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1199473

registered interest
date	02/06/2020
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure the provision of medical examinations to maintain an adequate level of certified Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	53470
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2020 answer text <p>The Government has temporarily waived the requirement for bus and lorry drivers to provide a medical report when renewing their licences. This change was announced on 17 April 2020 for those applying to renew licences that expire on or after 1 January 2020.</p><p> </p><p>It remains a legal requirement for drivers to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency of the onset or worsening of a medical condition that may impact their driving.</p> answering member constituency Redditch answering member printed Rachel Maclean question first answered 10/06/2020 15:39:18 answering member 4668 label Biography information for Rachel Maclean
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1199475

registered interest
date	02/06/2020
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: Coronavirus
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 steps his Department is taking to ensure the welfare of (a) animals and (b) domestic pets during the covid-19 lockdown.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	53471
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2020 answer text <p>We are working closely with a wide range of stakeholders to respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues which may impact animal welfare.</p><p>We are having regular meetings with the livestock industry to discuss the specific issues affecting each sector and to consider what interventions might be appropriate. We have provided detailed guidance on how to safely care for farm animals whilst maintaining social distancing. We are encouraging farmers to consider the financial support schemes introduced by the Government, including a specific Dairy Response Fund, which will be open to applications from 18 June and will provide up to £10,000 each to help those dairy farmers most in need of support.</p><p>The Government recognises that the zoos sector, including aquariums, faces unique circumstances and we are committed to working with the industry to understand the impacts. We have been engaging closely with the main industry association, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), and with individual zoos about the best way forward, also taking expert advice from Defra's Zoos Expert Committee.</p><p>Zoos are eligible to apply for a range of support schemes including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral, Business Rates Relief, the Business Interruption Loan schemes, the option to reclaim the costs of Statutory Sick Pay and grant funding of up to £25,000. In addition, specifically for zoos in severe financial distress, the Government introduced a £14 million Zoos Support Fund for licensed zoos in England on 4 May.</p><p>As announced by the Prime Minister on 10 June, outdoor areas of zoos and safari parks will be allowed to reopen from 15 June, subject to appropriate social distancing measures being in place. This includes keeping indoor exhibitions, such as reptile houses and those in aquariums, closed, and ensuring other amenities like cafes offer take-away services only. The move follows close work by the Government with the zoo industry to ensure visitor numbers can be managed and safeguards are put in place. The decision to relax restrictions on these select outdoor attractions is part of the Government’s careful approach to easing the lockdown in phases, guided by the advice of scientific and medical experts and the fact the risk of transmission is much lower outdoors.</p><p>Officials continue to meet weekly with BIAZA and with the CEOs of the largest charitable zoos and aquariums in England providing a valuable forum to monitor concerns and seek insights from key sector representatives on current issues.</p><p>We are in regular contact with animal welfare charities to discuss their concerns and to see what actions can be taken so that the welfare of animals can be maintained through these difficult times.</p><p>We have also responded to, and continue, to respond to individual enquires from pet owners and pet related businesses.</p><p>To assist animal owners in these difficult times, the Government has issued the following guidance for owners and their animals which can be found on the GOV.UK website: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals</a>. Throughout this crisis, veterinarians have been classed as key workers and practices have been permitted to remain open.</p><p>The Government has sought the expert advice of the Animal Welfare Committee on the potential impact of Covid-19 on animal welfare and the actions that might be taken to mitigate the risks. Their report, published on 4 June, will help inform our future actions in addressing the wider impact of Covid-19 on animal welfare: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awc-opinion-on-the-animal-welfare-issues-related-to-covid-19" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/awc-opinion-on-the-animal-welfare-issues-related-to-covid-19</a></p><p>We continue to remain in close contact with the animal welfare sector about the situation facing organisations working with animals and to understand the impacts on the sector and their needs.</p> answering member constituency Banbury answering member printed Victoria Prentis question first answered 10/06/2020 16:51:46 answering member 4401 label Biography information for Victoria Prentis
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1199490

registered interest
date	02/06/2020
answering body	Home Office
answering dept id	1
answering dept short name	Home Office
answering dept sort name	Home Office
hansard heading	British Nationality
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether settled status is admissible as evidence of lawful residence in the UK for the purpose of making an application for British citizenship.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	53472
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2020 answer text <p>Settled status is a grant of Indefinite Leave to Remain. It can therefore be used to demonstrate the date on which an applicant became free from immigration time restrictions under the Immigration Rules.</p><p>Additional evidence may be required to demonstrate an individual meets the statutory requirements for naturalisation.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 10/06/2020 15:36:19 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1197957

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Qualifications
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what changes he is making to the requirement for heavy goods vehicle drivers to be periodically tested for a Certificate of Professional Competence while test centres are closed as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52129
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>Most professional lorry and bus drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification. This is evidenced by a Driver CPC card (sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’).</p><p> </p><p>Periodic training is available remotely from commercial providers, via online video platforms. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency encourages drivers to continue to undertake training wherever possible, but not as an activity that needs extra travel and only in compliance with general government advice.</p><p> </p><p>The validity of DQCs with expiry dates from 1 February 2020 to 31 August 2020 have been extended by 7 months.</p><p>Drivers will not be issued with a new card to reflect the new expiry date, and must continue to carry their DQC.</p><p> </p><p>Drivers who have a DQC that has an expiry date from 1 September 2020 must not drive until it is renewed.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Redditch answering member printed Rachel Maclean question first answered 09/06/2020 15:46:11 answering member 4668 label Biography information for Rachel Maclean
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1197958

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
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	Local Broadcasting and Local Press: Coronavirus
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 the Government is taking to support independent local (a) print, (b) online and (c) broadcast news providers during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52130
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>To support the vital role of local news outlets, the government has clarified that all journalists including broadcast journalists, and other ancillary staff, are ‘key workers’ for the purposes of access to childcare and educational places. The government also issued guidance to local authorities on the importance of newspaper delivery, which has been critical to the continued dissemination of public interest news.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>News publishers in particular are facing existential pressures due to the steep drop in advertising revenues resulting from the impacts of Covid-19. The government has therefore sought to maximise advertising opportunities for the sector, implementing a public information campaign to ensure the distribution of authoritative, up-to-date information about Covid-19, while also alleviating publishers’ financial pressures.. The current partnership brings together over 600 titles across the UK, of which the vast majority are local papers.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>For online media outlets, the government has taken steps to ensure the use of ‘keyword blocklisting’ technology is not inadvertently damaging news publishers’ online advertising revenues for Covid-19 related stories. Additionally, the Chancellor brought forward the commencement of zero-rating of VAT on e-newspapers in order to bring savings to readers and support digital publishing.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We are in regular dialogue with stakeholders about ensuring the support offered to local news outlets is as effective as it can be. Ministers are also engaged with national and local broadcasters on a regular basis to understand the impacts of Covid-19 on their day to day operations, including broadcast news provision.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Maldon answering member printed Mr John Whittingdale question first answered 08/06/2020 12:01:52 answering member 39 label Biography information for Sir John Whittingdale
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1197960

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	Treasury
hansard heading	Revenue and Customs: Disability
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 29 November 2017 to Question 115096 on Revenue and Customs: Disability, what recent assessment he has made of whether HMRC's Regional Centre in 3 Glass Wharf, Bristol meets the 2018 edition of British Standard 8300.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52132
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>HMRC aim to deliver excellent workplaces for all of their staff. This means allowing people to access and work in their buildings confidently, independently and with dignity regardless of their age, disability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.</p><p> </p><p>3 Glass Wharf, Bristol meets building regulations required by law. Building Standard 8300 (BS8300) brings together a further range of inclusive design guidance, with the previous 2009 edition being revised in 2018. The 2009 version sought provision well beyond those required by building regulations, with the 2018 edition going still further. Planning permission was granted and construction commenced before the 2018 revision.</p><p> </p><p>Standards are considered voluntary guidance, without the force of law, and are not retrospective. However, HMRC have decided to go further than what is required by law and have additional reasonable work planned at 3 Glass Wharf, beyond the 2009 version, in relation to the 2018 edition of BS8300.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC have a number of policies and processes in place that are designed to ensure the needs of colleagues requiring adjustments are met. Health Related Special Leave is one element. As a person’s health and medical conditions are sensitive, HMRC’s HR systems do not record the reason for granting special leave. The reason for an individual’s Special Leave is only recorded by their manager and is not collated as part of a data set.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman grouped question UIN 52133 52134 question first answered 09/06/2020 11:55:20 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1197961

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	Treasury
hansard heading	Revenue and Customs: Disability
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 29 November 2017 to Question 115096 on Revenue and Customs: Disability, how many HMRC staff have been granted Health Related Special Leave because they are awaiting reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 to be made at the HMRC Regional Centre in 3 Glass Wharf, Bristol.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52133
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>HMRC aim to deliver excellent workplaces for all of their staff. This means allowing people to access and work in their buildings confidently, independently and with dignity regardless of their age, disability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.</p><p> </p><p>3 Glass Wharf, Bristol meets building regulations required by law. Building Standard 8300 (BS8300) brings together a further range of inclusive design guidance, with the previous 2009 edition being revised in 2018. The 2009 version sought provision well beyond those required by building regulations, with the 2018 edition going still further. Planning permission was granted and construction commenced before the 2018 revision.</p><p> </p><p>Standards are considered voluntary guidance, without the force of law, and are not retrospective. However, HMRC have decided to go further than what is required by law and have additional reasonable work planned at 3 Glass Wharf, beyond the 2009 version, in relation to the 2018 edition of BS8300.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC have a number of policies and processes in place that are designed to ensure the needs of colleagues requiring adjustments are met. Health Related Special Leave is one element. As a person’s health and medical conditions are sensitive, HMRC’s HR systems do not record the reason for granting special leave. The reason for an individual’s Special Leave is only recorded by their manager and is not collated as part of a data set.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman grouped question UIN 52132 52134 question first answered 09/06/2020 11:55:20 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1197962

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Treasury
answering dept id	14
answering dept short name	Treasury
answering dept sort name	Treasury
hansard heading	Revenue and Customs: Disability
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 29 November 2017 to Question 115096 on Revenue and Customs: Disability, how many HMRC staff have been granted Health Related Special Leave (formerly Disability Adjustment Leave) because they are awaiting reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 to be made at the HMRC Regional Centre in 3 Glass Wharf, Bristol, since September 2019.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52134
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>HMRC aim to deliver excellent workplaces for all of their staff. This means allowing people to access and work in their buildings confidently, independently and with dignity regardless of their age, disability, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.</p><p> </p><p>3 Glass Wharf, Bristol meets building regulations required by law. Building Standard 8300 (BS8300) brings together a further range of inclusive design guidance, with the previous 2009 edition being revised in 2018. The 2009 version sought provision well beyond those required by building regulations, with the 2018 edition going still further. Planning permission was granted and construction commenced before the 2018 revision.</p><p> </p><p>Standards are considered voluntary guidance, without the force of law, and are not retrospective. However, HMRC have decided to go further than what is required by law and have additional reasonable work planned at 3 Glass Wharf, beyond the 2009 version, in relation to the 2018 edition of BS8300.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC have a number of policies and processes in place that are designed to ensure the needs of colleagues requiring adjustments are met. Health Related Special Leave is one element. As a person’s health and medical conditions are sensitive, HMRC’s HR systems do not record the reason for granting special leave. The reason for an individual’s Special Leave is only recorded by their manager and is not collated as part of a data set.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman grouped question UIN 52132 52133 question first answered 09/06/2020 11:55:20 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1197963

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
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	Health and Safety Executive: Bristol
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Health and Safety Executive inspectors are operating in Bristol.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52135
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2020 answer text <p>There are currently 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) Inspectors based in Bristol.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 10/06/2020 14:15:18 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire

1198570

registered interest
date	01/06/2020
answering body	Ministry of Justice
answering dept id	54
answering dept short name	Justice
answering dept sort name	Justice
hansard heading	Repossession Orders: Legal Opinion
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that people facing possession proceedings for their home are able to access the advice of a duty solicitor if court proceedings take place online or by phone.
tabling member constituency	Bristol West
tabling member printed	Thangam Debbonaire
uin	52137
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Access to justice is a fundamental right and the government is committed to ensuring that everyone can get the support they need to access the justice system.</p><p> </p><p>Duty solicitors play a crucial role in upholding this right, through offering on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings in court. This means that anyone in danger of being evicted from their home or having their property repossessed can get free legal advice and representation on the day of their court hearing, regardless of their financial circumstances. That said, repossession cases are currently stayed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>The Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Agency are working at pace to ensure that this support is available for those facing eviction when repossession hearings restart, which is currently scheduled to be after 24 June. This includes support for those attending hearings which are conducted remotely due to Covid-19 and those that include physical distancing measures.</p> answering member constituency Cheltenham answering member printed Alex Chalk question first answered 04/06/2020 16:58:47 answering member 4481 label Biography information for Alex Chalk
tabling member	4433 label Biography information for Thangam Debbonaire