civil Service Carers Charter

developed by Cabinet Office. We also have policies to support flexible working and

provide access to special leave and career breaks. All employees have access to our

Employee Assistance Programme and we have active employee networks for carers

and parents.

We do not hold data centrally on how many staff in the department have a specific

caring responsibility as arrangements are managed locally between the individuals

and their line manager.

Ferries


To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to P&O Ferries'

proposed 1,100 redundancies, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State

for Transport on the protection of strategically vital roll-on roll-off ferry services from UK

ports.


The Rt. Hon Secretary of State has had frequent engagement with her cabinet

colleagues with regards to the economic response to Covid-19.

Overseas Trade: Israel

James Murray: [56192]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether compliance with the

technical arrangements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement is replicated in the UK-

Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement which will enter into force at the end of the

transition period.


All committee decisions made within the framework of the European Union-Israel

Association Agreement were carried across into the United Kingdom-Israel Trade and

Partnership Agreement, which will enter into force after the end of the Transition

Period on 1st January 2021.




Riot Control Weapons: USA


To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will publish (a) a list of all

current export licenses to the US of riot control projectiles and equipment including (i)

who has purchased those items and (ii) their declared purpose; and if she will (A)

suspend all existing licenses and (B) halt any new licenses for the export of riot control

projectiles and equipment to the US if it is determined that such equipment is being used

in the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.


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 receives

advice from a number of Departments including the Ministry of Defence and the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Together, we draw on all available information,

including reports from 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: 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.


To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will immediately suspend the

export of (a) tear gas, (b) rubber bullets and (c) riot shields to the United States, following

the murder of George Floyd.



















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.






Trade Agreements: Higher Education

Alicia Kearns: [58105]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the export of UK higher

education is a priority sector in future trade negotiations; and whether (a) research

collaboration and (b) student exchanges will be included in those negotiations.


The Department for International Trade (DIT) recognises that higher education is a

significant export for the United Kingdom, bringing value in the collaboration and

partnerships they foster, and helping to forge deep global relationships. These

underpin opportunities for the United Kingdom and our international partners to

develop, trade and work together.

HM Government is exploring to what extent our trade negotiations could support

trade in education services. This may include collaboration in science, research and


innovation as appropriate. DIT will continue to work across government and with

other interested parties to make sure our trade negotiations represent the sector’s

interests.

JUSTICE

Courts


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the oral evidence of the Lord

Chief Justice to the Justice Select Committee on 14 May 2020, whether he plans to

reopen all courts by the end of June 2020.

Chris Philp:

During oral evidence given to the Justice Select Committee on 14 May, the Lord

Chief Justice advised the panel of an intention to reopen sites by the end of June,

subject to a number of logistical issues.

We continue to work closely with the judiciary to reopen courts when it is safe to do

so, and in line with public health guidance. Plans for the reopening of each court are

subject to the necessary assessment of operational readiness, which is available

here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-courts-and-tribunals-planning-

and-preparation#assessing-and-managing-coronavirus-risk

Since the beginning of June 2020, HM Courts and Tribunals (HMCTS) has reopened

over 20 sites and we will continue to work with the judiciary and public health bodies

to reopen more in the coming weeks.

Courts and Tribunals


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many cases were heard in (a) family

courts, (b) civil courts, (c) magistrates courts, (d) crown courts, and (e) tribunals, in each

month in 2019.

Chris Philp:

Please find attached Annex A showing data on how many cases were heard in (a)

family courts, (b) civil courts, (c) magistrates courts and (d) crown courts in each

month in 2019.

In addition, please find Annex B showing data on how many cases were heard in (e)

tribunals, in each month in 2019. Data relating to this annex looks at the three large

tribunals: Immigration & Asylum, Employment Tribunals and Social Security and

Child Support, and those special tribunals where we can supply a monthly breakdown

of the data held in the published stats. There are other tribunals where this level of

detail not currently available.


https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-courts-and-tribunals-planning-and-preparation#assessing-and-managing-coronavirus-risk




Attachments:

1. Annex A - 57201 [Annex A - PQ 57201 data.pdf]

2. Annex B - 57201 [Annex B - PQ 57201.pdf]


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many cases were heard in (a) family

courts, (b) civil courts, (c) magistrates courts, (d) crown courts, and (e) tribunals in each

month in 2020.

Chris Philp:

please find attached Annex A showing data on how many cases were heard in (a)

family courts, (b) civil courts, (c) magistrates courts and (d) crown courts in each

month in 2020.

Jan-Mar 2020 cases heard has been provided for civil. Parts a, c, d plus April

onwards for part b are not yet published so cannot be provided.

In addition, please find Annex B showing on how many cases were heard in (e)

tribunals, in each month in 2020. Data relating to this annex looks at the three large

tribunals: Immigration & Asylum, Employment Tribunals and Social Security and

Child Support, and those special tribunals where we can supply a monthly breakdown

of the data held in the published stats. There are other tribunals where this level of

detail not currently available.

Jan-Mar 2020 cases heard has been provided for civil. Parts a, c, d plus April

onwards for part b are not yet published so cannot be provided

Attachments:

1. Annex A - 57202 [Annex A - PQ 57202 data.pdf]

2. Annex B - 57202 [Annex B - PQ 57202.pdf]


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many cases were adjourned in (a) family

courts, (b) civil courts, (c) magistrates courts, (d) crown courts, and (e) tribunals in each

month in 2019.

Chris Philp:

Please find attached Annex A which shows data for the First Tier Tribunal

(Immigration and Asylum Chamber), Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum

Chamber), Social Security and Child Support, Mental Health, and Special

Educational Needs and Disability, MoJ publishes figures on adjournments as part of

national statistics.

For Magistrates’ courts and Crown Courts, figures on adjournments are not collated

but figures on vacated form part of the newly published weekly stats. Comprehensive

figures for adjournments are not held for other tribunals and the family and civil

courts.

Attachments:

1. Annex A - 57203 [Annex A PQ57203 data.pdf]



https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-weekly-management-information-during-coronavirus-outbreak

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-weekly-management-information-during-coronavirus-outbreak

Courts: Coronavirus

Mary Glindon: [57975]

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether workplace risk assessments were (a)

shared and (b) agreed with staff unions before the decision to reopen courts was taken;

and if he will make a statement.

Chris Philp:

As a Government, we have outlined the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus, and the

control measures required to avoid exposure and transmission. In parallel, we have

been clear that the work of the justice system must continue throughout the prevailing

public health emergency. Accordingly, it has been necessary to keep some courts

and tribunal buildings open, and we are working hard to open more so long as that

can be achieved safely.

HMCTS is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all staff, members

of the judiciary and visitors to its sites, as far as it is reasonably practical whilst they

are on the premises.

In order to aid implementation of the required control measures, and to monitor and

assure ourselves of compliance, we developed and implemented an assessment tool

to be carried out in each of our open sites.

The tool was developed in consultation with trade union health and safety

representatives. The finalised tool was issued to each site, with instruction that it

should wherever possible be completed in conjunction and consultation with a Trade

Union representative. I understand that wherever possible our officials did conduct

those assessments with trade union colleagues, and continue to do so as the results

are regularly reviewed.

We are confident that our open sites are safe, and can confirm risk assessments will

be available to be shared on request very soon.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information on assessed risks from covid-

19 in courts was shared with staff unions before jury trials restarted; and if he will make a

statement.

Chris Philp:

A judicial led Jury Trials Working Group (JTWG) was set up to establish ways in

which jury trials can be commenced safely. The JTWG developed a Crown Court

Jury Trial checklist which was discussed with the Departmental Trade Union Side

(DTUS) on 30 April and a copy shared with them on 4 May. Completed risk

assessments were shared with the DTUS before the first jury trials resumed on 18

May.



Courts: Opening Hours


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he plans to publish the evaluation of the

Flexible Operating Hours pilot scheme.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many participants there were in the

Flexible Operating Hours pilot scheme.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many participants in the Flexible Operating

Hours pilot scheme were (a) female and (b) from a Black, Minority and Ethnic

background.

Chris Philp:

HMCTS has appointed a consortium of IFF Research and Frontier Economics to

carry out an independent evaluation of the Flexible Operating Hours pilots. The

evaluation report will be published following completion, in the autumn.

The evaluation is being conducted as set out in the evaluation plan, published July

2019: Data has been collected on the number of cases heard in Flexible Operating

Hours sessions rather than on numbers of participants. Public user surveys

distributed to all participants in an FOH sessions contained 19 optional questions

related to equality and diversity. This information is being collected by the

independent evaluators and will inform their final report.

Courts: Wales

Jessica Morden: [57129]

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the backlog of cases involving serious

criminal offences was in the Crown Courts in (a) Wales (b) Gwent for each month from

June 2019 to June 2020.

Chris Philp:

This information is not held separately for Gwent as the Crown in Newport is

administered from Cardiff.

Total outstanding serious offences in the Crown Court

MONTH WALES

June 545

July 502

August 511

September 461





MONTH WALES

October 437

November 418

December 402


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the backlog of cases relating to the

possession and supply of drugs was in the (a) Crown Courts and (b) Magistrates' Courts

in (i) Wales (ii) Gwent for each month from June 2019 to June 2020.

Chris Philp:

This information for the Crown Court is not held separately for Gwent as the Crown

Court in Newport is administered from Cardiff.

MONTH

WALES OUTSTANDING

DRUG OFFENCES IN

CROWN COURT

WALES OUTSTANDING

DRUG OFFENCES IN THE

MAGISTRATES’ COURT

GWENT OUTSTANDING

DRUG OFFENCES IN THE

MAGISTRATES’ COURT

June 198 342 41

July 186 325 30

August 173 309 30

September 159 316 34

October 182 328 56

November 183 298 25

December 171 313 27

HM Courts and Tribunals Service: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy

of availability of personal protective equipment for HM Courts and Tribunal Service staff

who are not able to socially distance in the workplace during the covid-19 outbreak; and if


Chris Philp:

HM Courts & Tribunals Service has comprehensively assessed the risk to its staff

and users. We have published and implemented safety controls to help prevent the

spread of Covid-19.



Face coverings are available on request for staff, judges and jurors. Personal

protective equipment (PPE) is available to staff where local assessments show that

this is necessary. In line with Government guidance, PPE will be reserved for those

most at risk of close contact through their workplace, such as security officers

involved in interventions, fire-marshals and first-aiders.

We are keeping the use and distribution of PPE under close review and we will

continue to ensure that we comply with Government guidance.

Legal Aid Scheme: Asylum

Karl Turner: [R] [57186]

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many civil legal aid claims for asylum

appeal cases exceeded the escape fee from legal aid providers in (a) London and (b)

England and Wales.

Alex Chalk:

FINANCIAL YEAR LONDON ESCAPE CLAIMS ALL ESCAPE CLAIMS

2016-17 415 469

2017-18 462 507

2018-19 528 600

2019-20* 347 404

*Please note: The figures for the year 2019-20 covers only the months April to

December 2019.

Magistrates: Video Conferencing


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many video hearings were conducted by

magistrates courts in each of the last three months.

Chris Philp:

The estimated number of video hearings conducted in the Magistrates’ Courts in the

last three months is:

APRIL 2020 5,298

May 2020 20,845

June 2020 (to 11 th June 2020) 9,114



This data is manually collated each day and reported by individual courts and must

be considered in that light with all the inherent risks in relation to possible input errors

and missed submissions.

Prison Accommodation


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate his Department has made of the

number of prisoners sharing cells in each prison in each of the last three months.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to reduce the level of

sharing of prison bedrooms during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer:

We are implementing our compartmentalisation strategy (isolating the symptomatic;

quarantining new arrivals; and shielding the vulnerable) in the prison estate. The

latest PHE modelling indicates this strategy has shown early signs of success. We

are increasing headroom in the prison estate to better enable prisons to implement

compartmentalisation and reduce the number of prisoners sharing cells. This has

been actioned through a combination of the early release of low-risk offenders,

provision of temporary accommodation and expediting remand hearings to reduce

the unsentenced population.

We are installing over 1,000 temporary cells to increase space and help reduce the

spread of the virus. These units are being placed where there are the highest number

of shared cells, a lack of in-cell sanitation and where there are high numbers of

vulnerable prisoners. We have also opened an Annex at HMP/YOI Rochester to hold

up to 70 men.

Upon arrival into custody, all prisoners’ suitability to share a cell is risk assessed.

These assessments are based on numerous factors including health concerns.

The table below identifies the number of prisoners, broken down by establishment,

sharing cells holding two or more people as at 27 March, 24 April and 29 May 2020.

The detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large-scale

recording system

TOTAL NUMBER OF PRISONERS SHARING CELLS

Prison Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20

Altcourse 731 688 684

Ashfield 150 150 152

Askham Grange 67 68 0

Aylesbury 0 0 0




Bedford 268 250 242

Belmarsh 426 467 476

Berwyn 1,164 1,098 1,056

Birmingham 587 479 582

Brinsford 254 256 290

Bristol 230 221 217

Brixton 610 536 532

Bronzefield 138 120 104

Buckley Hall 88 80 72

Bullingdon 750 699 737

Bure 38 14 10

Cardiff 420 408 398

Channings Wood 94 62 44

Chelmsford 350 322 302

Coldingley 40 24 0

Cookham Wood 0 0 0

Dartmoor 0 0 0

Deerbolt 14 16 14

Doncaster 775 755 760

Dovegate 226 218 224

Downview 0 0 0

Drake Hall 97 65 41

Durham 754 850 744

East Sutton Park 93 95 86

Eastwood Park 111 93 80

Elmley 686 703 683


Erlestoke 86 78 64

Exeter 320 352 334

Featherstone 130 110 110

Feltham 196 178 130

Ford 0 0 0

Forest Bank 823 873 801

Foston Hall 120 118 142

Frankland 0 0 0

Full Sutton 0 0 0

Garth 28 22 22

Gartree 22 24 22

Grendon 0 0 0

Guys Marsh 136 120 98

Hatfield 98 58 16

Haverigg 0 0 0

High Down 686 668 633

Highpoint 286 248 236

Hindley 240 254 248

Hewell 612 606 508

Hollesley Bay 78 73 44

Holme House 776 730 724

Hull 594 608 555

Humber 358 296 260

Huntercombe 234 230 208

Isis 312 290 246

Isle Of Wight 150 156 156


Kirkham 86 24 16

Kirklevington

Grange

0 0 0

Lancaster Farms 126 66 120

Leeds 793 654 746

Leicester 243 231 219

Lewes 304 274 176

Leyhill 17 2 0

Lincoln 492 476 422

Lindholme 344 332 336

Littlehey 222 184 134

Liverpool 384 430 412

Long Lartin 0 0 0

Low Newton 50 18 12

Lowdham Grange 4 2 6

Maidstone 64 64 52

Manchester 354 326 284

Moorland 434 388 258

New Hall 61 45 32

North Sea Camp 259 252 164

Northumberland 4 0 0

Norwich 308 275 250

Nottingham 420 428 402

Oakwood 962 862 810

Onley 154 162 154

Parc 800 706 736

Pentonville 814 634 668


Peterborough 358 362 398

Peterborough

Female

116 100 74

Portland 146 142 128

Prescoed 78 78 36

Preston 517 535 441

Ranby 396 336 322

Risley 216 198 178

Rochester 322 274 218

Rye Hill 172 160 158

Send 14 0 0

Spring Hill 0 0 2

Stafford 584 562 508

Standford Hill 0 0 0

Stocken 238 242 240

Stoke Heath 322 318 302

Styal 234 235 235

Sudbury 372 298 232

Swaleside 2 0 0

Swansea 343 303 254

Swinfen Hall 98 96 62

Thameside 798 710 680

The Mount 224 218 220

The Verne 28 27 21

Thorn Cross 84 58 36

Usk 239 219 207

Wakefield 0 0 0


Wandsworth 1,176 1,146 1,120

Warren Hill 0 0 0

Wayland 344 304 286

Wealstun 50 0 0

Werrington 0 0 0

Wetherby 0 0 0

Whatton 190 136 112

Whitemoor 0 0 0

Winchester 236 222 238

Woodhill 80 54 24

Wormwood Scrubs 601 558 601

Wymott 132 68 16

Total 31,855 29,623 27,845

Prison Sentences


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) women and (b) men received a

prison sentence of under six months in (i) March, (ii) April and (iii) May 2020.

Chris Philp:

The requested data is not available at this time. National Statistics on sentencing for

the first and second quarter of 2020 are due for publication in August and November

2020, with detailed data, including offender characteristic, for the whole of 2020

planned for publication in May 2021.

Prisoners' Release: Homelessness


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and what proportion of prisoners

released from each prison in 2019-20 were released without a fixed address.

Lucy Frazer:

We recognise that it is vital that everyone leaving prison has somewhere safe and

secure to live as a platform to access the services and support needed to stop the

cycle of reoffending.



Data on the accommodation status of prisoners released from each prison between

2019 and 2020 is not yet available but is due for publication on 30 July 2020.

The Government has now decided that because of public health and public protection

considerations, there is a need to provide accommodation for prison leavers during

the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Justice has secured appropriate funding for a

time-limited period to support the provision of accommodation for all individuals

released from prison during this period, who are at risk of homelessness. The

temporary accommodation scheme will run until 26th June at which point it will be

reviewed, taking account of the situation at that time. This is an exceptional measure

reflecting the current challenges. Additionally, we are also working in collaboration

with other Government Departments and interested parties to help to secure a range

of accommodation options for prisoners on their release.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and what proportion of prisoners

were released without a fixed address from each prison in financial year 2015-2016.

Lucy Frazer:

Information relating to the proportion of prisoners who were released from each

prison without a fixed address between 2015 and 2016 could only be obtained at

disproportionate cost.

The Government has now decided that because of public health and public protection

considerations, there is a need to provide accommodation for prison leavers during

the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Justice has secured appropriate funding for a

time-limited period to support the provision of accommodation for all individuals

released from prison during this period, who are at risk of homelessness. The

temporary accommodation scheme will run until 26th June at which point it will be

reviewed, taking account of the situation at that time. This is an exceptional measure

reflecting the current challenges. Additionally, we are also working in collaboration

with other government departments and interested parties to help to secure a range

of accommodation options for prisoners on their release.

Whilst our immediate concern is to support those individuals released from prison into

suitable accommodation, in the long-term we will analyse the lessons learned during

this period, to further develop how we can improve the accommodation offer for those

with a history of offending.

Prisons: Coronavirus

Liz Saville Roberts: [54199]

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2020 to

Question 49084 on Prisons: Coronavirus, how many cases of covid-19 there have been

in each prison in England and Wales as of 8 June 2020; and if he will publish that data on

a weekly basis.



Lucy Frazer:

The Government has put robust measures in place to protect staff and offenders from

COVID-19 and introduce ‘compartmentalisation’, to isolate those prisoners with

symptoms, shield the vulnerable and quarantine new arrivals.

Overall, prisons are seeing a decline in the numbers of new cases. The data in the

table below shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases broken down by prison

as of Friday 5 June 2020. These figures reflect the total number of recorded positive

cases of COVID-19 since the first confirmed cases in mid-March, not the number of

live cases. It includes individuals that have recovered.

The numbers reported will be affected by a number of variables, including the

availability of testing locally which can result in differences between sites and regions

and as self-reported (for staff) through HMPPS management lines for central collation

ESTABLISHMENT STAFF CASES PRISONER CASES

TOTAL NUMBER OF

CASES BY

ESTABLISHMENT

Altcourse 24 15 39

Ashfield 0 0 0

Askham Grange 4 0 4

Aylesbury ~ 0 ~

Bedford 6 ~ ~

Belmarsh 13 7 20

Berwyn 32 36 68

Birmingham 22 ~ ~

Brinsford 22 5 27

Bristol ~ 0 ~

Brixton 0 ~ ~

Bronzefield 6 ~ ~

Buckley Hall ~ ~ 5

Bullingdon ~ 0 ~

Bure ~ 0 ~

Cardiff 24 22 46

Channings Wood 15 9 24


TOTAL NUMBER OF

CASES BY

ESTABLISHMENT

Chelmsford 10 ~ 11

Coldingley 5 ~ ~

Cookham Wood ~ ~ ~

Dartmoor ~ ~ 4

Deerbolt 8 ~ ~

Doncaster 12 8 20

Dovegate 8 ~ ~

Downview 4 0 4

Drake Hall 25 41 66

Durham 42 4 46

East Sutton Park 0 0 0

Eastwood Park ~ 0 ~

Elmley 5 0 5

Erlestoke ~ ~ ~

Exeter 0 0 0

Featherstone ~ ~ 5

Feltham A* ~ ~ ~

Feltham B* 6 ~ ~

Ford ~ ~ ~

Forest Bank 4 5 9

Foston Hall ~ ~ ~

Frankland 12 ~ ~

Full Sutton 8 0 8

Garth 7 0 7

Gartree 25 9 34


TOTAL NUMBER OF

CASES BY

ESTABLISHMENT

Grendon 0 0 0

Guys Marsh 0 0 0

Hatfield ~ ~ 5

Haverigg ~ 6 ~

Hewell 37 9 46

High Down 14 ~ ~

Highpoint 12 ~ ~

Hindley 10 ~ ~

Hollesley Bay ~ ~ ~

Holme House 22 16 38

Hull ~ 0 ~

Humber 41 10 51

Huntercombe ~ ~ 5

Isis 4 6 10

Isle of Wight ~ 0 ~

Kirkham 5 ~ ~

Kirklevington Grange ~ 0 ~

Lancaster Farms ~ 0 ~

Leeds 4 ~ ~

Leicester 6 5 11

Lewes ~ 0 ~

Leyhill 0 0 0

Lincoln ~ 4 ~

Lindholme 10 0 10

Littlehey 8 6 14


TOTAL NUMBER OF

CASES BY

ESTABLISHMENT

Liverpool 20 ~ ~

Long Lartin ~ ~ 5

Low Newton 0 ~ ~

Lowdham Grange ~ 0 ~

Maidstone ~ ~ ~

Manchester 19 20 39

Medway (Adult) 0 0 0

Moorland ~ ~ ~

New Hall ~ 5 ~

North Sea Camp ~ 0 ~

Northumberland 14 ~ ~

Norwich 6 0 6

Nottingham ~ 0 ~

Oakwood 24 17 41

Onley 16 7 23

Parc A** ~ 0 ~

Parc B** 4 7 11

Pentonville 15 4 19

Peterborough

Female***

0 0 0

Peterborough Male*** 16 ~ ~

Portland 0 0 0

Prescoed 4 ~ ~

Preston 36 13 49

Ranby 7 5 12

Risley 20 16 36


TOTAL NUMBER OF

CASES BY

ESTABLISHMENT

Rochester 0 0 0

Rye Hill 6 ~ ~

Send ~ 0 ~

Stafford 5 0 5

Stanford Hill 0 ~ ~

Stocken 4 ~ ~

Stoke Heath ~ 4 ~

Springhill 0 ~ ~

Styal ~ 0 ~

Sudbury ~ ~ 4

Swaleside ~ 0 ~

Swansea 10 12 22

Swinfen Hall 5 6 11

Thameside 4 10 14

The Mount 9 5 14

The Verne ~ 0 ~

Thorn Cross ~ 0 ~

Usk 13 16 29

Wakefield ~ ~ 6

Wandsworth ~ 11 ~

Warren Hill 0 0 0

Wayland 0 0 0

Wealstun ~ 0 ~

Werrington 0 0 0

Wetherby ~ 0 ~


TOTAL NUMBER OF

CASES BY

ESTABLISHMENT

Whatton 0 ~ ~

Whitemoor 10 6 16

Winchester 23 ~ ~

Woodhill 24 0 24

Wormwood Scrubs 14 6 20

Wymott 14 15 29

Total 952 485 1437

The symbol ~ denotes suppressed values of 3 or fewer (and totals that would allow

values of 3 or fewer to be calculated) to avoid the risk of identifying individuals.

* Data is split between Feltham A and Feltham B to account for different age groups

**Data is split between Parc A and B to account for different age groups

***Data is split for male and female sites at Peterborough

The department is considering the content of its regular reporting schedule and how

that could be expanded.

Ms Lyn Brown: [57145]


Question 51783 on Prisons: Coronavirus, which custodial facilities in England and Wales

had not fully implemented compartmentalisation as of 8 June 2020.



Question 51783 on Prisons: Coronavirus, how many temporary accommodation units

have been (a) delivered to HMPPS sites, (b) fully fitted and prepared for prisoner

accommodation, and (c) occupied by prisoners as of 8 June 2020.

Lucy Frazer:

As of the 8 June 2020 there were 854 temporary accommodation units delivered to

sites across England and Wales. Installation to the agreed minimum level had been

completed for 339 units. Once installation is completed a number of operational

processes are required before they can be occupied. 224 units were in occupation.

As of 8 June 2020 the following prisons had not yet fully implemented

compartmentalisation:

HMPs Sudbury, Leyhill, Springhill, Bure, Elmley




To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information his Department holds on the

(a) number and (b) proportion of prison staff who have been tested for covid-19.

Lucy Frazer:

The Department of Health and Social Care is solely responsible for testing for Covid-

19 both in the community and in secure settings. As such, we do not hold data on

staff testing.

On 24 April, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced the rollout

of Covid-19 testing for all essential workers and symptomatic members of their

household, including prison staff, those working in Approved Premises (APs) and

probation staff (including private sector service providers) in England. We have

referred over 4,000 HMPPS staff for testing to date.

In Wales, testing for prison, AP and probation staff and symptomatic members of

their household is being delivered through local resilience forum arrangements and

through local health boards.

What we do know is the number of confirmed cases among those who have been

tested, which was 947 as of Friday, 5 June. This data is self-reported.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the adequacy

of the availability of personal protective equipment for prison staff during the covid-19

outbreak.


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) items of personal protective

equipment, (b) masks and (c) bottles of hand gel have been delivered to prisons since the

start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer:

Personal protective equipment is critical to protect staff and those in our care where

close contact is necessary and unavoidable. There is currently adequate stock and

forward supply of PPE, in accordance with public health advice.

We have stock in the hundreds of thousands for aprons, coveralls, eye protection,

pairs of gloves, respirator masks and fluid-resistant surgical masks, as well as hand

sanitiser. However, we are making continued preparations and keeping demand for

PPE under regular review as we move into the next phase of managing this outbreak.

Prisons: Education


To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether support payments for organisations

with contracts under the Prison Education Dynamic Purchasing System and which are

eligible to apply for covid-19 relief payments will be paid from (a) a central fund for

HMPPS, (b) individual prison budgets or (c) other public sources.





Lucy Frazer:

Under the COVID-19 procurement process, the Prison Education Dynamic

Purchasing System contracts are paid in line with the existing payment schedule. The

payments are funded from the annual HMPPS (business as usual) education budget.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Deferred Divisions: Coronavirus


To ask the Leader of the House, if he will make it his policy to utilise the e-voting system

previously used by hon. Members during hybrid proceedings for the process of holding

deferred divisions; what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the use of

paper for deferred divisions on the transmission of covid-19; and if he will make a

statement.

Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg:

The introduction of remote voting dealt with the particular circumstances we faced at

the time. It was only ever agreed as a temporary measure during an emergency, and

any long term changes should be a decision for the House following an inquiry by the

Procedure Committee. In the context of a physical return of Parliament, not returning

to physical voting would be a significant anomaly and I welcome the House’s

agreement to the Government’s approach. The Government is working closely with

the Speaker and House Authorities on how voting works in practice, whether that is

for live or deferred divisions. I hope I can assure the Hon. Lady that the House

authorities are completing this work in consultation with Public Health England to

ensure it is in line with public health advice.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme

Ian Paisley: [55966]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to page 44 of the

document entitled New Decade, New Approach, published in January 2020, which states

that the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme will be closed down, whether the required £60

to £600 million compensation is included in the associated finance package.

Mr Robin Walker:

The New Decade, New Approach agreement included a commitment to close down

the existing RHI scheme and replace it with a scheme that effectively cuts carbon

emissions in Northern Ireland. This pledge was part of text about the programme for

government for the new Executive and not a UK Government commitment.

To support the new Executive, UKG has guaranteed at least £1bn of Barnett-based

funding to support investment, alongside £1bn of new resource and capital spending.



This funding is not intended to absorb the costs to the Executive of the RHI voluntary

buy-out scheme and/or addressing financial hardship experienced by scheme

participants as a result of adjusted RHI tariffs.

Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry: Northern Ireland

Ian Paisley: [55967]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the

implications for his policies of the finding in the report of the Renewable Heat Incentive

public inquiry that RHI was a project too far for the Government of Northern Ireland.

Mr Robin Walker:

The RHI Inquiry was commissioned by a Northern Ireland Minister and fundamentally

concerns devolved issues. The Government does, however, expect to see rapid

progress in implementing all of Sir Patrick’s recommendations, alongside continued

implementation of the reforms in New Decade, New Approach, and is working closely

with the First and deputy First Minister to ensure this is done.

TRANSPORT

Airlines: Coronavirus

Sarah Owen: [57393]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2020 to

Question 55045, how the Government plans to define value for money for taxpayers

when assessing whether to make interventions in the airline industry in the event that

airlines find themselves facing financial difficulties as a result of covid-19 outbreak.

Kelly Tolhurst:

The Government has been clear that we will only consider bespoke support for

businesses once all other avenues have been exhausted, including the economy-

wide support announced by the Chancellor.

In considering whether there is a case for providing additional support, we would look

at factors such as whether the business makes a material contribution to the

economic activity of the UK and the equitable and fair treatment across businesses in

the sector. Any support that is offered will follow the government guidance on

Managing Public Money.

Aviation: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the

implications for his policies on quarantine for people entering the UK of the COVID-19

Aviation Health Safety Protocol published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency

and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on 20 May 2020.




Kelly Tolhurst:

A number of EU Member States have border restrictions currently in place, including

requirements for quarantine and self-isolation. EASA published operational guidance

for the aviation sector on 20 May. It aims to support airports and airlines to put in

place health measures to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 during air travel for

passengers and staff as far as possible, such as through enhanced hygiene practices

and social distancing in airports where possible. However, it recognises that the risk

of transmission cannot be fully eliminated. The UK published its own aviation health

guidance on 11 June.


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the

(a) Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (b) the Chancellor

of the Exchequer on the effect of the covid-19 quarantine on the aviation industry.

Kelly Tolhurst:

The decision to introduce these regulations, which form part of the wider border

measures package, was taken in close consultation across a number of departments.

The Secretary of State for Transport has held extensive discussions with Cabinet

colleagues.

British Airways: Coronavirus

Claire Hanna: [57404]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the

implications for his policy on the regulation of slot allocation at Heathrow airport of BA's

proposals on making its pilots redundant and rehiring them on different terms as a result

of the covid-19 pandemic.

Kelly Tolhurst:

Terms and conditions of employment are for negotiation and agreement between

employers and employees (or their representatives). The Government is not part of

these discussions and cannot comment on commercial decisions taken by individual

companies.

The UK’s independent slot coordinator, Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) is

responsible for allocating slots at UK airports and the Government is legally

prevented from intervening in this process. We want airport landing and take-off slots

to be used as efficiently as possible for the benefit of UK consumers and are carefully

considering the role of the slot system in rebuilding a competitive aviation sector.

Bus Services: Coronavirus

James Wild: [58101]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether bus drivers are required to wear face

coverings when driving during the covid-19 outbreak.




Rachel Maclean:

The regulation only applies to passengers, not to workers. Operators should continue

to follow the practical steps we have set out in our guidance to ensure their

workplaces are COVID-19 secure. Operators should continue to make sensible

workplace adjustments, for example introducing screens and providing hand

sanitiser.

Driving Instruction: Coronavirus

Mr Peter Bone: [57141]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when driving instructors will be able to

resume teaching of learner drivers following the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean:

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends that, currently,

approved driving instructors (ADI) should only provide lessons to candidates who

have an essential need.

When providing driving lessons, all ADIs should put in place appropriate measures, in

line with the latest Public Heath England and Cabinet Office guidance, to prevent the

spread of the coronavirus. It is the responsibility of the ADI and the pupil to consider

the risks to their health and to decide if the driving lesson is essential.

Using the latest Government guidance, the DVSA is working closely with the

Approved Driving Instructors National Association Strategic Partnership (NASP) to

develop appropriate plans and control measures that will enable the resumption of

non-essential driving lessons.

The DVSA is working closely with the Department for Transport to prepare for a safe

return to driver testing. Before practical driving tests are reintroduced, the DVSA will

inform the driver training industry, which will help candidates to prepare and reach the

standard of driving needed to pass their test.

The DVSA will provide further updates on providing non-essential driving lessons as

soon as it can.

Driving Tests: Coronavirus

Mr Peter Bone: [57142]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to reopen the driving test

booking system.

Rachel Maclean:

As the health and safety of staff and customers is key, the Driver and Vehicle

Standards Agency is currently working hard to prepare for a safe return to testing.

At present, its testing services are under review and it will announce details of

resumption in due course.



Before practical driving tests are reintroduced, the DVSA will inform the driver training

industry. This will help candidates prepare and reach the standard of driving needed

to pass their test.

Liz Saville Roberts: [58037]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will publish guidance for

driving instructors on when the suspension of driving tests due to the covid-19 outbreak

will be lifted.

Rachel Maclean:

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is working closely with the

Department for Transport to prepare for a safe return to driver testing. It will

announce details of resumption in due course.

Before practical driving tests are reintroduced, the DVSA will inform the driver training

industry, which will help candidates to prepare and reach the standard of driving

needed to pass their test.

Members: Correspondence


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to respond to the letter of 30

April 2020 from the hon. Member for Glasgow East, ref DL5648.

Chris Heaton-Harris:

As you will understand, the Department is currently dealing with unprecedented

volumes of correspondence due to COVID-19. The Department ensures that urgent

cases raised by hon. Members are prioritised, and is taking steps to provide

substantive responses in as short a time as possible.

All correspondence received from hon. Members is being reviewed and will be

responded to as soon as possible.

A response to your letter of 30 th April was sent on 11 th June.

Public Transport: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: [57981]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Transport Secretary's

statement on coronavirus (COVID), published on 4 June 2020 on gov.uk, whether the

exemption from wearing a face mask on public transport for people with breathing

difficulties applies to people with asthma.


We expect everyone to wear a face covering if they can, but recognise reasonable

adjustments are necessary for some people. Exemptions will apply to those with

breathing difficulties and other respiratory conditions including asthma, as well as

other groups.





To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment the Government has made

of the potential merits of exempting people with disabilities unable to wear face masks

from the recent Government requirement for people to wear face masks on public

transport during the covid-19 outbreak.


We have undertaken an Equalities Impact Assessment and have taken advice from

the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, as well as other disability

stakeholder groups. We expect everyone to wear a face covering if they can, but

recognise reasonable adjustments are necessary for some people. Exemptions will

apply for those unable to wear a face covering, for example people with disabilities,

those with breathing difficulties, or young children.

Railways: Coronavirus

Ian Mearns: [57182]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) discussions and (b) other

engagement his Department has had with train operating companies on the extension of

Emergency Measures Agreements on rail franchises; and if he will make a statement.


The Emergency Measures Agreements provide franchise operators with a temporary

suspension of their existing franchise agreement’s financial mechanisms for an initial

period of 6 months, with options for further extension or earlier cancellation as

agreed. Ministers and officials have regular engagement with rail franchisees and the

wider rail industry, to inform the work underway within government to determine the

most effective approach once this 6 month period ends.

Ian Mearns: [R] [57183]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of whether

the Emergency Measures Agreements on rail franchises will need to be extended beyond

the current agreed date of September 2020.





agreed. Work is underway within government to determine the most effective

approach once this 6 month period ends. This work will take account of the impact of

COVID-19 on demand for passenger rail travel in both the short and long term, and

the associated economic and financial impacts on the railway.


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of how much

each train operating company will receive as payment during the six months of

Emergency Measures Agreements.






Franchisees will be paid a maximum of 2% of the cost base of the franchise before

the COVID-19 pandemic began, payable as a lump sum at the end of the initial 6-

month Emergency Measures Agreement period. A proportion of the fee will be

conditional on operators meeting performance, passenger experience and efficiency

targets.

Ms Karen Buck: [57897]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what revenue funding the Government

provided from the public purse to (a) Thameslink, (b) c2c, (c) Southern, (d) Chiltern, (e)

South Western Railway, (f) Greater Anglia, (g) Southeastern, (h) Gatwick Express and (i)

London Northwestern Railway for (i) March, (ii) April and (iii) May 2020.


The Government has approved £2.9billion of additional expenditure during the

2020/21 financial year to ensure that vital rail services continue to operate. This

expenditure covers all train operators with franchise agreements with the Department

for Transport. However, individual TOC payments have not yet been finalised for all

of the above periods.


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the total cost

to the public purse of all emergency measures agreements on rail franchises.


Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the government has approved £3.5 billion of

additional expenditure to ensure that vital rail services continue to operate. Of this

additional expenditure, £2.9 billion relates to the 2020/21 financial year. It is not yet

possible to provide an estimate of the total cost incurred to date.


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what arrangements will be made for

Parliamentary scrutiny in the event that his Department seeks to extend emergency

measures agreements on rail franchises.


Work is underway within government to determine the most effective approach at the

end of the initial 6 months period of the Emergency Measures Agreements. This work

will take account of the impact of COVID-19 on demand for passenger rail travel in

both the short and long term, and the associated economic and financial impacts on

the railway. The Secretary of State shall continue to keep Parliament informed of

developments.


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what provisions have been made for

operators of last resort to take over rail franchises that become financially unviable.






The Department routinely monitors the financial health of all operators in accordance

with their respective franchise agreements. The Department’s Operator of Last

Resort team also has the capacity and capability to step into Train Operating

Companies where necessary in accordance with Section 30 of the Railways Act

1993.


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the cost to the

public purse of extending the emergency measures agreements on rail franchises.





agreed. Work is underway within government to determine the most effective

approach once this 6 month period ends. This work will take account of the impact of

COVID-19 on demand for passenger rail travel in both the short and long term, and

the associated economic and financial impacts on the railway.

Stena Line: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will list the financial support that will be

allocated to Stena Line through the Critical Freight Grant on the (a) Birkenhead-Belfast,

(b) Liverpool-Belfast, (c) Heysham-Belfast, (d) Cairnryan-Belfast and (e) Harwich-Hook of

Holland ferry routes for nine weeks from 11 May 2020.

Kelly Tolhurst:

Public Service Obligation (PSO) Agreements were awarded to Stena Line on four

routes, including Cairnryan-Belfast and Harwich-Hook of Holland. No Agreements

were awarded on the routes between Birkenhead-Belfast, Liverpool-Belfast or

Heysham-Belfast. The value of the awards will depend on actual revenues and

service level requirements during operation. The estimated value of the PSO

Agreements at the point of contract award have been published in the Official Journal

of the European Union and are as follows:

• PSO Agreement between Cairnryan and Belfast: £1,077,597

• PSO Agreement between Harwich and Hook of Holland: £1,608,003



TREASURY

Agricultural Shows: Coronavirus


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what financial support is available for providers

of agricultural and country shows during the covid-19 outbreak; and what support is

available for mobile providers of those shows who do not have fixed property.

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. Where they have business premises,

agro-event hire companies may benefit from one of the grants schemes announced

on 17 March:

• The Small Business Grant Fund, which provides eligible businesses with a £10,000

grant per property, for each property in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief

(SBRR) or Rural Rates Relief (RRR).

• The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, which provides eligible businesses,

not in receipt of SBRR or RRR, with a £10,000 grant per property with a rateable

value of £15,000 or less; and £25,000 grant per property with a rateable value

between £15,000 and £51,000.

Agro-event hire companies without premises, along with other businesses, may

benefit from a range of other support measures. 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.

Aviation and Tourism: Coronavirus


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment the Government has

made of the economic effect of the covid-19 quarantine on (a) airlines, (b) airports, and

(c) tourism and hospitality businesses.

Kemi Badenoch:

The Government wants the UK to open up for travel as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Government recognises the challenging times facing the aviation, tourism and

hospitality sectors and has provided an unprecedented package of support for

workers and businesses to support them through the current economic emergency.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps is he taking to ensure that customers

of all banks are able to access loans from the Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan scheme.


https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder





John Glen:

The Government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), launched 4 May, was

designed to help the smallest businesses access loans up to £50,000.

As of June 7, over 782,000 loan facilities have been approved with a value of over

£23.7bn. There are so far 21 accredited lenders offering finance under the scheme,

and this number continues to grow. The British Business Bank who are responsible

for administrating the scheme, have put substantial resources into onboarding new

lenders as quickly as possible.

If an SME’s main lender does not offer Bounce Back Loans, businesses can go to

another accredited lender. Several accredited lenders are accepting applications from

new customers.

Cash Dispensing


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions his Department has had with

the Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator on a minimum

service guarantee for cash; and with reference to the March 2020 Budget whether he has

a timeframe for bringing forward legislative proposals on protecting access to cash.


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support people who

require access to (a) offline and (b) face-to-face banking during the covid-19 outbreak.

John Glen:

The Government recognises that cash remains extremely important to the daily lives

of millions of people across the UK. The Government remains closely engaged with

the financial regulators to monitor and assess risks around cash access and

acceptance resulting from COVID-19. This includes working closely with industry to

ensure access to cash.

At the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government will bring

forward legislation to protect access to cash in the longer-term. The Government is

engaging with regulators – the Payment Systems Regulator, Financial Conduct

Authority and Bank of England – and stakeholders across industry while designing

legislation, to ensure the needs of cash users continue to be met. Further details on

timing for legislation will be set out in due course.

Regarding face-to-face banking, the Government has been working closely with the

financial regulators to ensure that banks, building societies, the Post Office and credit

unions continue to maintain branch access for essential services while balancing the

needs of their customers with the safety and welfare of staff. The vast majority of

branches are open, though many are open for reduced hours.

Banks, building societies and credit unions are keeping their websites up to date and

we would encourage customers, wherever possible, to use online services for their

banking. If customers are not able to use online forms of banking, they may choose



to use telephone banking rather than using a branch. The Government advises any

customer who has questions or concerns about their banking to contact their

provider.

Bank customers can also use the Post Office for essential banking services as an

alternative to their branch and can continue to use ATMs or cash machines as normal

for cash withdrawals and balance enquiries. Furthermore, several retail banks have in

place solutions for vulnerable customers who may be self-isolating, including making

payments through a trusted person.

Companies: Coronavirus

Karl Turner: [55952]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will list the employers that are participating

in Project Birch.

Steve Barclay:

The Government does not comment on individual cases but will notify Parliament of

the spending incurred as the result of any support provided.


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many companies registered under each

Standard Industrial Classification Code (a) applied for and (b) been awarded support

through the (a) Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, (b) Small Business Grant Fund, (c)

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, (d) Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Scheme, (e) Future Fund, (f) Bounce Back Loan and (g) Large Business Interruption

Loan scheme; and what the amount of each of those awards was.

Kemi Badenoch:

The four government backed loan schemes have seen over £40bn lent to hundreds

of thousands of businesses, whilst, as of midnight 7th June, 8.9 million jobs had been

furloughed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), with a total of

£19.6bn claimed, and 2.6 million claims had been made through the Self Employment

Income Support Scheme (SEISS), with a total value of £7.5 bn. The VAT deferral is

worth over £30 billion or 1.5% of GDP with £22.4bn deferred by 251,000 businesses

so far.

The Government has published aggregate application and approval figures on the

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large

Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) and Bounce Back Loan Scheme

(BBLS) since 12 May but does not hold specific breakdown information relating to

collective sectors or organisations which have accessed these schemes, including

under the Standard Classification for Economic Activities (SIC). The Government is

actively considering what further data can be made available in the future.

HMRC published Official Statistics for the CJRS and the SEISS, including a

breakdown of sectoral recipients, on 11 June. These can be accessed at:




https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/891249/Coronavirus_Job_Retention_Scheme_Statistics_June_2020.pdf


ent_data/file/891249/Coronavirus_Job_Retention_Scheme_Statistics_June_2020.pdf

and


ent_data/file/891603/SEISS_Official_Statistics_June_2020.pdf.

Concert Halls and Theatres: VAT


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential

merits of introducing zero-rated VAT on ticket income for theatres and music venues.

Jesse Norman:

VAT is an important source of revenue for the Exchequer and plays an important part

in funding the Government’s spending priorities including hospitals, schools and

defence, raising £130 billion in 2019/2020.

Given this context, while all taxes are kept under review, there are currently no plans

to apply a zero-rate of VAT on ticket income for theatres and music venues.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Theresa Villiers: [57925]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will include in the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme employees who are paid annually via PAYE at the end of the financial

year.

Angela Crawley: [58016]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential

merits of allowing furlough under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for employees

of companies which make a yearly RTI submission by using information from 2018-19.

Sarah Olney: [58044]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential

merits of enabling people who are paid annually but whose Real Time Information was

submitted after 19 March 2020 for the 2019-20 tax year to access the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman:

For an employee to be eligible for the CJRS they must have been notified to HMRC

on a real-time information (RTI) submission on or before 19 March. Those paid

annually are eligible to claim, as long as they meet the relevant conditions including

being notified to HMRC on an RTI submission on or before 19 March 2020, which

relates to a payment of earnings in the 2019/2020 tax year. Anyone paid annually

and notified on an RTI submission after that date will not be eligible for the scheme,

which puts them in the same position as those who are paid more frequently and

were not notified to HMRC on or before 19 March. The 19 March date allows as

many people as possible to be included by going right up to the day before the


https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/891603/SEISS_Official_Statistics_June_2020.pdf







announcement and mitigates the risk of fraud that existed as soon as the scheme

became public.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-employment Income Support Scheme


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of

the comparative equity of the £50,000 annual trading profit threshold for determining an

applicant's eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and the absence

of an equivalent threshold under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman:

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer to Parliamentary Question 51693 on 4

June 2020.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Dunfermline and West Fife


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many businesses based in the Dunfermline

and West Fife constituency have applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman:

As of 11 June 2020, 1,110 claims have been made under the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme by PAYE schemes registered at an address within the boundaries

of the Dunfermline and West Fife constituency.

Debts: Coronavirus


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the effect of the

covid-19 outbreak on household debt; and if he will make a statement.


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the effect

of the covid-19 outbreak on the level of credit card debt; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen:

The Government is conducting on-going work to understand and monitor the current

and future effects of COVID-19 on consumer debt. This data is still under

development.

Regulatory responsibility for the consumer credit market lies with the Financial

Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA continues to monitor the credit card market and

stands ready to act wherever consumer detriment is identified.

The Government has taken steps to support individuals and businesses through this

difficult time, including providing an additional £37.8 million for debt advice providers

helping people affected by COVID-19.





Food: Wholesale Trade

Kate Hollern: [55689]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to extend eligibility for the

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant to food and drink wholesalers that supply to care

homes, hospitals and schools.

Kemi Badenoch:

The Government recognises that this is a very challenging time for businesses in a

wide variety of sectors. Small businesses occupying properties for retail, hospitality or

leisure purposes are likely to be particularly affected by COVID-19 due to their

reliance on customer footfall, and the fact that they are less likely than larger

businesses to have sufficient cash reserves to meet their high fixed property-related

costs. The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF) is intended to help

small businesses in this situation.

Local Authorities (LAs) can choose to make discretionary grants to businesses in

supply chains, like the wholesale food and drink sector, if they feel there is a

particular local economic need. The Government has allocated up to an additional

£617 million to LAs to enable them to give discretionary grants. While food and drink

wholesalers are not one of the priority groups which Government has asked LAs to

focus on, LAs may choose to make payments to businesses outside of these priority

groups if they feel there is a local economic need to do so, so long as the business

was trading on 11th March, and has not received any other cash grant funded by

central Government (with the exception of grants from the SEISS).

Small businesses which are not eligible for business grants should still be able to

benefit from other elements of the Government’s unprecedented package of support.

The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses

can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the

schemes open and how to apply - https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-

finder.

Legal Profession: Scotland

Kirsten Oswald: [57239]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the

implications for his policies of evidence from the Law Society of Scotland that 32 per cent

of Scotland's law firms are limited companies which are excluded from the Self Employed

Income Support Scheme and being mainly sole traders are entitled to support under the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme only if they fully withdraw from providing legal

services to their clients.

Jesse Norman:

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is available to individuals

who are self-employed and who report their trading income through Income Tax Self-

Assessment. Those who pay themselves a salary through their own company are

eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).






From 1 July, employers can bring back to work employees that have been furloughed

for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim a CJRS

grant for the hours not worked.

Firms may have access to a range of grants and loans depending on their

circumstances, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Scheme, Bounce Back Loans, and the deferral of tax payments.

Loans: Coronavirus

Drew Hendry: [56043]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that future

lending decisions are not affected by payment holidays that have been taken during the

covid-19 outbreak.

John Glen:

The Government recognises the important role payment holidays play in providing

temporary support to consumers through this period and continues to work closely

with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to support consumers facing financial

difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Lenders must act responsibly when deciding whether and how much credit to issue.

This includes assessing consumers’ ability to repay. The information on a consumer’s

credit file is an important part of this assessment. FCA guidance makes clear that,

during a payment holiday, accounts should be recorded to ensure the consumers’

current credit data position is maintained or frozen for the duration of the payment

holiday period. The Government expects that this should not impact on a consumer’s

credit file.

Consumers should speak to their lender about their options when coming to the end

of their payment holiday.



To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 19

February 2020, reference DL4850, from the hon. Member for Glasgow East.

Kemi Badenoch:

HMT asked HMRC to respond as it has operational responsibility for tax credits. Ruth

Stanier, Director General, duly replied to Mr Linden’s letter on 11 June. HMRC

apologises for the delay in replying, which was caused by competing priorities

following the COVID-19 outbreak. HMRC assures Mr Linden that his constituent has

not been disadvantaged by this delay.

Neil Gray: [57986]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 13 May

2020 from the hon. Member for Airdrie and Shotts, reference NG12034.




Jesse Norman:

The Honourable Member’s correspondence was transferred from Number 10 to HM

Treasury on 18 May. The Treasury responded via email on 11 June.

Mortgages: Coronavirus


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps he has taken to mitigate the

financial pressures faced by mortgage prisoners during the covid-19 lockdown; and what

plans he has to enable mortgage prisoners to switch to new lenders.

John Glen:

On 17 March the Chancellor announced the availability of a three-month mortgage

holiday as part of an unprecedented package of support for individuals, businesses

and the economy affected by Covid-19. This help was further extended on 2 June

through the publication of FCA guidance. This guidance applies to all firms that

engage in mortgage activities to instruct them to offer support to customers that are

experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19.

The Government has also taken action with the FCA to support mortgage prisoners

by removing the regulatory barriers that previously prevented some from switching.

Lenders are currently making the necessary adjustments and system changes to

enable mortgage prisoners to switch and we expect them to start offering borrowers

products using the new rules soon.

Non-domestic Rates: Environment Protection


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential

effect of a reduction in business rates on the incentivisation of businesses to invest in

carbon reduction measures.

Jesse Norman:

Plant and machinery used to provide services within a property, such as solar power,

is normally included in the business rate assessment; this is an established principle

in the business rates system and ensures all buildings’ assessments include the

services they need for their use.

However, the Government is continuing to support the take up of solar panels by

maintaining the business rates exemption for solar power generating equipment (less

than 50kW) between its installation and the next business rates revaluation.

As set out in the Terms of Reference published at Budget, the treatment of plant and

machinery will also be considered through the fundamental review of business rates.



Retail Trade: Coronavirus

Mr Laurence Robertson: [57900]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will introduce further financial support for

retail businesses with lower level of trade than before the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will

make a statement.

Kemi Badenoch:

On 11 May the Government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy which sets out

our plan for moving to the next phase of our response. The strategy sets out a

cautious roadmap for easing existing measures in a safe and measured way. Our aim

is that all non-essential retail will be able to reopen by 15 June if the Government’s

five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines. The roadmap will

be kept constantly under review, and we will continue to work hard to support

business and workers as the situation evolves.

Retail businesses continue to have access to a range of government support

measures including:

• A 12-month business rates holiday for all eligible retail, leisure and hospitality

businesses in England

• Small business grant funding (SBGF) of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small

business rate relief or rural rate relief

• The retail, hospitality and leisure grant fund (RHLGF)

• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)

• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

• The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)

• The Covid Corporate Financing Scheme (CCFF)

• 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

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.

Roadchef: Employee Benefit Trusts


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent progress his Department has made

on resolving the dispute between HMRC and the Roadchef Employee Benefits Trust;





whether that case can be used as a precedent for other claims; and if he will make it his

policy to include a relevant clause in legislative proposals brought forward by his

Department to remove the obstacle to payments being made from the Trust to its

beneficiaries.

Jesse Norman:

The administration of the tax system is a matter for HM Revenue and Customs, who

have indicated that they are in dialogue with the taxpayer. It would not be appropriate

for Treasury ministers to become involved in the administration of the tax system in

specific cases.

Self-employed: Coronavirus

Simon Baynes: [57399]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support

freelance and self-employed people who take only dividends from their business.

Jesse Norman:


June 2020.


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason he has not amended the Self

Employment Income Support Scheme or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to

introduce temporary support for the self-employed who are employed by a series of short-

term PAYE contracts and have not been registered for support through the Coronavirus

Job Retention Scheme by previous employers.

Jesse Norman:

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is available to individuals

who are self-employed and who report their trading income through Income Tax Self-

Assessment.

To be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), furloughed

employees must have been on their employers’ PAYE payroll on or before 19 March

2020 and HMRC must have received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect

of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. It is not possible to amend this

deadline owing to the practical implications of monitoring such an extension, and the

risk of fraud that has existed since the scheme became public.

Those who do not qualify for SEISS or CJRS may have to access a range of other

support, including income tax deferrals, access to a range of grants and loans, and

three-month mortgage holidays. The Government has also relaxed the earnings rules

for self-employed claimants under Universal Credit.



Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Patrick Grady: [57244]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the

effect of extending the eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to

those whose self-employment income makes up less than 50 per cent of their annual

income on the (a) cost of that scheme and (b) number of eligible claimants.


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the

potential merits of extending eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

to those whose self-employment income makes up less than 50 per cent of their annual

income.

Jesse Norman:

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) continues to be one of the

most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world as the

economy reopens.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) undertook an initial assessment of the impact of

requiring an individual’s trading profits to be at least equal to their non-trading

income. This was set out in a letter from Jim Harra, Chief Executive and First

Permanent Secretary of HMRC, to the Treasury Select Committee on 5 May 2020,

which is available at

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/1151/documents/9923/default/.

HMRC’s analysis of Survey of Personal Incomes (SPI) data for 2017-18 suggested

that of the 5.75 million individuals deemed as having some form of self-employment

in 2017-18, 1.73 million received less than half of their total income from self-

employment trading profits.

The self-employed are very diverse and have a wide mix of turnover and profits, with

monthly and annual variations even in normal times, and in some cases with

substantial alternative forms of income too. The design of the SEISS, including the

eligibility requirement that an individual’s trading profits must be no more than

£50,000 and at least equal to their non-trading income, means it is targeted at those

who most need it, and who are most reliant on their self-employment income.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said there will be no further extension or

changes to the SEISS. Individuals receiving more than half their income from other

sources may still be eligible for other elements of the unprecedented financial support

provided by the Government. The SEISS is one element of a comprehensive

package of support for individuals and businesses, including Bounce Back loans, tax

deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and

other business support grants. More information about the full range of business

support measures is available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-

support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19.



https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/1151/documents/9923/default/

https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/1151/documents/9923/default/

http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19



Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Directors


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons he has not amended the Self

Employed Income Support Scheme to include directors of small and medium limited

companies who draw their income through dividends.

Jesse Norman:


June 2020.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Females


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has undertaken an equality impact

assessment of the terms of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme on women

who have taken time out from earning for (a) maternity and (b) childcare reasons in each

of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman:

HMT takes care to pay due regard to the equality impacts of its policy decisions

relating to the Covid-19 outbreak, including the equality impacts of the Self

Employment Income Support Scheme, in line with all legal requirements and the

Government’s commitment to promoting equality.

Social Enterprises: Coronavirus


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to encourage take up of the

social investment tax relief scheme to rebuild communities after the covid-19 outbreak.


To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary

of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the use of the social investment tax relief

scheme to support the Government's strategy to tackle loneliness.

Jesse Norman:

SITR is designed to support a broad range of social enterprises, which may have a

variety of social missions and community benefits. The Government committed to a

full review of SITR within two years of its expansion, and published a Call for

Evidence last year on the use of the SITR scheme to date, including as to why it has

been used less than anticipated and what impact it has had on access to finance for

social enterprises. A Summary of Responses to the Call for Evidence will be

published in due course.

The Government is committed to helping social enterprises and charities through the

COVID-19 outbreak. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

has helped to accelerate the release of previously committed dormant bank account





money. This initiative has enabled Big Society Capital to establish and capitalise a

Resilience and Recovery Loan Fund, which aims to improve access to the

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for social enterprises.

WALES

Employment: Wales

Ruth Jones: [57366]

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on support for people in Wales whose

employment has been adversely affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Simon Hart:

The Government has taken unprecedented measures UK-wide to support the

economy during these difficult times. This includes injecting over £6.5bn into the

welfare system, for example by increasing the Universal Credit standard allowance

and Working Tax Credit basic element by £20 a week.

The Government has also implemented a package of measures to support

businesses and their employees through the covid-19 outbreak, including the

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-employment Income Support

Scheme. In Wales, 316,000 jobs have been supported by the Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme and 102,000 self-employed have claimed the Self-employment

Income Support Scheme.

Tourism: Wales

Daniel Kawczynski: [57137]

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what plans he has to work more closely with (a)

Shrewsbury and (b) other border towns and communities to help encourage tourism after

the covid-19 outbreak.

Simon Hart:

I continue to hold discussions with the First Minister on the reopening of Wales’

tourism industry to ensure that Wales is well placed to attract visitors whilst

respecting social distancing and to make the most of the summer season.

Based on the scientific evidence available, the UK Government has set out a clear

plan on how we will rebuild the UK for a world with Covid-19 whilst respecting

devolved decision making. Subject to scientific advice, next month will see the partial

reopening of some tourist accommodation in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

I have written to the First Minister to urge that Wales is not left behind.



WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Alicia Kearns: [55057]

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the

implications for her policies of (a) the UK Council of Psychotherapy Conversion Therapy

Consensus Statement, published in June 2014, and (b) the decisions of the governments

of (i) Germany, with reference to the BBC News article of 8 May 2020 entitled Germany

passes law banning gay conversion therapy for minors, and (ii) Canada, with reference to

amendments by the Canadian Government to the Criminal Code of Canada, to ban

conversion therapy; and what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on

bringing forward legislative proposals to ban practice of that therapy.

Kemi Badenoch:

The Government takes this issue very seriously and fundamentally disagrees with

attempts to forcibly change someone’s sexuality. I am working with colleagues across

Government on this issue, and we will outline plans to end its practice in due course.

As part of ongoing engagement with healthcare stakeholders and other Government

Departments, GEO officials have been reviewing all relevant statements, including

the 2014 statement and more recent developments, in order to inform thinking around

future proposals.

We are aware of the developments that have been made in Germany, Canada and

elsewhere. Officials are in discussion with international policy counterparts, in order

to fully understand the detail around their measures, and to inform the UK’s next

steps.

Ethnic Groups: Coronavirus

Shabana Mahmood: [57938]

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the report published by

Public Health England on 2 June 2020 entitled COVID-19: review of disparities in risks

and outcomes, what cross-departmental steps the Government plans to take to reduce

the disproportionate effect of the covid-19 outbreak on black, Asian and minority ethnic

communities.

Kemi Badenoch:

As Minister for Equalities, I will be working with the Race Disparity Unit and the

Department for Health and Social Care to carry forward work to identify and fill the

gaps in PHE’s review; and work across government to take appropriate steps to

mitigate disparities identified. The terms of reference for this work, which include

quarterly updates to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social

Care on progress, were published on GOV.UK on 4 June.



WORK AND PENSIONS

Carer's Allowance


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people were in receipt of

carer’s allowance in each region of the UK by (a) ethnicity and (b) gender in (i) 2020 and

(ii) each of the last five years.

Justin Tomlinson:

The requested information is not available for (a) ethnicity as it is not routinely

recorded for claimants of Carer's Allowance.

The number of people receiving Carer’s Allowance in each region of Great Britain

broken down by (b) gender is shown in the below table. The latest data available is

as at November 2019. To be aware Carer’s Allowance was devolved to Scotland in

September 2018.

NOV-15 NOV-16 NOV-17 NOV-18 NOV-19

Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female

England 178,511 474,335 186,277 496,156 189,470 515,027 192,480 534,645 199,334 551,491

Wales 14,775 33,423 15,155 34,864 15,633 36,267 15,954 37,686 16,499 38,730

Scotland 21,162 45,901 22,185 48,397 22,833 50,108 23,372 52,068 24,320 53,522

North

East

14,209 31,514 15,029 33,366 15,589 34,837 15,856 36,423 16,661 37,823

North

West

33,124 74,985 34,199 78,050 34,748 81,061 35,149 83,757 36,110 86,049

Yorkshire

&the

Humber

21,705 52,406 23,050 55,814 23,618 58,225 24,013 60,847 24,899 62,999

East

Midlands

15,848 41,792 16,608 43,620 16,879 45,405 17,348 47,463 18,076 49,241

West

Midlands

22,303 58,837 22,979 61,118 23,112 63,390 23,534 65,827 24,734 68,087

East of

England

15,115 46,078 15,829 48,099 15,956 49,865 16,182 51,771 16,660 53,321

London 22,280 68,810 23,513 71,840 23,821 73,930 24,256 76,011 25,102 78,139

South

East

19,632 60,513 20,260 63,165 20,675 65,764 20,784 68,238 21,409 70,382


NOV-15 NOV-16 NOV-17 NOV-18 NOV-19

South

West

14,302 39,401 14,809 41,090 15,071 42,549 15,356 44,310 15,678 45,459

TOTAL 214,449 553,665 223,614 579,418 227,935 601,403 231,809 624,399 240,148 643,743

The information requested on the number of individuals in receipt of Carer’s

Allowance is published and available at:

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk

Guidance for users is available at:

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Carer's Allowance: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: [57211]

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has made an

assessment of the potential merits of providing carers who are in receipt of carer’s

allowance with additional financial support during the covid-19 outbreak in (a) Barnsley

Central constituency and (b) the UK.

Justin Tomlinson:

The Government recognises and appreciates the vital role played by unpaid carers

now more than ever. In November 2019 there were more than 1,900 carers in the

Barnsley Central constituency that were receiving Carer’s Allowance (CA) and in

2018/19 we spent approximately £6.7 million on CA there.

We have focussed on ensuring carers do not inadvertently stop receiving CA

because of changes to patterns of care during the current emergency. This includes

allowing emotional support to count towards the 35 hours of care being provided by

the carer as well as relaxing the rules around breaks in care. These changes aim to

support carers whose role has, in many cases, become harder due to the need to

self-isolate or shield the person they care for.

The rate of CA was also increased in early April as part of the annual uprating

process. Since 2010, the rate of Carer’s Allowance has increased from £53.90 to

£67.25 a week, meaning nearly an additional £700 a year for carers. We continue to

support those carers in most need through additional amounts (premiums) in means-

tested benefits and have also announced increases to the standard allowance in

Universal Credit. Meaning claimants will be up to £1040 a year better off, which some

carers receiving Universal Credit will benefit from.

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/







To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to respond to the

letter of 31 March 2020 from the hon. Member for Glasgow East, reference DL5255.

Will Quince:

I replied to the hon. Member on 11 June 2020.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Assessments

Nickie Aiken: [54247]

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to make

permanent the offer of phone or paper assessments for benefits currently in place during

covid-19 outbreak.

Justin Tomlinson:

Paper based reviews have always been a feature of Personal Independence

Payment assessments and Work Capability Assessments and wherever possible

Assessment Providers will conduct a paper-based review. Telephone-based

assessments for suitable cases are a temporary measure replacing face-to-face

assessments, which were suspended across all health and disability benefits from 17

March due to Covid-19. We are currently in the process of reviewing this measure in

light of the latest public health advice and will confirm next steps as soon as possible.


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are waiting for

an assessment for (a) personal independence payments, (b) employment and support

allowance and (c) the limited capability for work component of universal credit as at 15

June 2020.

Justin Tomlinson:

The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at

disproportionate cost.

Social Security Benefits: Uprating


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to uprate the

benefit cap to ensure that universal credit claimants are not lifted above the cap by the

Government’s decision to increase universal credit by £20 a week for a year.


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason the benefit cap has

not been raised in line with recent increases in universal credit payments.

Mims Davies:

There are currently no plans to change the benefit cap. The Benefit Cap restores

fairness between those receiving out-of-work benefits and taxpayers.






Statutory Sick Pay


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate her

Department has made of the number of employees who do not qualify for statutory sick

pay as a result of their pay being below the lower earnings limit.

Justin Tomlinson:

To be eligible for SSP, earnings over the 8 week qualifying period must be at or

above the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit (LEL), currently £120 per week.

The consultation “Health is Everyone’s Business” stated that widening eligibility for

SSP would extend SSP protection to an estimated 2 million more employees.


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many employees with children

earn less than the lower earnings limit for statutory sick pay.

Justin Tomlinson:

The requested information concerning the number of employees with children who

earn less than the lower earnings limit is not readily available and could only be

provided at disproportionate cost.


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate the Government has

made of the potential cost to the public purse of removing the lower earnings limit for

qualification for statutory sick pay.

Justin Tomlinson:

The consultation “Health is Everyone’s Business” (CP 134, published July 2019)

sought views on the recommendation of the Taylor Review of Modern Working

Practices to extend Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to include those earning below the

lower earnings limit. On its own, such a measure would present no direct cost to the

exchequer as SSP is paid by employers. There may be an indirect cost to the

government as an employer but this cannot be robustly estimated.

Statutory Sick Pay: Coronavirus


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government

has made of the potential effect that the level of the rate of statutory sick pay will have on

the number of employees who choose to self-isolate during the covid-19 outbreak as a

result of an instruction through the NHS' test and trace system.

Justin Tomlinson:

A high level of compliance with the restrictions introduced to combat covid-19 has led

to the outbreak being brought under control. This Government has a strong safety net

that helps people who are facing hardship and are unable to support themselves

financially. We have taken steps to strengthen that safety net so that people are





supported to do the right thing. We have extended eligibility for SSP, and made sure

it is payable from day 1 – rather than day 4 – for employees affected by covid-19.

Employers can choose to pay more than SSP and many do - 60% of employees

receive more than the statutory minimum. SSP is just part of our welfare safety net

and our wider government offer to support people in times of need. Where an

individual’s income is reduced while off work 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. We have ensured that

benefits are easily accessible and more supportive for those who need to make a

claim.

Universal Credit


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many new applications for

universal credit there were in each constituency since 1 March 2020.


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many new applications there

were for universal credit by households with children in each constituency since 1 March

2020.

Will Quince:

Statistics for Universal Credit claims by postcode area, and starts by postcode area

and Jobcentre Plus office can be found on Stat-Xplore:


The available information on the number of households with children on Universal

Credit, by parliamentary constituency, is published and can be found at:


Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:


Universal Credit: Coronavirus

Stuart Anderson: [48633]

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the

number of universal credit applicants who (a) do not have access to a computer and (b)

are self-isolating due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Will Quince:

Our Universal Credit Claimant Survey from June 2018 found that 96 per cent of

claimants have regular access to the internet. Of these, 9 in 10 claimants have

access at home via a computer or through a mobile phone. This can be accessed at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-full-service-claimant-

survey










For those claimants who are unable to access or use our digital services, there is

assistance available to make and maintain their claim using the Freephone Universal

Credit helpline.

Running alongside the national Jobcentre offer from 1 April 2019 is the Citizens

Advice Help to Claim which support claimants in making a Universal Credit claim.

Help to Claim offers tailored, practical support to help people make their claim up to

receiving their first full correct payment on time. It is widely available online, through a

freephone number and face to face through local Citizens Advice services.

Information on the number of Universal Credit applicants who are self-isolating due to

Covid-19 is not available.


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government

has made of the potential merits of suspending the Universal Credit (Miscellaneous

Amendments, Saving and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2018 for the duration of the

covid-19 outbreak.

Will Quince:

[Holding answer 4 June 2020]: The Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments,

Saving and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2018 introduced a package of positive

measures announced in the Autumn Budget on 22 November 2017 and the SSWP’s

oral statement the following day. It also introduced additional measures that are very

technical by nature, which had been highlighted as part of the learning process of

Universal Credit and ensured the legislation reflected the intended policy.

We cannot see any merit in suspending these regulations. For example, we have no

plans to re-introduce waiting days to Universal Credit during the Covid period, as this

would reduce financial support for claimants and delay the initial payment, nor do we

have any plans to suspend the Transition to UC Housing Payment (the two-week run

on of Housing Benefit), as this would remove vital financial support for people moving

to UC.

Dan Jarvis: [51991]

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what additional financial support

her Department is providing to claimants of universal credit whose partners are in receipt

of the state pension during the covid-19 outbreak.

Will Quince:

Couples where one member is receiving state pension and the other is of working

age, who are not already claiming Pension Credit and/or Housing Benefit for

pensioners, will be supported through Universal Credit where eligible.

The Government has announced a suite of measures to support those facing the

most financial disruption during the pandemic. This includes increasing the standard

allowance in Universal Credit by £86.67 per month (equivalent to £20 per week), on

top of the planned annual uprating. This means that claimants may be up to £1,040

per year better off, depending on their circumstances. We have also made a number



of other changes such as increasing Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal

Credit and Housing Benefit claimants; putting an average of £600 into people’s

pockets.

Universal Credit: Wales


To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people submitted claims

for universal credit in Wales from 1 March to 12 May in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019 and

(d) 2020.

Will Quince:

[Holding answer 4 June 2020]: Information on new Universal Credit claims made in

a) 2017, b) 2018 and c) 2019 is published online and can be found at https://stat-

xplore.dwp.gov.uk/

Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at: https://stat-

xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

For figures for 2020, I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newport East

on 21 May 2020 to Question 39515

Welfare Tax Credits

Neil Gray: [41473]

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her Department’s

policy to allow claimants to re-open a tax credit claim following an application for

universal credit.

Will Quince:

[Holding answer 5 May 2020]: The Department has prioritised ensuring people have

the information they need to understand the benefits and employment support they

may be eligible for, including launching a new microsite within the Understanding

Universal Credit website to help people navigate the range of support available and

apply for it.

Although neither HMRC nor DWP can advise tax credit claimants whether they

should claim Universal Credit (UC), we have actively encouraged them to use benefit

calculators to check their eligibility before applying and have explained that applying

for UC will stop their tax credit claim. This includes adding information to HMRC’s

Interactive Voice Response for people calling on the phone, as well as updating

GOV.UK pages. We have used the DWP Twitter and Facebook channels to share

messages for tax credit claimants, and used paid media to ensure we reach millions

of people.





https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2Clords&uin=39515

https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2Clords&uin=39515


MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

HOME OFFICE

Police: Demonstrations


To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had

with representatives from the National Police Chiefs Council on (a) guidance for policing

protests while the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 are in force and (b)

arresting protesters under those regulations.

An error has been identified in the written answer given on 9 June 2020. The

correct answer should have been:

Kit Malthouse:

The footage of George Floyd’s death is deeply upsetting and we appreciate the

strength of feeling behind the planned #BlackLivesMatter protests, but it is vital to

remember that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis. We strongly support

the right to protest peacefully, but this pandemic has led to many of our individual

freedoms being curtailed because everyone has a role to play in helping to control

the virus following the rules. This is how we can continue to save lives so we can

recover. Under the current regulations, gatherings of more than six people from

different households are not permitted. We are in close contact with police to ensure

they are prepared to respond to any public disorder and have appropriate policing

plans in place. How they use these powers is an operational matter for the police,

who are independent of Government. The Police have adopted an effective approach

of the 4Es; engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance before moving to

enforcement options. The National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing

have issued guidance on how they will enforce the regulation. This can be found at

https://www.college.police.uk/News/College-news/Pages/Health-Protection-

Guidelines.aspx. Chief constables from forces across the country, the Chair of the

National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing and the

President of the Police Superintendents' Association made a statement following the

death of George Floyd, which is published at

https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/uk-police-stand-with-those-appalled-by-george-

floyd-death


strength of feeling behind the planned #BlackLivesMatter protests, but it is vital

to remember that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis.We strongly

support the right to protest peacefully, but this pandemic has led to many of

our individual freedoms being curtailed because everyone has a role to play in

helping to control the virus following the rules. This is how we can continue to

save lives so we can recover.


Under the current regulations, gatherings of more than six people from

different households are not permitted. We are in close contact with police to

ensure they are prepared to respond to any public disorder and have

appropriate policing plans in place. How they use these powers is an

operational matter for the police, who are independent of Government.

The Police have adopted an effective approach of the 4Es; engaging,

explaining and encouraging compliance before moving to enforcement

options. The National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing have

issued guidance on how they will enforce the regulation. This can be found at

https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/understanding-the-

law/Pages/default.aspx

Chief constables from forces across the country, the Chair of the National

Police Chiefs’ Council, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing and the

President of the Police Superintendents' Association made a statement

following the death of George Floyd, which is published at

https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/uk-police-stand-with-those-appalled-by-

george-floyd-death.

Police: Powers


To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an

assessment of the effect of (a) Regulation 7 of the Coronavirus Regulations 2020 and (b)

the police use of powers under those regulations at recent protests on people's ability to

exercise their right to protest under articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on

Human Rights.



Kit Malthouse:


strength of feeling behind the planned #BlackLivesMatter protests, but it is vital to

remember that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis. We strongly support

the right to protest peacefully, but this pandemic has led to many of our individual

freedoms being curtailed because everyone has a role to play in helping to control

the virus following the rules. This is how we can continue to save lives so we can

recover. Under the current regulations, gatherings of more than six people from

different households are not permitted. We are in close contact with police to ensure

they are prepared to respond to any public disorder and have appropriate policing

plans in place. How they use these powers is an operational matter for the police,

who are independent of Government. The Police have adopted an effective approach

of the 4Es; engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance before moving to

enforcement options. The National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing

have issued guidance on how they will enforce the regulation. This can be found at


https://www.college.police.uk/News/College-news/Pages/Health-Protection-

Guidelines.aspx. Chief constables from forces across the country, the Chair of the

National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing and the

President of the Police Superintendents' Association made a statement following the

death of George Floyd, which is published at

https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/uk-police-stand-with-those-appalled-by-george-

floyd-death

The footage of George Floyd’s death is deeply upsetting and we appreciate

the strength of feeling behind the planned #BlackLivesMatter protests, but it is

vital to remember that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis.We

strongly support the right to protest peacefully, but this pandemic has led to

many of our individual freedoms being curtailed because everyone has a role

to play in helping to control the virus following the rules. This is how we can

continue to save lives so we can recover.

Under the current regulations, gatherings of more than six people from

different households are not permitted. We are in close contact with police to

ensure they are prepared to respond to any public disorder and have

appropriate policing plans in place. How they use these powers is an

operational matter for the police, who are independent of Government.

The Police have adopted an effective approach of the 4Es; engaging,

explaining and encouraging compliance before moving to enforcement

options. The National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing have

issued guidance on how they will enforce the regulation. This can be found at

https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/COVID-19/understanding-the-

law/Pages/default.aspx

Chief constables from forces across the country, the Chair of the National

Police Chiefs’ Council, the Chief Executive of the College of Policing and the

President of the Police Superintendents' Association made a statement

following the death of George Floyd, which is published at

https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/uk-police-stand-with-those-appalled-by-

george-floyd-death.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Riot Control Weapons: USA


To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will (a) suspend exports of

tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields to the US in response to the recent steps taken

by police against protestors and (ii) launch an investigation into whether British weapons

were used by the US police against protestors; and if she will make a statement.




















when circumstances require. There are currently nine 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. Three 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.






Hilary Benn: [53311]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether she plans to review UK

exports of (a) tear gas and (b) rubber bullets to the US.
































Alison Thewliss: [53467]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will suspend export of (a)

rubber bullets and (b) tear gas to the US.
































Alison Thewliss: [53468]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if she will suspend export of (a)

rubber bullets and (b) tear gas to the US.
































Stephen Farry: [53663]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how much (a) tear gas irritant

ammunition, (b) tear gas riot control agents, (c) rubber bullets, and (d) riot shields were

exported to the United States in the last year; and what recent assessment he has made

of the likelihood of those exports being used in protests against police brutality in that

country.

































To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether she plans to pause and

review her policy on UK arms and security equipment exports to the US for potential use

in policing operations involving tear gas and rubber bullets.































Sir Charles Walker: [54036]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with

Cabinet colleagues on the potential future granting or withholding of export licences in

relation to crowd and riot control equipment manufactured in the UK and destined for the

US; and if she will make a statement.

































Sir Charles Walker: [54037]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the Government has

powers to attach conditions to the granting of export licenses, in relation to sale and

export of riot and crowd control equipment to the US and other countries which if not met

could result in a license being cancelled; and if she will make a statement.

































To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to ensure

that (a) tear gas, (b) riot shields and (c) rubber bullets produced in and sold by companies

based in the UK to law enforcement agencies in the US are not used against peaceful

civilian protesters in that country.
































WRITTEN STATEMENTS

BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

Business Update

Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Alok Sharma):

[HCWS292]

I am tabling this statement for the benefit of Honourable and Right Honourable Members

to bring to their attention the details of changes we have made to the Coronavirus Large

Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS).

CLBILS is facilitated by the Government-owned British Business Bank and delivered

through its delivery partners. Lenders have until now offered loans from £30,000 up to

£50 million to support viable businesses with a turnover of £45 million and above that are

affected by the coronavirus outbreak. It is designed to ensure businesses that have been

adversely impacted by the coronavirus outbreak can access the finance they need, even

if they are too large to access CBILS but unable to access the Bank of England’s Covid

Corporate Financing Facility. There is no limit on the number and aggregate value of

loans that can be made under the scheme.

Despite this, some businesses have not been able to address cashflow issues due to

caps on maximum loan sizes permissible under the scheme. Businesses with turnover up

to £250 million have been unable to borrow more than £25 million, and no business,

regardless of turnover, has been permitted to borrow more than £50 million. On 26 May,

we therefore made the following changes to the scheme:

• an increase in the maximum loan size available under CLBILS: loans are now

available from £50,000 to £200 million;

• the replacement of the £25 million loan size cap for firms with a turnover of up to

£250 million with a new cap on maximum loan size at 25 per cent of turnover for all

borrowers through CLBILS; and

• tighter restrictions on company activities for the duration of the facility for loans

above £50 million: borrowers cannot make any dividend payments other than those

that have already been declared, may not make any share buybacks on dividend

payments, may not pay any cash bonuses, or award any pay rises to senior

management (including the board) except where they were declared before the

CLBILS loan was taken out, are in keeping with similar payments made in the

preceding 12 months, and do not have a material negative impact on the

borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

• for loans up to £50 million, the existing restrictions on dividends continue to apply:

only dividends declared before the CLBILS loan was taken out, are in keeping with

those made in the previous 12 months, and which would not have a material

negative impact on the ability to repay the loan are permitted.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2020-06-15/HCWS292/


Further detailed technical changes to the scheme, including the approach to restructuring

events and new provisions on seniority of CLBILS facilities, are detailed on the British

Business Bank’s website.

There remains no limit on the number or aggregate value of loans issued under CLBILS.

The Government remains subject to a statutory contingent liability arising from CLBILS,

and I will be laying a revised Departmental Minute today containing a description of the

liability undertaken.

CABINET OFFICE

Second meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee: Update

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael

Gove): [HCWS291]

The second meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee took place by video

conference on 12 June 2020. It was co-chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of

Lancaster, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP and Vice President of the European Commission,

Maroš Šefčovič.

The Committee was updated on progress of the Specialised Committees and Withdrawal

Agreement implementation. The Committee adopted one Decision on correcting errors

and omissions in the Withdrawal Agreement relating to financial provisions and citizens’

rights.

The UK emphasised its decision not to extend the Transition Period.

The UK also announced that it would introduce new border controls on imports coming

into Great Britain from the EU in three stages up until 1 July 2021. The UK stated that it

was taking a flexible and pragmatic approach that will give industry extra time to be ready

for the new procedures, recognising the impact of COVID-19 on businesses’ ability to

prepare.

HOME OFFICE

Prüm – Data Sharing Update

The Minister of State for Security (James Brokenshire): [HCWS290]

Following a review of the policy of limiting data sharing via Prüm to the DNA

profiles of convicted criminals and excluding data which relates to those

suspected but not convicted of a crime, it is the Government’s intention to begin

exchanging suspects’ data held in England & Wales and Northern Ireland with

connected EU Member States through Pr ü m. Consultation will continue with the

Scottish Government, where policing matters are devolved, in respect of the

implications for the implementation of the policy in Scotland.

EU Council Implementing Decision 2019/968 required the UK to “review its policy

on the exchange of suspects' profiles” and set a deadline of the 15 June 2020 to



notify the Council of that outcome. The Implementing Decision makes clear the

Council should “re-evaluate the situation with a view to the continuation or

termination of DNA Prüm automated exchange” should the notification not be

made.In order to meet that deadline, Sir Tim Barrow will shortly be instructed to

notify the European institutions that it is the Government’s intention to begin

exchanging suspects’ data held in England & Wales and Northern Ireland with

connected EU Member States through Prü m and that consultation will continue

with the Scottish Government.

The UK has been exchanging DNA data via Prüm since July 2019. During that period

searches of historic data held on the UK’s national DNA database have been made

against the data held by the nine EU countries to whom we have connected Around

12,000 initial hits have been identified relating to UK investigations. EU Member States

have received approximately 41,000 initial hits from matching their data with that held by

the UK. These hits have already delivered public protection benefits. For example, an

unidentified crime stain from a sexual assault in Glasgow in 2012 was identified as a

subject convicted for theft offences in Austria and that investigation is now being

progressed in way that would not have been possible were it not for the Prüm exchange.

Sharing suspects’ data would mean that more UK data stores would be checked across

the EU, supplementing intelligence for investigations, including in relation to serious

organised crime, terrorism and cross-border crime. Law enforcement agencies have

identified that there are risks and missed opportunities associated with not sharing

suspects’ data. For example, the inclusion of UK data taken from a person suspected of

rape – where the conviction rates are disappointingly low - could allow a match to be

made with data held in the EU where that person may have been previously suspected or

convicted of a sexual offence.

This exchange involves a two-step process. Step one is to send anonymised biometric

data to the connected partner for it to be searched against their database, providing a

‘hit/no hit’ result. Where there is a match against the anonymised data, step two applies

during which the relevant demographic data is shared, i.e. name, and date of birth. A

series of stringent checks are carried out by UK law enforcement agencies before any

demographic or identifying data is provided and only if the Member State submits a

separate request for this data.

The Government has considered the impact of sharing suspects’ data as it concerns

individual freedoms. However, I am reassured by protections applicable to England and

Wales which carefully govern the retention of biometric data, and which confer

protections to data from individuals who have not been convicted. The Police and

Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

creates a strict retention regime which sets out that data must be deleted within a set

period, depending on the circumstances under which it was collected. This regime

considers factors such as the age of the individual at the time of the offence, the

seriousness of the offence, and ensures that suspects' data constitutes only around 2%

of the profiles in the DNA and fingerprint databases at any one time.

In addition, a number of safeguards were introduced when Parliament voted in favour of

joining Prüm in 2015 have been in place since we started exchanging DNA data. They

include: the introduction of an independent oversight board; the requirement that low-

quality matches be excluded from Prüm searching; the introduction of an additional step

where a ‘hit’ involves data which relates to a minor; and the exclusion of data held for

only a short period in relation to vulnerable persons. These all work together to protect

against innocent UK citizens being caught up inappropriately in overseas criminal

investigations. The Government considers these safeguards to be working well. Ensuring

continued adherence to the UK’s scientific standards means that there is a one in a billion

chance that a UK DNA sample would be falsely matched with an overseas criminal

investigation. Moreover, the two-step Prüm process means that a law enforcement officer

in the UK checks the data against set criteria before providing any identifying data to the

requesting state. These checks ensure that the information is lawfully retained and that

providing the information would not endanger any UK investigation.

In considering whether to include suspects’ data, the Government has carefully balanced

the potential public protection benefits against concerns that a UK citizen could be caught

up inappropriately in criminal investigations in EU Member States and has considered the

effectiveness of the safeguards put in place to prevent such instances occurring. In light

of the benefits reaped from exchanging DNA since July 2019 and the way in which the

safeguards have been applied, the Government has concluded that the important public

safety benefits in exchanging suspects’ data outweigh the risks associating with sharing

it.

As we made clear in the “UK Approach” published on 27 February, the Government is

discussing a possible agreement on law enforcement with the EU, which could include

arrangements providing similar capabilities to those currently delivered through the Prüm

system.

Date post:	04-Jul-2020
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