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63788
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-24more like thismore than 2014-06-24
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Advisory Bodies more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their advisory committees, if they need to undertake a review for which they do not have the expertise, are permitted to commission organisations that specialise in that field. more like this
tabling member printed
The Countess of Mar more like this
uin HL572 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-08more like thismore than 2014-07-08
answer text <p> </p><p /> <p>There is nothing in the Code of Practice for Science Advisory Committees (CoPSAC[1]) that prevents a committee from commissioning additional advice from experts, and committees are encouraged to “seek a wide range of advice from the best sources, particularly when there is uncertainty”.</p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p>CoPSAC states “Where a SAC lacks the relevant expertise for a particular project or task (as opposed to the committee's on-going work), the committee can co-opt appropriate experts or establish sub-groups to include such people on an ad hoc, time-limited basis”.</p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <br /> <p>[1]<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf</a></p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p><p /> <br /> <p>[1]<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf</a></p><p> </p><p> </p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-08T14:53:13.261755Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-08T14:53:13.261755Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1861
label Biography information for The Countess of Mar more like this
63787
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-24more like thismore than 2014-06-24
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Advisory Bodies more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what quality control and audit procedures are in place to ensure that their advisory committees perform to the highest standards, that they are using up-to-date methodology and science, and that their advice is sound and accepted by the broader scientific community. more like this
tabling member printed
The Countess of Mar more like this
uin HL571 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-08more like thismore than 2014-07-08
answer text <p> </p><p><em>All committees operate according to the guidelines and standards outlined in the </em>Code of Practice for Science Advisory Committees (CoPSAC[1]). Any advisory committee that is classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) is also subject to <em>formal Cabinet Office procedures including a full triennial review. </em></p><p><em> </em></p><p> </p><p>CoPSAC is underpinned by The Principles of Scientific Advice to Government', published in 2010 (Annex A to CoPSAC), and the ‘Nolan' principles for public life (the “Seven Principles of Public Life” (Annex C).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The principles “provide a foundation on which independent scientific advisers and government departments should base their operations and interactions”. Members are also expected to abide by the Nolan Principles, which include the principles of objectivity and accountability.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Any “issues of concern over the application of the Principles, or other guidance” should be raised to the Chief Scientific Adviser. “If the matter of concern cannot be effectively resolved or is especially serious CSAs should approach the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) and Ministers should approach the GCSA and the Minister for Science. The matter will be examined against a clear set of criteria, which include a breach of the Principles or CoPSAC.”</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><br /><p>[1] <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf</a></p><p> </p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-08T15:23:07.1810649Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-08T15:23:07.1810649Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1861
label Biography information for The Countess of Mar more like this
63141
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-23more like thismore than 2014-06-23
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Postal Services: Competition more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have conducted research to review whether end-to-end competition in the postal sector is more likely to affect the universal service than in other European countries due to (1) the United Kingdom's economic geography, and (2) the United Kingdom mandatory access requirements. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth more like this
uin HL550 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-02more like thismore than 2014-07-02
answer text <p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Under the Postal Services Act 2011, Parliament gave Ofcom, as an independent regulator for postal services, the primary statutory duty to secure the provision of the universal service.</p><p> </p><p>Parliament has given Ofcom the regulatory powers and tools it needs to intervene in the market if the provision of the universal service is ever at risk.</p><p> </p><p>Given its statutory duties, it is for Ofcom to monitor and assess any impact of postal competition on the provision of the universal service. To this end Ofcom has put in place a comprehensive monitoring regime to keep the situation under review.</p><p> </p><p>More information about Ofcom's regulatory regime can be found on its website (www.ofcom.org.uk).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-02T15:57:30.7360615Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-02T15:57:30.7360615Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
4282
label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth more like this
63790
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-24more like thismore than 2014-06-24
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Advisory Bodies more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what recourse is available to members of the public who wish to complain about the practice and outcome of scientific inquiries conducted by government advisory committees. more like this
tabling member printed
The Countess of Mar more like this
uin HL574 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-08more like thismore than 2014-07-08
answer text <p> </p><p>Members of the public may write to the Chair of the advisory committee. If necessary, complaints can be escalated in writing to the Chief Scientific Advisor for the department in question, or the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-08T14:53:32.2722204Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-08T14:53:32.2722204Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1861
label Biography information for The Countess of Mar more like this
63142
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-23more like thismore than 2014-06-23
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Postal Services: Competition more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what percentage of postal services was delivered through access contracts in each year since access competition was introduced in 2004. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth more like this
uin HL551 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-02more like thismore than 2014-07-02
answer text <p> </p><p>Since 2004, the percentage of postal services delivered through access contracts (i.e. addressed volumes – excluding unaddressed and including international) is: <strong>2004-5: 0%; 2005-06: 5%; 2006-07: 12%; 2007-08 (unadjusted 53 week): 19%; 2008-09: 26%; 2009-10: 35%; 2010-11: 41%; 2011-12: 44%; 2012-13 (unadjusted 53 week): 48%. </strong><em>(Sources: 2005-2009 Postcomm Regulatory Accounts; 2010-2013: Ofcom's Annual Monitoring Report 2012-13). </em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-02T16:16:20.2856634Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-02T16:16:20.2856634Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
4282
label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth more like this
65258
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-07-02more like thismore than 2014-07-02
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Immigration: Poland more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the contribution made by Polish immigrants to the United Kingdom economy and society since 2010. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Patten more like this
uin HL788 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-14more like thismore than 2014-07-14
answer text <p> </p><p>The 2011 census found that there were 579,121 Polish nationals resident in the UK at that time of polling. There is no data available on the exact contribution of Polish immigrants to UK GDP since 2010 - it is extremely complex to isolate the contribution of just one group of people to GDP, given the wide variety of economic activity that they will be involved in.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>However, many economists believe that Polish migrants have had a positive impact on the UK economy since 2004 as they tend to be of working age when they arrive and contribute more to the economy through taxes and consumption than they take out via public services.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>By broad industry definitions, Polish nationals work across all industries but are most often found in Manufacturing and Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants. By standard occupation definitions, Polish nationals are found in all occupational areas but are most often in skilled trades, process, plant and machine operative occupations and elementary occupations.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that the primary driver for determining an individual's fiscal contribution is whether they are in employment. The latest Labour Force survey data for January to March 2014 states that the unemployment rate amongst Polish nationals was 6.2%, lower than the UK average of 6.6%.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-14T12:58:23.7949879Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-14T12:58:23.7949879Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1137
label Biography information for Lord Patten more like this
63789
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-24more like thismore than 2014-06-24
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Advisory Bodies more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government how scientists are appointed to their advisory committees; how they ensure that an appropriate range of expertise and experience is represented on those committees; and how they ensure that the best scientists apply for membership of the committees. more like this
tabling member printed
The Countess of Mar more like this
uin HL573 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-08more like thismore than 2014-07-08
answer text <p> </p><p>The Code of Practice for Science Advisory Committees (CoPSAC[1]) lays out the procedures for appointment to Committees.</p><p> </p><p>CoPSAC indicates that the arrangements for the appointment of Committee members and the lines of accountability should be set out in each Committee's Terms of Reference.</p><p> </p><br /><p>[1]<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/278498/11-1382-code-of-practice-scientific-advisory-committees.pdf</a></p><p> </p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-08T14:53:54.6005833Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-08T14:53:54.6005833Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
1861
label Biography information for The Countess of Mar more like this
63783
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-24more like thismore than 2014-06-24
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Higher Education: Appeals more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to establish a nationwide appeals system for higher education students in the United Kingdom who wish to appeal on the basis of awarded grades or complain about alleged unfair treatment by university staff. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Storey more like this
uin HL567 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-03more like thismore than 2014-07-03
answer text <p> </p><p>The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) operates a national complaints handling scheme for England and Wales, under provisions in the 2004 Higher Education Act. The OIA can review complaints made by students against Higher Education Institutions if they remain unresolved, once a student has completed the institution's own complaints procedures. This may include, for example, complaints from students about unfair treatment by university staff. The service is free of charge to students.</p><p> </p><p>Separate arrangements are in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.There are, however, some complaints that OIA cannot consider. These relate to concerns about admission to a university and to academic judgement. In the latter case, OIA can look at whether an institution has followed its rules and regulations in making an award to a student.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> more like this
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-03T16:28:27.0473898Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-03T16:28:27.0473898Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
4238
label Biography information for Lord Storey more like this
63795
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-24more like thismore than 2014-06-24
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Domestic Service: Conditions of Employment more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to end the abuse and exploitation of domestic workers in the United Kingdom, especially those from overseas; what means they will use to ensure that such workers have contracts of employment and are regularly paid at least the minimum wage; and whether such protection can extend to the employees of foreign diplomats. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Hylton more like this
uin HL579 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-02more like thismore than 2014-07-02
answer text <p> </p><p>The UK already provides comprehensive employment and social protections to domestic workers and as a rule, domestic workers in the UK are entitled to the same employment rights as workers generally – including the National Minimum Wage (unless they are treated as if they are a member of the family), statutory sick pay, paid annual leave, protections from discrimination and unfair dismissals as well as other protections.</p><p> </p><p>We are fully committed to ensuring that domestic workers are able to access their rights. Anyone who believes they are being mistreated by their employer in any way has access to a number of organisations who can help including the police, the Pay and Work Rights Helpline and Employment Tribunals.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is also focused on ensuring that overseas domestic workers are informed about their rights and immigration and borders staff are trained to recognise potential victims of abuse. Overseas domestic workers must have been employed for 12 months before a visa will be granted and must have a signed statement of terms and conditions of employment in line with the National Minimum Wage legislation. Every overseas domestic worker is also provided with a letter informing them of their rights in the UK and where to get help if needed. This letter is provided in a range of languages as well as English.</p><p> </p><p>Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, all foreign diplomats in the UK are required to respect our laws, including employment regulations. The FCO treats any allegation of mistreatment of staff in diplomatic households very seriously. Any allegations that the law has been broken are investigated by the police and the FCO will take appropriate steps to assist the investigation which may include requesting the withdrawal of diplomatic immunity.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-02T15:52:56.5967282Zmore like thismore than 2014-07-02T15:52:56.5967282Z
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
2018
label Biography information for Lord Hylton more like this
62513
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2014-06-18more like thismore than 2014-06-18
answering body
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept id 26 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Innovation and Skills more like this
hansard heading Postal Services more like this
house id 2 remove filter
legislature
25277
pref label House of Lords more like this
question text To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the universal postal service in the light of declining use of the service. more like this
tabling member printed
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth more like this
uin HL442 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2014-07-02more like thismore than 2014-07-02
answer text <p> </p><p>The universal postal service is protected in primary legislation – the Postal Services Act 2011. Under the Act, Parliament has established the minimum requirements of the universal service – which include letter deliveries 6 days a week at a uniform and affordable rate throughout the UK. Only Parliament can change the minimum requirements.</p><p> </p><p>Government has ensured that ongoing protection of the universal service is at the heart of the regulatory regime by giving Ofcom the primary statutory duty to secure the provision of the universal service and to this end Ofcom must have regard for the financial sustainability of the universal service.</p><p> </p><p>Ofcom has put in place a comprehensive monitoring regime that tracks the financial sustainability of the universal service and Parliament has ensured that the regulator has the powers and tools it needs to intervene in the market if the provision of the universal service is ever at risk.</p><p> </p><p>The steps we have taken to reform the regulatory framework coupled with securing access to the much needed private capital for Royal Mail, as the designated Universal Service Provider, are the best way to safeguard the future of a sustainable universal postal service in the UK.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p>
answering member printed Viscount Younger of Leckie remove filter
question first answered
less than 2014-07-02T14:54:32.1355358Zmore like thisremove minimum value filter
answering member
4169
label Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie more like this
tabling member
4282
label Biography information for Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth more like this