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1128113

	registered interest
	date	23/05/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Youth Organisations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent assessment his Department has made of the value of youth organisations to local areas.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	911080
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2019 answer text <p>The Government recognises the transformational impact that youth services can have, especially for young people facing multiple barriers or disadvantage.</p><p>We are working across Government and with young people to develop a new Youth Charter setting out Government’s clear vision and offer for young people.</p> answering member constituency Eastleigh answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 24/05/2019 11:46:26 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1088797

	registered interest
	date	14/03/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Internet: Proof of Identity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans his Department has to develop a strong market for age and identity verification products to (a) protect young people against internet harms and (b) to reduce online fraud.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	232638
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2019 answer text <p>The government is supporting the development of a standards based digital identity market in the UK. The Minister for Implementation made a written statement on the future of Gov.uk Verify programme on 9 October 2018 setting out next steps. Discussions continue within government and with industry as we develop our proposals, which we will set out further in due course.</p> answering member constituency Stourbridge answering member printed Margot James question first answered 22/03/2019 12:07:31 answering member 4115 label Biography information for Margot James
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1088798

	registered interest
	date	14/03/2019
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Proof of Identity: Digital Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that digital ID has carries the same age proofing weight as a passport or other physical ID document.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	232639
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/03/2019 answer text <p>The evidential requirements to authenticate identity attributes vary depending on the nature of the goods or services being sought. Usually relying parties determine the necessary level of authentication they require, though this is sometimes prescribed in regulation. There are no current legislative proposals on this matter but regulation is kept under review.</p> answering member constituency Stourbridge answering member printed Margot James question first answered 27/03/2019 14:59:07 answering member 4115 label Biography information for Margot James
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1077394

	registered interest
	date	26/02/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iraq: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent diplomatic steps his Department has taken to support peace and stability in Iraq.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	909450
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2019 answer text <p>I visited Iraq last month and held useful discussions with leaders from the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Governemnt. We discussed how the UK and Iraq could cooperate together to promote peace and stability in Iraq. I announced a further £30 million in funding to help rebuild Iraq and reinvigorate the economy.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 26/02/2019 17:33:08 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1060792

	registered interest
	date	13/02/2019
	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	Land Registry: Cybercrime
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to Answer of 15 June 2018 to Question 151096 on Land Registry: Cybercrime, what the outcomes relating to the use of (a) blockchain and (b) artificial intelligence are of the HM Land Registry's Digital Street project.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	221007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/02/2019 answer text <p>The HM Land Registry’s research and development ‘Digital Street’ project is ongoing. The findings of the project are incorporated into HM Land Registry’s forward strategy on a continuing basis.</p> answering member constituency Watford answering member printed Richard Harrington question first answered 18/02/2019 15:26:12 answering member 4068 label Biography information for Lord Harrington of Watford
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1060793

	registered interest
	date	13/02/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Revenue and Customs: Automation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when small businesses will be able to automate the payment to HMRC of National Insurance and PAYE for employees.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	221008
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/02/2019 answer text <p>HMRC currently enables employers to pay their PAYE/NIC liability by Direct Debit. Guidance on how to do this can be found on the gov.uk website at <a href="https://www.gov.uk/pay-paye-tax/direct-debit" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/pay-paye-tax/direct-debit</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Employers can currently only make single Direct Debit payments, meaning they must set up a payment each time they pay. This is because the amount owed can include elements which do not have to be reported to HMRC until too close to the payment deadline to allow us to automatically collect by Direct Debit.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC recognises the benefits of payment by Direct Debit and will continue to look at how to enable customers to set up ongoing Direct Debit arrangements.</p> answering member constituency Central Devon answering member printed Mel Stride question first answered 22/02/2019 12:14:15 answering member 3935 label Biography information for Mel Stride
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1059830

	registered interest
	date	12/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Natural Gas: Safety
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the Annual Report of the Cross Government Group on Gas Safety and Carbon Monoxide will be published on the HSE website.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	220319
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/02/2019 answer text <p>HSE aims to publish the Annual Report of the Cross Government Group on Gas Safety and Carbon Monoxide on its website by the end of March 2019.</p> answering member constituency Truro and Falmouth answering member printed Sarah Newton question first answered 18/02/2019 14:39:34 answering member 4071 label Biography information for Sarah Newton
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1059831

	registered interest
	date	12/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Special Educational Needs: Walsall
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding his Department has allocated to Walsall Council to support children with SEND needs in each of the last eight years.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	220320
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>Local authorities are required to provide schools with sufficient funds to enable mainstream schools to meet the additional cost of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities, up to the value of £6,000. This funding comes from the schools block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). While authorities will identify a notional SEN budget for each school within the school’s overall budget, that notional budget is not ring-fenced, and schools are expected to manage their overall budget to best meet the need of all their pupils, including pupils with SEN.</p><p>When the costs of additional support required for a pupil with SEN exceed £6,000, the local authority should also allocate additional top-up funding to cover the excess costs. This top-up funding, and all funding for special schools comes from the local authority’s high needs budget. In December 2018, we announced an additional £250 million in high needs funding across the current financial year and the next, bringing Walsall’s total high needs funding to £31.5 million in 2018-19.</p><p>In 2013, the schools and high needs budgets within the DSG were created. As the DSG includes other budgets such as the early years budget, the department is unable to provide comparable figures before 2013-14.</p><p> </p><p>The schools and high needs allocations for Solihull since 2013-14 are as follows:</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Schools</p></td><td><p>High Needs</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013-14</p></td><td><p>£181.5 million</p></td><td><p>£27.3 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014-15</p></td><td><p>£183.4 million</p></td><td><p>£28.3 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015-16</p></td><td><p>£191.0 million</p></td><td><p>£28.4 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016-17</p></td><td><p>£195.0 million</p></td><td><p>£28.8 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017-18</p></td><td><p>£199.5 million</p></td><td><p>£29.9 million</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2018-19</p></td><td><p>£204.8 million</p></td><td><p>£31.5 million</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 19/02/2019 17:56:09 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1059832

	registered interest
	date	12/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Schools: Walsall North
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools in the Walsall North constituency will receive a cash increase in their budget per pupil for 2019-20.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	220321
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/02/2019 answer text <p>Local authorities continue to be responsible for distributing funding to schools in their local area in 2019-20. School allocations for 2019-20 are yet to be confirmed by local authorities. They will be published in due course.</p><p>The table attached shows notional allocations through the national funding formula (NFF) for schools in Walsall North in 2019-20, and compares these to the 2017-18 baselines. The notional NFF figures are based on 2018-19 pupil data.</p><p>Total funding per pupil, which includes both pupil-led and school-led funding, may decrease when the number of pupils increases because school-led funding, which does not vary with pupil numbers, is divided by a greater number of pupils. The attached table shows both changes in total funding per pupil and changes in pupil-led funding per pupil.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bognor Regis and Littlehampton answering member printed Nick Gibb question first answered 20/02/2019 16:43:51 answering member 111 label Biography information for Nick Gibb attachment 1 file name 220321_Allocations_through_NFF_in_Walsall_North.pdf title 220321_Allocations_Through_NFF_in_Walsall_North
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1059835

	registered interest
	date	12/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Social Mobility: Walsall North
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much of the £100 million investment through the social mobility action plan, entitled Unlocking talent, fulfilling potential (a) will be and (b) has been allocated to Walsall North to support social mobility in early years education.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	220322
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2019 answer text <p>Information on funding at constituency level is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.</p><p>Walsall local authority currently receives funding for the 2-year-old offer, and take-up is currently at 62%. Walsall has bid for the schools nursery capital fund and is a partner to Wolverhampton’s bid to the early outcomes fund, both of which are currently being assessed. The outcomes will be announced in due course.</p><p>In addition, the department has commissioned an early years special educational needs and disability (SEND) partnership led by the National Children's Bureau. This project aims to improve the quality of provision for children with SEND in the early years by building the confidence, knowledge and ability of the workforce to identify and support children with SEND. The West Midlands is one of the regions that the National Children’s Bureau will be working with.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 19/02/2019 17:42:04 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1055781

	registered interest
	date	06/02/2019
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Visas: Clergy and Religious Orders
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of (a) current and (b) future visa requirements and processes for Catholic clergy and members of religious orders.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	217629
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/02/2019 answer text <p>The Government values the role of faith in public life and recognises the contributions made by faith groups to our communities in the UK. This is reflected in our existing bespoke visa arrangements for religious workers and Ministers of Religion.</p><p><br>On 19 December 2018, the Government’s published its White Paper on the future immigration system. We want to continue to attract those who make valuable contributions to the practicing of faith and to our communities across the UK and will continue to offer arrangements for religious groups.</p> answering member constituency Romsey and Southampton North answering member printed Caroline Nokes question first answered 11/02/2019 16:56:56 answering member 4048 label Biography information for Caroline Nokes
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1051295

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2019
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Visas: Ministers of Religion
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Minister of Religion visas have been granted (a) within and (b) outside of the three week timescale target time in each of the last 12 months.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	214615
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2019 answer text <p>The published quarterly transparency data does not separate the sub-categories within the wider Tier 2 route. We have therefore provided the published data for all Tier 2 subcategories which includes General, Intra Company Transfers, Minister of Religion and Sportspeople.</p><p><br>Link to the latest published data:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data#uk-visas-and-immigration" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data#uk-visas-and-immigration</a></p> answering member constituency Romsey and Southampton North answering member printed Caroline Nokes question first answered 06/02/2019 14:53:08 answering member 4048 label Biography information for Caroline Nokes
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1051410

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2019
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Public Sector: Distributed Ledger Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2018 to Question 133516 on Public Sector: Blockchain, what progress has been made on the potential use of distributed ledger technologies and blockchain; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	214642
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2019 answer text <p>In August 2018, the government released the “Technology innovation in government survey”, which highlighted potential uses of distributed ledger technologies (DLT).</p><p> </p><p>The Government’s Innovation Strategy will be launched in spring 2019. This strategy will address barriers to departments trialling emerging technologies, which may include DLT, in order to improve public services and drive public sector innovation.</p> answering member constituency Hertsmere answering member printed Oliver Dowden question first answered 05/02/2019 11:38:22 answering member 4441 label Biography information for Oliver Dowden
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1051412

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Customs: Distributed Ledger Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 February 2018 to Question 128296 on Brexit, if he will provide an update on (a) the potential use of distributed ledger technology for any new customs system after the UK leaves the EU and (b) the outcome of the proof of concept trials referenced in the Answer.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	214643
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2019 answer text <p>The pilot focussed on building a single ‘permissioned’ Blockchain that could be used to inform a trader’s ‘Authorised Economic Operator’ status. The proof of concept ran for six weeks, and established that government could use Blockchain to securely share the results of sensitive risk checks to improve the efficiencies of certain customs processes.</p><p> </p><p>Any significant implementation of Blockchain would require significant further work by HMRC. Further work on the application of Blockchain to ‘Authorised Economic Operator’ status is deferred until after the UK leaves the EU when timescales and cost will be revisited.</p><p> </p><p>We are working with the cross government Future Borders Programme to progress the pilot as part of their Trusted Trader initiative</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Central Devon answering member printed Mel Stride question first answered 07/02/2019 15:01:12 answering member 3935 label Biography information for Mel Stride
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1051413

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2019
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Police: Equipment and Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance is given to police forces on the provision of improved equipment and technology to assist frontline officers with capability, safety and welfare.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	214644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2019 answer text <p>The Government is clear that police officers should have the best possible protection when facing the physical violence that is sometimes directed against them. Decisions about the selection and purchase of police equip-ment are primarily for chief officers of police. The Government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory provides scientific and technical advice to support the police, including the development and management of pro-tective equipment standards, such as body armour and personal defence sprays.</p> answering member constituency Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner answering member printed Mr Nick Hurd question first answered 07/02/2019 12:08:53 answering member 1561 label Biography information for Mr Nick Hurd
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1051414

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2019
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	West Midlands Police
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) current and (b) future (i) efficiency, (ii) capability and (iii) capacity of West Midlands Police force.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	214645
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2019 answer text <p>Assessments of forces current efficiency and effectiveness at managing their resources and tackling crime are primarily the responsibility of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The results of HMICFRSs most recent inspections of West Midlands Police are available on the Inspectorate’s website. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/peel-assessments/peel-2017/west-midlands/ <br> <br>Decisions regarding how resources are allocated including the capability and capacity needs of forces are a matter for PCCs and Chief Constables, who are best placed to understand how to meet the needs of local communities. <br> <br>For 2019/20 we are proposing the biggest increase in funding since 2010 - total funding of up to £14 billion for 2019-20, an increase of up to £970m compared to 2018/19, including council tax, pensions funding and national investment. If the PCC for West Midlands chooses to raise their council tax precept by £24 a year, this would translate to a potential increase in funding of up to £34m for West Midlands Police</p><p><br>I have been clear that I will prioritise police funding at the next Spending Review. My Department is working closely with policing colleagues – including the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police - to understand their future capability and capacity needs, and what future efficiency gains may be possible.</p> answering member constituency Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner answering member printed Mr Nick Hurd question first answered 07/02/2019 12:11:28 answering member 1561 label Biography information for Mr Nick Hurd
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1049380

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept id	7
	answering dept short name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	answering dept sort name	Housing, Communities and Local Government
	hansard heading	Carbon Monoxide: Alarms
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What progress his Department has made in its review of the rules that require carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in homes across England.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	908853
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/01/2019 answer text <p>We are making good progress with the review of carbon monoxide alarms. This has included constructive engagement with industry to gather new evidence and information. We are now considering this updated evidence and will set out the Government response in due course.</p> answering member constituency North West Hampshire answering member printed Kit Malthouse question first answered 28/01/2019 16:58:05 answering member 4495 label Biography information for Kit Malthouse
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1047007

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2019
	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	Timber: Construction
	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 much timber used for structural construction purposes in (a) England and (b) Great Britain in each year from 2010 was (i) imported and (ii) domestically grown.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	211876
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/01/2019 answer text <p>Sales by UK manufacturers have seen particularly large increases in the last two years of the period. The Department does not hold information about domestically grown timber. The information is not available for England or Great Britain. The following table provides aggregate information for the value of sawn wood, densified wood, particle board, laminated wood and fibreboard (i) imported into the UK and (ii) sold by UK manufacturers.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>£m, current prices</p></td><td><p>Imports into UK</p></td><td><p>UK Manufacturers Sales</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>939.3</p></td><td><p>646.8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>852.5</p></td><td><p>652.5</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2012</p></td><td><p>835.7</p></td><td><p>719.4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>937.5</p></td><td><p>733.5</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>1,097.7</p></td><td><p>769.2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>1,043.5</p></td><td><p>777.3</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>1,249.7</p></td><td><p>861.4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>1,371.1</p></td><td><p>1,219.5</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>Sources:</p><p>UK Manufacturers Sales – Office for National Statistics <em>UK Manufacturers' Sales by Product (PRODCOM)</em></p><p>Imports into UK – Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy <em>Monthly Statistics of Building Materials and Components</em></p> answering member constituency Watford answering member printed Richard Harrington question first answered 28/01/2019 15:35:43 answering member 4068 label Biography information for Lord Harrington of Watford
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1047009

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2019
	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	Timber: Enforcement
	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 enforcement action by the Office for Product Safety and Standards related to illegally sourced timber in the last two years.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	211877
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2019 answer text <p>The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) uses a variety of tools to improve compliance with technical and environmental regulations including those governing trade in timber. A significant amount of this activity is focussed on working with businesses to improve their compliance systems. Where appropriate statutory notices and other formal actions are used and a summary of all those issued by OPSS is published on gov.uk every six months.</p><p> </p><p>In the last two years, OPSS has taken two prosecutions and issued 26 notices of remedial action and 37 warning letters under the Timber and Timber Products (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2013.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 211878 question first answered 29/01/2019 13:29:42 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 97878 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1047010

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2019
	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	Timber: EU Law
	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 many breaches there have been under the UK’s implementation of the EU Timber Regulation for placing illegal timber products on the UK market in the last two years.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	211878
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2019 answer text <p>The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) uses a variety of tools to improve compliance with technical and environmental regulations including those governing trade in timber. A significant amount of this activity is focussed on working with businesses to improve their compliance systems. Where appropriate statutory notices and other formal actions are used and a summary of all those issued by OPSS is published on gov.uk every six months.</p><p> </p><p>In the last two years, OPSS has taken two prosecutions and issued 26 notices of remedial action and 37 warning letters under the Timber and Timber Products (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2013.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 211877 question first answered 29/01/2019 13:29:42 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst previous answer version 97880 answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1037836

	registered interest
	date	08/01/2019
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Distributed Ledger Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what (a) fiscal and (b) regulatory steps his Department is taking to (i) support UK and (ii) encourage overseas blockchain and crypto-based companies establish themselves in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	206446
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/01/2019 answer text <p>The Government has invested over £10 million through Innovate UK and the research councils to support a wide variety of DLT related projects. The Government has also created a £20 million GovTech Catalyst Fund to explore technology-based solutions for public sector challenges, potentially including the use of DLT.</p><p> </p><p>The Government set out its approach to cryptoassets and the underlying distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the report of the Cryptoassets Taskforce<sub><sub>[1]</sub></sub>. The Government wants to encourage responsible development of legitimate distributed ledger technology (DLT) and cryptoasset-related activity in the UK, while also mitigating risks.</p><p> </p><p>The financial regulators continue to provide a platform that facilitates innovation and the development of new technologies in the financial system. For example, the Financial Conduct Authority has accepted a significant number of DLT-based projects into its Regulatory Sandbox. The Bank of England has also committed to ensure that its new RTGS service will be compatible with DLT-based payment systems.</p><p>[1] The full report of the HM Treasury/Financial Conduct Authority/Bank of England Cryptoassets Taskforce is available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752070/cryptoassets_taskforce_final_report_final_web.pdf</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 11/01/2019 11:18:43 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1024606

	registered interest
	date	13/12/2018
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Artificial Intelligence
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK remains a world leader in the field of artificial intelligence.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	908181
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/12/2018 answer text <p>The UK is a world leader in AI and this government is committed to retaining this position.</p><p> </p><p>Our AI and Data Grand Challenge is a major collaboration with industry and academia to this end. It includes up to £0.95bn Sector Deal package with industry that will strengthen the UK’s position as a global AI leader.</p><p> </p><p>We are establishing an AI Council, an expert committee, to provide high-level leadership on implementing the AI Sector Deal.</p><p> </p><p>We are also working with partners including the Turing Institute and UKRI to encourage retention and attract new, diverse talent from abroad.</p> answering member constituency Stourbridge answering member printed Margot James question first answered 13/12/2018 17:53:28 answering member 4115 label Biography information for Margot James
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

1015278

	registered interest
	date	27/11/2018
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Gambling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to tackle problem gambling.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	907931
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/11/2018 answer text <p>In 2017 the Church of England’s General Synod passed a unanimous motion calling on Government to reduce the stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals to £2.00. This is an issue on which bishops, most notably the Bishop of St Albans, have spoken frequently on and campaigned for. The Church has therefore welcomed the Government’s announcement of the reduction in stakes, and the decision to implement the change in April 2019, as well as the increase in Remote Gaming Duty. The Bishop of St Albans continues to spearhead the Church’s activity in this area and has recently raised in the House of Lords the high quantity of gambling advertisements, increases in child gambling, the voluntary levy paid by gambling firms, and the socio-economic cost to society of problem gambling.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 29/11/2018 16:15:50 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

941995

	registered interest
	date	16/07/2018
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Undocumented Workers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps he is taking to ensure that illegal migrants cannot profit from working in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	906470
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2018 answer text <p>In the Immigration Act 2016, we made illegal working a criminal offence so that wages can be seized as proceeds of crime and introduced tougher sanctions on rogue employers. We have also recently introduced additional safeguards to protect legal migrants seeking employment who do not have the necessary documentation to establish their lawful immigration status.</p> answering member constituency Romsey and Southampton North answering member printed Caroline Nokes question first answered 16/07/2018 15:50:38 answering member 4048 label Biography information for Caroline Nokes
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

903729

	registered interest
	date	14/05/2018
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Apprentices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps his Department is taking to promote apprenticeships.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	905263
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/05/2018 answer text <p>The best promoters of apprenticeships are apprentices themselves and young apprentice ambassadors network play an important role is this. I would also like to commend the work of Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network who’s work makes sure that we reach the widest possible number of people.</p><p>The National Apprenticeship Service promotes apprenticeships by working with schools and works with the largest levy-paying employers to help them grow their programme. We have a number of campaigns including Get in Go far, targeting specific sectors and telemarketing.</p> answering member constituency Guildford answering member printed Anne Milton question first answered 14/05/2018 17:08:17 answering member 1523 label Biography information for Anne Milton
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

899385

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2018
	answering body	Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept id	10
	answering dept short name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	answering dept sort name	Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
	hansard heading	Broadcasting
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that public broadcasters reflect and provide for the whole of the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	905196
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/05/2018 answer text <p>We are committed to spreading jobs and prosperity throughout the UK, and it is important that our broadcasting sector reflects and provides for the whole country.</p><p> </p><p>This government is committed to spreading jobs and prosperity throughout the UK, and it is important that our broadcasting sector reflects and provides for the whole country. That is why Public Service Broadcasters are legally obliged to produce a proportion of their content outside of London, as well as make regional programming. This supports the many creative hubs around the UK and widens access to the UK's world class creative industries</p><p> </p><p>We have worked with Channel 4 to secure a commitment to move a minimum 300 staff outside of London, and to increase out of London commissioning spend from 35% to 50%. The government has made clear that we expect other broadcasters to follow Channel 4’s lead.</p> answering member constituency Stourbridge answering member printed Margot James question first answered 10/05/2018 15:53:44 answering member 4115 label Biography information for Margot James
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

891494

	registered interest
	date	25/04/2018
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Animal Welfare: Voluntary Organisations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a registration and licensing system for animal sanctuaries and re-homing activities.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	138099
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/05/2018 answer text <p>In reviewing the licensing systems for dog breeding, pet sales and other animal activities in England we considered extending the licensing requirement to animal sanctuaries and re-homing centres. We were not provided with evidence that such operations need to be regulated in the same way. We support the work of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes who have developed sector guidance for dog and cat rescue and rehoming centres which we endorse.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 02/05/2018 14:59:57 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

871710

	registered interest
	date	26/03/2018
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Employment: Disability
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps the Government is taking to help young people with disabilities into work.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	904565
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2018 answer text <p>This Government is committed to enabling young disabled people to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations. We provide a range of programmes and initiatives to support them, including:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Jobcentre support for schools, which targets young people that schools identify as being at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training), or who may otherwise be disadvantaged in the labour market – for example those with a health or disability issue.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Young Person’s Supported Work Experience programme, which offers a personally tailored supported work experience opportunity for young people (aged 18 – 24) to enable them to fully benefit from time in the work place. This proof of concept is being tested in five Jobcentre Plus districts.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Tri-Work, a supported work experience proof of concept aimed at young people with special educational needs in years 10/11 in schools and special schools. This proof of concept is being tested in three local authorities.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>The Local Supported Employment (LSE) proof of concept ‘place and train’ model, which aims to move disabled people into real jobs, at the going rate of pay, with support for both the individual and employer. This is being tested in nine local authorities.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Supported Internships, which all qualified post-16 education providers in England have been able to deliver Since September 2013. These are personalised study programmes, based primarily at a prospective employer, for young people with complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Access to Work, which already offers support to disabled people undertaking a number of opportunities that help them to prepare for paid employment, including work experience, apprenticeships, supported internships and traineeships.</li></ul> answering member constituency Truro and Falmouth answering member printed Sarah Newton question first answered 26/03/2018 16:47:07 answering member 4071 label Biography information for Sarah Newton
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

869260

	registered interest
	date	22/03/2018
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Wildlife: Smuggling
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps his Department is taking to tackle the illegal wildlife trade.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	904591
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/03/2018 answer text <p>The UK is taking a leading role in ending the illegal wildlife trade globally. The Government is funding practical action to reduce demand, strengthen enforcement and develop sustainable livelihoods in the communities affected by the illegal wildlife trade. We will host an ambitious high-level international conference in October to push for further progress.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 27/03/2018 15:43:59 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

867541

	registered interest
	date	20/03/2018
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Public Sector: Blockchain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to implement trials of the blockchain proof of conception (a) Government Departments and (b) other public bodies.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	133516
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2018 answer text <p>Cabinet Office and the Government Digital Service are researching potential usecases of distributed ledger technologies / blockchain jointly with departments and public bodies for future trials and proofs of concepts with a view of driving efficiency and supporting transformation.</p> answering member constituency Hertsmere answering member printed Oliver Dowden question first answered 26/03/2018 11:46:02 answering member 4441 label Biography information for Oliver Dowden
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

858516

	registered interest
	date	09/03/2018
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: ICT
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential benefits of using blockchain technology to store information on (a) food safety and (b) animal welfare; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	131771
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/03/2018 answer text <p>Defra has been looking at how blockchain technology is already being used within the food and farming industries to improve data transparency and efficiency for suppliers, processors and consumers.</p><p> </p><p>We have also undertaken a ‘proof of concept’ project to explore how blockchain technology could be used to improve traceability of food throughout the supply chain. This will contribute to our wider work looking at how blockchain technology could bring benefits across Defra’s policy areas, including for food safety and animal welfare.</p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 16/03/2018 14:49:56 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

855893

	registered interest
	date	06/03/2018
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Churches: Jerusalem
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church of England has had with the leaders of other Christian Churches on the closure of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	904236
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2018 answer text <p>The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has reopened following three days of closure which left pilgrims and visitors praying in the square outside. The dispute was over a new tax policy and proposed land expropriation law.</p><p>Officials from Church House and staff at Lambeth Palace were in regular contact with the Heads of Churches Group in the City of Jerusalem through Archbishop Suheil the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem as the events unfolded. On the 5<sup>th</sup> of March, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster wrote a joint letter to the Israeli Ambassador in the UK, to say that both Churches believed “the measures being pressed in Jerusalem and in the Knesset, were a clear and evident threat to the status quo and that this risked undermining prospects for peaceful coexistence between communities, at a time of already heightened tensions.” Specifically, that, “the new policy would cause serious damage to the Christian presence in Jerusalem, to Christian families, and to the Christian institutions, including hospitals and schools, which serve many of the poorest people, regardless of their background.”</p><p>The Church of England and the Roman Catholic Bishops Conference in England and Wales will continue to work closely together on issues relating to Israel and Palestine. Bishops from around the world make an annual joint visit to the Holy Land as part of the Holy Land Coordination Group. The Bishop of Southwark along with the Catholic Bishops will be hosting a meeting for all Members on the 15<sup>th</sup> May, 3-4pm in Committee Room 2A to discuss and feedback the findings of their visit.</p> answering member constituency Meriden answering member printed Dame Caroline Spelman question first answered 08/03/2018 15:02:00 answering member 312 label Biography information for Dame Caroline Spelman
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

855572

	registered interest
	date	05/03/2018
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Emergency Services: Snow and Ice
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's policy is on the mandatory use of (a) snow tyres and (b) snow chains by the emergency services in severe winter weather.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	130879
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2018 answer text <p>The emergency services are to be commended for doing an excellent job in such difficult conditions.</p><p> </p><p>The Department does not have a policy on the use of winter tyres and snow chains. The decision on whether to fit them relates to local winter driving conditions, which will vary from region to region and different times. The emergency services are best placed to make a judgement on whether the use of these tyres and chains can enhance the safety of their staff and the effectiveness of the work they do.</p><p> </p><p>Snow chains are an option that is available for use in particularly challenging road conditions and while the emergency services may choose to make them available, it may fall to the driver to choose when to use them.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 08/03/2018 10:07:02 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

851475

	registered interest
	date	28/02/2018
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Disability
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps she is taking to support people with disabilities in developing countries.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	904092
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/02/2018 answer text <p>Disability inclusion is a top priority for DFID. DFID programmes are tackling stigma and discrimination, and supporting people with disabilities to access services, opportunities and rights. In July, the UK will host a Global Disability Summit to increase action and investment, lock-in progress and share best practice.</p> answering member constituency Portsmouth North answering member printed Penny Mordaunt question first answered 28/02/2018 16:33:02 answering member 4017 label Biography information for Penny Mordaunt
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845716

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Land: Databases
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress his Department has made on creating a comprehensive geospatial data body to provide open land data.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128688
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/02/2018 answer text <p>The Autumn Budget 2017 announced that the government will establish a new Geospatial Commission to maximise the growth of the digital economy and provide strategic oversight for the public bodies that hold geospatial data. An update on the establishment of the Commission will be provided in due course.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/02/2018 12:11:12 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845717

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	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	Maps: Quantum Technology
	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 recent discussions his Department has had with the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology at the University of Birmingham about preparing land and mapping data for future developments in quantum technology.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128689
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2018 answer text <p>BEIS has had no recent discussions with the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology about this issue. BEIS is providing £270 million for the UK National Quantum Technology programme – including support for this and three other research hubs. Quantum technologies is one of the areas highlighted in the Industrial Strategy where we plan to launch a Ministerial-led review.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency East Surrey answering member printed Mr Sam Gyimah question first answered 26/02/2018 15:33:39 answering member 3980 label Biography information for Mr Sam Gyimah
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845718

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	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	Distributed Ledger Technology: Public Sector
	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 individual academics and academic bodies on the potential benefits of distributed ledger technology for public services.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128690
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2018 answer text <p>In the report ‘Distributed Ledger Technology: beyond block chain’ (Jan 2016), Government Office for Science makes the case for how the technology has the potential to transform the delivery of public services. The report includes details of a range of academics consulted in its development.</p><p>Following publication of the report, and working alongside the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport, officials from BEIS, GO Science and from other Government departments have continued these wide ranging discussions. Officials have met with academics from a number of UK universities, including the Imperial College Centre for Cryptocurrency Research; the University College London Centre for Blockchain Technologies; the Department of Informatics at King's College London; and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.</p> answering member constituency East Surrey answering member printed Mr Sam Gyimah question first answered 26/02/2018 15:34:36 answering member 3980 label Biography information for Mr Sam Gyimah
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845719

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gibraltar: ICT
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department have had with Gibraltar on their blockchain licensing regulations.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128691
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/02/2018 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have not had discussions with the Government of Gibraltar on this particular issue. The Government of Gibraltar is responsible for the provision of legislation related to economic matters, including blockchain licensing regulations, to the extent they do not otherwise cross into matters falling within the Governor's special responsibilities.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 28/02/2018 16:11:39 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845720

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	NHS: ICT
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential benefits of using blockchain for the NHS; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128692
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/02/2018 answer text <p>The Department is currently assessing the potential benefits of Blockchain along with a number of other innovative, emerging technologies. Blockchain has the potential to enable patients to have greater control over who can access their records through the use of encrypted data and a permanent ledger in which all transactions are recorded. It also has possible applications in contracting. Globally the use of Blockchain in health and care is in a very early stage of development and there is no firm evidence as yet of the exact benefits it might offer.</p> answering member constituency Thurrock answering member printed Jackie Doyle-Price question first answered 28/02/2018 17:35:58 answering member 4065 label Biography information for Dame Jackie Doyle-Price
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845721

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Social Security Benefits: Cryptocurrencies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential benefits of using blockchain for the the welfare and benefits system; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128693
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2018 answer text <p>We are committed to harnessing the potential of new technologies in making a positive difference to our customers’ lives. In 2016, we ran a pilot to explore whether a product by GovCoin (now DISC) could help some Universal Credit customers budget. The product utilised blockchain technology.</p><p> </p><p>The pilot that ended in early 2017, provided valuable insight into customer needs, and this was used to inform the decision to develop a future method of payment strategy that outlines DWP’s commitment to improving the methods available to make payments to customers.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to explore payment innovations, including distributed ledger and blockchain technologies and their potential to securely deliver services that our customers rely on.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency North West Hampshire answering member printed Kit Malthouse question first answered 27/02/2018 12:14:46 answering member 4495 label Biography information for Kit Malthouse
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

845722

	registered interest
	date	20/02/2018
	answering body	HM Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	CaTreasury
	hansard heading	Cryptocurrencies: Taxation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential benefits of using blockchain for (a) the tax system and (b) the customs and excise system; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128694
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/02/2018 answer text <p>HM Revenue and Customs are considering the use of blockchain alongside other technical options for both tax and customs and excise systems.</p> answering member constituency Central Devon answering member printed Mel Stride question first answered 28/02/2018 12:57:34 answering member 3935 label Biography information for Mel Stride
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

843877

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2018
	answering body	HM Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	CaTreasury
	hansard heading	Customs: Distributed Ledger Technology
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the merits of using distributed ledger technology for any new customs system after the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128296
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2018 answer text <p>HMRC are actively considering the use of distributed ledger technologies alongside other technical options for both tax and the Customs and Excise systems. The department is currently running a proof of concept exercise in support of one of their Customs initiatives and will provide further updates as this work progresses.</p> answering member constituency South West Norfolk answering member printed Elizabeth Truss question first answered 27/02/2018 14:37:02 answering member 4097 label Biography information for Elizabeth Truss
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

843933

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2018
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Psychiatric Hospitals: Walsall
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans there to progress the outline business case for re-provision of the mental health hospital in Walsall approved by NHS Improvement to assist in mental health care in the Black Country.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128328
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2018 answer text <p>NHS Improvement is engaging with the Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust in respect of the development of the Full Business Case in a supporting capacity. The Trust has carried out a public engagement exercise in relation to the proposals, which ended on 22 December 2017. NHS Improvement advises that the value of the redevelopment scheme is £7.5 million. The Trust is expected to discuss the proposal further at the Executive Board in April 2018. Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group advises that it is fully supportive of the proposals and believes it will improve the quality of patient care for the local population.</p> answering member constituency Thurrock answering member printed Jackie Doyle-Price question first answered 27/02/2018 12:58:56 answering member 4065 label Biography information for Dame Jackie Doyle-Price
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

843934

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2018
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Mental Health Services: West Midlands
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the level of (a) implementation of the strategy for mental health care and (b) mental health care provision in the Black Country.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128050
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2018 answer text <p>Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group advises that it is delivering services to support the intentions laid out in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health. This will identify mental health needs at an earlier opportunity and provide community support and treatment to reduce the use of crisis inpatient services going forward.</p><p> </p><p>Commissioners across the Black Country Sustainability and Transformation Partnership area have assessed local service provision and are working collaboratively to address gaps in services and deliver improved service delivery across the region. This includes potentially jointly commissioning services.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Thurrock answering member printed Jackie Doyle-Price grouped question UIN 128329 question first answered 27/02/2018 15:36:27 answering member 4065 label Biography information for Dame Jackie Doyle-Price
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

843935

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2018
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Psychiatric Hospitals: West Midlands
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to provide fiscal support to increase the provision of emergency beds for mental health crisis patients in the Black Country.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	128329
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2018 answer text <p>Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group advises that it is delivering services to support the intentions laid out in the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health. This will identify mental health needs at an earlier opportunity and provide community support and treatment to reduce the use of crisis inpatient services going forward.</p><p> </p><p>Commissioners across the Black Country Sustainability and Transformation Partnership area have assessed local service provision and are working collaboratively to address gaps in services and deliver improved service delivery across the region. This includes potentially jointly commissioning services.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Thurrock answering member printed Jackie Doyle-Price grouped question UIN 128050 question first answered 27/02/2018 15:36:27 answering member 4065 label Biography information for Dame Jackie Doyle-Price
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

834637

	registered interest
	date	01/02/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Dangerous Driving: Sentencing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice,when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to introduce life sentences for people who cause death by dangerous driving; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	126085
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2018 answer text <p>The Government is committed to making sure that the courts have sufficient powers to deal with driving offences appropriately and proportionately.</p><p> </p><p>We will bring forward proposals for changes in the law as soon as parliamentary time allows. These proposals will take account of, and incorporate, all of government’s proposals for safer roads, including the Department of Transport’s review of cycle safety.</p> answering member constituency Bracknell answering member printed Dr Phillip Lee question first answered 09/02/2018 14:54:44 answering member 3921 label Biography information for Dr Phillip Lee
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

834762

	registered interest
	date	01/02/2018
	answering body	HM Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	CaTreasury
	hansard heading	Football: Taxation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of tax that professional football clubs have paid on player transfers in each of the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	126184
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2018 answer text <p>The information requested cannot be provided as it is not collated centrally by HMRC. Football transfer fees are subject to VAT according to the normal rules. Any profits made by football clubs are subject to Corporation Tax in the usual way. Payments made to players as part of their transfer, such as signing-on fees, are taxable as earnings.</p> answering member constituency Central Devon answering member printed Mel Stride question first answered 09/02/2018 14:01:28 answering member 3935 label Biography information for Mel Stride
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

834804

	registered interest
	date	01/02/2018
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Social Security Benefits: Cryptocurrencies
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the GovCoin trial; and what plans her Department has for the future use of that technology.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	126226
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2018 answer text <p>A small proof-of-concept trial was undertaken in 2016. The trial was led by Universal Credit officials who worked with DISC Holdings (formerly Govcoin) to trial an app on a mobile phone that customers could use to receive and manage benefit payments.</p><p> </p><p>The trial provided valuable insight into customer needs, and this was used to inform the decision to develop a future method of payment strategy that outlines DWP’s commitment to improving the methods available to make payments to customers. The Department is currently working with industry to identify new and emerging payment opportunities that suit the needs of DWP and its customers, in support of the future strategy.</p> answering member constituency North West Hampshire answering member printed Kit Malthouse question first answered 09/02/2018 11:23:33 answering member 4495 label Biography information for Kit Malthouse
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

828127

	registered interest
	date	22/01/2018
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Faith Schools: Admissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when his Department plans to publish its response to the Schools that Work for Everyone consultation, published on 12 September 2016; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	124087
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/01/2018 answer text <p>The department plans to respond to the proposals set out in the consultation document, ‘Schools that work for everyone’, including those regarding the faith admissions cap, in due course.</p> answering member constituency Guildford answering member printed Anne Milton question first answered 30/01/2018 16:41:03 answering member 1523 label Biography information for Anne Milton
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes

820596

	registered interest
	date	11/01/2018
	answering body	Women and Equalities
	answering dept id	31
	answering dept short name	Women and Equalities
	answering dept sort name	Women and Equalities
	hansard heading	Children: Day Care
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps the Government is taking to help (a) women and (b) men balance work with childcare responsibilities.
	tabling member constituency	Walsall North
	tabling member printed	Eddie Hughes
	uin	903244
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/01/2018 answer text The Government is committed to helping men and women to balance work and childcare between them. It is good for parents and children, as well as being an important way to address the Gender Pay Gap. Shared Parental Leave and the right to request flexible working enables parents to arrange work and care in a way that works for them. answering member constituency Louth and Horncastle answering member printed Victoria Atkins question first answered 11/01/2018 11:57:10 answering member 4399 label Biography information for Victoria Atkins
	tabling member	4635 label Biography information for Eddie Hughes