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1190865

	registered interest
	date	28/04/2020
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Coronavirus Act 2020
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the use of the powers contained in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	901907
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2020 answer text <p>I regularly meet ministerial colleagues to discuss important issues, including the Covid-19 outbreak. I am unable to talk about any legal content of those discussions because whether or not the Law Officers have given advice, by convention, is not disclosed outside Government.</p> answering member constituency Northampton North answering member printed Michael Ellis question first answered 28/04/2020 13:28:35 answering member 4116 label Biography information for Sir Michael Ellis
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1197171

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2020
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Remand in Custody
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, on how many occasions the Director of Public Prosecutions was informed of a failure to comply with custody time limits in April 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	48995
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/06/2020 answer text <p>The Director of Public Prosecutions is only informed of a custody time limit failure if it is deemed to be the responsibility of the CPS following review of the case. In April 2020, the Director of Public Prosecutions was informed of one custody time limit failure. This failure occurred in December 2019.</p><p> </p><p>The CPS has made efforts to prioritise cases with a custody time limit during the pandemic, including via the interim charging protocol effective from 1 April.</p> answering member constituency Northampton North answering member printed Michael Ellis question first answered 02/06/2020 12:05:52 answering member 4116 label Biography information for Sir Michael Ellis
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1300884

	registered interest
	date	09/03/2021
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Young Offenders: Mental Health
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, what proportion of young adults aged 18-25 who are charged by the CPS have received a maturity assessment prior to charge in the most recent period for which figures are available.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	165534
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2021 answer text <p>The Crown Prosecution Service (‘CPS’) does not hold data on the number of young adults aged 18-25 that have received a maturity assessment prior to charge.</p><p> </p><p>However, the CPS recognises the importance of considering a suspect’s age and maturity when making a decision. This is included in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and relevant legal guidance, and is included in training for specialist youth prosecutors.</p> answering member constituency South East Cambridgeshire answering member printed Lucy Frazer question first answered 12/03/2021 10:19:38 answering member 4517 label Biography information for Lucy Frazer
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1465947

	registered interest
	date	25/05/2022
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Criminal Proceedings: Gangs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, with reference to the guidance issued by the Crown Prosecution Service on 4 November 2021 entitled Gang related offences - Decision making in, whether she has made an assessment of the potential effect of the guidance on the use of the term gang by prosecutors during proceedings.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	8997
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/06/2022 answer text <p>The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance urges caution about the use of the word ‘gang’, explaining how it can properly be deployed in a prosecution, where substantiated by the evidence and relevant to a matter in issue in the proceedings. In drafting the guidance, the CPS assessed the potential effect of using ‘gang’ in proceedings and identified that the term is used in legislation and by criminal justice partners. The guidance clearly sets out that, given the negative connotations of the term ‘gang’, prosecutors should not refer to a group as a ‘gang’ in proceedings unless there is evidence to support the assertion. However, prosecutors must also ensure that where there is admissible evidence of gang membership, the case is put on a basis that reflects the often very serious gravity of the offending.</p> answering member constituency Cheltenham answering member printed Alex Chalk question first answered 06/06/2022 08:01:46 answering member 4481 label Biography information for Alex Chalk
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

521754

	registered interest
	date	23/05/2016
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Prosecutions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the Government's ability to prosecute criminals who have left the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	905128
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/05/2016 answer text <p>The Government's position is that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.</p><p>Through participation in the European Arrest Warrant, the UK is able to extradite foreign suspects and bring suspects back to the UK more quickly and economically. Since April 2011, it has enabled us to transfer around 5,500 suspects out of the UK and to bring back around 650 to face justice here.</p> answering member constituency Kenilworth and Southam answering member printed Jeremy Wright question first answered 26/05/2016 12:14:48 answering member 1560 label Biography information for Sir Jeremy Wright
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

622495

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2016
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Attorney General: Apprentices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, how many apprenticeships have been created in the Law Officers' Departments in each region in each of the last five years; and how many participants in those apprenticeships subsequently secured a job within the Civil Service.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	50861
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2016 answer text <p>In light of the Government’s manifesto commitment to achieve three million new apprenticeship starts in England by the end of the Parliament, the Cabinet Office will be centrally collecting data on apprenticeships to allow the Civil Service to report on its contribution towards the national target.</p><p> </p><p>Crown Prosecution Service employed 491apprentices, 194 apprentices have secured a permanent post prior to the 2016 intake of Apprentices.</p><p> </p><p>Serious Fraud Office employed 19 apprentices, 12 apprentices have secured a permanent post.</p><p> </p><p>Government Legal Department employed 9 apprentices; all have been or will be offered a permanent post.</p><p> </p><p>Attorney General’s Office and Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecutions Inspectorate have had no apprentices over this time.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>LOD</p></td><td><p>LOCATION</p></td><td><p><strong>2012</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2013</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2014</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2015</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2016</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="17"><p><strong>CPS</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>CASEWORK DIVISIONS</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>28</p></td><td><p>11</p></td><td><p>22</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>EAST MIDLANDS</strong></p></td><td><p>7</p></td><td><p>8</p></td><td><p>18</p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>MERSEY CHESHIRE</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>NORTH EAST</strong></p></td><td><p>5</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>NORTH WEST</strong></p></td><td><p>15</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>13</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>SOUTH EAST</strong></p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>22</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>SOUTH WEST</strong></p></td><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>CPS DIRECT</strong></p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>9</p></td><td><p>7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>LONDON</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>12</p></td><td><p>35</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>WALES</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>5</p></td><td><p>7</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>WESSEX</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>5</p></td><td><p>8</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>YORKSHIRE &amp; HUMBERSIDE</strong></p></td><td><p>3</p></td><td><p>1</p></td><td><p>4</p></td><td><p>10</p></td><td><p>5</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>THAMES &amp; CHILTERN</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>7</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>10</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>EAST OF ENGLAND</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>6</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>2</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>WEST MIDLANDS</strong></p></td><td><p>12</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>30</p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>CENTRAL LONDON</strong></p></td><td><p>0</p></td><td><p>2</p></td><td><p>8</p></td><td><p>11</p></td><td><p>4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>OVERALL TOTAL</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>53</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>43</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>195</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>59</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>141</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>GLD</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>CENTRAL LONDON</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>0</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>1</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>5</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>1</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>SFO</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>CENTRAL LONDON</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>4*</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>0</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>5*</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>3*</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>7*</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br>*N.B. Serious Fraud Office has calculated this by financial year as this is how their data is recorded.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency South Swindon answering member printed Robert Buckland question first answered 04/11/2016 18:57:56 answering member 4106 label Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1669842

	registered interest
	date	14/11/2023
	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	Iron and Steel: Tees Valley
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent estimate she has made of when (a) her Department will reach an agreement with British Steel on and (b) work will begin on the construction of an arc furnace for processing steel on Teesside.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	1873
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/11/2023 answer text <p>The Government made an extremely generous offer of support to British Steel earlier this year, to help them invest in a sustainable future. Since the offer was made, officials have continued to work intensively with British Steel to explore options. The detail of these conversations is highly confidential.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>British Steel’s plans for starting work on an electric arc furnace on Teesside are a commercial matter for the company.</p> answering member constituency Wealden answering member printed Ms Nusrat Ghani question first answered 20/11/2023 17:51:22 answering member 4460 label Biography information for Ms Nusrat Ghani
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1691653

	registered interest
	date	26/02/2024
	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	Freight: Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many road haulage businesses trading under SIC code 49410 entered insolvency in each of the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	15625
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/02/2024 answer text <p>Estimated numbers of companies with the SIC code 49410 that entered insolvency in the UK in each of the last five calendar years are presented in the table below.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>Calendar Year</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Companies entering insolvency</strong> (SIC code 49410 – Freight Transport by Road)</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2019</p></td><td><p>280</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2020</p></td><td><p>189</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2021</p></td><td><p>265</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2022</p></td><td><p>408</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2023</p></td><td><p>494</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p> answering member constituency Thirsk and Malton answering member printed Kevin Hollinrake question first answered 29/02/2024 13:21:42 answering member 4474 label Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1698475

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2024
	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	Holidays: Personal Injury
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress she has made on establishing an exceptional compensation scheme for holidaymakers who have outstanding (a) loss of life and (b) serious personal injury claims against UK companies.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	20310
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/04/2024 answer text <p>The Government understands that an alternative route for Thomas Cook personal injury claimants is being pursued that would potentially be financially beneficial to them.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is committed to establishing a payment scheme for customers of Thomas Cook with serious and long-term injuries for which the company would have been liable but for its insolvency, if it is established that there are no alternative routes to compensation.</p> answering member constituency Thirsk and Malton answering member printed Kevin Hollinrake question first answered 15/04/2024 15:05:24 answering member 4474 label Biography information for Kevin Hollinrake
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1122699

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Insolvency: Tax Collection
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions his Department had with (a) HMRC and (b) the Treasury on the decision to make HMRC a secondary preferential creditor in insolvencies (i) before and (ii) after the Chancellor announced the policy at the 2018 Budget .
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	247036
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2019 answer text <p>Insolvency Service officials regularly meet with officials from HMRC and HM Treasury on a wide range of policy issues which has included, from time to time, the position of HMRC as a creditor in insolvency proceedings. Since the 2018 Budget, officials have had a number of discussions leading up to the publication of the “Protecting Your Taxes in Insolvency” consultation on 26 February this year. The consultation closes on 27 May.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 01/05/2019 16:03:38 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1122700

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Insolvency: Tax Collection
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on (a) business lending and (b) business rescue of the decision at the 2018 Budget to make HMRC a secondary preferential creditor in insolvencies.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	247037
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2019 answer text <p>The Government published an assessment of the impact of the decision to make HMRC a secondary preferential creditor in insolvencies in the “Protecting Your Taxes in Insolvency” policy paper issued with the Budget on 29 October 2018. The Government is currently consulting on the detailed policy design for this measure to ensure the changes work as intended. The consultation closes on 27 May and the Government is encouraging financial services businesses, lenders and insolvency practitioners to respond.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 01/05/2019 16:03:49 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1122701

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress his Department has made in progressing its proposed reforms to the corporate insolvency framework; and when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on implementing those reforms.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	247038
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/05/2019 answer text <p>In August 2018 the Government published its response to the 2016 ‘Review of the Corporate Insolvency Framework’ consultation and 2018 ‘Insolvency and Corporate Governance’ consultation. The Government outlined in its response its intention to proceed with a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at improving the prospects of company rescue for financially distressed companies, while improving corporate governance to ensure those affected by a company’s financial difficulties are treated fairly.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 02/05/2019 12:59:45 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1122702

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what public consultation his Department is undertaking with the insolvency and restructuring profession on his Department’s proposed reforms of the corporate insolvency framework.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	247039
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/05/2019 answer text <p>The Government regularly consults with and discusses matters of policy with a wide range of stakeholders in order to deliver effective, evidence-based reforms. This reflects the Government’s commitment to open and consultative policy making.</p><p> </p><p>In August 2018 the Government published its response to the 2016 ‘Review of the Corporate Insolvency Framework’ consultation and 2018 ‘Insolvency and Corporate Governance’ consultation. The Government outlined in its response its intention to proceed with a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at improving the prospects of company rescue for financially distressed companies, while improving corporate governance to ensure those affected by a company’s financial difficulties are treated fairly.</p><p> </p><p>Since publication of the response, officials have continued to consult with a range of interested parties, including representatives from the insolvency and restructuring profession, on the detail of the proposed reforms.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst question first answered 01/05/2019 16:03:59 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1132448

	registered interest
	date	17/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Agency Workers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that the employment of agency workers on drilling rigs in the offshore drilling industry is compliant with the provisions of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	265512
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2019 answer text <p>Workers within the offshore oil and gas industry in internal or territorial waters, or working regarding exploitation of the continental shelf, are entitled to the same protections as UK workers. This includes receiving the National Minimum Wage for all their work on installation, construction and maintenance, regardless of nationality or where they ordinarily work. As with all other workers, their terms and conditions of employment are for negotiation and agreement between employers and employees (or their representatives). Once agreed they form a legally binding contract of employment. While it is always open to either party to seek to renegotiate the terms of the contract, if the employer changes any of the terms without the employee’s agreement, the employee may be entitled to seek legal redress.</p><p> </p><p>Agency workers’ rights conferred by the Agency Worker Regulations 2010 are self-enforced at an Employment Tribunal. The enforcement body for the recruitment sector, the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS), investigates every relevant complaint that falls under its remit as set out in the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and has a strong track record in upholding the rights of agency workers.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 265513 question first answered 24/06/2019 15:28:43 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1132449

	registered interest
	date	17/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Conditions of Employment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of changes in employment practices of major drilling contractors in the offshore oil and gas industry since 2015.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	265513
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2019 answer text <p>Workers within the offshore oil and gas industry in internal or territorial waters, or working regarding exploitation of the continental shelf, are entitled to the same protections as UK workers. This includes receiving the National Minimum Wage for all their work on installation, construction and maintenance, regardless of nationality or where they ordinarily work. As with all other workers, their terms and conditions of employment are for negotiation and agreement between employers and employees (or their representatives). Once agreed they form a legally binding contract of employment. While it is always open to either party to seek to renegotiate the terms of the contract, if the employer changes any of the terms without the employee’s agreement, the employee may be entitled to seek legal redress.</p><p> </p><p>Agency workers’ rights conferred by the Agency Worker Regulations 2010 are self-enforced at an Employment Tribunal. The enforcement body for the recruitment sector, the Employment Agency Standards inspectorate (EAS), investigates every relevant complaint that falls under its remit as set out in the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and has a strong track record in upholding the rights of agency workers.</p> answering member constituency Rochester and Strood answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst grouped question UIN 265512 question first answered 24/06/2019 15:28:43 answering member 4487 label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1132450

	registered interest
	date	17/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Conditions of Employment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken to protect (a) employment and (b) skills in the North Sea drilling industry since January 2015.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	265514
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/06/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to the long-term future of the oil and gas sector which supports over 280,000 jobs and has been one of our great industrial success stories over the past 50 years.</p><p> </p><p>In 2015, the Government established the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), which works hard to attract investment and jobs, helping to anchor valuable skills and expertise in the UK, and prioritises revitalising offshore exploration.</p><p> </p><p>In recent years, the Government has provided unprecedented levels of support to the offshore oil and gas sector to encourage investment in the sector and support jobs, placing the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) amongst the most competitive fiscal regimes in the world. Work is ongoing to ensure the fiscal and regulatory regime is appropriate to support the UKCS and ensure the basin remains open for business.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 20/06/2019 15:41:49 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1134118

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Helicopters
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the effect on offshore oil and gas workers of flight speed restrictions imposed on H175 helicopters operating in the North Sea.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	268482
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2019 answer text <p>A speed restriction on H175 helicopters was introduced by the manufacturer on 20<sup>th</sup> June 2019. This is a temporary measure until a European Aviation Safety Agency Emergency Air Worthiness Directive has been actioned, following which the restriction will no longer apply.</p><p> </p><p>During the period of flight speed restriction on H175 helicopters, alternative helicopter types are in operation to take workers to and from oil and gas platforms.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 01/07/2019 14:08:24 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1134126

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Carbon Capture and Storage
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the role that carbon capture and storage technology could play in reducing emissions in the (a) heavy industry, (b) transport, (c) power and (d) heating sectors.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	268483
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government is committed to supporting the development of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) in the UK. CCUS has the potential to support us in meeting our 2050 emissions target and support our Industrial Strategy.</p><p>Our CCUS Action Plan, published in November 2018, sets out our view that CCUS has a potentially essential role in supporting the decarbonisation of the UK’s economy, reducing emissions from the heavy industry, transport, power and heating sectors.</p><p>On 27 June we announced that nine companies have secured £26 million of government funding, in addition to industry backing, to advance the rollout of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in the UK - a crucial step towards the UK’s net zero emissions and the end of the UK’s contribution to global warming. It is the next milestone for the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a world-leader in the field as laid out in the Clean Growth Strategy and the CCUS Action Plan.</p><p>One company, Tata Chemicals is being awarded £4.2m toward the construction of a facility to capture and utilise 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of 22,000 cars. When fully operational in 2021 it will be the largest carbon capture plant in the UK, removing 100 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than the country’s current largest facility.</p><p>Our Clean Growth Grand Challenge Mission sets an ambition to establish at least one low-carbon industrial cluster by 2030, and the world’s first net-zero carbon industrial cluster by 2040. The Mission is technology neutral but is focussed on technologies that can be delivered cost-effectively through the use of shared networks, and CCUS is one of the key technologies that could help to deliver the mission.</p><p>Also supporting the mission, the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund is a £315m fund aimed at helping industry to transition to a low-carbon future. The fund will help companies cut their energy bills and carbon emissions through investing in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies. This could include supporting technologies that are strategically important to long-term emissions reductions such as CCUS and Hydrogen.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 01/07/2019 14:08:30 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1134127

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Carbon Capture and Storage
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the role carbon capture and storage technology can play in decarbonising the transport sector.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	268484
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government believes that carbon capture, usage &amp; storage (CCUS) has a potentially important role to play in meeting the UK’s climate targets and supporting our Industrial Strategy. CCUS can add value to the economy and help tackle hard to decarbonise sectors.</p><p> </p><p>This includes supporting the decarbonisation of the transport sector, including through enabling the production of low carbon electricity or hydrogen, which could power zero emission vehicles.</p><p> </p><p>On 27 June we announced that nine companies have secured £26 million of government funding, in addition to industry backing, to advance the rollout of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in the UK - a crucial step towards the UK’s net zero emissions and the end of the UK’s contribution to global warming. It is the next milestone for the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a world-leader in the field as laid out in the Clean Growth Strategy and the CCUS Action Plan.</p><p> </p><p>One company, Tata Chemicals is being awarded £4.2m toward the construction of a facility to capture and utilise 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of 22,000 cars.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 01/07/2019 14:08:37 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1134128

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Biofuels
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of potential UK capacity to supply bioenergy that can generate negative emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	268485
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government believes that carbon capture, usage &amp; storage (CCUS) has a potentially important role to play in meeting the UK’s climate targets and supporting our Industrial Strategy. CCUS can add value to the economy and help tackle hard to decarbonise sectors.</p><p> </p><p>We recognise that bioenergy with carbon capture and storage could be a key technology in helping us achieve net zero through generation of negative emissions. However, availability of sustainable biomass is finite and as such we need to decide how to best deploy this resource in our efforts to decarbonise across the economy.</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 01/07/2019 14:08:44 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1134129

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of supporting the export of carbon capture, usage and storage technologies.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	268558
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government’s CCUS Action Plan sets out that we see an opportunity for the UK to become a world-leader in carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technologies, building on our strong domestic supply chain and established skills base.</p><p>In order to support this, we are investing in over £50 million in CCUS innovation programmes, supporting innovative technologies across the UK between 2017 and 2021.</p><p>On 27 June we announced that nine companies have secured £26 million of government funding, in addition to industry backing, to advance the rollout of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in the UK - a crucial step towards the UK’s net zero emissions and the end of the UK’s contribution to global warming. It is the next milestone for the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a world-leader in the field as laid out in the Clean Growth Strategy and the CCUS Action Plan</p><p>One company, Tata Chemicals is being awarded £4.2m toward the construction of a facility to capture and utilise 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of 22,000 cars. When fully operational in 2021 it will be the largest carbon capture plant in the UK, removing 100 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than the country’s current largest facility.</p><p>We also recognise the significant potential opportunities from exporting CCUS technologies as part of realising this ambition, supporting the retention and creation of high-value jobs, creating inward investment opportunities and helping to support CCUS exports which could be worth multiple billions of pounds per year to the UK economy in the future.</p><p>In order to maximise the export opportunities, we are working closely with the Department for International Trade to map UK capabilities and identify international opportunities in order to support UK-based companies with CCUS expertise, services and products</p> answering member constituency Kingswood answering member printed Chris Skidmore question first answered 01/07/2019 14:09:08 answering member 4021 label Biography information for Chris Skidmore
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1141418

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Housing: Climate Change
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to implement the policy recommendations made by the Committee on Climate Change in its report entitled UK housing: Fit for the future on adapting the UK’s housing stock to the impacts of climate change.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	281102
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/07/2019 answer text <p>Government is carefully considering advice received from the Committee on Climate Change as we develop our future policy on housing.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 31/07/2019 15:18:57 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1141630

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy: Private Rented Housing
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Amending the Private Rented Sector Energy Efficiency Regulations, Final Stage Impact Assessment figures that only 48 per cent of Energy Performance Certificate F- and G-rated privately rented homes will be improved to Band E under the current landlord cost cap of £3,500, if he will use the forthcoming consultation on a trajectory for tightening the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for the Domestic Private Rented Sector to ensure that a higher proportion of homes will meet any future standard.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	281753
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/09/2019 answer text <p>The Clean Growth Strategy set out the Government’s intention to look at a long term trajectory for energy performance standards across the private rented sector, with the aim of as many private rented homes as possible being upgraded to EPC Band C by 2030, where practical, cost-effective and affordable. We will set out our position on future policy on this area in due course.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 04/09/2019 08:08:08 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1149918

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2019
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	UK Emissions Trading Scheme
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment the Government has made of the potential economic effect on the energy intensive industries to be included in its proposed UK emissions trading scheme.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	1023
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2019 answer text <p>The Government response to the public consultation on the future of UK carbon pricing, jointly undertaken by the Government and Devolved Administrations earlier this year, will include consideration of the impacts of the policy on energy intensive industries. The Government’s response to the consultation will be published in due course.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 21/10/2019 11:55:39 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1173843

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Railways: Manufacturing Industries
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the reform of (a) train manufacturing and (b) rolling stock procurement to promote productivity in the UK; and whether her Department has contributed to the Williams Rail Review.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	9015
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2020 answer text <p>The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy works closely with the Department for Transport regarding the current review of the UK’s railways, independently chaired by Keith Williams.</p><p> </p><p>Our work with DfT, through the Rail Supply Group Council and the Rail Sector Deal, brings the industry and government together to shape investment in our railways and encourage improvements to sustainability, digitalisation, use of data, productivity, skills and diversity, and a boost to exports.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 03/02/2020 14:55:33 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1173844

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Trains
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps her Department is taking to support the development of battery trains.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	9016
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/01/2020 answer text <p>Through the Faraday Battery Challenge, run by Innovate UK and funded by the Department, we have facilitated work with a leading UK train manufacturer to develop battery technology for use on trains.</p><p> </p><p>Harnessing technology to drive innovation is one of the aims of the Rail Sector Deal, launched by BEIS and the Department for Transport in December 2018. The Rail Sector Deal is a partnership between the Government and the rail industry to help address the Grand Challenges we face. This includes maximising the advantages for UK industry from the global shift to clean growth and positioning the UK as a world leader in shaping the future of mobility.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 30/01/2020 16:20:50 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1173845

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Trains: Exhaust Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Committee on Climate Change will make an assessment of the potential merits of battery trains as part of its work on the Sixth Carbon Budget.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	9017
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/02/2020 answer text <p>The Committee on Climate Change is an independent advisory body and so it is for the Committee to decide how to take into account any evidence it deems relevant in the development of its advice to Government on the sixth carbon budget.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 04/02/2020 12:00:47 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1179134

	registered interest
	date	21/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Global Wind Organisation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when officials in his Department last met representatives of the Global Wind Organisation; and how often those meetings take place.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	18693
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/03/2020 answer text <p>Officials in the Department have not met with representatives of the Global Wind Organisation.</p><p> </p><p>In the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, published on 7 March 2019, the sector made a commitment to continue to collaborate in order to deliver a strong, sustainable and continually improving culture, promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards of health and safety through the life cycle of projects both in the UK and around the world.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 02/03/2020 14:30:22 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1179135

	registered interest
	date	21/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Wind Power: Employment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many jobs were created in the offshore wind industry in each year between 2016 and 2019; and what estimate his Department has made of the number of such jobs that will be created in each year from 2020 to 2030.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	18694
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/03/2020 answer text <p>The Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE) Survey direct and indirect estimates of employment, UK, 2014 to 2018 can be found in the link below.</p><p><a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/adhocs/11120lowcarbonandrenewableenergyeconomylcreesurveydirectandindirectestimatesofemploymentuk2014to2018" target="_blank">https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/adhocs/11120lowcarbonandrenewableenergyeconomylcreesurveydirectandindirectestimatesofemploymentuk2014to2018</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In the Offshore Wind Sector Deal published last year the Offshore Wind sector estimated that it could support 27,000 jobs across the UK by 2030, covering all aspects of a wind farm; project management, construction and operations and maintenance.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 03/03/2020 11:37:06 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1179136

	registered interest
	date	21/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Employment
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of jobs on offshore (a) oil and (b) gas installations on the UK continental shelf in each year from 2016 to 2019; and what assessment he has made of trends in the level of those jobs in each year from 2020 to 2030.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	18695
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/03/2020 answer text <p>Maintaining quality jobs benefitting from the skills and experience of the UK’s oil and gas sector will be a key focus as the UK moves to a net zero economy. The industry is already strongly focussed on its role to support net zero by using the skills and expertise developed in the North Sea to become part of the solution to the challenges that the transition to a net zero economy will bring.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has not made an estimate of the number of jobs on offshore oil and gas installations on the UK Continental Shelf, but figures provided in the Oil and Gas UK Workforce Report 2019, suggest a recent stabilisation in the total number of offshore oil and gas workers (not broken down into oil and gas separately) at approximately 49,000. See the following weblink:</p><p><a href="https://oilandgasuk.co.uk/product/workforce-report/" target="_blank">https://oilandgasuk.co.uk/product/workforce-report/</a></p><p> </p><p>The Department has not made an assessment of trends in the level of those jobs in each year from 2020 to 2030, but the offshore industry skills body OPITO has published two recent reports on future trends in the level of jobs supported by the UK Continental Shelf oil and gas industry up to 2035. See the following weblinks:</p><p><a href="https://www.opito.com/policy-and-research/research/ukcs-workforce-dynamics-review" target="_blank">https://www.opito.com/policy-and-research/research/ukcs-workforce-dynamics-review</a></p><p><a href="https://www.opito.com/policy-and-research/research/the-skills-landscape" target="_blank">https://www.opito.com/policy-and-research/research/the-skills-landscape</a></p><p> </p><p>Future employment levels are subject to a wide range of factors, not least the oil price, and we are supporting the sector on several fronts, as we recognise that a successful offshore industry will continue to generate and protect jobs.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 02/03/2020 14:30:42 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1179137

	registered interest
	date	21/02/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Carbon Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department plans to take to support offshore oil and gas workers during the transition to a low carbon economy.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	18696
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government is currently in discussion with industry about supporting the energy transition with a transformational oil and gas Sector Deal, recognising that the offshore oil and gas sector has a key role to play as the UK moves to a net zero economy.</p><p> </p><p>The UK’s offshore oil and gas industry, which supports an estimated 270,000 jobs, is already very focussed on its role to support net zero by using the skills and expertise developed in the North Sea to become part of the solution to the challenges that the transition to a net zero economy will bring.</p><p> </p><p>The Government supports the measures undertaken by the sector to diversify its workforce into other areas of the economy such as offshore wind. For example, OPITO, the offshore industry skills body, is working with Government and representatives from the oil and gas, renewables and nuclear sectors to identify common qualifications for a range of technical job roles to enable workers to move more freely between energy sectors. The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board has also developed a Connected Competence programme which helps equip the oil and gas workforce with transferable engineering skills that are in demand across industry sectors. This standardises competence and training requirements and makes proof of competence, training and qualifications easily transferable.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 02/03/2020 14:30:57 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1182730

	registered interest
	date	04/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy Intensive Industries: Carbon Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding has been allocated to help energy intensive industries move to low-carbon techniques.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	25095
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government has schemes worth nearly £2 billion operating, or in development, supporting our vital energy intensive industries to decarbonise. These schemes include the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund to help companies reduce their fuel bills and transition to low carbon technologies, the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge to support industry with the deployment of low-carbon technologies in industrial clusters, and the ISCF Transformation Foundation Industries competition to improve the resource and energy efficiency of foundation industries.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 09/03/2020 15:20:01 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185421

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Housing: Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the percentage of Energy Company Obligation funding that has been spent on identifying suitable homes for energy efficiency measures.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	29932
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>The costs for identifying suitable homes has been estimated at around £257m for the three and a half year duration of ECO3 (2018 – 2022). That would be around 11% of the total estimated cost of the scheme.</p><p> </p><p>These costs include finding suitable homes whose residents are eligible and willing to have energy efficiency measures installed.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 24/03/2020 17:34:48 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185422

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Housing: Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many energy efficiency measures were installed through the obligation trading route in the last 12 months.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	29933
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>In the Clean Growth Strategy, Government set an aspiration for as many homes as possible to be Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C by 2035, where practical, cost-effective and affordable. We are developing policies and measures that will help to build a sustainable market for energy efficiency.</p><p> </p><p>The Energy Company Obligation Scheme provides support for low income and vulnerable households. Since ECO launched it has delivered energy efficiency measures to more than 2 million households. ECO, or a successor scheme, will continue to drive at least £640 million investment per year in home energy efficiency until 2028.</p><p> </p><p>A total of 793 energy efficiency measures were installed through the Energy Company Obligation’s trading route (ECO Brokerage) from the start of January 2019 to the end of December 2019.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 24/03/2020 17:36:51 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185423

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Energy Company Obligation and Warm Home Discount Scheme
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the number of energy customers that do not contribute to the (a) Energy Company Obligation and (b) Warm Homes Discount as a result of being with a smaller supplier.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	29934
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>The current threshold for participation in the Energy Company Obligation and Warm Home Discount is 200,000 domestic customer accounts and this is changing to 150,000 customer accounts from 1 April this year.</p><p> </p><p>In the final stage impact assessment for ECO3, published in October 2018, we estimated that suppliers over the 200,000 threshold covered 96% of the market and those over 150,000 covered 99%. While the number of energy suppliers in the market and their customer numbers fluctuate, we expect the current market coverage to be similar now.</p><p> </p><p>How energy suppliers pass on their costs depends on their individual pricing decisions.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 24/03/2020 15:56:29 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185429

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Private Rented Housing: Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that energy efficiency measures are implemented in the private rented sector.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	29940
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p><em>The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property)(England and wales) Regulations 2015</em> require that, subject to certain exemptions, domestic and non-domestic private rented sector landlords improve their properties to a minimum energy efficiency rating of E by: April 2020 for domestic property; and April 2023 for non-domestic property.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has published detailed guidance to assist landlords in complying with their obligations under the existing regulations, and is conducting enforcement pilots with Local Authorities to develop best practice around enforcement of the regulations. The Department has also launched a landlord exemptions register, a requirement of the Regulations, which is used by enforcement authorities to help target their enforcement activities.</p><p> </p><p>On 15 October 2019, the government published a consultation on the future target for the non-domestic private rented sector regulations alongside the government’s response to the Committee on Climate Change Progress Report. The consultation, which closed on 7 January 2020, set out that the government’s preferred target was for all non-domestic rented buildings to achieve an EPC Band B by 2030, where cost-effective. A government response is due to be published later this year. The government will also consult in due course on options for tightening the standards required of domestic private rented properties over time.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 24/03/2020 17:56:09 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185431

	registered interest
	date	16/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Housing: Health
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what responsibilities his Department has for ensuring that homes and buildings are healthy for its occupants.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	29942
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>As part of the impact assessments of our policies, we include the benefits to a household’s health from improving their homes’ thermal performance.</p><p> </p><p>The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the lead department for standards in buildings.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 24/03/2020 14:33:42 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185669

	registered interest
	date	17/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Housing: Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the provision of financial support for the installation of energy efficiency measures in homes of people with ill health.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	30760
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2020 answer text <p>BEIS, the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England are working in collaboration to tackle cold homes.</p><p> </p><p>The Fuel Poverty Strategy for England includes a vulnerability principle and Government has consulted on updating this principle so that it focuses specifically on households that are most at risk to the impact of living in a cold home. This intends to ensure that energy efficiency schemes can support those in the greatest need.</p><p> </p><p>The Energy Company Obligation (ECO), the main domestic energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain, is worth £640m per year and is focused on low income and vulnerable households, including those in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Carers Allowance.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, under ECO measures can be installed in the homes of people referred by their local authority, with ill health being an eligibility criterion many use.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 26/03/2020 17:35:18 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1185893

	registered interest
	date	17/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Housing: Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support over 60s who live in fuel-poor households and (b) improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	30765
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2020 answer text <p>Improving energy efficiency is the best long-term solution to tackle fuel poverty.</p><p>More than one quarter of fuel poor households in England include a resident over 60. Government is taking steps to ensure low income, vulnerable households, including older people, are protected from living in a cold home.</p><p>The Energy Company Obligation Scheme provides support for low income and vulnerable households. Since ECO launched it has delivered energy efficiency measures to more than 2 million households. ECO, or a successor scheme, will continue to drive at least £640 million investment per year in home energy efficiency until 2028.</p><p>The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards now require landlords spend up to £3500 improving their properties to energy efficiency Band E before renting them out. We intend to consult later this year on a long-term trajectory for improving Private Rented Sector homes to Band C.</p><p>In addition to receiving energy efficiency support, pensioners receive financial support to ensure they can keep their homes warm. Winter Fuel Payments provide pensioners with between £100 and £300 to keep their homes warm during the winter. Those on Pension Credit also receive a £140 Warm Home Discount rebate.</p><p>Our 2020 Fuel Poverty Strategy will detail our future plans to tackle fuel poverty.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 26/03/2020 17:37:27 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1187730

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: North Sea
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to engage with (a) trade unions, (b) Oil and Gas UK and (c) the Oil and Gas Authority to help counter the economic impact of the (i) covid-19 pandemic and (ii) collapse in the price of oil on the North Sea oil and gas industry.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	34978
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/04/2020 answer text <p>The Government is closely monitoring developments related to potential impacts on the upstream oil and gas sector from the collapse in the oil price and COVID-19 and is in regular contact with industry and the Oil and Gas Authority. I have held telephone meetings with representatives from the sector including business leaders, trade associations and the Oil and Gas Authority to discuss these issues.</p><p> </p><p>In response, Government has announced an unprecedented financial package to support businesses and has committed to do whatever it takes to get our nation through the impacts of this coronavirus pandemic. This includes a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as well as a host of measures to help businesses in this period with £330bn worth of government backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses across the UK. Additionally, responding to feedback from business, a Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme will ensure that more firms are able to benefit from government-backed support during this difficult time. It will provide a government guarantee of 80% to enable banks to make loans of up to £25 million to firms with an annual turnover of between £45 million and £500 million.</p><p> </p><p>We know that the offshore oil and gas sector and particularly its supply chain has a key role to play as we move to a net zero economy and we have committed to supporting this energy transition with a transformational Sector Deal.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng grouped question UIN 34980 question first answered 21/04/2020 09:01:42 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1187732

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Fossil Fuels: Prices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking in response to the reduction in global prices of oil and gas to protect the (a) jobs and (b) skills of people working in that industry.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	34980
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/04/2020 answer text <p>The Government is closely monitoring developments related to potential impacts on the upstream oil and gas sector from the collapse in the oil price and COVID-19 and is in regular contact with industry and the Oil and Gas Authority. I have held telephone meetings with representatives from the sector including business leaders, trade associations and the Oil and Gas Authority to discuss these issues.</p><p> </p><p>In response, Government has announced an unprecedented financial package to support businesses and has committed to do whatever it takes to get our nation through the impacts of this coronavirus pandemic. This includes a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as well as a host of measures to help businesses in this period with £330bn worth of government backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses across the UK. Additionally, responding to feedback from business, a Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme will ensure that more firms are able to benefit from government-backed support during this difficult time. It will provide a government guarantee of 80% to enable banks to make loans of up to £25 million to firms with an annual turnover of between £45 million and £500 million.</p><p> </p><p>We know that the offshore oil and gas sector and particularly its supply chain has a key role to play as we move to a net zero economy and we have committed to supporting this energy transition with a transformational Sector Deal.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng grouped question UIN 34978 question first answered 21/04/2020 09:01:42 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1197115

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Construction: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment the Government has made of the availability of adequate (a) personal protective equipment and (b) hygiene and sanitary products for construction workers to (i) protect those workers and (ii) allow those workers to comply with official guidelines as they return to work during the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	48986
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>In order to ensure that workplaces are safe for workers in the construction sector, the Government has worked with Public Health England (PHE), business representatives, and trade unions to develop guidance on safer working in outdoor environments, including how to undertake risk assessments and implement social distancing.</p><p>This guidance includes advice on cleaning and sanitising the workplace, such as maintaining a good handwashing technique as well as providing signage, hand sanitiser, hand drying facilities, and waste facilities. It also states that, when managing the risk of Covid-19 on construction sites, additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) beyond that which is usually worn is not beneficial and should not be encouraged by workplaces. However, PHE is continually reviewing its guidance in line with emerging evidence.</p><p> </p><p>The Safer Workplaces guidance is published at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-work</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has also worked with the Construction Leadership Council to develop Site Operating Procedures, which provide practical advice to those seeking to implement PHE’s guidance.</p><p> </p><p>Organisations must have effective arrangements in place to monitor and review their compliance with Government and industry guidance.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 08/06/2020 10:19:13 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1197116

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Construction: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions the Government has had with professional bodies and trade groups in the built environment on planned timescales for the development and implementation of a recovery plan for the construction industry after the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	48987
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>The Government has welcomed the recovery plan produced by the Construction Leadership Council’s Coronavirus Task Force, which sets out a plan to ensure the sector can increase activity, work safely, and maximise its contribution to our economic recovery.</p><p> </p><p>We will continue to work with the Task Force, which includes firms, business representative organisations, and representatives of the professional institutions, to support the recovery of the construction sector.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 08/06/2020 10:21:14 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1197117

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Construction: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment the Government has made of the potential risk of legal disputes arising from the delays and disruption to construction work as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	48988
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>The Government recognises concerns about the effects of Covid-19 on construction projects, and the resultant inability of some parties to perform their contracts in accordance with agreed terms. We are also aware of the potential for legal disputes to arise from this.</p><p>That is why we have published guidance on contractual behaviour, which clearly states that responsible and fair behaviour is strongly encouraged in performing and enforcing contracts where there has been a material impact from Covid-19. A copy of that guidance is attached.</p><p>The Construction Leadership Council’s Covid-19 Task Force has supplemented this, by publishing further practical guidance for all companies involved in the construction supply chain on how to minimise potential disputes.</p> answering member constituency Stratford-on-Avon answering member printed Nadhim Zahawi question first answered 08/06/2020 10:26:59 answering member 4113 label Biography information for Nadhim Zahawi attachment 1 file name _Covid-19_and_Responsible_Contractual_Behaviour__web_final___7_May_ (1).pdf title Guidance on responsible contractual behaviour C-19
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1199053

	registered interest
	date	01/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Natural Gas: Fees and Charges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on consumer costs of Ofgem's new charging regime for gas transportation.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	51950
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, has responsibility for matters relating to the charging regime for gas transportation and has made their decision in accordance with its statutory duties, including Ofgem’s principal objective to protect the interests of GB’s energy consumers.</p><p> </p><p>BEIS have been engaging closely with Ofgem to understand their assessments of the potential effects. Ofgem expect that overall GB consumers will benefit from lower gas and electricity bills each year when the new policy is in operation.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 04/06/2020 16:06:41 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1199054

	registered interest
	date	01/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Natural Gas: Fees and Charges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on its decision to implement a new charging regime for gas transportation.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	51951
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>BEIS have been in regular discussion with Ofgem regarding the impact of its decision to implement a new gas charging regime. BEIS will continue to work closely with Ofgem whilst respecting its responsibility as an independent regulatory authority.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 04/06/2020 16:05:12 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1199055

	registered interest
	date	01/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Natural Gas: Fees and Charges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect on the (a) cost of gas to consumers and (b) viability of energy intensive industries close to terminals of Ofgem's new gas transportation charging regime.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	51952
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>The Government is fully committed to minimising industrial energy costs in the UK to ensure our industries remain strong and competitive. We continue to progress a range of measures to deliver an efficient and effective gas system that benefits all GB consumers.</p><p> </p><p>Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, has responsibility for matters relating to gas network charging and has made their decision in accordance with its statutory duties, including Ofgem’s principal objective to protect the interests of GB’s energy consumers.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 04/06/2020 16:03:22 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1199056

	registered interest
	date	01/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Natural Gas: Fees and Charges
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whom Ofgem is accountable to for its decision to implement a new charging regime for gas transportation.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	51953
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>The introduction of a new UK charging regime for gas transportation was driven by the requirement to be compliant with EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2017/460 (“the EU Tariff Code”). The Tariff Code places obligations on Ofgem, as the UK’s national regulatory authority, to implement changes to the arrangements governing domestic gas transmission charges to meet the Tariff Code’s objectives. Ofgem remains accountable for compliance with EU law during the transition period.</p><p> </p><p>Domestically, Ofgem is an independent regulator and is accountable for the exercise of its powers to Parliament. It is subject to Treasury financial control and it is regularly called to give evidence to Parliamentary select committees, including the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 04/06/2020 16:01:17 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1200527

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: Carbon Emissions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his policy is on achieving a transition to a net zero carbon economy for workers in the offshore oil and gas industry.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	54911
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Government is currently in discussion with the industry about our manifesto commitment to deliver a transformational oil and gas Sector Deal. This recognises that the sector has an important role to play as the UK moves to a net zero economy and is already strongly focussed on being part of the solution to the challenges that the transition will bring. I expect this Deal to focus on supporting jobs and maintaining skills, as well as new technologies and approaches that can help us decarbonise our economy.</p><p>On 11 June, I attended the Oil and Gas Authority’s Maximising Economic Recovery Forum with industry leaders to discuss first proposals from the oil and gas industry for a Sector Deal, as well as the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the sector’s recovery.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 12/06/2020 13:33:00 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

1200529

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	answering body	Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept id	201
	answering dept short name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	answering dept sort name	Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
	hansard heading	Offshore Industry: North Sea
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 21 April 2020 to Question 34978 on Offshore Industry: North Sea, on what dates since 1 March 2020 (a) Ministers and (b) Officials in his Department discussed employment matters in the offshore oil and gas industry with trade unions in that industry.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	54912
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/06/2020 answer text <p>The Oil and Gas Authority as the regulatory body for the UK’s upstream oil and gas industry meets during the year with trade union leaders and are in regular contact with them outside of these meetings.</p><p> </p><p>BEIS Ministers and officials have had no direct meetings with trade unions on these issues since 1 March. However, I will be attending the virtual MER UK Forum on 11 June to which trade union leaders are also invited to participate. This forum allows for an open exchange of information on the challenges facing the industry and its workforce stemming from the COVID-19 crisis and the low oil price.</p> answering member constituency Spelthorne answering member printed Kwasi Kwarteng question first answered 12/06/2020 13:31:18 answering member 4134 label Biography information for Kwasi Kwarteng
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham