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1078607

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Egypt: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to promote religious tolerance and justice for Coptic Christians in Egypt.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen South
	tabling member printed	Ross Thomson
	uin	226726
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>​We condemn the terrorist attacks targeting the Coptic community and continue to stand with Egypt against terrorism. We regularly raise our concerns over issues affecting Christians with the Egyptian Government and welcome President Sisi's consistent calls for peaceful coexistence. The Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, visited Cairo in November, where he reaffirmed our mutual commitment to freedom of religion or belief and held a roundtable with religious leaders at the Anglican Cathedral.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/03/2019 11:59:18 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	4599 label Biography information for Ross Thomson

1078500

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Uganda: LGBT+ People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote LGBTI rights in Uganda.
	tabling member constituency	Lanark and Hamilton East
	tabling member printed	Angela Crawley
	uin	226701
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is totally opposed to all forms of discrimination, and works to uphold the rights and freedoms of LGBTI people in all circumstances. Through our embassies and high commissions, and through international organisations including the UN, EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Commonwealth, we work to promote tolerance and non-discrimination against LGBTI people and to address discriminatory laws, including those that criminalise homosexuality. In particular, the UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.</p><p>Our High Commission in Kampala engages closely with civil society groups in Uganda working to promote inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance, in coordination with our international partners. We continue to support and fund training related to protection of LGBTI rights and provide support to groups working to improve the protection of minority rights. The UK welcomed the decision of the Ugandan Constitutional Court to annul the Anti-Homosexuality Act on 1 August 2014. Our High Commission in Kampala will continue to raise our concerns with the Ugandan Government about any legislation which could lead to persecution and discrimination against LGBTI people.</p><p>In Kenya, the High Commission in Nairobi has supported Kenyans from LGBTI groups to attend international forums on LGBTI rights.</p><p>We are aware of reports of abuse of LGBTI refugees in Kakuma Refugee camp and have been in close touch with UNHCR, who manage the camp, about how best to help those individuals. In January, UNHCR reported that all LGBTI refugees had been moved from Kakuma to a safe house. UNHCR continues to work closely with a local civil society organisation to help the refugees settle into their new community.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin grouped question UIN 226702 226703 question first answered 08/03/2019 09:19:37 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4469 label Biography information for Angela Crawley

1078501

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Kenya: LGBT+ People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote LGBTI rights in Kenya.
	tabling member constituency	Lanark and Hamilton East
	tabling member printed	Angela Crawley
	uin	226702
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is totally opposed to all forms of discrimination, and works to uphold the rights and freedoms of LGBTI people in all circumstances. Through our embassies and high commissions, and through international organisations including the UN, EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Commonwealth, we work to promote tolerance and non-discrimination against LGBTI people and to address discriminatory laws, including those that criminalise homosexuality. In particular, the UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.</p><p>Our High Commission in Kampala engages closely with civil society groups in Uganda working to promote inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance, in coordination with our international partners. We continue to support and fund training related to protection of LGBTI rights and provide support to groups working to improve the protection of minority rights. The UK welcomed the decision of the Ugandan Constitutional Court to annul the Anti-Homosexuality Act on 1 August 2014. Our High Commission in Kampala will continue to raise our concerns with the Ugandan Government about any legislation which could lead to persecution and discrimination against LGBTI people.</p><p>In Kenya, the High Commission in Nairobi has supported Kenyans from LGBTI groups to attend international forums on LGBTI rights.</p><p>We are aware of reports of abuse of LGBTI refugees in Kakuma Refugee camp and have been in close touch with UNHCR, who manage the camp, about how best to help those individuals. In January, UNHCR reported that all LGBTI refugees had been moved from Kakuma to a safe house. UNHCR continues to work closely with a local civil society organisation to help the refugees settle into their new community.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin grouped question UIN 226701 226703 question first answered 08/03/2019 09:19:37 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4469 label Biography information for Angela Crawley

1078505

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Kenya: LGBT+ People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking in response to reports of abuse of LGBTI refugees in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp.
	tabling member constituency	Lanark and Hamilton East
	tabling member printed	Angela Crawley
	uin	226703
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is totally opposed to all forms of discrimination, and works to uphold the rights and freedoms of LGBTI people in all circumstances. Through our embassies and high commissions, and through international organisations including the UN, EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Commonwealth, we work to promote tolerance and non-discrimination against LGBTI people and to address discriminatory laws, including those that criminalise homosexuality. In particular, the UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.</p><p>Our High Commission in Kampala engages closely with civil society groups in Uganda working to promote inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance, in coordination with our international partners. We continue to support and fund training related to protection of LGBTI rights and provide support to groups working to improve the protection of minority rights. The UK welcomed the decision of the Ugandan Constitutional Court to annul the Anti-Homosexuality Act on 1 August 2014. Our High Commission in Kampala will continue to raise our concerns with the Ugandan Government about any legislation which could lead to persecution and discrimination against LGBTI people.</p><p>In Kenya, the High Commission in Nairobi has supported Kenyans from LGBTI groups to attend international forums on LGBTI rights.</p><p>We are aware of reports of abuse of LGBTI refugees in Kakuma Refugee camp and have been in close touch with UNHCR, who manage the camp, about how best to help those individuals. In January, UNHCR reported that all LGBTI refugees had been moved from Kakuma to a safe house. UNHCR continues to work closely with a local civil society organisation to help the refugees settle into their new community.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin grouped question UIN 226701 226702 question first answered 08/03/2019 09:19:37 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4469 label Biography information for Angela Crawley

1078453

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Israel: Palestinians
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK Government has been consulted on the proposals to be put forward by the US President in the plan entitled, Deal of the Century in relation to Israel.
	tabling member constituency	Stroud
	tabling member printed	Dr David Drew
	uin	226512
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>We have met with the President of the US Special Envoys for MEPP on a number of occasions but these meetings have not been formal consultations. We have encouraged the US Administration to bring forward detailed proposals for a viable Israel-Palestinian peace agreement that addresses the legitimate concerns of both parties. We continue to believe the best way to achieve this is through substantive peace talks between the parties leading to a two-state solution.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/03/2019 12:42:04 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	252 label Biography information for Dr David Drew

1078704

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Exiting the European Union
	answering dept id	203
	answering dept short name	Exiting the European Union
	answering dept sort name	Exiting the European Union
	hansard heading	Small Businesses
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, with reference to the Government's paper entitled, Implications for Business and Trade of a No Deal Exit on 29 March 2019, what estimate he has made of the number of SMEs that would become financially distressed as a result of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
	tabling member constituency	Cardiff Central
	tabling member printed	Jo Stevens
	uin	226690
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>We have been clear that leaving the EU with a deal remains the Government’s top priority. The paper ‘Implications for Business and Trade of a No Deal Exit on 29 March 2019’ explains that leaving the European Union without a deal on 29 March 2019 would have a variety of effects on business, trade and the economy, and despite government mitigation, the impact of a 'no deal' scenario is expected to be significant in a number of areas. As a Government, we do not want ‘no deal’, however it is only prudent that we ensure businesses are as prepared as possible for every outcome.</p><p>The priorities and concerns of SMEs are taken seriously by Government. DExEU Ministers have attended the SME Advisory Board, chaired by BEIS. We are providing guidance to business to assist with their preparations, through a public information campaign on the radio, via social media, in print, with out-of-home advertising such as billboards, and we are developing TV advertisements, to ensure that all are aware of our preparations guidance on GOV.UK.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Daventry answering member printed Chris Heaton-Harris question first answered 08/03/2019 09:55:28 answering member 3977 label Biography information for Chris Heaton-Harris
	tabling member	4425 label Biography information for Jo Stevens

1078549

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Apprentices: Nottinghamshire
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many apprenticeships have been created in (a) Mansfield and (b) Nottinghamshire since 2015.
	tabling member constituency	Mansfield
	tabling member printed	Ben Bradley
	uin	226751
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>There have been 4,590 apprenticeship starts in the Mansfield parliamentary constituency between May 2015 and October 2018. There have been 27,740 apprenticeship starts in the Nottinghamshire local authority between May 2015 and October 2018.</p><p>The number of apprenticeship starts by parliamentary constituency and local authority for the 2014/15 to 2017/18 academic years (final year figures) and quarter 1 of 2018/19 (provisional figures) are available here: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/772388/Apprenticeship-starts-ach-geography-tool_201415-Q1201819_Jan2019_v1.xlsx" target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/772388/Apprenticeship-starts-ach-geography-tool_201415-Q1201819_Jan2019_v1.xlsx</a>.</p> answering member constituency Guildford answering member printed Anne Milton question first answered 08/03/2019 13:01:43 answering member 1523 label Biography information for Anne Milton
	tabling member	4663 label Biography information for Ben Bradley

1078628

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Northern Ireland Office
	answering dept id	21
	answering dept short name	Northern Ireland
	answering dept sort name	Northern Ireland
	hansard heading	Terrorism: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	North Herefordshire
	tabling member printed	Bill Wiggin
	uin	226588
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The threat from dissident republican terrorism continues to be SEVERE in Northern Ireland. This Government’s first priority is to keep people safe and secure. Vigilance against this continuing threat is essential and we remain determined to ensure that terrorism never succeeds.</p> answering member constituency Staffordshire Moorlands answering member printed Karen Bradley question first answered 08/03/2019 12:30:07 answering member 4110 label Biography information for Dame Karen Bradley
	tabling member	1428 label Biography information for Sir Bill Wiggin

1078578

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Yemen: International Law
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Joint Incident Assessment Team in investigating breeches of international humanitarian law in Yemen.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	226493
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The UK welcomes the release by the Coalition Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) of over 100 statements from investigations into incidents of alleged breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL) in Yemen. We regularly raise the importance of compliance with IHL with the Saudi Arabian Government and other members of the Coalition.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/03/2019 12:01:37 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1078603

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Middle East: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will co-ordinate an international effort to encourage Christians and other religious minorities who have left Iraq and Syria to return to those countries to rebuild their lives.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen South
	tabling member printed	Ross Thomson
	uin	226723
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The UK supports the right of all Iraqi and Syrian refugees, regardless of religion, to return to their homes safely, voluntarily and in dignity, when conditions allow.</p><p>Syria is not currently an environment for safe, voluntary and dignified refugee return. We are calling for a negotiated political settlement to end the conflict and create the conditions for refugees to return.</p><p>During my visit to Iraq in January I raised the importance of voluntary returns of refugees and internationally displaced persons with representatives from the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. To help enable these returns, the UK has committed over £47 million to directly improve conditions in areas liberated from Daesh in Iraq, including an additional £6.9 million which I announced during my visit.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/03/2019 12:43:49 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	4599 label Biography information for Ross Thomson

1078672

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Yemen: Humanitarian Aid and Security
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of (a) security and (b) the humanitarian situation in (i) Sa'dah, Yemen and (ii) Hajjah, Yemen; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	226506
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The UK remains deeply concerned by the security and humanitarian situation in Yemen, including in Sa’dah and Hajjah. We maintain that a political settlement is the only way to bring long-term stability to Yemen.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/03/2019 12:05:02 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1078754

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Nature Conservation
	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 recent assessment he has made of the potential effectiveness of conservation covenants for nature and wildlife.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	226629
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan commits us to assess the demand and potential for conservation covenants to secure long-term benefits for nature and to work with stakeholders to review and take forward the Law Commission proposals for a statutory scheme in England.</p><p> </p><p>The Law Commission had reviewed the evidence for their use and effectiveness in other countries and undertook a consultation exercise in 2013 to determine if they could be effective and should be introduced here. It concluded that conservation covenants had the potential to deliver lasting conservation benefits for nature and wildlife, as well as other outcomes. A copy of its report can be found at <a href="https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/conservation-covenants" target="_blank">https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/conservation-covenants</a></p><p> </p><p>The Government opened a consultation on 22 February on conservation covenants. The consultation seeks views on the potential effectiveness of covenants in securing benefits for nature. We will review the responses once the consultation closes. The consultation can be found at</p><p><a href="https://consult.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-management/conservation-covenants/" target="_blank">https://consult.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-management/conservation-covenants/</a>.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 08/03/2019 15:09:05 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1078727

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Radicalism: Islam
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the effect of foreign Islamic organisations that promote a Salafist Whahhabist ideology on the growth of domestic violent extremism.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	226606
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Government take the threat of extremism, non-violent extremism as well as violent extremism, very seriously. We continuously build our understanding of the threat so we can respond to it appropriately. <br>As has been the policy of successive governments, the Government does not comment on matters relating to security.</p> answering member constituency Louth and Horncastle answering member printed Victoria Atkins question first answered 08/03/2019 13:36:41 answering member 4399 label Biography information for Victoria Atkins
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1078518

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Air Pollution
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps he has taken in response to the recommendation of the Fourth Report of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Fourth Report of the Environmental Audit Committee, Third Report of the Health and Social Care Committee, and Second Report of the Transport Committee of Session 2017–19 on Improving air quality, HC 433, that the Government aligns (a) climate change schemes, (b) urban planning, (c) public transport and (d) fiscal incentives with air quality goals to prevent its policy from working at cross-purposes.
	tabling member constituency	Ribble Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Nigel Evans
	uin	226550
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Government responded in full to the recommendations on 22 May 2018. The Government’s focus in the immediate term is on bringing forward compliance with legal limits for NO2 concentrations, and stakeholders from seven departments take part in the governance of the NO2 Plan in order to ensure that policies are closely aligned.</p><p>The Government published its new Clean Air Strategy on 14 January 2019, setting out a comprehensive plan to tackle air pollution, aimed at all sectors of industry and society.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 08/03/2019 12:20:32 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	474 label Biography information for Mr Nigel Evans

1078611

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Middle East: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help protect the rights of Christian workers in the Middle East.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen South
	tabling member printed	Ross Thomson
	uin	226727
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for the Commonwealth and the UN have had a number of recent engagements with religious leaders, interested organisations, partner governments and parliamentarians on the issue of Freedom of Religion or Belief and the protection of human rights of Christians and all religious minorities around the world, including in the Middle East. We are also engaged on issues which impact on the situation of Christians working in the Middle East, including the rights of migrant workers and refugees and the ability of members of religious minorities to access labour markets in relevant countries in the region.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 08/03/2019 12:51:15 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	4599 label Biography information for Ross Thomson

1078545

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Students: Loans
	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 the full guidance for part-time maintenance loans.
	tabling member constituency	South Holland and The Deepings
	tabling member printed	Sir John Hayes
	uin	226530
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Department for Education had forecast that 20,000 part-time maintenance loans would be issued for the 2018-19 academic year.</p><p> </p><p>Further information can be found in Table 2 of the publication, Student loan forecasts, England: 2017-18:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720371/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18_-_tables.xlsx" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720371/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18_-_tables.xlsx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>In January 2019, the Student Loans Company (SLC) published early in-year data on the payments of maintenance loans to part-time students domiciled in England. At the end of December 2019, 2,700 students had been paid a part-time maintenance loan.</p><p> </p><p>Further information can be found in Table 7F of the publication:</p><p><a href="https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher-education.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher-education.aspx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The number of part-time maintenance loans issued was lower than had been forecast at this point in the academic year cycle and the demand for a loan product aimed at part-time distance learners is therefore unlikely to be high enough to make the introduction of such a loan economically viable.</p><p> </p><p>In light of this, I have decided not to extend maintenance loans to distance leaners in academic year 2019/20. The government remains committed to tackling the decline in part-time undergraduate higher education. In particular, the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding is considering how we can encourage learning that is more flexible, including part-time and distance learning. The review will report this year.</p><p> </p><p>The SCL will publish guidance relating to part-time maintenance in advance of the application process opening later this year.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore grouped question UIN 226531 226532 question first answered 08/03/2019 14:53:15 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	350 label Biography information for Sir John Hayes

1078547

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Students: Loans
	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 make distance-learning maintenance loans available.
	tabling member constituency	South Holland and The Deepings
	tabling member printed	Sir John Hayes
	uin	226531
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Department for Education had forecast that 20,000 part-time maintenance loans would be issued for the 2018-19 academic year.</p><p> </p><p>Further information can be found in Table 2 of the publication, Student loan forecasts, England: 2017-18:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720371/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18_-_tables.xlsx" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720371/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18_-_tables.xlsx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>In January 2019, the Student Loans Company (SLC) published early in-year data on the payments of maintenance loans to part-time students domiciled in England. At the end of December 2019, 2,700 students had been paid a part-time maintenance loan.</p><p> </p><p>Further information can be found in Table 7F of the publication:</p><p><a href="https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher-education.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher-education.aspx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The number of part-time maintenance loans issued was lower than had been forecast at this point in the academic year cycle and the demand for a loan product aimed at part-time distance learners is therefore unlikely to be high enough to make the introduction of such a loan economically viable.</p><p> </p><p>In light of this, I have decided not to extend maintenance loans to distance leaners in academic year 2019/20. The government remains committed to tackling the decline in part-time undergraduate higher education. In particular, the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding is considering how we can encourage learning that is more flexible, including part-time and distance learning. The review will report this year.</p><p> </p><p>The SCL will publish guidance relating to part-time maintenance in advance of the application process opening later this year.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore grouped question UIN 226530 226532 question first answered 08/03/2019 14:53:15 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	350 label Biography information for Sir John Hayes

1078548

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Students: Loans
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the take-up has been of part-time maintenance loans since that loan's inception.
	tabling member constituency	South Holland and The Deepings
	tabling member printed	Sir John Hayes
	uin	226532
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>The Department for Education had forecast that 20,000 part-time maintenance loans would be issued for the 2018-19 academic year.</p><p> </p><p>Further information can be found in Table 2 of the publication, Student loan forecasts, England: 2017-18:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720371/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18_-_tables.xlsx" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/720371/Student_loan_forecasts_2017-18_-_tables.xlsx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>In January 2019, the Student Loans Company (SLC) published early in-year data on the payments of maintenance loans to part-time students domiciled in England. At the end of December 2019, 2,700 students had been paid a part-time maintenance loan.</p><p> </p><p>Further information can be found in Table 7F of the publication:</p><p><a href="https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher-education.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.slc.co.uk/official-statistics/financial-support-awarded/england-higher-education.aspx</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The number of part-time maintenance loans issued was lower than had been forecast at this point in the academic year cycle and the demand for a loan product aimed at part-time distance learners is therefore unlikely to be high enough to make the introduction of such a loan economically viable.</p><p> </p><p>In light of this, I have decided not to extend maintenance loans to distance leaners in academic year 2019/20. The government remains committed to tackling the decline in part-time undergraduate higher education. In particular, the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding is considering how we can encourage learning that is more flexible, including part-time and distance learning. The review will report this year.</p><p> </p><p>The SCL will publish guidance relating to part-time maintenance in advance of the application process opening later this year.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore grouped question UIN 226530 226531 question first answered 08/03/2019 14:53:15 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	350 label Biography information for Sir John Hayes

1078670

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Saudi Arabia: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Saudi counterpart on the human rights situation in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Hornsey and Wood Green
	tabling member printed	Catherine West
	uin	226718
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>Saudi Arabia remains a Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office human rights priority country, particularly because of the use of the death penalty, women’s rights and restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion or belief. We frequently raise our concerns on human rights with Saudi Arabia, including at Ministerial level, most recently in February.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt grouped question UIN 226717 question first answered 08/03/2019 11:56:40 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	4523 label Biography information for Catherine West

1078668

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Saudi Arabia: Prisoners' Release
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps he has taken to help secure the release of (a) human rights activists, (b) political opponents and (c) other people detained illegally in Saudi Arabia.
	tabling member constituency	Hornsey and Wood Green
	tabling member printed	Catherine West
	uin	226717
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>Saudi Arabia remains a Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office human rights priority country, particularly because of the use of the death penalty, women’s rights and restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion or belief. We frequently raise our concerns on human rights with Saudi Arabia, including at Ministerial level, most recently in February.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt grouped question UIN 226718 question first answered 08/03/2019 11:56:40 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	4523 label Biography information for Catherine West

1078719

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for International Trade
	answering dept id	202
	answering dept short name	International Trade
	answering dept sort name	International Trade
	hansard heading	Trade Agreements
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many free trade deals with countries he plans to sign within the first six months after the UK leaves the EU.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	226600
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>Our priority is to be in a position to begin formal negotiations with key partners after we leave the EU, and to then make progress towards substantive agreements, so long as such agreements work for the whole of the UK. We have consulted on our first four potential free trade agreements (FTAs), with Australia, New Zealand, the United States and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). We will publish the Government’s response to these consultations before any negotiations begin.</p><p> </p><p>Trade agreements vary in shape, scope and form, and there is no “average” timeframe. For example, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada took seven years to negotiate, the China-Switzerland FTA took two, but the USA-Jordan FTA negotiations only four months. The Government is clear that its objective is to negotiate the best possible free trade agreements for the whole of the UK, in the interests of business and consumers. Necessarily, this will take different amounts of time to conclude with different partners.</p><p> </p><p>While we are looking to forge new agreements, the Government is also seeking continuity for our existing EU trade agreements as we leave the European Union. We have made good progress, signing trade continuity agreements with Switzerland, Chile, the Eastern and Southern African (ESA) states, the Faroe Islands, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority.</p><p>We will post details of signed agreements on the Gov.uk website.</p> answering member constituency Meon Valley answering member printed George Hollingbery question first answered 08/03/2019 12:37:13 answering member 4016 label Biography information for Sir George Hollingbery
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1078976

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for International Trade
	answering dept id	202
	answering dept short name	International Trade
	answering dept sort name	International Trade
	hansard heading	Trade Agreements: Mauritius
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in securing a bilateral trade agreement with Mauritius.
	tabling member printed	Lord Jones of Cheltenham
	uin	HL14097
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>On 31 January 2019, the Government signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with members of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) EPA, which includes Mauritius. This will provide continuity for businesses, exporters and consumers as the UK prepares to leave the EU.</p> answering member printed Baroness Fairhead question first answered 08/03/2019 12:22:58 answering member 4690 label Biography information for Baroness Fairhead
	tabling member	248 label Biography information for Lord Jones of Cheltenham

1078614

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	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	Palm Oil
	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 recent international discussions he has had on the sustainable (a) supply and (b) use of palm oil; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Gedling
	tabling member printed	Vernon Coaker
	uin	226538
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>Officials of the Department attended a regular meeting of the Amsterdam Declaration Partnership in October last year to discuss its coordination and delivery. Through the Amsterdam Declarations we are working with businesses and other governments to strengthen governance, promote market-based solutions and put in place incentives, policies and actions that support sustainable production of palm oil alongside forest protection.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst attending UNFCCC COP24 in Katowice, Poland last December I met the Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar from the Republic of Indonesia; palm oil production and the importance of producing it sustainably were discussed.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 08/03/2019 14:54:34 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
	tabling member	360 label Biography information for Lord Coaker

1078464

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Pre-school Education: Closures
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 21 February 2019 to question 222631, for what reasons his Department did not refer to whether his Department has made an estimate of the cost to other public services in areas where maintained nursery schools have closed in that Answer.
	tabling member constituency	Houghton and Sunderland South
	tabling member printed	Bridget Phillipson
	uin	226665
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>Like all schools, a maintained nursery school (MNS) can close for a wide range of reasons, and closures can happen at any time.</p><p>There is a statutory process for closing a MNS, and if it does close, the provision that replaces it must be of equal quality, preserve expertise and be more accessible and convenient for parents. The closure of a MNS may result in the staff and children transferring to another provider. The department does not hold information on the impact on other services in an area where MNS have closed.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 08/03/2019 14:11:30 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4046 label Biography information for Bridget Phillipson

1078966

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2019
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Music: Education
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will clarify the roles and responsibilities of (1) schools, and (2) music education hubs, with regard to the delivery of music education.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Clancarty
	uin	HL14088
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2019 answer text <p>It is the role of schools to deliver the curriculum. Music education hubs were established to drive up the quality and consistency of music education across the country, and to that end are funded to work with children in all state-funded schools in England. This means that hubs work with all schools, including academies and free schools, to meet local needs, at the same time as ensuring that all children experience high quality music education. The roles and responsibilities of schools and music education hubs are detailed in the national plan for music education, attached, which the department has committed to refreshing for 2020 and beyond.</p> answering member printed Lord Agnew of Oulton question first answered 08/03/2019 14:53:34 answering member 4689 label Biography information for Lord Agnew of Oulton attachment 1 file name HL14088_the_importance_of_music.pdf title HL14088_the_importance_of_music
	tabling member	3391 label Biography information for The Earl of Clancarty