Show Search Form

Search Results

registered interest	true false
date	exactly: or between: and
answering body
answering dept id
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name
hansard heading
house id
legislature	pref label
question text
tabling member constituency
tabling member printed
uin
answer	is ministerial correction true false date of answer exactly: or between: and answer text answering member constituency answering member printed grouped question UIN question first answered answering member label previous answer version answering member constituency answering member printed answering member label
tabling member	label

Search

1081798

	registered interest
	date	04/03/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Labour Market: Inspections
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to increase the number of labour market inspectors in line with the International Labour Organisation benchmark of one for every 10,000 workers.
	tabling member constituency	Aberavon
	tabling member printed	Stephen Kinnock
	uin	228097
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>Government is exploring options for a single labour market enforcement body – we will publish proposals on this for consultation shortly. More recently we announced that this consultation will consider extending the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority’s licensing scheme to further sectors and that we will ensure trade unions and businesses are consulted on the strategic direction of labour market enforcement.</p><p> </p><p>As part of the forthcoming Spending Review we will consider what level of funding is appropriate to ensure that it is adequately resourced to deliver its strengthened remit.</p><p> </p><p>Government is committed to ensuring fair and effective enforcement. We have taken concrete measures to increase the number of labour market inspectors and extend their coverage.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Government has increased funding for HMRC’s enforcement of the National Minimum and Living Wage (NMW) to a record high of £26.3 million for 2018/19. The NMW enforcement team went from 140 staff in 2015-16 to 424 in 2017/18 (measured on a full-time equivalent basis).</li><li>Funding for the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has also risen in the last two years to reflect the expansion of its remit to tackle labour exploitation. The GLAA now receives over £7m per year in funding, up from £4.5m in 2016/17.</li><li>The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate has seen its funding increase from £0.5m in 2016/17 to £0.725m in 2018/19.</li></ul><p> </p><p>The Good Work Plan went further, setting out a number of measures to improve state enforcement of core employment rights. In addition to introducing state enforcement of holiday pay for vulnerable workers, we also committed to expand protection of agency workers to cover umbrella companies.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 11/03/2019 17:43:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 106417 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4359 label Biography information for Stephen Kinnock

1081799

	registered interest
	date	04/03/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Minimum Wage: Non-payment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to increase prosecution and conviction rates for non-payment of the minimum wage.
	tabling member constituency	Aberavon
	tabling member printed	Stephen Kinnock
	uin	228098
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2019 answer text <p>The enforcement of the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (NMW) is a top priority for the Government; we have increased HMRC’s enforcement budget to a record high of £26.3 million for 2018-19.</p><p> </p><p>Last year, HMRC identified a record £15.6 million in arrears of wages for over 200,000 workers. In addition, HMRC issued £14.1 million in financial penalties to employers who breached NMW rules; the highest amount ever.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to civil penalties, since April 2016 Labour Market Enforcement Agencies have been making use of new powers to issue Labour Market Enforcement Undertakings and Orders. A two year custodial sentence and/or unlimited fine is available where a business breaches an LME order.</p><p> </p><p>Prosecution is reserved for the most egregious breaches of NMW law. In most cases it is not the best approach to help workers. Criminal sanctions against employers can mean that workers must wait considerably longer for their lost earnings to be paid back.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 11/03/2019 17:42:37 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 106418 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4359 label Biography information for Stephen Kinnock

1023247

	registered interest
	date	11/12/2018
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland on businesses in Scotland deploying no-deal contingency plans as a result of the Government deferring the meaningful vote on the Withdrawal Agreement.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	201183
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/12/2018 answer text <p>Ministers in BEIS regularly speak to Scottish ministers about a wide range of issues including contingency planning.</p><p> </p><p>We do not want or expect a no deal scenario. We have agreed in principle the terms of the UK’s smooth and orderly exit from the EU, as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. However, it is the duty of a responsible government to prepare business for a range of potential outcomes, and, as such, Government published 106 technical notices over the summer. Businesses have told us they will continue with no-deal contingency planning in light of these, and further guidance, until the agreement is finalised.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 20/12/2018 17:45:18 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 92362 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1023249

	registered interest
	date	11/12/2018
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if his Department will make an estimate of the number of businesses deploying no-deal contingency plans as a result of the Government deferring the meaningful vote on the Withdrawal Agreement.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	201185
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2018 answer text <p>We do not want or expect a no deal scenario. We have agreed in principle the terms of the UK’s smooth and orderly exit from the EU, as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. However, it is the duty of a responsible government to prepare business for a range of potential outcomes, and, as such, Government published 106 technical notices over the summer. Businesses have told us they will continue with no-deal contingency planning in light of these, and further guidance, until the agreement is finalised.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 17/12/2018 18:04:26 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 92363 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1134255

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of making the Prompt Payment Code compulsory for large businesses.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	268619
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>In the recent Government Response to the Creating a Responsible Payment Culture Call for Evidence we announced that responsibility for the voluntary Prompt Payment Code (the ‘Code’) is to move to the Small Business Commissioner and that the Code will be reformed, following engagement with existing Code signatories.</p><p> </p><p>Turning a voluntary code into a compulsory code would be further legislation respect of payment terms. UK legislation already establishes maximum 30-day payment terms for transactions with public authorities and 60-day payment terms between businesses, unless they agree longer terms and those terms are not grossly unfair to the supplier.</p><p> </p><p>Government has worked closely with trade bodies and businesses to develop this. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said of the recent announcement: “Small businesses will be delighted with today’s announcement” and “the measures today could finally see an end to poor payment practice. Changing our business culture will boost the small business community, productivity and growth.”</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/07/2019 14:10:31 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1134256

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reducing the maximum payment terms of the Prompt Payment Code from 60 days to 30 days.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	268620
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>The Prompt Payment Code (‘the Code’) encourages businesses to aim for 30-day payment terms as the norm, with 60 days as the maximum. Signatories commit to paying 95% of invoices within 60 days, unless there are exceptional circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>In the recent Government Response to the Creating a Responsible Payment Culture Call for Evidence we announced that responsibility for the Code is to move to the Small Business Commissioner and that the Code will be reformed, following engagement with existing Code signatories. We are also keen to increase the number of businesses signed up to the Code.</p><p> </p><p>UK legislation already establishes maximum 30-day payment terms for transactions with public authorities and 60-day payment terms between businesses, unless they agree longer terms and those terms are not grossly unfair to the supplier.</p><p> </p><p>Government has worked closely with trade bodies and businesses to develop this. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said of the recent announcement: “Small businesses will be delighted with today’s announcement” and “the measures today could finally see an end to poor payment practice. Changing our business culture will boost the small business community, productivity and growth.”</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/07/2019 14:10:37 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1134257

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Small Businesses: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how he plans to define late payments that the Small Business Commissioner will enforce.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	268621
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>Within the Small Business Commissioner’s (the Commissioner) remit to tackle late payment and help drive culture change in private sector payment practices, the Commissioner addresses small business complaints about their larger customers. The Commissioner will make non-binding recommendations as to how the issues could be resolved, remedied and mitigated.</p><p> </p><p>Further detail of the Commissioner’s complaints handling scheme is set out in the Small Business Commissioner (Scope &amp; Scheme) Regulations 2017.</p><p> </p><p>I announced in the recent Government Response to the Call for Evidence on Creating a Responsible Payment Culture that we will consult on strengthening the Commissioner’s ability to assist and advocate for small businesses in the area of late payments.</p><p> </p><p>Government has worked closely with trade bodies and businesses to develop this. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said of the recent announcement: “Small businesses will be delighted with today’s announcement” and “the measures today could finally see an end to poor payment practice. Changing our business culture will boost the small business community, productivity and growth.”</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/07/2019 14:10:44 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1134258

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what evidence base the Government used in reaching the decision to provide a £1 million business fund for the use of technology to help reduce late payments.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	268622
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>A £9 million Business Basics Programme was announced in the Industrial Strategy, to test innovative ways of encouraging SMEs to take up the proven technology and business practices that can boost productivity. I announced in the recent Government Response to the Call for Evidence on Creating a Responsible Payment Culture that, as part of that Programme, we will launch a Business Basics fund competition up to £1 million. This will provide funding to trial how to get businesses to take up proven technology and business practices, including a focus on payment technology.</p><p> </p><p>Government has worked closely with trade bodies and businesses to develop this. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said of the recent announcement: “Small businesses will be delighted with today’s announcement” and “the measures today could finally see an end to poor payment practice. Changing our business culture will boost the small business community, productivity and growth.”</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/07/2019 14:10:49 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1134259

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the £1 million technology fund for businesses on the issue of late payments.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	268623
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>Technology adoption can boost productivity in the UK. The £9 million Business Basics Programme was announced in the Industrial Strategy, to test innovative ways of encouraging SMEs to take up the proven technology and business practices that can boost productivity.</p><p> </p><p>Government believes there is also a role for the Commissioner to run a campaign to promote technological solutions to SMEs to reduce late payment, improve cash flow and encourage better credit management. This fits with the Commissioner’s role in offering advice and guidance on payment matters to SMEs.</p><p> </p><p>It is envisaged that this combined approach will improve awareness of the use of technology and begin to make inroads to improve administrative processes that underpin business operations such as streamlining invoicing, payment and credit management, ultimately making payment practices more efficient and businesses more productive.</p><p> </p><p>Government has worked closely with trade bodies and businesses to develop this. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said of the recent announcement: “Small businesses will be delighted with today’s announcement” and “the measures today could finally see an end to poor payment practice. Changing our business culture will boost the small business community, productivity and growth.”</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/07/2019 14:10:55 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1134260

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Business: Billing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to page seven of the Government's response to the paper entitled, Creating a responsible payment culture: a call for evidence on tackling late payment, what the evidential basis is for the statement there was no real consensus, either with regard to the extent of the issue itself or what the best solution to the problem is.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	268624
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2019 answer text <p>We received 283 responses and respondents expressed a wide range of views in relation to payment practices and experiences. From the wide-ranging evidence provided it is clear there is no ‘magic bullet’ solution. That is why are taking action with a broad package of policy measures to tackle late payments and continue to change culture.</p><p> </p><p>Government has worked closely with trade bodies and businesses to develop this. Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said of the recent announcement: “Small businesses will be delighted with today’s announcement” and “the measures today could finally see an end to poor payment practice. Changing our business culture will boost the small business community, productivity and growth.”</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/07/2019 14:11:01 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1183072

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Regional Airports
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Government plans to publish the terms of reference for the urgent review into regional connectivity.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	25667
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/03/2020 answer text <p>Levelling up connectivity across our regions and nations is a top priority for this Government. Our review of regional air connectivity will ensure the UK has the domestic transport connections local communities need. We will publish the terms of reference shortly.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 10/03/2020 17:07:52 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1183074

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Regional Airports
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the (a) nations and (b) regions of the UK have access to air connections.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	25668
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/03/2020 answer text <p>We are urgently working with industry to identify opportunities to re-establish key Flybe routes throughout the nations and regions of the UK, and have kept in close contact with airlines and airports over the last few days to emphasise this. We are pleased to see that a number of airlines have already committed to operating many of these routes in the near future.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to this immediate work, levelling up connectivity across our regions and nations remains a top priority for this government. This is why we are undertaking a review of regional air connectivity which will ensure the UK has the domestic transport connections local communities need.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 10/03/2020 17:10:17 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1183076

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Flybe: Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the effect of Flybe entering administration on the provision of air freight at each airport in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen North
	tabling member printed	Kirsty Blackman
	uin	25669
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/03/2020 answer text <p>Our preliminary assessment is that Flybe entering administration will have a minimal impact on the provision of air freight but we will keep this under review.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 10/03/2020 17:12:30 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4357 label Biography information for Kirsty Blackman

1020870

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2018
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Companies House: Registration
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken to reduce the risk of fraud from the availability of personal information on the Companies House database.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen South
	tabling member printed	Ross Thomson
	uin	200149
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/12/2018 answer text <p>The Government considers that it is important that the information on the companies register should not become a tool for abuse. In response to concerns about the availability of residential address information on the register, we brought regulations into force in April to make it easier for people to have this information suppressed. We are also currently considering a broad package of reforms to Companies House, including the protection of personal information. We plan to consult on these reforms in 2019.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 12/12/2018 16:51:21 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4599 label Biography information for Ross Thomson

1192345

	registered interest
	date	05/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	British Airways: Redundancy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish a response to EDM 418 on British Airways job losses.
	tabling member constituency	Airdrie and Shotts
	tabling member printed	Neil Gray
	uin	42058
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/05/2020 answer text <p>We recognise that the recent news regarding job losses at British Airways will be very distressing for the airline’s employees and their families.</p><p> </p><p>The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and we encourage firms to draw on the unprecedented package of measures we have made available to support them through this time. This includes schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 07/05/2020 12:37:29 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 19537 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4365 label Biography information for Neil Gray

1194525

	registered interest
	date	11/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Travel: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what scientific or medical advice he based the decision to include passengers arriving from countries which have the same or lower levels of covid-19 infection as the UK in the 14-day quarantine policy.
	tabling member constituency	Altrincham and Sale West
	tabling member printed	Sir Graham Brady
	uin	44981
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/05/2020 answer text <p>The Home Office will be introducing new health protection measures at the border, and details will be published soon. Further queries should be directed to the Home Office.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 19/05/2020 16:39:20 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	435 label Biography information for Sir Graham Brady

1224380

	registered interest
	date	14/07/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aircraft: Electric Motors
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to support research into (a) improving aircraft efficiency and (b) new technologies to enable electric and hybrid powered flight.
	tabling member constituency	Altrincham and Sale West
	tabling member printed	Sir Graham Brady
	uin	73711
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2020 answer text <p>The focus of our policy development and analysis to date has been on ways to meet our 2050 net zero carbon commitment. We have not specifically made an assessment of the savings that could be made if the focus were the next five or ten years, but we continue to develop policies to reduce emissions over both the short term and the medium term.</p><p> </p><p>The Transport Secretary recently announced the Jet Zero Council, which will provide leadership and strategic direction to cut aviation emissions. The Council will focus on developing UK capabilities to deliver zero emission flight.</p><p> </p><p>Through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, Government and industry are committing a total of £3.9bn in funding for mid-stage aerospace research and development between 2013 and 2026.</p><p> </p><p>DfT’s Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition makes £20 million of capital funding available for projects that will produce low carbon waste-based fuels for use in aircraft and heavy goods vehicles. This government funding will be matched by the private sector, and is expected to support construction of first-of-a-kind plants by 2021. The sustainable aviation fuel produced in these plants is expected to have emissions savings of at least 70% when compared to traditional jet fuel.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 73713 question first answered 22/07/2020 13:40:23 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	435 label Biography information for Sir Graham Brady

1224383

	registered interest
	date	14/07/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Airspace
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has for airspace modernisation.
	tabling member constituency	Altrincham and Sale West
	tabling member printed	Sir Graham Brady
	uin	73712
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2020 answer text <p>Airspace modernisation is vital to the future of aviation, to delivering net zero and, now, to supporting the aviation sector’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a critical infrastructure programme of national importance.</p><p> </p><p>However, in light of the pandemic, we recognise that the timescales in which airspace modernisation will take place will change. We are working with the CAA to review the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, to consider the recommendations from ACOG’s recent report ‘Remobilising the Airspace Change Programme’, and will advise stakeholders of our preferred approach in the early Autumn.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 22/07/2020 13:35:16 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	435 label Biography information for Sir Graham Brady

1224388

	registered interest
	date	14/07/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Renewable Fuels
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the carbon emissions reductions that could be achieved in the next (a) five and (b) 10 years from (i) more sustainable aviation fuels, (ii) more efficient aircraft, (iii) hybrid and electric flight and (iv) airspace modernisation.
	tabling member constituency	Altrincham and Sale West
	tabling member printed	Sir Graham Brady
	uin	73713
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2020 answer text <p>The focus of our policy development and analysis to date has been on ways to meet our 2050 net zero carbon commitment. We have not specifically made an assessment of the savings that could be made if the focus were the next five or ten years, but we continue to develop policies to reduce emissions over both the short term and the medium term.</p><p> </p><p>The Transport Secretary recently announced the Jet Zero Council, which will provide leadership and strategic direction to cut aviation emissions. The Council will focus on developing UK capabilities to deliver zero emission flight.</p><p> </p><p>Through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, Government and industry are committing a total of £3.9bn in funding for mid-stage aerospace research and development between 2013 and 2026.</p><p> </p><p>DfT’s Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition makes £20 million of capital funding available for projects that will produce low carbon waste-based fuels for use in aircraft and heavy goods vehicles. This government funding will be matched by the private sector, and is expected to support construction of first-of-a-kind plants by 2021. The sustainable aviation fuel produced in these plants is expected to have emissions savings of at least 70% when compared to traditional jet fuel.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 73711 question first answered 22/07/2020 13:40:23 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	435 label Biography information for Sir Graham Brady

1156439

	registered interest
	date	25/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Company liquidations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of incentives for directors to apply for voluntary strike-off to dispose of unwanted companies.
	tabling member constituency	Alyn and Deeside
	tabling member printed	Mark Tami
	uin	5410
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>A company can apply to Companies House for a voluntary strike off if it has not traded in the last three months. The process is set out in the Companies Act 2006 and is designed to safeguard those who are likely to be affected by a company’s dissolution. Guidance is also available for directors, and is available on gov.uk.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 31/10/2019 10:09:14 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	1383 label Biography information for Mark Tami

1156440

	registered interest
	date	25/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Companies: Registration
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of checks on company registrations in England and Wales.
	tabling member constituency	Alyn and Deeside
	tabling member printed	Mark Tami
	uin	5411
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>The Registrar of Companies (Companies House) has a statutory obligation to incorporate a new company on receipt of a validly completed application. When registering a new company, the Registrar is carrying out a function of the state on behalf of the Government.</p><p> </p><p>Companies House undertakes numerous checks on the validity of information, both at incorporation and throughout the life of the company as new information is submitted.</p><p> </p><p>The Department consulted earlier this year on a broad package of possible reforms to Companies House to ensure it is fit for the future and continues to contribute to the UK’s business environment. They are designed to deliver more reliably accurate information on the companies register and enhance Companies House work in support of UK law enforcement efforts to tackle economic crime.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 31/10/2019 09:35:45 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	1383 label Biography information for Mark Tami

1167007

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Directors: Prosecutions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the letter of 23 September 2019 from the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility to the hon. Member for Alyn and Deeside, for what reasons it is the Government’s policy that it is rarely in the public interest to prosecute directors who abandon companies.
	tabling member constituency	Alyn and Deeside
	tabling member printed	Mark Tami
	uin	7235
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/11/2019 answer text <p>A prosecuting authority must ensure that any proposed prosecution meets the tests in the code for Crown Prosecutors. They are:</p><ul><li>That there is sufficient evidence an offence has been committed;</li><li>That there is a reasonable expectation that a conviction can be secured; and,</li><li>That the prosecuting authority must be satisfied that if a conviction is secured the Courts will impose more than a nominal penalty.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Abandoning a company as such is not an offence. A prosecution could only be for failing to file statutory documents: accounts or a confirmation statement. It is rarely the case that prosecuting the directors of a company that is no longer required meets the above tests.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 05/11/2019 15:27:35 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	1383 label Biography information for Mark Tami

1105648

	registered interest
	date	27/03/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Civil Servants: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department has had with the Cabinet Office on his Department having a civil service presence in Scotland.
	tabling member constituency	Angus
	tabling member printed	Kirstene Hair
	uin	237765
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/04/2019 answer text <p>BEIS already has a presence in Scotland. Through the core department and 7 of its partner organisations, BEIS has a presence of over 800 people, based primarily in Edinburgh (459), Glasgow (223) and Aberdeen (120), with smaller numbers in other locations.</p><p> </p><p>Last November, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to all Secretaries of State setting out the importance of the Government's commitment to relocate both public bodies and Civil Service roles into the regions and nations of the United Kingdom. To support this, the Places for Growth Programme are increasing their engagement with departments in the run up to the Spending Review and are drawing on advice and support from colleagues across Whitehall, including the BEIS Industrial Strategy Team.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>For information – further detail on locations of BEIS and its partner organisations</strong></p><p> </p><p>The table below sets out these organisations (correct as of August 2018):</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Organisation</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Location</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Headcount</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>BEIS – Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment &amp; Decommissioning (OPRED)</p></td><td><p>Aberdeen</p></td><td><p>89</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>OFGEM</p></td><td><p>Glasgow</p></td><td><p>131</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>UK Research &amp; Innovation</p></td><td><p>Multiple</p></td><td><p>Edinburgh – 354 Glasgow – 3 Perth – 1 Dumfries - 1 <strong>Total - 359</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Met Office</p></td><td><p>Multiple</p></td><td><p>Aberdeen – 31 Edinburgh – 29 Nairn and Moray – 12 Shetland – 5 Dumfries and Galloway – 3 <strong>Total - 84</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>ACAS</p></td><td><p>Glasgow</p></td><td><p>89</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Insolvency Service</p></td><td><p>Edinburgh</p></td><td><p>44</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Companies House</p></td><td><p>Edinburgh</p></td><td><p>32</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)</p></td><td><p>Multiple</p></td><td><p>Caithness and Sutherland - 3 Ross and Cromarty – 2 <strong>Total - 5</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>Grand Total</strong></p></td><td><p> </p></td><td><p><strong>833</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 03/04/2019 16:35:29 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4675 label Biography information for Kirstene Hair

1135320

	registered interest
	date	27/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Derelict Land: Regeneration
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support is available from the UK Government for devolved regions to regenerate former industrial sites.
	tabling member constituency	Angus
	tabling member printed	Kirstene Hair
	uin	270436
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government has devolved over £9 billion to Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) in England between 2015 and 2021. LEPs are investing that money according to their individual priorities.</p><p>BEIS has supported businesses through the BEIS Energy Innovation Programme providing funding. For example BEIS allocated £500,000 to Kite Power Solutions in Glasgow to develop a high altitude wind power generating system that uses kites to capture wind energy, and up to £750,000 to redT Energy for their flow battery technology cost reduction programme in Livingston.</p><p>Through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), the Government has allocated £1.7bn to ISCF challenges over two waves of investment. Funding from the ISCF has supported technologies and future industries which benefit a number of devolved regions. For example £36 million was given to the ABC in Swansea to support the construction sector and £13 million was given to Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Scotland for the pharma industry</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 10/07/2019 16:44:45 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4675 label Biography information for Kirstene Hair

1185355

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Ports: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to help reduce disruption to British ports as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Arfon
	tabling member printed	Hywel Williams
	uin	29836
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government has a programme of ongoing engagement with ports associations and individual ports, to ensure that there is as little interruption as possible to the flow of goods in and out of the UK. The security and safety of seafarers and port workers continues to be protected.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 19/03/2020 15:12:21 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	1397 label Biography information for Hywel Williams

1191757

	registered interest
	date	29/04/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Ferries: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the criteria was for the allocation of funding to protect routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; when he plans to publish details of further support for (a) routes between Wales and the Republic of Ireland and (b) other ferry routes; and if he will publish details of the financial commitments made under the joint statement between the UK, France and Ireland, published on 24 April 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Arfon
	tabling member printed	Hywel Williams
	uin	41394
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/05/2020 answer text <p>The Government has announced potential support for routes that ensure the flow of critical goods into and within the UK.</p><p> </p><p>Discussions are ongoing with operators on eligible routes to determine whether those routes are no-longer economically viable. We will keep the scheme under review and we are working closely with the Devolved Administrations.</p><p> </p><p>There are no financial commitments as part of the Joint Statement with France and Ireland.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 04/05/2020 16:23:14 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	1397 label Biography information for Hywel Williams

1195149

	registered interest
	date	12/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Ferries: Freight
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish the eligibility criteria for future funding packages to protect ferry freight routes; what assessment he has made of the potential merits of basing that eligibility on (a) projections of profitability, (b) financial losses and (c) planned redundancies.
	tabling member constituency	Arfon
	tabling member printed	Hywel Williams
	uin	45966
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>As well as safeguarding vital lifeline services to the Isle of Wright and the Isles of Scilly, we announced a package for critical Roll On, Roll Off (RoRo) freight routes between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and mainland Europe, on 24 April. We will shortly publish information about which of the eligible 31 routes will receive funding.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 18/05/2020 16:32:45 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	1397 label Biography information for Hywel Williams

1200580

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Spanish counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Spain without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55068
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55069 55070 55071 55072 55073 55074 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200581

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Italian counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Italy without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55069
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55070 55071 55072 55073 55074 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200582

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his French counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and France without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55070
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55071 55072 55073 55074 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200583

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his German counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Germany without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55071
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55072 55073 55074 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200584

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Greek counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Greece without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55072
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55073 55074 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200585

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Cypriot counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Cyprus without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55073
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55072 55074 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:56 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200586

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Croatian counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Croatia without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55074
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55072 55073 55075 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:57 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200587

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Bulgarian counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Bulgaria without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55075
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55072 55073 55074 55076 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:57 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200588

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the US Administration on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and the US without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55076
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55072 55073 55074 55075 55077 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:57 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200589

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Portuguese counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Portugal without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55077
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55072 55073 55074 55075 55076 55078 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:57 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1200590

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his Icelandic counterpart on the potential for an air bridge permitting air travel between the UK and Iceland without a quarantine being imposed on inbound travellers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Arundel and South Downs
	tabling member printed	Andrew Griffith
	uin	55078
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Transport has had no such discussions with the Governments of those specific states about the potential for creating an air bridge with said countries. However, the Government is working closely with industry to explore this concept. This includes work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airlines and airports.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 55068 55069 55070 55071 55072 55073 55074 55075 55076 55077 question first answered 12/06/2020 11:27:57 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith

1077334

	registered interest
	date	25/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Minimum Wage: Ashfield
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what percentage of jobs in Ashfield constituency pay (a) the national minimum wage and (b) sums up to the living wage.
	tabling member constituency	Ashfield
	tabling member printed	Gloria De Piero
	uin	225472
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/02/2019 answer text <p>Through the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) the Government helps to protect the lowest paid in society. We are committed to raising the NLW to 60 per cent of median earnings by 2020, subject to economic growth.</p><p> </p><p>On 1 April 2019, the NLW will increase by 4.9% to £8.21. This means that the annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW will have increased by £2,750 since the policy was introduced. Increases to the NMW rates, also effective from 1 April, will continue to outstrip inflation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government estimates that in the Ashfield constituency 3,800 workers are paid the NLW (for those aged 25 and over) or NMW rates (for those aged between 16-24 and apprentices). This represents 9 per cent of the constituency’s workforce. This estimate is obtained from the Office for National Statistics’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 28/02/2019 17:05:26 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	3915 label Biography information for Gloria De Piero

1093480

	registered interest
	date	22/03/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Living Wage and Minimum Wage: Young People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what proportion of jobs in (a) Nottinghamshire, (b) the East Midlands and (c) England are paid the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage for employees aged 16 to 24.
	tabling member constituency	Ashfield
	tabling member printed	Gloria De Piero
	uin	235749
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2019 answer text <p>Through the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, the Government ensures that the lowest paid in our society are fairly rewarded for their work. Workers under the age of 25 are entitled to one of the National Minimum Wage rates, which are set as high as possible without damaging young people’s employment prospects.</p><p> </p><p>From April 2019, those aged 16-24 will benefit from inflation-beating increases in the youth rates. About 271,000 workers under the age of 25 in England are expected to be covered by one of the National Minimum Wage rates, including 36,000 in the East Midlands. The Government has not published figures for Nottinghamshire for 2019. However, about 3,800 workers aged 16 or over were on the National Living Wage or the National Minimum Wage in Ashfield in April 2018, representing 9% of the constituency’s workforce.</p><p> </p><p>The Government also commends employers who are able to pay above the minimum. According to the independent Low Pay Commission, more than nine in ten workers under the age of 25 were paid above their age-applicable National Minimum Wage rate in the UK in April 2018.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 01/04/2019 12:12:31 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 110480 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	3915 label Biography information for Gloria De Piero

1179192

	registered interest
	date	21/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Bus Services: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to improve bus services in (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Ashfield
	tabling member printed	Lee Anderson
	uin	18964
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/03/2020 answer text <p>The bus market outside London is deregulated and decisions regarding service provision are primarily a commercial matter for bus operators. However, the Bus Services Act 2017 provides the tools local authorities need to improve local bus services and increase passenger numbers.</p><p> </p><p>The Government provided £1,002,539 for Nottinghamshire County Council during 2018/19 to support vulnerable services.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, we have announced a further £30 million for less commercial services. Nottinghamshire County Council has been allocated £648,608 which will be available from April 2020 if the funding requirements are met. This is from the £220 million Better Deal for Bus Users package to transform bus services. The Government’s ambition is to secure a long term, sustained improvement in bus services underpinned by a National Bus Strategy for England which will be accompanied by a long-term funding settlement.</p><p><a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-better-deal-for-bus-users/a-better-deal-for-bus-users" target="_blank"> www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-better-deal-for-bus-users/a-better-deal-for-bus-users</a></p><p> </p><p>On 11 February 2020, the Prime Minister announced there will be £5 billion of new funding to overhaul bus and cycle links for every region outside London which may benefit bus services serving Ashfield.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/03/2020 16:49:29 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4743 label Biography information for Lee Anderson

1503930

	registered interest
	date	02/09/2022
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	LGBT+ People: Primary Education
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make an assessment of the appropriateness of learning materials provided by LGBTQ campaign groups for use in primary schools.
	tabling member constituency	Ashfield
	tabling member printed	Lee Anderson
	uin	45555
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/09/2022 answer text <p>As part of compulsory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE), all pupils should be taught LGBT content at a timely point during their education. Schools can use externally produced materials to support their lessons and are responsible for ensuring that what they use is factual, age appropriate and suitable for their pupils. Schools are also required to consult parents on the content of their RSHE curriculum and to provide examples of the content and resources that they plan to use.</p><p>The department is not planning to assess the materials schools use to teach about LGBT matters, but we have published non-statutory implementation guidance, which includes advice on choosing resources. This guidance can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/plan-your-relationships-sex-and-health-curriculum" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/plan-your-relationships-sex-and-health-curriculum</a>. Further guidance on working with external bodies and using their resources is included in the ‘Political impartiality in schools’ guidance, which can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/political-impartiality-in-schools/political-impartiality-in-schools</a>. We are also working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to develop new guidance to support schools specifically on transgender matters.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 21/09/2022 16:20:11 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4743 label Biography information for Lee Anderson

1063602

	registered interest
	date	18/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Minimum Wage: Voluntary Work
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what amendments have been made to the guidance relating to section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 since its enactment.
	tabling member constituency	Ashford
	tabling member printed	Damian Green
	uin	222587
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2019 answer text <p>Section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 sets out a specific exemption that applies to voluntary workers. People volunteering for charities, voluntary organisations and other relevant organisations contribute a huge value to society, and they do so without an expectation of being paid the National Minimum Wage.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance is available on <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgov.uk&amp;data=02%7C01%7CSusan.Walker%40beis.gov.uk%7C9504bf748f074d9c905b08d6964ea43d%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C636861663186015865&amp;sdata=Xcsw8v7BSTD2O4SB2kRvVRAD5eU7LFx78KVx02w6kBI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">gov.uk</a> to support charitable and other relevant organisations in determining when voluntary workers are covered by the exemption. This is contained in ‘Calculating the Minimum Wage’, which was first published in April 2013 and can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the-minimum-wage" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the-minimum-wage</a></p><p> </p><p>This guidance on when voluntary workers are exempt from the National Minimum Wage has not been the subject of a formal consultation and there are no immediate plans to amend it. If the Department receives representations that show there is a need for improved guidance we would consider these carefully.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 222588 222589 question first answered 26/02/2019 14:46:22 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	76 label Biography information for Damian Green

1063603

	registered interest
	date	18/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Minimum Wage: Voluntary Work
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether there was a public consultation in support of the development of guidance relating to section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998.
	tabling member constituency	Ashford
	tabling member printed	Damian Green
	uin	222588
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2019 answer text <p>Section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 sets out a specific exemption that applies to voluntary workers. People volunteering for charities, voluntary organisations and other relevant organisations contribute a huge value to society, and they do so without an expectation of being paid the National Minimum Wage.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance is available on <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgov.uk&amp;data=02%7C01%7CSusan.Walker%40beis.gov.uk%7C9504bf748f074d9c905b08d6964ea43d%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C636861663186015865&amp;sdata=Xcsw8v7BSTD2O4SB2kRvVRAD5eU7LFx78KVx02w6kBI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">gov.uk</a> to support charitable and other relevant organisations in determining when voluntary workers are covered by the exemption. This is contained in ‘Calculating the Minimum Wage’, which was first published in April 2013 and can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the-minimum-wage" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the-minimum-wage</a></p><p> </p><p>This guidance on when voluntary workers are exempt from the National Minimum Wage has not been the subject of a formal consultation and there are no immediate plans to amend it. If the Department receives representations that show there is a need for improved guidance we would consider these carefully.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 222587 222589 question first answered 26/02/2019 14:46:22 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	76 label Biography information for Damian Green

1063604

	registered interest
	date	18/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Minimum Wage: Voluntary Work
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government plans to amend the guidance relating to section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Ashford
	tabling member printed	Damian Green
	uin	222589
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2019 answer text <p>Section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 sets out a specific exemption that applies to voluntary workers. People volunteering for charities, voluntary organisations and other relevant organisations contribute a huge value to society, and they do so without an expectation of being paid the National Minimum Wage.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance is available on <a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fgov.uk&amp;data=02%7C01%7CSusan.Walker%40beis.gov.uk%7C9504bf748f074d9c905b08d6964ea43d%7Ccbac700502c143ebb497e6492d1b2dd8%7C0%7C0%7C636861663186015865&amp;sdata=Xcsw8v7BSTD2O4SB2kRvVRAD5eU7LFx78KVx02w6kBI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">gov.uk</a> to support charitable and other relevant organisations in determining when voluntary workers are covered by the exemption. This is contained in ‘Calculating the Minimum Wage’, which was first published in April 2013 and can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the-minimum-wage" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/calculating-the-minimum-wage</a></p><p> </p><p>This guidance on when voluntary workers are exempt from the National Minimum Wage has not been the subject of a formal consultation and there are no immediate plans to amend it. If the Department receives representations that show there is a need for improved guidance we would consider these carefully.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 222587 222588 question first answered 26/02/2019 14:46:22 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	76 label Biography information for Damian Green

1180126

	registered interest
	date	24/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	M20: Maidstone
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has received representations from Maidstone Borough Council on a proposed new Junction 8A on the M20; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Ashford
	tabling member printed	Damian Green
	uin	19722
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2020 answer text <p>The Department has not received any representations from Maidstone Borough Council on this topic.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 27/02/2020 15:36:58 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	76 label Biography information for Damian Green

1180127

	registered interest
	date	24/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Motorways
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria is required to be met for him to grant permission for the building of a new motorway junction.
	tabling member constituency	Ashford
	tabling member printed	Damian Green
	uin	19723
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2020 answer text <p>Paragraphs 37 to 44 of the Department’s Circular 02/2013, <em>Strategic road network and the delivery of sustainable development</em>, set out how proposals for the creation of new junctions or access to the strategic road network (including motorways) will be considered.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 27/02/2020 15:34:59 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	76 label Biography information for Damian Green

1020641

	registered interest
	date	06/12/2018
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to protect consumers who are owed goods or services from a company which has ceased trading without any apparent residual assets, particularly in cases where the registered owner has a record of previous companies dissolving in similar circumstances.
	tabling member constituency	Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
	tabling member printed	Bill Grant
	uin	199903
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2018 answer text <p>Where a business collapses with no assets there are limited opportunities for consumers to obtain refunds, but the Government has issued guidance to help Insolvency Practitioners to highlight the best options to consumers.</p><p> </p><p>Where a consumer has paid by credit card and not received the goods or the services they have paid for there are extra protections where those goods cost between £100 and £30,000. In these cases, the consumer can claim back the total value of their prepayment by contacting their credit card issuing company. Consumers who purchased goods by debit card may also be able to claim through a chargeback scheme as long as they do this within a certain time period (normally 120 days). Further information on chargeback can be found at: <a href="http://www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk/individual/chargeback-for-credit-and-debit-card-purchases.asp" target="_blank">http://www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk/individual/chargeback-for-credit-and-debit-card-purchases.asp</a>.</p><p> </p><p>In August 2018, the Government announced its intention to extend existing powers to investigate, disqualify and prosecute directors of insolvent companies to also cover former directors of dissolved companies. This includes instances of directors repeatedly dissolving companies and leaving behind debts and other liabilities – often to the detriment of small businesses, consumers and employees.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 14/12/2018 13:39:15 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4605 label Biography information for Bill Grant

1123099

	registered interest
	date	25/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme: Air Pollution
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Government's January 2019 Clean Air Strategy, what assessment he has made of the (a) effect on air quality of the Renewable Heat Incentive programme and (b) implications of that effect for the future of that programme.
	tabling member constituency	Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
	tabling member printed	Bill Grant
	uin	247755
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2019 answer text <p>Biomass Boilers supported under the RHI scheme must meet strict air quality and feedstock sustainability rules. The air quality requirements ensure applicants for both RHI schemes with a biomass boiler (including Combined Heat and Power) will need to have emissions levels no higher than 30 grams per gigajoule (g/GJ) net heat input for particulate matter (PM) and 150g/GJ for oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which are the two main pollutants.</p><p>In the Clean Air Strategy, the Government committed to consult on removing Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme support for new biomass installations in urban areas which are on the gas grid. The Government published the consultation <a href="https://beisgovuk.citizenspace.com/heat/rhi-biomass-combustion-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank">Renewable Heat Incentive: Biomass Combustion in Urban Areas</a> in May 2018, seeking views on a number of proposals including the removal of RHI support for some or all new biomass boilers in urban areas, imposing geographical restrictions on biogas combustion and introducing regular maintenance checks on existing biomass boilers under the RHI. The consultation also contains an assessment of the impacts of this policy change. We will be publishing a government response to this consultation shortly.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 01/05/2019 16:05:01 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4605 label Biography information for Bill Grant

968119

	registered interest
	date	05/09/2018
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Railways: Doon Valley
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an assessment of the effect on the economy of the steam railway in Doon Valley; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
	tabling member printed	Bill Grant
	uin	170776
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/09/2018 answer text <p>Transport, culture and tourism in Scotland are devolved matters, and so as a heritage railway issue, any assessment would be the responsibility of the Scottish Government.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 14/09/2018 13:52:04 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4605 label Biography information for Bill Grant