{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_metadata=all&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "isPartOf" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "type" : "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint"}
    , "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1111209", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1111209/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables attached.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4014", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Reading West"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alok Sharma"}
        , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1111209/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "Flexible Support Fund Expenditure by Region.docx"}
          , "title" : "Flexible Support Fund Expenditure by Region"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "previousAnswerVersion" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1111209/answer/previousversion/114103", "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4014", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma"}
          }
          , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Reading West"}
          , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Alok Sharma"}
        }
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T12:03:52.85Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Flexible Support Fund"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the overall levels of payment were from the Flexible Support Fund (a) in each region, and (b) on (i) childcare, (ii) training, (iii) clothing for work and (iv) other categories of activity in each of the last 24 months.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4657", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Anneliese Dodds"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Oxford East"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Anneliese Dodds"}
      ], "uin" : "243572"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1123887", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1123887/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. That\u2019s why by 2021 Government will have invested over £12bn through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>The Government will have invested £160m Growth Deal funding in Hertfordshire by 2021, and the LEP was allocated £16.2m Growing Places Funding. The LEP has prioritised spending on science, research and innovation, developing skills, cultivating world-leading sectors and supporting businesses to start up and grow. In Stevenage, this has included allocating £1.2m to the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>Since 2012,\u202fthe Start-Up Loans Programme\u202fhas\u202fdelivered\u202f71\u202floans\u202fin Stevenage, worth £487, 289 to\u202fsmall businesses.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4487", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Rochester and Strood"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Kelly Tolhurst"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T12:33:14.957Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "201"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-04-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Business: Stevenage"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps he has taken to increase support for businesses in Stevenage.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4093", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephen McPartland"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Stevenage"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen McPartland"}
      ], "uin" : "249273"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124130", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124130/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>I have been well informed of the discussions that my officials are having with Natural England (NE) on this issue. NE\u2019s licencing process for badger control includes a detailed assessment of effects on protected wildlife sites such as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs). In 2018, NE\u2019s successful defence of judicial review proceedings against these assessments included a commitment to review its procedures on and within 2km of SSSIs, where they support bird species which may be vulnerable to a potential increase in fox predation as a result of a reduction in badger numbers. NE will collect information in order to make a judgement on whether sufficient fox control is taking place to avoid this potential risk.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1562", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Robert Goodwill"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Scarborough and Whitby"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr Robert Goodwill"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T16:20:24.693Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Foxes: Sites of Special Scientific Interest"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Natural England on the provision of information on fox numbers in each site of special scientific interest; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/253", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Laurence Robertson"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Tewkesbury"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Laurence Robertson"}
      ], "uin" : "249820"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124222", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124222/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>The Government has consistently put citizens\u2019 rights first in our negotiations with the EU. The best way to guarantee those rights, which include social security, both for UK nationals in the EU and EU citizens in the UK, is the deal that the Government has secured. The Government supported the amendment put forward by Alberto Costa MP which requires the Government to seek a joint UK/EU commitment to preserve the citizens\u2019 rights section of the Withdrawal Agreement whatever the outcome of negotiations. The letter to the European Commission setting out the Government\u2019s position and the Commission\u2019s reply is available at: <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/costa-amendment-letter-to-the-eu-institutions\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/costa-amendment-letter-to-the-eu-institutions<\/a><\/p><p> <\/p><p>The current EU arrangements providing for reciprocity in social security would no longer apply if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "249962"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T13:52:36.193Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "State Retirement Pensions: Reciprocal Arrangements"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what effect the UK leaving the EU without a deal would have on reciprocal pension agreements with EU member states.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"}
      ], "uin" : "249961"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124223", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124223/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>The Government has consistently put citizens\u2019 rights first in our negotiations with the EU. The best way to guarantee those rights, which include social security, both for UK nationals in the EU and EU citizens in the UK, is the deal that the Government has secured. The Government supported the amendment put forward by Alberto Costa MP which requires the Government to seek a joint UK/EU commitment to preserve the citizens\u2019 rights section of the Withdrawal Agreement whatever the outcome of negotiations. The letter to the European Commission setting out the Government\u2019s position and the Commission\u2019s reply is available at: <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/costa-amendment-letter-to-the-eu-institutions\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/costa-amendment-letter-to-the-eu-institutions<\/a><\/p><p> <\/p><p>The current EU arrangements providing for reciprocity in social security would no longer apply if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "249961"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T13:52:36.243Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "State Retirement Pensions: Reciprocal Arrangements"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions the Government have held with (a) the EU and (b) individual EU member states on reciprocal pension agreements after the UK leaves the EU.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"}
      ], "uin" : "249962"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124225", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124225/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>The UK and Ireland signed on the 1 February 2019 a reciprocal agreement which will protect the social security rights of UK and Irish nationals living and/or working in each other\u2019s state when the UK leaves the EU. It allows for the payment of each country\u2019s uprated state pensions to recipients living in the other.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4142", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Guy Opperman"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Hexham"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Guy Opperman"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T14:34:21.773Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "29"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Work and Pensions"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Abroad"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Government has made an (a) reciprocal or (b) unilateral agreement to maintain the annual increases to the pensions of UK citizens residing in the Republic of Ireland if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"}
      ], "uin" : "249964"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124338", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124338/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>We recognise the unique opportunity that custody offers to identify and encourage individuals with Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) to engage in treatment. NHS England are responsible for commissioning and delivering health services in prisons and Her Majesty\u2019s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) are responsible for enabling access to healthcare services for those in custody. We are fully supportive of the work being done by NHS England and Public Health England to meet the 2025 target for the elimination of Hepatitis C in England.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>An opt-out policy for BBV testing was introduced in 2013, under the previous National Partnership Agreement for Prison Healthcare in England (NPA) between NHS England (NHSE), Public Health England (PHE) and HMPPS (then NOMS). Full implementation of the opt-out testing policy for BBVs in all adult prisons in England was achieved in March 2018. Since opt-out testing was introduced, the uptake of BBV testing in prisons has increased from a baseline of 4% to 29%. This figure is an aggregate for all prisons, with some far exceeding the average uptake. This shared commitment to tackling the spread of infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, in prisons was reaffirmed in the new NPA between NHSE, PHE, HMPPS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and MoJ, published in April 2018.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>We continue to work with our health partners to identify points of attrition and barriers to testing uptake, as well as with organisations, such as the Hepatitis C Trust, to raise awareness among prison staff and prisoners about the importance of testing for BBV.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>We are currently reviewing the process by which defendants access essential medication whilst in the custody of the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services to ensure that it is fit for purpose and to consider further improvements. Additionally, current processes for Discharge Planning will be enhanced as a part of the Hepatitis C Pathways work being carried out by NHS England. This will ensure that individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C who leave prison, transfer between prisons and attend court have their medication with them and have detailed instructions about accessing treatment specialists in the community. Treatment for Hepatitis C uses high value drugs, and ensuring that the full course follows the individual through the criminal justice system is a high priority for NHS England. Current processes will also be augmented by Hepatitis C Trust community peer workers engaging with people leaving prison, and through enhanced continuity of care arrangements under RECONNECT as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4362", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Argar"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Charnwood"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Edward Argar"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "249815"}
        , {"_value" : "249816"}
        ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T15:39:22.09Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Prisoners: Hepatitis"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to support NHS England's plan to eliminate Hepatitis C in England by 2025, especially with regard to the prison service.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Peter Bottomley"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Worthing West"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Peter Bottomley"}
      ], "uin" : "249814"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124339", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124339/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>We recognise the unique opportunity that custody offers to identify and encourage individuals with Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) to engage in treatment. NHS England are responsible for commissioning and delivering health services in prisons and Her Majesty\u2019s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) are responsible for enabling access to healthcare services for those in custody. We are fully supportive of the work being done by NHS England and Public Health England to meet the 2025 target for the elimination of Hepatitis C in England.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>An opt-out policy for BBV testing was introduced in 2013, under the previous National Partnership Agreement for Prison Healthcare in England (NPA) between NHS England (NHSE), Public Health England (PHE) and HMPPS (then NOMS). Full implementation of the opt-out testing policy for BBVs in all adult prisons in England was achieved in March 2018. Since opt-out testing was introduced, the uptake of BBV testing in prisons has increased from a baseline of 4% to 29%. This figure is an aggregate for all prisons, with some far exceeding the average uptake. This shared commitment to tackling the spread of infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, in prisons was reaffirmed in the new NPA between NHSE, PHE, HMPPS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and MoJ, published in April 2018.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>We continue to work with our health partners to identify points of attrition and barriers to testing uptake, as well as with organisations, such as the Hepatitis C Trust, to raise awareness among prison staff and prisoners about the importance of testing for BBV.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>We are currently reviewing the process by which defendants access essential medication whilst in the custody of the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services to ensure that it is fit for purpose and to consider further improvements. Additionally, current processes for Discharge Planning will be enhanced as a part of the Hepatitis C Pathways work being carried out by NHS England. This will ensure that individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C who leave prison, transfer between prisons and attend court have their medication with them and have detailed instructions about accessing treatment specialists in the community. Treatment for Hepatitis C uses high value drugs, and ensuring that the full course follows the individual through the criminal justice system is a high priority for NHS England. Current processes will also be augmented by Hepatitis C Trust community peer workers engaging with people leaving prison, and through enhanced continuity of care arrangements under RECONNECT as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4362", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Argar"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Charnwood"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Edward Argar"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "249814"}
        , {"_value" : "249816"}
        ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T15:39:22.15Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Prisoners: Viral Diseases"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to address the variation in (a) practice and (b) uptake of opt-out testing for blood borne viruses such as hepatitis C and HIV in prisons.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Peter Bottomley"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Worthing West"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Peter Bottomley"}
      ], "uin" : "249815"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124340", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124340/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>We recognise the unique opportunity that custody offers to identify and encourage individuals with Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) to engage in treatment. NHS England are responsible for commissioning and delivering health services in prisons and Her Majesty\u2019s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) are responsible for enabling access to healthcare services for those in custody. We are fully supportive of the work being done by NHS England and Public Health England to meet the 2025 target for the elimination of Hepatitis C in England.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>An opt-out policy for BBV testing was introduced in 2013, under the previous National Partnership Agreement for Prison Healthcare in England (NPA) between NHS England (NHSE), Public Health England (PHE) and HMPPS (then NOMS). Full implementation of the opt-out testing policy for BBVs in all adult prisons in England was achieved in March 2018. Since opt-out testing was introduced, the uptake of BBV testing in prisons has increased from a baseline of 4% to 29%. This figure is an aggregate for all prisons, with some far exceeding the average uptake. This shared commitment to tackling the spread of infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, in prisons was reaffirmed in the new NPA between NHSE, PHE, HMPPS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and MoJ, published in April 2018.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>We continue to work with our health partners to identify points of attrition and barriers to testing uptake, as well as with organisations, such as the Hepatitis C Trust, to raise awareness among prison staff and prisoners about the importance of testing for BBV.<\/p><p> <\/p><p>We are currently reviewing the process by which defendants access essential medication whilst in the custody of the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services to ensure that it is fit for purpose and to consider further improvements. Additionally, current processes for Discharge Planning will be enhanced as a part of the Hepatitis C Pathways work being carried out by NHS England. This will ensure that individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C who leave prison, transfer between prisons and attend court have their medication with them and have detailed instructions about accessing treatment specialists in the community. Treatment for Hepatitis C uses high value drugs, and ensuring that the full course follows the individual through the criminal justice system is a high priority for NHS England. Current processes will also be augmented by Hepatitis C Trust community peer workers engaging with people leaving prison, and through enhanced continuity of care arrangements under RECONNECT as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4362", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Edward Argar"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Charnwood"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Edward Argar"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "249814"}
        , {"_value" : "249815"}
        ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T15:39:22.197Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Prisoners: Hepatitis"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to improve continuity and cooperation between the courts, prisons and probation services to ensure that offenders have their hepatitis C medication with them when transferred between different settings.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Peter Bottomley"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Worthing West"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Peter Bottomley"}
      ], "uin" : "249816"}
    , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124534", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"}
      ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1124534/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "<p>The information requested is not held centrally and could not be collated without incurring disproportionate cost.<\/p><p>Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) and the National Probation Service (NPS) work with offenders within contracted and divisional areas, and as such statistics relating to parliamentary constituencies are not collated.<\/p><p>The number of offenders supervised in the community, broken down by CRC and NPS regions, are included in the quarterly Offender Management statistics. This data is included in the attached table, and is taken from the latest publication: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/offender-management-statistics-quarterly-october-to-december-2018.<\/p>"}
        , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4106", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Robert Buckland"}
        }
        , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Swindon"}
        , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Robert Buckland"}
        , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
        , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-14T16:16:28.08Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
        ]}
      , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"}
      , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"}
      , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
      , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Probation"}
      , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
      , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
      }
      ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people are managed by (a) community rehabilitation companies and (b) the National Probation Service in each constituency.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
      , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4493", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Richard Burgon"}
      }
      , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Leeds East"}
      , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Richard Burgon"}
      ], "uin" : "250488"}
    ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&answer.dateOfAnswer=2019-05-14&_properties=tablingMember.label,answer.questionFirstAnswered,answer.attachment.fileName,answer.answeringMemberPrinted&_sort=legislature.prefLabel", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 190, "type" : "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"}
}