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1121821

registered interest
date	18/04/2019
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	Livestock Worrying
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 additional steps his Department will take to reduce the number of incidents of sheep worrying.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	245756
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government abhors irresponsible ownership which leads to dogs becoming dangerously out of control and causing injuries to people or animals. There are a number of laws and measures which police and local authorities can take to tackle dog attacks on livestock.</p><p> </p><p>The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 includes provisions to prosecute owners whose dogs kill, attack or chase livestock, and to seize the dogs if they are out of control. This can lead to a prison sentence of up to six months, an unlimited fine or a disqualification order which prevents the owner from keeping dogs for a certain period of time. The police can also take action under the Dogs Act 1871. This is a useful measure to help police and local authorities to deal with dogs that are out of control and dangerous, which includes being dangerous to other animals. Section 2 of the 1871 Act allows a complaint to be made by any individual, or the police, local authorities, etc., to a Magistrates’ court that a dog is “…dangerous and not kept under proper control”.</p><p> </p><p>As well as these Acts there are anti-social behaviour measures, in particular the Community Protection Notice (CPN) which can be issued as a preventative measure. This means that the owner or keeper of an out of control dog could be prevented from walking it on a farmer's land. This will restrict access to when livestock is not out and ensure that the dog is kept on a lead when in fields with livestock. To breach a CPN is a criminal offence and attracts a maximum penalty of £2,500, or the option to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice. It is worth noting that there are also seizure powers under the legislation.</p><p> </p><p>Since April 2016, we have required all dogs to be identified by a microchip. This is quick and easy to do and provides a failsafe method of connecting dogs with their owners and has encouraged more responsible dog ownership.</p><p> </p><p>Defra continues to work with the National Police Chiefs’ Council Livestock Working Group which is looking at ways to reduce livestock attacks. The NFU is represented at this group and we are encouraging others in the farming and countryside community. This includes supporting the work of SheepWatch, which has produced leaflets to encourage the reporting and recording of incidents and to follow the guidance that is available on what to do when there is a dog attack.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 25/04/2019 14:54:23 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121931

registered interest
date	18/04/2019
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	Pension Credit
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take steps to simplify the process of claiming pension credit.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	245757
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>The DWP uses a wide range of channels to communicate information about benefits to potential customers including information on <a href="https://gov.uk/" target="_blank">https://gov.uk/</a>, in leaflets and by telephone. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling 0800 99 1234, which removes the need for claimants to complete lengthy application forms. However, paper forms are also available for those who prefer. The DWP is required by law to ask a number of questions in order to establish eligibility and ensure accurate assessment and subsequent award.</p><p> </p><p>DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres including visiting officers are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local Authorities who administer Housing Benefit.</p><p> </p><p>One of the best ways to reach eligible customers is through trusted stakeholder working in the community and we have developed the Pension Credit toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and welfare rights organisations to use in order to encourage Pension Credit take-up. It can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit</a></p><p> </p><p>The toolkit contains resources for anyone working with pensioners and includes guides to Pension Credit. It also contains publicity material and guidance designed to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up. The toolkit also provides links to information about disability and carers benefits.</p><p> </p><p>Most recently we have provided to relevant organisations a fact sheet about Pension Credit and forthcoming changes for couples to ensure that accurate information is available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.</p><p> </p><p>The majority of people of pension age in receipt of a State Pension or another social security benefit receive their annual winter fuel payment automatically without the need to make a claim. There are no plans to change the existing process of claims to Pension Credit.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 29/04/2019 13:54:46 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1122001

registered interest
date	18/04/2019
answering body	Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	Treasury
hansard heading	Productivity
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the level of increased productivity in the economy.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	245761
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/04/2019 answer text <p>In the long run, the only way to ensure sustainable growth, higher wages and increases in living standards is through raising productivity. The latest data showing an increase in the level of productivity is welcome, however productivity growth remains a key challenge.</p><p> </p><p>The government is tackling this challenge head on; investing over half a trillion pounds in capital investment, cutting taxes for businesses, improving access to finance, increasing the National Productivity Investment Fund to £37bn at Budget 2018 and committing to reform technical education, such as the introduction of T-levels.</p> answering member constituency Newark answering member printed Robert Jenrick question first answered 30/04/2019 07:46:33 answering member 4320 label Biography information for Robert Jenrick
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121447

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	Hezbollah: Sanctions
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the legal sanctions of proscribing Hezbollah in its entirety extends to UK nationals meeting with representatives of that organisation overseas.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	244056
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2019 answer text <p>Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite support for, or arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in support of a pro-scribed organisation. This offence does not have extra-territorial jurisdiction.</p> answering member constituency Wyre and Preston North answering member printed Mr Ben Wallace question first answered 24/04/2019 14:16:18 answering member 1539 label Biography information for Mr Ben Wallace
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121527

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Shipping: Females
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help encourage more women to enter the maritime industry.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	244057
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>I am determined to see more women entering the maritime industry and taking advantage of the many and wide-ranging career opportunities that the maritime sector has to offer, at sea and on shore.</p><p>That is why the Department for Transport has been working very closely with the Task Force set up by Maritime UK in 2018 to improve gender diversity. The first output of that task force has been the women in maritime pledge that commits maritime companies to building an employment culture that actively supports and celebrates gender diversity, at all levels in their organisation. Over 100 companies have signed up the pledge already. And to move participating organisations from that show of intent to solid action for change, a charter follows on that commits signatory companies to take specific actions to improve gender diversity in exchange of help in the form of toolkits.</p><p>In addition to this, the Department for Transport is funding 10 roadshows for girls only across the country. The roadshows will be delivered by 1851 Trust later in the year. They will enable up to 1,400 young women of ages between 10 and 14 years old to learn about STEM studies and maritime careers.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Wealden answering member printed Ms Nusrat Ghani question first answered 23/04/2019 15:49:56 answering member 4460 label Biography information for Ms Nusrat Ghani
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121547

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Shipping: Qualifications
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what measures his Department has promoted to ensure that maritime qualifications will continue to be recognised by the international industry after the UK leaves the EU.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	244058
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) sets the international requirements for the minimum standards of training, that the seafarers performing certain roles must meet. The UK is a party to that Convention and will continue to be so after we leave the EU. There is therefore no reason why UK qualifications should not continue to be recognised<strong>.</strong></p> answering member constituency Wealden answering member printed Ms Nusrat Ghani question first answered 23/04/2019 15:52:06 answering member 4460 label Biography information for Ms Nusrat Ghani
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121548

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Shipping: Qualifications
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will undertake a European Maritime Safety Agency audit to ensure that maritime qualifications obtained in the UK will continue to be recognised by the international industry after the UK leaves the EU.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	244059
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>The UK already provides information to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).</p><p> </p><p>EMSA is aware of the high quality of UK training and certification. UK maritime qualifications will continue to be recognised internationally even after the UK leaves the EU.</p><p> </p><p>EU law requires that the EU assesses the training and certification of non-EU countries before recognising their certificates. This assessment is carried out by EMSA. Since the UK is already operating to international standards and will continue to do so after exit, we expect EMSA’s assessment of the UK’s training and certification systems to be straightforward.</p><p> </p><p>The Maritime and Coastguard Agency will be ready to provide any additional information that EMSA may ask for.</p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Wealden answering member printed Ms Nusrat Ghani question first answered 23/04/2019 15:55:12 answering member 4460 label Biography information for Ms Nusrat Ghani
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121549

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	European Maritime Safety Agency
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, who will undertake the role currently delivered by the European Maritime Safety Agency when the UK leaves the EU.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	244060
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) discharges a number of obligations set out in the International Maritime Organization Conventions on behalf of the EU Members. These obligations affect Maritime Security and Surveillance, Ship Safety and Protection of the Marine Environment.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Transport and its agencies will take on functions carried out by EMSA in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal. However, this is not our preferred option. The UK values co-operation with EMSA and the political declaration agreed between the UK and EU foresees that co-operation continuing in the future.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Wealden answering member printed Ms Nusrat Ghani question first answered 23/04/2019 15:58:01 answering member 4460 label Biography information for Ms Nusrat Ghani
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1121556

registered interest
date	11/04/2019
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	Shipping: Noise
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 effect of underwater noise emissions from commercial shipping on wildlife in UK territorial waters.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	244061
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>Under the UK Marine Strategy, the UK Government is working to ensure that underwater noise-generating human activities do not pose a significant risk to marine ecosystems.</p><p> </p><p>We currently have a limited understanding of the distribution of noise in UK seas and its impact on vulnerable species. To address this in relation to sources of continuous noise such as shipping, the UK has established a noise monitoring network, consisting of long-term monitoring stations deployed in coastal waters. The information from this monitoring network will be matched with species distributions and used to inform future policy.</p><p> </p><p>At present, it remains unclear whether changes in shipping activity have resulted in an increase in continuous noise levels. The International Maritime Organization has made recommendations to improve efficiency standards in newly built ships, which will also make them less noisy (more hydrodynamic ships are more efficient and also tend to create less noise).</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Suffolk Coastal answering member printed Dr Thérèse Coffey question first answered 29/04/2019 15:10:57 answering member 4098 label Biography information for Dr Thérèse Coffey
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1110944

registered interest
date	10/04/2019
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	Spratly Islands: Military Bases
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whatt assessment has the Department made of the legality United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) of the construction of bases in the Spratly Islands including as Mischief (Panganiban) Reef, Subi (Zamora) Reef and Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reef.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	243407
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2019 answer text <p>We take no sides in the sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea. But we are deeply committed to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and upholding existing arbitrations.</p><p>We are therefore concerned by the militarisation of disputed features and any threat or implied threat of force. We monitor the situation and oppose any action which changes the facts on the ground, raises tensions or hinders the chance of peaceful settlement of the disputes.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 23/04/2019 13:53:44 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord