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1701296

	registered interest
	date	16/04/2024
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what progress his Department has made on developing plans for implementation of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act since 29 August 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	21970
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>The Government remains committed to implementing the important reforms in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 (the Act). These reforms will improve the quality of supported housing, protecting residents and getting better value for money for the taxpayer through Housing Benefit spend. It is important that we get the detail of how these reforms might be implemented right, to avoid any unintended consequences.</p><p>The first step towards implementation is a consultation on the proposed measures in the Act, including the National Supported Housing Standards and the supported housing licensing regime in England. The Government will consult on the measures as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Kensington answering member printed Felicity Buchan grouped question UIN 21971 question first answered 23/04/2024 12:46:18 answering member 4821 label Biography information for Felicity Buchan
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1701297

	registered interest
	date	16/04/2024
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, when his Department plans to commence the consultation process on the implementation of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	21971
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>The Government remains committed to implementing the important reforms in the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 (the Act). These reforms will improve the quality of supported housing, protecting residents and getting better value for money for the taxpayer through Housing Benefit spend. It is important that we get the detail of how these reforms might be implemented right, to avoid any unintended consequences.</p><p>The first step towards implementation is a consultation on the proposed measures in the Act, including the National Supported Housing Standards and the supported housing licensing regime in England. The Government will consult on the measures as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Kensington answering member printed Felicity Buchan grouped question UIN 21970 question first answered 23/04/2024 12:46:18 answering member 4821 label Biography information for Felicity Buchan
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1700942

	registered interest
	date	15/04/2024
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Electric Vehicles: Taxis
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London on licensing electric black cabs.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	21622
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/04/2024 answer text <p>Whilst the Secretary of State for Transport has not had any direct discussion with the Mayor of London on licensing electric taxis, revised best practice guidance was issued to all licensing authorities in November last year recommending they enable as many types of vehicles as possible to be licensed. Licensing authorities should give very careful consideration to a policy that automatically rules out particular types of vehicle or prescribes only one type or a small number of types of vehicle.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 23/04/2024 10:03:21 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1697348

	registered interest
	date	14/03/2024
	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	Castes
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to exclude caste as a protected characteristic from the Equality Act 2010.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	902137
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/03/2024 answer text <p>The government’s position remains as stated by the then Minister for Women and Equalities, the member for Portsmouth North, in her statement to Parliament on 23 July 2018.</p><p>We do not intend to make an order determining caste to be an aspect of ‘race’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.</p><p>We will repeal the statutory duty to make such an order once a suitable legislative vehicle becomes available.</p> answering member constituency Pudsey answering member printed Stuart Andrew question first answered 20/03/2024 14:04:00 answering member 4032 label Biography information for Stuart Andrew
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1696536

	registered interest
	date	12/03/2024
	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	Low Incomes: Rents
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to support low-income renters.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	902041
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/03/2024 answer text <p>We spend around £30bn annually on housing support for low-income renters in the private and social rented sectors.</p><p> </p><p>From April we are investing £1.2bn increasing the Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile of market rents, ensuring 1.6m private renters gain on average almost £800 in 2024/25 in additional support towards rental costs. This significant investment will cost £7bn over five years.</p><p> </p><p>Discretionary Housing Payments are available for those who need additional support. Since 2011 the Government has provided nearly £1.7bn for DHPs to local authorities.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 18/03/2024 17:02:48 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1694168

	registered interest
	date	06/03/2024
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Social Rented Housing: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the consultation on a direction to the Regulator of Social Housing to set a Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing, published on 6 February 2024, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending competency and mandatory qualification standards to residential property managers who are responsible for (a) tall and high-risk and (b) other residential buildings.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	17328
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/03/2024 answer text <p>We are currently consulting on a direction to the Regulator of Social Housing to set a Competence and Conduct Standard for social housing, which closes on 2nd April. We will analyse responses and respond in due course.</p><p>PAS 8673 (Competence requirements for the management of safety in residential buildings) already sets out a competence framework for people involved in managing residential buildings. This includes support for accountable persons and others in managing building safety risks in higher risk buildings, and for those managing non higher-risk residential buildings.</p> answering member constituency North East Derbyshire answering member printed Lee Rowley question first answered 13/03/2024 16:40:27 answering member 4652 label Biography information for Lee Rowley
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1688987

	registered interest
	date	16/02/2024
	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	Liver Diseases: Research
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to help researchers access funding for liver health.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	14005
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/02/2024 answer text <p>The Department funds research into liver health through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Between 2018/19 and 2022/23 the NIHR funded over £51.6 million across 80 projects related to liver health.</p><p>The NIHR funds and supports research into liver health through its research programmes and infrastructure. This includes a two-part commissioned call on liver disease through NIHR research partnerships that launched in May 2022, through the Clinical Research Network. This supports patients, the public, and health and care organisations across England to participate in high-quality research, and supports National Health Service doctors working in hepatology to apply for clinical research training through the NIHR Clinical Research Training Programme.</p><p>The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including liver health. The usual practice of the NIHR is not to ring-fence funds for expenditure on particular topics. Research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific quality. In all disease areas, the amount of NIHR funding depends on the volume and quality of scientific activity.</p> answering member constituency Pendle answering member printed Andrew Stephenson question first answered 26/02/2024 10:13:13 answering member 4044 label Biography information for Andrew Stephenson
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1689100

	registered interest
	date	16/02/2024
	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	Cats: Sales
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many licensed cat sellers there are in England.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	14006
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/02/2024 answer text <p>Under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (“the 2018 Regulations”), anyone selling animals as pets in the course of a business, including kittens and cats, needs to hold a valid license issued by their local authority. Information provided by local authorities indicates that 2169 licenses to sell animals as pets were in force in England on 1 April 2023. The data can be found here: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fckan.publishing.service.gov.uk%2Fdataset%2Flocal-authority-licensing-of-activities-involving-animals-returns&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cpqteam%40defra.gov.uk%7C76cb6c154b7d48a41e3d08dc320b6ecc%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638440271902722886%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kdMkmaQOFCy8uBO7P0CwKNq8%2BXZ9cuJ%2BPv%2BgOjW%2BChI%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Local Authority Licensing of Activities involving Animals returns - Dataset - data.gov.uk (publishing.service.gov.uk)</a>.</p> answering member constituency Sherwood answering member printed Mark Spencer question first answered 23/02/2024 14:11:29 answering member 4055 label Biography information for Sir Mark Spencer
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1690263

	registered interest
	date	08/02/2024
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Offenders
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure that offenders are prepared for life outside prison.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	901598
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/02/2024 answer text <p>Effective resettlement is a core part of our efforts to reduce reoffending.</p><p>We are introducing resettlement passports, bringing together key information and services in one place, to address individual drivers of repeat offending and enable continuity of support on release.</p><p>We have introduced ID and Banking Administrators in 93 prisons to ensure prisoners leave custody with the basics required to start work, find accommodation and claim Universal Credit, with over 26,000 IDs arranged since April 2022.</p> answering member constituency Charnwood answering member printed Edward Argar question first answered 20/02/2024 16:28:14 answering member 4362 label Biography information for Edward Argar
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1685837

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2024
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Sri Lanka: Civil Liberties
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Sri Lankan Online Safety Act on freedom of expression and religion in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	12009
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/02/2024 answer text <p>Despite concerns expressed by civil society, opposition parties and international internet providers regarding the potential negative impacts of the Online Safety Act, the Sri Lankan Parliament passed it into law on 24 January. The UK also raised concerns about the impact of this Act on freedom of expression and economic growth, including when I met Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe in October, and when Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for South Asia, met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on 25 January. The UK will continue to closely follow developments on this Act.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 05/02/2024 16:16:30 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1685516

	registered interest
	date	29/01/2024
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Abortion: Demonstrations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is taking steps to ensure that the enforcement of safe access zones is proportionate to other (a) protests and (b) gatherings.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	11769
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2024 answer text <p>The Government has recently published and consulted on draft guidance on the enforcement of abortion safe access zones.</p><p>The Home Office is now considering the responses before we publish a final version.</p><p>The Home Secretary is committed to ensuring that women in England and Wales feel safe and protected whilst exercising their legal right to access abortion services and I am confident that this guidance will support the effective introduction of Safe Access Zones.</p> answering member constituency Croydon South answering member printed Chris Philp question first answered 06/02/2024 17:54:57 answering member 4503 label Biography information for Chris Philp
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1685736

	registered interest
	date	24/01/2024
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Hamas: Hostage Taking
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps he is taking to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	901255
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/01/2024 answer text <p>The UK government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals and their families. Release of hostages was a priority for the recent Foreign Secretary visit to the Middle East where he held high level talks with regional leaders and met with hostage families. We are calling for an immediate humanitarian pause now to get aid in and remaining hostages out, and as a vital step towards building a sustainable, permanent ceasefire. To achieve that, Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 30/01/2024 13:05:30 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1685392

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2024
	answering body	Department for Education
	answering dept id	60
	answering dept short name	Education
	answering dept sort name	Education
	hansard heading	Schools: Antisemitism
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to tackle antisemitism in schools.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	901201
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2024 answer text <p>It is deeply concerning to see the huge rise in antisemitism following Hamas’s terrorist attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023. To see this form of hatred also take place in education is unacceptable.</p><p>The government took immediate action in October 2023. First, to increase security measures at Jewish schools, colleges and nurseries - we announced £3 million of additional funding to the Community Security Trust.</p><p>The Secretary of State also wrote to all schools and colleges on 17 October 2023, urging them to support Jewish students and highlighting our political impartiality guidance and advice on the Prevent programme.</p><p>To support schools and colleges we published learning resources on our Educate Against Hate website.</p><p>We are also providing over £3 million of funding, between 10 August 2021 and 31 March 2024, to five anti-bullying organisations, which includes projects to tackle hate-related bullying on the basis of race and faith.</p><p> </p><p>The department has networks of ‘Prevent’ practitioners who provide training to school staff on radicalisation and empower teachers to challenge extremism in the classroom.</p><p>We continue to monitor the situation carefully. Ministers have conducted several visits recently to listen to the experience of Jewish communities, including meeting with Dr David Landau who is Chair of Governors Menorah High School, one of the settings that temporarily closed in October over safety concerns.</p><p>We are engaging regularly with faith groups and school leadership organisations to understand their concerns and use it to shape our response. This includes the Board of Jewish Deputies and Chinuch UK.</p><p>In the Autumn Statement, on 22 November 2023, the government announced a further £7 million of funding over the next three years to help tackle antisemitism. This will help support schools, colleges, and universities to understand, recognise and deal with antisemitism effectively. We are preparing to issue an invitation for interested organisations to tender in the coming weeks.</p><p> </p><p>If anyone feels that specific issues in education are not being addressed, they can raise them directly to the department through the Counter Extremism helpline or our “Report Extremism” online form. We then engage with the police and local authorities to consider what action is needed.</p> answering member constituency East Hampshire answering member printed Damian Hinds question first answered 29/01/2024 17:18:56 answering member 3969 label Biography information for Damian Hinds
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1681774

	registered interest
	date	12/01/2024
	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	Dangerous Dogs
	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 information his Department holds on trends in the number of dog attacks on cats; and if he will take legislative steps to help prevent such attacks.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	9345
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/01/2024 answer text <p>Defra does not hold information on the number of dog attacks on cats. Any information on the number of reported dog-on-cat attacks will be held by individual local authorities and individual police forces.</p><p> </p><p>It is an offence under section 3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control.</p><p> </p><p>We are currently working in partnership with the police, local authorities and animal welfare organisations to ensure that the full range of existing dog control powers are effectively applied to encourage responsible dog ownership and reduce the risk of dog attacks.</p> answering member constituency Sherwood answering member printed Mark Spencer question first answered 22/01/2024 16:33:25 answering member 4055 label Biography information for Sir Mark Spencer
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1680763

	registered interest
	date	09/01/2024
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Bangladesh: Elections and Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he is taking steps together with international partners to help ensure that the Bangladeshi government is held accountable for (a) its human rights record and (b) the conduct of the national election of 8 January 2024.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	8730
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/01/2024 answer text <p>Bangladesh is a Human Rights Priority Country for the UK. We regularly raise human rights issues with the Government of Bangladesh bilaterally and in concert with our international partners. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister for South Asia, raised human rights with Prime Minister Hasina when they met in October. Respect for human rights, rule of law and due process are essential elements of the democratic process. These standards were not consistently met during the election period. We continue to work with likeminded partners to encourage all political parties to address their differences and find a common way forward in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. The UK government will continue to advocate for democracy with the Government of Bangladesh.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 17/01/2024 17:00:56 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1678995

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2023
	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	Cancer
	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 she has made of the potential implications for her policies on prevention of the Cancer Research UK publication entitled, Longer, better lives: A manifesto for cancer research and care.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	7548
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/01/2024 answer text <p>The Government welcomes the Cancer Research UK report which rightly highlights progress made against cancer. We have invested over £100 million into cancer research in 2021/22 through the National Institute for Health and Care Research. We are working closely with research partners in relevant all sectors and are confident the Government's continued commitment to cancer research will help us to continue to make progress, leading to continued improvements for cancer patients.</p><p>Cancer is being diagnosed at an earlier stage, more often, with survival rates improving across almost all types of cancer and the National Health Service seeing and treating record numbers of cancer patients over the last two years.</p><p>Our Major Conditions Strategy will set out how we will improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment and we have opened 135 community diagnostic centres offering over five million additional tests, including for cancer.</p> answering member constituency Pendle answering member printed Andrew Stephenson question first answered 08/01/2024 10:46:34 answering member 4044 label Biography information for Andrew Stephenson
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1678997

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Hamas: Audio Equipment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of media reports of Hamas's use of (a) children’s toys and (b) speakers broadcasting crying sounds in the conflict in Gaza.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	7549
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/01/2024 answer text <p>We are aware of media reports from Israel of a range of tactics used by Hamas during the conflict in Gaza, including the use of psychological warfare, but cannot comment on specific reports. The UK has proscribed Hamas as a terrorist organisation in part since 2001 and in whole since 2021. We are clear that Hamas commits terrorist acts. As the Foreign Secretary has set out, Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas and to eliminate the threat posed. Leaving Hamas in power in Gaza would be a permanent roadblock on the path to a two-state solution. On 13 December 2023, the Government announced new sanctions on the leaders and financiers of Hamas.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 12/01/2024 13:19:44 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1678998

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Israel: Hamas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his Department's policies of Israeli Defence Force reports of Hamas using schools as bases.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	7550
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/01/2024 answer text <p>Hamas is putting Palestinian civilians at grave risk by embedding themselves in the civilian population and civilian infrastructure. The UK is aware of reports of Hamas using schools and other infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, bases and command nodes.</p><p>This does not absolve parties from their responsibility to ensure that their actions are compliant with International Humanitarian Law, and minimise harm to civilians. The UK is particularly clear that civilian buildings must not be targeted, and extra care must be taken in relation to hospitals and other locations such as places of worship.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 11/01/2024 12:37:16 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1679035

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Housing: Disability
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the publication entitled Raising accessibility standards for new homes: summary of consultation responses and government response, updated 29 July 2022, what his planned timetable is for raising the baseline regulatory requirements for accessibility of all new homes to the M4(2) accessible and adaptable requirement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	7551
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/01/2024 answer text <p>I refer my Hon Friend to the answer given to Question UIN <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-06-12/hl8422&amp;data=05|02|Parliamentary@levellingup.gov.uk|1f95079cc2d44996669a08dc1299cc31|bf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8|0|0|638405698994968225|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=|3000|||&amp;sdata=bybkWk9T1hwBMavVvioE1hFWoQd87psTtEVLonLNk6Q=&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">HL8422</a> on 26 June 2023. Councils can only adopt a plan that is sound; it should be consistent with national policy, be supported by evidence and take the views of local people into account. Each plan is subject to a public examination in front of an independent Inspector who plays an important role in examining plans impartially to ensure that they are legally compliant and sound. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that local authorities should assess the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community, including older people and people with disabilities, and reflect this in their local plan.</p> answering member constituency North East Derbyshire answering member printed Lee Rowley grouped question UIN 7552 question first answered 12/01/2024 14:35:02 answering member 4652 label Biography information for Lee Rowley
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1679044

	registered interest
	date	19/12/2023
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Housing: Disability
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring the Planning Inspectorate to reject local plans that do not include a policy statement that sets a target for the proportion of homes to be built for wheelchair users under part M4 (3) of the building regulations.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	7552
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/01/2024 answer text <p>I refer my Hon Friend to the answer given to Question UIN <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-06-12/hl8422&amp;data=05|02|Parliamentary@levellingup.gov.uk|1f95079cc2d44996669a08dc1299cc31|bf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8|0|0|638405698994968225|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=|3000|||&amp;sdata=bybkWk9T1hwBMavVvioE1hFWoQd87psTtEVLonLNk6Q=&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">HL8422</a> on 26 June 2023. Councils can only adopt a plan that is sound; it should be consistent with national policy, be supported by evidence and take the views of local people into account. Each plan is subject to a public examination in front of an independent Inspector who plays an important role in examining plans impartially to ensure that they are legally compliant and sound. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that local authorities should assess the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community, including older people and people with disabilities, and reflect this in their local plan.</p> answering member constituency North East Derbyshire answering member printed Lee Rowley grouped question UIN 7551 question first answered 12/01/2024 14:35:02 answering member 4652 label Biography information for Lee Rowley
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1673243

	registered interest
	date	27/11/2023
	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	Health Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, by which date in early 2024 her Department plans to publish the Major Conditions Strategy.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	3774
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/12/2023 answer text <p>Following publication of the Strategic Framework, we will continue to develop the strategy, informed by the Call for Evidence and ongoing engagement. Our intention is to publish the Major Conditions Strategy in early 2024.</p> answering member constituency Pendle answering member printed Andrew Stephenson question first answered 05/12/2023 09:45:00 answering member 4044 label Biography information for Andrew Stephenson
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1672950

	registered interest
	date	21/11/2023
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress he has made on reducing the backlog of asylum cases.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	900293
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>Provisional data indicates that between the end of November 2022 and October 2023 the legacy backlog reduced by 64% and we remain on track to clear the legacy backlog by the end of the year as per the Prime Minister’s commitment last year.</p><p>We will continue the steps we are already taking to speed up asylum processing whilst maintaining the integrity of the system. This includes better performance management, overtime, and shorer, focussed interviews.</p> answering member constituency Newark answering member printed Robert Jenrick question first answered 27/11/2023 15:52:15 answering member 4320 label Biography information for Robert Jenrick
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1669653

	registered interest
	date	13/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Motor Vehicles: Alternative Fuels
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the use of (a) low carbon and (b) synthetic fuels for L-Category vehicles in the transition to net zero.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	1533
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/11/2023 answer text <p><strong> </strong></p><p>The consultation on when to end the sale of new non-zero emission L-category vehicles was open to responses from 14 July to 21 September 2022 and was supported by a thorough programme of stakeholder engagement. We are now analysing the responses and will bring forward the Government’s response in due course.</p><p>The Government’s approach to delivering its ambitions for greener transport is not outcome neutral - the end goal must be zero exhaust emissions. Vehicles that burn synthetic fuels still emit air pollutants at the exhaust. However, the Government understands the need to decarbonise vehicles on the road today and the potential contribution synthetic fuels can make. This is why the Government has increased targets for the supply of low carbon fuels under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and will continue to review that scheme to ensure that it can continue to support delivery of its carbon budgets.</p><p>Synthetics and other alternative fuels can be expensive, energy intensive to produce and do not always improve air quality. They show greatest potential in areas that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation. Relying on synthetic fuels to decarbonise road transport would put the UK at risk of failing to meet its economy wide targets on both CO<sub>2</sub> and air pollution emissions.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Cambridgeshire answering member printed Anthony Browne question first answered 21/11/2023 12:29:07 answering member 4801 label Biography information for Anthony Browne
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1669654

	registered interest
	date	13/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Motor Vehicles: Carbon Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to take account of the life cycle analysis of L-Category vehicles when phasing out new non zero emission variants.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	1534
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/11/2023 answer text <p>The consultation on when to end the sale of new non-zero emission L-category vehicles was open to responses from 14 July to 21 September 2022 and supported by a thorough programme of stakeholder engagement. We are now analysing the responses and will bring forward the Government’s response in due course.</p><p> </p><p>Analysis of lifecycle emissions is an important consideration as we accelerate the transition to a zero-emission fleet of road vehicles. Whilst there is no internationally recognised method of measuring lifecycle emissions in any transport sector, the Department’s Transport Energy Model, published in 2018, and the externally commissioned Lifecycle Analysis of UK Road Vehicles, published in 2021, provide clear assessments of the relative environmental impacts of different road vehicle technologies and fuels in the UK.</p> answering member constituency South Cambridgeshire answering member printed Anthony Browne question first answered 21/11/2023 12:35:05 answering member 4801 label Biography information for Anthony Browne
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1669656

	registered interest
	date	13/11/2023
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	Motor Vehicles: Carbon Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts about their decision not to set a date for the phase out of new non zero emission L-Category vehicles.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	1535
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/11/2023 answer text <p>The UK’s exit from the European Union has provided the opportunity for this country to develop its own regulatory approach to decarbonising its entire fleet of new road vehicles, supporting UK industry and riders in the process.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Cambridgeshire answering member printed Anthony Browne question first answered 21/11/2023 12:26:58 answering member 4801 label Biography information for Anthony Browne
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1663111

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2023
	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	Smoking
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it remains the Government's policy to meet its smokefree 2030 target of an adult smoking prevalence of 5% or less.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	200965
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2023 answer text <p>Smoking rates in England have been consistently falling and are currently at the lowest rate on record at 12.7%, based on 2022 data.</p><p>The Government remains firmly committed to the ambition of England being Smokefree by 2030, namely a smoking prevalence of 5% or less, and recognises that progress must be accelerated to meet this bold ambition. On 4 October 2023, the Prime Minister unveiled plans to introduce a new law to stop children who turn 14 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes, in a bid to create the first ‘smokefree generation’. This announcement was accompanied with additional funding including £70 million extra per year to fund local stop smoking services and £5 million this year and then £15 million per year thereafter to fund national stop smoking marketing campaigns.</p><p>This is in addition to a range of other measures which we announced in April 2023. The measures included a new national swap to stop scheme to provide vapes to one million smokers to help them to quit, and an evidence-based financial incentives scheme to help all pregnant smokers to quit.</p><p>We are confident that these new measures, in addition to the actions we are already taking, will set us on course to achieve our Smokefree 2030 ambition. We will continue to monitor progress.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien grouped question UIN 200885 200948 201231 201316 question first answered 18/10/2023 14:14:32 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1663112

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2023
	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	Smoking
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Written Statement of 17 April 2023, HCWS710, on Achieving Smokefree 2030: cutting smoking and stopping kids vaping, whether his Department has conducted modelling on the potential impact of the measures outlined in the statement on progress towards the target of reducing smoking rates to 5% or less by 2030.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	200966
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2023 answer text <p>Annex 1 of ‘Stopping the start: our new plan to create a smokefree generation’ sets out the modelling used to forecast changes in smoking prevalence over time based on legislating for a smokefree generation. This modelling is preliminary and will continue to be further refined ahead of publication of a full impact assessment.</p><p>Annex 1 is available at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stopping-the-start-our-new-plan-to-create-a-smokefree-generation/annex-1-modelling-assumptions" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stopping-the-start-our-new-plan-to-create-a-smokefree-generation/annex-1-modelling-assumptions</a></p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien grouped question UIN 200880 200886 200929 200949 201232 201315 question first answered 18/10/2023 14:11:12 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1663114

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Tobacco: Taxation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of (a) implementing additional tax measures for the tobacco industry and (b) ringfencing tax receipts from the tobacco industry to help fund steps the Government is taking to reduce smoking prevalence to 5% or less by 2030.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	200968
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/10/2023 answer text <p>The Government is unable to speculate on tax matters outside of fiscal events. As with all taxes, the Government keeps the tobacco duty system under review during its yearly Budget process.</p><p> </p><p>As announced by the Prime Minister on 4 October 2023, the Government is creating the first smokefree generation, by bringing forward legislation so that children turning 14 this year or younger will never be legally sold tobacco products. This will prevent future generations from ever taking up smoking, as there is no safe age to smoke. The command paper sets out the proposed actions the Government will take to tackle smoking and youth vaping including an additional £70 million per year to support local authority-led stop smoking services and can be accessed here:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stopping-the-start-our-new-plan-to-create-a-smokefree-generation#:~:text=This%20publication%20sets%20out%20proposed,ensure%20the%20law%20is%20enforced" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stopping-the-start-our-new-plan-to-create-a-smokefree-generation#:~:text=This%20publication%20sets%20out%20proposed,ensure%20the%20law%20is%20enforced</a></p> answering member constituency Grantham and Stamford answering member printed Gareth Davies question first answered 19/10/2023 09:28:52 answering member 4850 label Biography information for Gareth Davies
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1659492

	registered interest
	date	11/09/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Mahmoud Abbas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the compatibility of comments made by the President of the Palestinian National Authority on the Holocaust on 24 August 2023 with the UK's memorandum of understanding with the Palestinian Authority.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	198646
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/09/2023 answer text <p>As the FCDO stated publicly on 8 September, the UK condemns the recent antisemitic remarks made by President Abbas. The UK stands firmly against all attempts to distort the Holocaust. Such statements do not advance efforts towards reconciliation. Officials at the British Consulate General in Jerusalem have raised this matter with the Palestinian Authority and the Foreign Secretary intends to do the same during his visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. President Abbas' comments are completely unacceptable and can only serve to exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts to achieve the negotiated two-state solution.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan grouped question UIN 198647 question first answered 19/09/2023 16:07:47 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1659493

	registered interest
	date	11/09/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Mahmoud Abbas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Palestinian National Authority on the comments made by the President of the Palestinian National Authority on the Holocaust on 24 August 2023.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	198647
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/09/2023 answer text <p>As the FCDO stated publicly on 8 September, the UK condemns the recent antisemitic remarks made by President Abbas. The UK stands firmly against all attempts to distort the Holocaust. Such statements do not advance efforts towards reconciliation. Officials at the British Consulate General in Jerusalem have raised this matter with the Palestinian Authority and the Foreign Secretary intends to do the same during his visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories. President Abbas' comments are completely unacceptable and can only serve to exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts to achieve the negotiated two-state solution.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan grouped question UIN 198646 question first answered 19/09/2023 16:07:47 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1658020

	registered interest
	date	29/08/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Financial Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support the growth of the financial services sector.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	906211
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/09/2023 answer text <p>In July, the Chancellor set out his ambitious Mansion House Reforms package, which will help to support the growth of the financial services sector by:</p><p>o reforming the pensions market to boost returns and improve outcomes for pension fund holders whilst increasing funding liquidity for high-growth companies;</p><p>o helping companies grow and list in the UK; and</p><p>o enabling us to seize the opportunities of the future by reforming and simplifying our regulatory rulebook.</p> answering member constituency Arundel and South Downs answering member printed Andrew Griffith question first answered 05/09/2023 13:52:33 answering member 4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1653809

	registered interest
	date	18/07/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Hezbollah
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of reports that Hezbollah has established military outposts in the Shebaa Farms Mount Dov region.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	194724
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/07/2023 answer text <p>We are actively monitoring reports of a tent being placed south of the Blue Line border by Hezbollah in the Shebaa Farms area. We have discussed this issue with both Lebanon and Israel. We encourage all parties to engage with the relevant UN authorities to find a diplomatic solution to removing the tent and avoid escalation. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, we support the stability and security of Lebanon and Israel through our contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The UK remains concerned by Hezbollah's activities within Lebanon which are in clear breach of UN Security Council Resolutions 1509 and 1701.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 26/07/2023 16:20:40 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1653883

	registered interest
	date	18/07/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Equitable Life Assurance Society: Compensation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department (a) forecasted would be spent and (b) spent on compensation for Equitable Life policyholders at 2011 prices in each financial year since 2011.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	194751
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/07/2023 answer text <p>The Government allocated £1.5 billion to the Equitable Life Payment Scheme. Before it ceased operations in 2016, the Scheme issued £1.12 billion in tax-free payments to nearly 933,000 policyholders. The remainder of the £1.5 billion has been set aside for future payments to the With-Profits Annuitants. Further information is available in the Final Report on the Scheme (<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equitable-life-payment-scheme-final-report" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equitable-life-payment-scheme-final-report</a>).</p><p><strong> </strong></p> answering member constituency Arundel and South Downs answering member printed Andrew Griffith question first answered 26/07/2023 12:58:26 answering member 4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1651656

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	UN Resolutions: Racial Discrimination
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the passing of UN Security Council Resolution 2686.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	193078
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2023 answer text <p>United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2686, co-penned by the UK and UAE, advances our commitment to the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), by addressing the discrimination faced by a range of minority groups in conflict settings, including religious groups.</p><p>Furthermore, the Resolution consolidates new internationally recognised Women, Peace and Security language and encourages States to ensure their education systems promote gender equality and help to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. This is in line with the UK's commitment, in our international strategy on women and girls, to use our UNSC membership to stand up against coordinated attempts to roll back their rights.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 18/07/2023 16:38:37 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1651147

	registered interest
	date	07/07/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Czechia and Poland: Holocaust
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) the Czech Republic and (b) Poland on compensation for properties and possessions that were seized during the Holocaust.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	192983
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2023 answer text <p>The UK continues to meet its commitments under Terezín Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets. Lord Pickles, the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, raises these issues with his Polish and Czech counterparts at every appropriate opportunity, most recently with Czechia at the June International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance plenary in Dubrovnik. In March, Lord Pickles hosted a meeting of his counterparts where the Foreign Secretary also spoke. In November 2022, Lord Pickles chaired a discussion on property restitution in Czechia. The UK will continue to encourage partners, including Czechia and Poland, to ensure that any restitution or compensation claims are addressed.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 17/07/2023 15:01:45 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1645989

	registered interest
	date	20/06/2023
	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	Tobacco
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's Guidance for government engagement with the tobacco industry, published on 19 June, what plans he has to disseminate that guidance to all (a) branches and (b) levels of government and public authorities.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	190290
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/06/2023 answer text <p>The Department has written to other Government Departments who may engage with the tobacco industry to inform them of the publication of Guidance for government engagement with the tobacco industry. A version of the guidance tailored to local authorities developed in collaboration with the Local Government Association will be published shortly.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien question first answered 26/06/2023 16:02:15 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1643431

	registered interest
	date	09/06/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Income Tax: Exemptions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many companies make use of the Section 317 exemption of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	188704
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/06/2023 answer text <p>This information is not collected as the provision of these benefits are not subject to Income Tax or National Insurance contributions, therefore there is nothing for employers to report to HM Revenue &amp; Customs.</p> answering member constituency Louth and Horncastle answering member printed Victoria Atkins question first answered 19/06/2023 15:41:38 answering member 4399 label Biography information for Victoria Atkins
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1641421

	registered interest
	date	02/06/2023
	answering body	Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
	answering dept id	215
	answering dept short name	Energy Security and Net Zero
	answering dept sort name	Energy Security and Net Zero
	hansard heading	Nuclear Power
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of working alongside development companies to make the establishment of new nuclear projects a faster process.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	187164
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2023 answer text <p>In April Great British Nuclear (GBN) launched the first phase of the competitive process to select the best Small Modular Reactors technologies in the form of a market engagement exercise. The second phase – the down-selection process - will be launched in the summer, with an ambition to decide on the leading technologies by autumn.</p><p> </p><p>The market engagement exercise will help GBN to improve its understanding of market capability and technical offering of the full vendor community, the financial position of potential projects, and potential delivery models.</p><p>The Government will provide co-funding that will be deployed by GBN and will work with successful bidders on ensuring the right financing and site arrangements are in place, in line with its commitment to take two Final Investment Decisions next parliament.</p> answering member constituency West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine answering member printed Andrew Bowie question first answered 12/06/2023 09:09:18 answering member 4601 label Biography information for Andrew Bowie
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1639592

	registered interest
	date	23/05/2023
	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	Smoking: Health Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much money NHSE planned to allocate to Integrated Care Boards to fully implement the NHS Long Term Plan tobacco dependence treatment services in 2023-24 as at February 2022; how much money was allocated to ICBs for those services after the publication of the Spring Statement 2022, CP 653; and whether any, additional funding has been allocated by NHSE during financial year 2023-24 to help reduce smoking at regional and national level.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	186355
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/05/2023 answer text <p>As at February 2022, NHS England had an indicative planned integrated care board (ICB) allocation of £65.6 million to fully implement the NHS Long Term Plan tobacco dependence treatment services in 2023/24. In line with the NHS Operating Model and in agreement with ICBs, broader funding allocations have been made in 2023/24 with tobacco dependence treatment allocations forming part of the wider universal and targeted Prevention bundles, totalling £69 million.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien question first answered 30/05/2023 16:38:32 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1629067

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2023
	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	Air Ambulance Services: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to meet representatives of London’s Air Ambulance Charity to discuss their campaign for two new helicopters.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	185907
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2023 answer text <p>Ministers have not currently received any invitations from London’s Air Ambulance Charity to meet. If and when they receive an invitation, they will be considered in the usual way.</p> answering member constituency Colchester answering member printed Will Quince question first answered 25/05/2023 16:23:03 answering member 4423 label Biography information for Will Quince
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1629148

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2023
	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	Ophthalmology: Health Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of introducing a national eye health strategy on economic productivity.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	185921
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2023 answer text <p>We recognise the economic impact of sight loss, and this is why we continue to take action to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of sight threatening conditions. Furthermore, the National Institute for Health and Care Research has invested over £100 million over the last five years to support research into diagnosis, prevention and treatment of eye conditions.</p><p>NHS England’s transformation programme is also considering how eye care services should be commissioned to ensure future sustainability, taking into account local commissioning structures.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien question first answered 24/05/2023 15:58:37 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1629149

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2023
	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	Ophthalmology: Access
	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 has considered the potential merits of increasing access to eye care services for (a) care home residents, (b) young people enrolled in residential special schools and (c) other vulnerable people.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	185922
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/05/2023 answer text <p>National Health Service funded access to domiciliary eye care services is already available to eligible individuals unable to leave home unaccompanied, including those living in residential care homes. Action is being taken to improve access to NHS sight testing services from high street optical practices for individuals with no fixed address.</p><p> </p><p>The NHS Long Term Plan made a commitment to ensure that children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism in special residential schools have access to sight checks in school. NHS England commenced a proof-of-concept programme in 2021 to pilot and evaluate a potential sight testing service model. The pilot has been subject to evaluation and will inform decisions about the future sight testing service in special residential schools.</p><p> </p><p>Beyond the provision of primary eye care services, the responsibility for ensuring secondary eye care services meet local identified needs rests with integrated care boards and in some cases NHS England. NHS England’s transformation programme is also considering how eye care services should be commissioned to ensure future sustainability.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien question first answered 25/05/2023 13:46:13 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1628239

	registered interest
	date	16/05/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Retail Trade: VAT
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many tax-free sales were made where the goods were delivered straight to an address outside the UK in Great Britain in 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	185233
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/05/2023 answer text <p>Goods exported from the UK can be zero rated for VAT purposes provided export conditions are met, although local taxes and duties remain due upon import into the destination country. UK VAT registered exporters are required to account for this in their VAT records and retain evidence to prove the goods have left the UK to support the zero-rating. However, the reporting requirements are such that HMRC does not hold the specific information requested.</p> answering member constituency Louth and Horncastle answering member printed Victoria Atkins question first answered 24/05/2023 16:08:59 answering member 4399 label Biography information for Victoria Atkins
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1628240

	registered interest
	date	16/05/2023
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Retail Trade: VAT
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department's Tourism Recovery Plan: Update on Delivery, published in March 2023, what assessment he has made of the impact of the removal of the VAT-free shopping scheme on businesses.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	185234
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2023 answer text <p>The Government engaged with varied stakeholders and produced analysis on the cost of VAT-free shopping before withdrawing the previous scheme.</p><p> </p><p>Our analysis, which took increased tourist spending into account, found that introducing worldwide VAT-free shopping would come at a fiscal cost of £2 billion each year.</p><p> </p><p>Furthermore, the OBR’s assessment of the previous VAT-free shopping scheme showed that its withdrawal would have a limited behavioural effect on decisions to visit, or spend, in the UK.</p> answering member constituency Louth and Horncastle answering member printed Victoria Atkins question first answered 22/05/2023 13:31:48 answering member 4399 label Biography information for Victoria Atkins
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1623397

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2023
	answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept id	211
	answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
	hansard heading	Building Regulations: Leasehold
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what estimate his Department has made of the average costs incurred by a leaseholder due to the building safety regime since 28 April 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	182266
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/05/2023 answer text <p>I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to Question <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fquestions-statements.parliament.uk%2Fwritten-questions%2Fdetail%2F2023-04-14%2F180227&amp;data=05%7C01%7CParliamentary%40levellingup.gov.uk%7Cf5b2e17f68a3444cbd2a08db4ae21437%7Cbf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8%7C0%7C0%7C638186107071926321%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0ZOAXy5K%2FzqD0En79lJbRbasjLDlXphU%2BFC2Yjz%2B9Tk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">180227</a> on 24 April 2023.</p> answering member constituency North East Derbyshire answering member printed Lee Rowley question first answered 03/05/2023 11:08:26 answering member 4652 label Biography information for Lee Rowley
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1606632

	registered interest
	date	23/03/2023
	answering body	Department for Business and Trade
	answering dept id	214
	answering dept short name	Business and Trade
	answering dept sort name	Business and Trade
	hansard heading	Trade Agreements: India
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent progress her Department has made on negotiating a free trade agreement with India.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	904263
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/03/2023 answer text <p>I am pleased to confirm that round 8 is currently underway in India.</p><p> </p><p>As you know, both nations have come to the table with the very highest of ambitions and a willingness to work together towards a mutually beneficial deal.</p><p> </p><p>We are now working through substantive issues like goods market access, services, and investment, and are starting to see a way forward that works for both sides.</p><p> </p><p>However, we will only sign when we have a deal that is fair, reciprocal, and ultimately in the best interests of the British people and the economy.</p> answering member constituency Mid Worcestershire answering member printed Nigel Huddleston question first answered 23/03/2023 17:57:59 answering member 4407 label Biography information for Nigel Huddleston
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1601418

	registered interest
	date	06/03/2023
	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	Smoking: Health Education
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much his Department spent on campaigns to promote the cessation of smoking in financial year 2021-22.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	158893
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/03/2023 answer text <p>I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 January 2023 to Question <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fquestions-statements.parliament.uk%2Fwritten-questions%2Fdetail%2F2023-01-17%2F125324&amp;data=05%7C01%7CDavid.Townsend%40dhsc.gov.uk%7C12727ec9b3b54717e5d008db1ff54bae%7C61278c3091a84c318c1fef4de8973a1c%7C1%7C0%7C638138910608552774%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=j%2FPpq%2BRhlbucYzhYXnhxSCn%2B8bhzEzPhvb62k1KVP2Q%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">125324. </a></p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien question first answered 09/03/2023 15:04:19 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1601446

	registered interest
	date	06/03/2023
	answering body	Ministry of Justice
	answering dept id	54
	answering dept short name	Justice
	answering dept sort name	Justice
	hansard heading	Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board: Public Appointments
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, for what reason his Department has not appointed a Chair to the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board as recommended in the Independent Review into Criminal Legal Aid; and what his Department's timetable is for making that appointment.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	158894
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/03/2023 answer text <p>The Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board (CLAAB) was established following Lord Bellamy’s Criminal Legal Aid Independent Review (CLAIR) recommendation that an Advisory Board be established to take a wider view and encourage a more joined-up approach to criminal legal aid within the criminal justice system.</p><p>Board meetings take place quarterly and there have been two meetings to date - the first on 28 October 2022 and the second on 24 January 2023.</p><p>The CLAAB’s membership currently includes representatives from the Bar Council, the Law Society, Criminal Bar Association, London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association, Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) and Ministry of Justice officials.</p><p>We are currently considering the issue of the Chair of the Board and will make an announcement in due course.</p> answering member constituency Finchley and Golders Green answering member printed Mike Freer question first answered 13/03/2023 12:13:26 answering member 4004 label Biography information for Mike Freer
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1601152

	registered interest
	date	03/03/2023
	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	Ophthalmic Services: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Eye Health Policy Book for Primary Ophthalmic Services remains current.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	157630
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2023 answer text <p>NHS England are currently updating the Policy Book for General Ophthalmic Services, previously known as the Policy Book for Primary Ophthalmic Services, and this will be published in due course. The policy book is subject to regular reviews to ensure it reflects contractual and regulatory changes, and NHS England operating procedures.</p><p>The statutory duties placed upon NHS England to deliver Primary Ophthalmic Services are set out in section 115 of the NHS Act 2006. The Policy book published by NHS England provides guidance for commissioners in managing General Ophthalmic Services contracts in line with the NHS Act and associated regulations. This includes processes for contract applications, contractual compliance and post-payment verification, as well as the general duties that NHS England must comply with, as set out in the NHS Act.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien grouped question UIN 157631 question first answered 08/03/2023 16:31:26 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman

1601154

	registered interest
	date	03/03/2023
	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	Ophthalmic Services: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what regulatory measures are in place to help ensure that NHS England complies with the statutory duties and procedures set out in the Eye Health Policy Book for Primary Ophthalmic Services.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow East
	tabling member printed	Bob Blackman
	uin	157631
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/03/2023 answer text <p>NHS England are currently updating the Policy Book for General Ophthalmic Services, previously known as the Policy Book for Primary Ophthalmic Services, and this will be published in due course. The policy book is subject to regular reviews to ensure it reflects contractual and regulatory changes, and NHS England operating procedures.</p><p>The statutory duties placed upon NHS England to deliver Primary Ophthalmic Services are set out in section 115 of the NHS Act 2006. The Policy book published by NHS England provides guidance for commissioners in managing General Ophthalmic Services contracts in line with the NHS Act and associated regulations. This includes processes for contract applications, contractual compliance and post-payment verification, as well as the general duties that NHS England must comply with, as set out in the NHS Act.</p> answering member constituency Harborough answering member printed Neil O'Brien grouped question UIN 157630 question first answered 08/03/2023 16:31:26 answering member 4679 label Biography information for Neil O'Brien
	tabling member	4005 label Biography information for Bob Blackman