We have not received information from UK Financial Investments (UKFI) relating to the operation of RBS\u2019s Global Restructuring Group (GRG) as a profit centre for the bank.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
Similarly, we have not received information from UKFI relating to the implications of the operations of GRG for small business customers.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
As you are aware, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is currently investigating the operations of GRG in relation to its treatment of business customers in financial difficulty. If the FCA identifies issues which come within its remit, it will consider further regulatory measures.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-17T17:45:07.567Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Royal Bank of Scotland"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has received any information from UK Financial Investments Ltd in respect of the (a) operation by RBS of its Global Restructuring Group (GRC) as a profit centre for the bank and (b) implications of the operations of the GRC for small business customers of RBS.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/545", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Paul Flynn"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Newport West"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Paul Flynn"} ], "uin" : "216223"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166242", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166242/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The provision of hospitality, at functions within HM Treasury for Treasury staff, other Whitehall civil servants and non-executive directors has been prohibited since 1 July 2010. Hospitality may be provided where external guests are present. The attendance of Treasury staff at such meetings is dependent on a necessary business need and their number should not exceed the number of external guests.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
£000 <\/em><\/p><\/td><\/tr> HMT<\/em>( 1<\/em>)<\/sup><\/p><\/td> DMO<\/em>( 1<\/em>)<\/sup><\/p><\/td> APA<\/em>( 2<\/em>)<\/sup><\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2002-03<\/p><\/td> 208<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2003-04<\/p><\/td> 116<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2004-05<\/p><\/td> 213<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2005-06<\/p><\/td> 256<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2006-07<\/p><\/td> 170<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2007-08<\/p><\/td> 125<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2008-09<\/p><\/td> 91<\/p><\/td> 10<\/p><\/td> n/a<\/p><\/td><\/tr> 2009-10<\/p><\/td> 116<\/p><\/td> 1<\/p><\/td> 0<\/p><\/td><\/tr> (1)<\/sup> Data for HM Treasury and DMO are only available from 2002-03 due to the introduction of a new accounting system in that year. <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-01-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-01-14T17:02:28Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Catering"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department has spent on catering and hospitality since May 2010.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4244", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jonathan Ashworth"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Leicester South"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jonathan Ashworth"}
], "uin" : "216192"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166246", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166246/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " This information is not available.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-03T13:31:43.273Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Take-away Food"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department has spent on take-away food for staff since May 2010.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4244", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jonathan Ashworth"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Leicester South"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jonathan Ashworth"}
], "uin" : "216101"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166250", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166250/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government has taken significant action to increase bank lending to businesses throughout the UK, including through the Funding for Lending Scheme, and through supporting non-bank lending channels via the British Business Bank.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> The Government is also implementing further major reforms to boost competition in the small and medium sized enterprise (SME) lending market through the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill; most notably the measures to improve access to SME credit information and to match SMEs rejected for finance with challenger banks and alternative finance providers that are looking to offer finance.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Furthermore, in Autumn 2013 a joint United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Ministerial Task Force was set up to look at ways to promote lending and increase support specifically for businesses in Northern Ireland.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-02T17:50:30.367Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Business: Northern Ireland"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to increase access to bank lending for businesses in Northern Ireland.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/655", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Antrim"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Dr William McCrea"}
], "uin" : "216115"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166396", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166396/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government is committed to taking action to ensure that the criminal regime for financial market abuse is strong and robust. In September 2014 the Government consulted on whether the regulatory regime put in place for LIBOR should be extended to seven other major benchmarks, based on recommendations from the Fair and Effective Markets Review. This regime includes the criminal offence of manipulating a \u2018relevant benchmark\u2019 either by making misleading statements or by creating a false or misleading impression of the value of investments that could affect such a benchmark. The list of benchmarks included the dominant benchmark for the foreign exchange market, WM/Reuters 4pm London Closing Spot Rate. The Government will announce its response to this consultation shortly.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-02T17:11:26.97Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Foreign Exchange"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of changing the criminal law to allow sanctions for the misconduct of financial traders identified as having manipulated the foreign exchange market.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4079", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Julian Sturdy"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "York Outer"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Julian Sturdy"}
], "uin" : "216077"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166438", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/166438/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published its first round of thematic work looking at the annuity market in February this year and, based on the findings of this work, launched a Retirement Income Market Study to look at how competition is working for consumers across this market. In light of the pensions reforms announced at Budget in March 2014, the FCA updated the scope of the market study to be more forward looking.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> The FCA also decided to conduct a further thematic review into annuities and is expected to publish both the interim findings of the Retirement Income Market Study and the thematic work on annuities before the end of the year.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-02T16:50:45.487Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Annuities"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he expects the Financial Conduct Authority to publish its thematic review of the annuity market.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1409", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Londonderry"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Gregory Campbell"}
], "uin" : "216117"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165872", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165872/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Earlier this year, the Chancellor set out plans to make Britain the global centre of financial innovation, benefitting consumers and businesses, including a major programme of work looking at the benefits and risks of digital currencies, and to look into whether they could or should be regulated.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> On 3 November, the Treasury published a Call for Information on digital currencies. This Call for Information asks whether there are currently barriers to digital currency businesses setting up in the UK, and the Government will consider access to UK bank accounts as part of this.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> In October, the Financial Conduct Authority launched its Innovation Hub to provide support to innovative businesses. It has identified helping innovators access bank accounts as a key priority.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-11-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "215986"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-11-28T14:11:53.757Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bitcoin"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on attracting companies that develop bitcoin technology to locate in the UK.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/163", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Ham"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen Timms"}
], "uin" : "215985"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165905", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165905/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Earlier this year, the Chancellor set out plans to make Britain the global centre of financial innovation, benefitting consumers and businesses, including a major programme of work looking at the benefits and risks of digital currencies, and to look into whether they could or should be regulated.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> On 3 November, the Treasury published a Call for Information on digital currencies. This Call for Information asks whether there are currently barriers to digital currency businesses setting up in the UK, and the Government will consider access to UK bank accounts as part of this.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> In October, the Financial Conduct Authority launched its Innovation Hub to provide support to innovative businesses. It has identified helping innovators access bank accounts as a key priority.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-11-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "215985"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-11-28T14:11:53.66Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bitcoin"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the ability of companies dealing with bitcoin to open a bank account.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/163", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Ham"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen Timms"}
], "uin" : "215986"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165907", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165907/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " HMT installed water saving taps in the toilets in 2012 and installed additional water meters in August 2014. The additional water meters will measure water usage in the tea points, showers and toilets to enable us more accurately target water saving measures. This will lead to a reduction in bills.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-12-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-12-02T16:47:10.043Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-11-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Water"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to reduce water (a) usage and (b) bills in his Department; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3929", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Kirby"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Brighton, Kemptown"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Simon Kirby"}
], "uin" : "215966"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165908", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/165908/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Treasury Ministers and officials meet with a wide range of organisations as part of the usual policy making process.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> |