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1691740

registered interest
date	26/02/2024
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Productivity and Sick Leave: Air Pollution
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to tackle (a) workforce sickness and (b) reduced productivity due to air pollution.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	15542
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/02/2024 answer text <p>The Joint DWP and DHSC Work &amp; Health Directorate was set up in 2015 in recognition of the significant link between work and health and to reflect the shared agenda of boosting employment opportunities for disabled people and people with health conditions. This not only benefits people’s health and wealth, but also the UK economy through increased productivity and reduced economic inactivity.</p><p> </p><p>The Government therefore has an ambitious programme of initiatives to support disabled people and people with health conditions, including conditions linked to air pollution, to start, stay and succeed in work. These include: the Work and Health Programme; Access to Work grants; Disability Confident; a digital information service for employers; Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres; and Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care.</p><p> </p><p>Building on existing provision and the £2 billion investment announced at the Spring Budget, we announced a new package of support in Autumn Statement 2023 to: double the number of places on the Universal Support employment programme; launch WorkWell in approximately 15 pilot areas; and explore new ways of providing individuals receiving a fit note with timely access to support, alongside a newly established occupational health taskforce.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) was established as a joint venture between Defra and<strong> </strong>the DfT to deliver the Government’s NO<sub>2</sub> reduction strategies and they have provided this Department with the following information.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is compliant with all its current domestic and international emission reduction commitments. This includes emissions of ammonia (with the inclusion of an approved adjustment), non-methane volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter (PM<em>2.5</em>) and sulphur dioxide.</p><p> </p><p>However, the Government recognises there is more to do to protect people and the environment from the effects of air pollution, which is why we are taking the significant and wide-ranging action to drive improvements to air quality as set out in our Environmental Improvement Plan 2023.</p><p> </p><p>This action is supported by the Environment Act 2021, through which we set two ambitious new targets for PM<em>2.5</em>, the pollutant most damaging to human health. Our innovative dual-target approach will improve public health by tackling areas where concentrations are highest as well as driving action to reduce exposure for all, maximising public health benefit.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 29/02/2024 11:07:50 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1583355

registered interest
date	02/02/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Labelling: Packaging
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to include (a) endocrine disruptors, (b) persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances, (c) very persistent, very mobile (vPvM) substances, (d) persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances and (e) very persistent, very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances within regulations on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	138258
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2023 answer text <p>The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has lead responsibility across Government for classification and labelling of chemicals, including the implementation of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (UN GHS) into domestic chemicals regulation. In Great Britain (GB), this is the GB Classification Labelling and Packaging Regulation (known as the GB CLP Regulation).</p><p> </p><p>At the December meeting of the UN GHS, the formulation of a new informal working group ‘potential hazard issues’ was agreed. This group will consider the most appropriate way to take forward the EU’s proposed new ‘hazard classes’ on endocrine disruptors (EDCs), persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) and very persistent, very mobile substances (vPvM) and persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and very persistent, very bioaccumulative substances (vPvB) at the UN GHS level. It is likely this work will take several years to resolve and will need to involve scientific experts from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to ensure the most relevant and up-to-date science is considered in the development of any criteria for classification at the UN GHS.</p><p> </p><p>The UK attended the inaugural meeting of this working group and will continue to be involved, working cooperatively with other delegations in GHS to move towards a consensus position. In order to respond appropriately and engage fully within this working group, HSE will consult with a range of policy and technical experts, from both within HSE and a number of other UK government departments and agencies, to assist in the development of UK views on the issues as they are raised at the UN GHS forum. There are no plans to establish additional hazard classes in the GB CLP Regulation without consensus at the UN GHS.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies grouped question UIN 138259 question first answered 07/02/2023 13:23:58 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1583356

registered interest
date	02/02/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Labelling: Packaging
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what position the Government is taking in the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals on EU proposals for new hazard classes for (a) endocrine disruptors, persistent, mobile and toxic and very persistent, very mobile substances and (b) persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic and very persistent, very bioaccumulative substances.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	138259
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2023 answer text <p>The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has lead responsibility across Government for classification and labelling of chemicals, including the implementation of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (UN GHS) into domestic chemicals regulation. In Great Britain (GB), this is the GB Classification Labelling and Packaging Regulation (known as the GB CLP Regulation).</p><p> </p><p>At the December meeting of the UN GHS, the formulation of a new informal working group ‘potential hazard issues’ was agreed. This group will consider the most appropriate way to take forward the EU’s proposed new ‘hazard classes’ on endocrine disruptors (EDCs), persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) and very persistent, very mobile substances (vPvM) and persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and very persistent, very bioaccumulative substances (vPvB) at the UN GHS level. It is likely this work will take several years to resolve and will need to involve scientific experts from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to ensure the most relevant and up-to-date science is considered in the development of any criteria for classification at the UN GHS.</p><p> </p><p>The UK attended the inaugural meeting of this working group and will continue to be involved, working cooperatively with other delegations in GHS to move towards a consensus position. In order to respond appropriately and engage fully within this working group, HSE will consult with a range of policy and technical experts, from both within HSE and a number of other UK government departments and agencies, to assist in the development of UK views on the issues as they are raised at the UN GHS forum. There are no plans to establish additional hazard classes in the GB CLP Regulation without consensus at the UN GHS.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies grouped question UIN 138258 question first answered 07/02/2023 13:23:58 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1581536

registered interest
date	27/01/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Fuels: Safety
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the representatives of the fuel industry on the potential merits of awareness campaigns on the dangers of (a) carbon monoxide poisoning and (b) other fuel related dangers.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	133930
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/02/2023 answer text <p>Gas safety and, more broadly, carbon monoxide (CO) awareness is a cross government issue. Whilst the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) holds the government lead on domestic gas safety, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for public health; including to advise and raise public awareness of CO. HSE, UKHSA and others contribute to the work of the Cross-Government Group on Gas Safety and Carbon Monoxide, which publishes an Annual Report.</p><p> </p><p>The Gas Safe Register (GSR) run the approved registration scheme for gas engineers on behalf of HSE and, as part of their remit, have responsibility for raising awareness of gas safety and the risks of CO exposure. GSR publish a range of gas safety information and guidance on their website, and regularly run media campaigns to promote key gas safety messages to the general public. This includes promoting and delivering the annual national safety campaign “Gas Safety Week” which has wide ranging coverage.</p><p> </p><p>Further information for gas consumers and landlords relating to domestic gas health and safety is also published on HSE’s website.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies grouped question UIN 133933 question first answered 01/02/2023 11:51:05 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1581537

registered interest
date	27/01/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Consumer Goods: Carbon Monoxide
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with representatives of the gas industry on training for operatives to reconnect, relight and test gas appliances for carbon monoxide.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	133931
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/02/2023 answer text <p>Regulating the safety of gas work is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Standards of training in gas work are overseen by the Gas Safe Register as the Standard Setting Body, and EU Skills who facilitate the Strategic Management Board (SMB). The SMB is deemed to be the scheme owner for the nationally Accredited Certification Scheme for individual gas fitting operatives training in gas work. HSE have a standing invitation to attend all SMB meetings as an observer.</p><p> </p><p>As part of a core training module, all Gas Safe registered engineers are given an awareness of carbon monoxide risks and are trained to carry out the safety checks required by law after work has been carried out. Testing of gas appliances for carbon monoxide is covered in an optional module and businesses should ensure engineers are trained and assessed in this module if they are to carry out such work.</p><p> </p><p>HSE is also a panel member on the industry-led approving committee of metering / ESP Natural Gas Training specification.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 01/02/2023 11:44:20 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1581539

registered interest
date	27/01/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Domestic Appliances: Poisons
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the fuel industry on publishing research into toxins from the products of combustion from broken appliances.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	133933
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/02/2023 answer text <p>Gas safety and, more broadly, carbon monoxide (CO) awareness is a cross government issue. Whilst the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) holds the government lead on domestic gas safety, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for public health; including to advise and raise public awareness of CO. HSE, UKHSA and others contribute to the work of the Cross-Government Group on Gas Safety and Carbon Monoxide, which publishes an Annual Report.</p><p> </p><p>The Gas Safe Register (GSR) run the approved registration scheme for gas engineers on behalf of HSE and, as part of their remit, have responsibility for raising awareness of gas safety and the risks of CO exposure. GSR publish a range of gas safety information and guidance on their website, and regularly run media campaigns to promote key gas safety messages to the general public. This includes promoting and delivering the annual national safety campaign “Gas Safety Week” which has wide ranging coverage.</p><p> </p><p>Further information for gas consumers and landlords relating to domestic gas health and safety is also published on HSE’s website.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies grouped question UIN 133930 question first answered 01/02/2023 11:51:05 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1581540

registered interest
date	27/01/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Poisons: Testing
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential merits of automatic tests for (a) carbon monoxide and (b) other toxins for people who have died of unexplained causes.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	133934
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2023 answer text <p>The Department for Work and Pensions has not held any discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on automatic tests as gas safety and, more broadly, carbon monoxide (CO) awareness is a cross government issue.</p><p> </p><p>There is a Cross-Government Group on Gas Safety and Carbon Monoxide, which has members from several government departments such as the UK Health Security Agency, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Health and Safety Executive. The Group ensures a joined-up approach to reduce carbon monoxide poisoning and improve gas safety, whilst maintaining an overview of incidents and trends, and publishing an Annual Report to explain the collective work of government.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 06/02/2023 17:37:17 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1581543

registered interest
date	27/01/2023
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Natural Gas: Safety
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will amend legislation on gas safety checks undertaken by landlords to ensure that the person making the check must either (a) undertake a service according to manufacturer’s instructions or (b) follow the procedures in part four of BS7967 to use Flue Gas Analysers meeting EN50379 to measure the combustion gases for (i) parts per million of CO and (ii) the ratio of CO to CO2 and keep a record of those measurements.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	133936
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/02/2023 answer text <p>The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR), which include landlord gas safety duties.</p><p> </p><p>There are no plans to amend the legislation because, under Regulation 36(2) of GSIUR, landlords are already required to ensure that relevant fittings and flues are maintained in a safe condition. The Approved Code of Practice states effective maintenance of appliances usually involves an ongoing programme of regular/periodic inspections together with necessary remedial work. In the absence of specific manufacturers’ instructions, it explains what minimum effective maintenance should include.</p><p> </p><p>The Regulations also require landlord gas safety checks to include examinations of a gas appliance, including its operation so as to ensure its safe functioning. This can be achieved in a number of ways including by use of a flue gas analyser. The Landlord Gas Safety Record should include confirmation that the checks undertaken comply with these requirements.</p><p> </p><p>Prescribing the use of flue gas analysers could have an unintended consequence of narrowing the scope of the checks as they cannot be used on all types of appliances.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 01/02/2023 16:31:22 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1543028

registered interest
date	16/11/2022
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Employment: Speech and Language Disorders
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to his Department's press release entitled £7.6 million to help 2,000 adults with autism into work, published on 18 August 2022, whether he plans to increase funding to help support adults with developmental language disorder into work.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	88777
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/11/2022 answer text <p>The press release refers to our new Local Supported Employment (LSE) service, which aims to help people with learning difficulties and/or autism find and retain work. We are working with 29 local authorities across England and Wales to deliver LSE up until March 2025. Adults with developmental language disorder (DLD) living in those local authority areas will be able to benefit.</p><p> </p><p>There are also other DWP services that can assist adults with DLD. Additional Work Coach support for health journey claimants is a new Work Coach led support offer, which aims to help more disabled people and claimants with a health condition into, and towards, work. This trial of additional Work Coach support is initially available across a third of Jobcentres in England, Scotland and Wales, with plans for the support to be rolled out wider from 2023.</p><p> </p><p>Our Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) role delivers direct support to claimants who require additional work-related support and advice above our core Work Coach offer. DEAs continue to support all Work Coaches to deliver tailored, personalised support to all claimants with a disability or health condition.</p><p> </p><p>Access to Work is a demand-led discretionary grant scheme that provides funding for the extra disability-related costs people have when starting work or maintaining employment, which go beyond the employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments. It can also support disabled people on an apprenticeship, traineeship, or Supported Internship.</p><p> </p><p>People in particular disadvantaged groups continue to benefit from support through the increased Flexible Support Fund and priority early access to the Work and Health Programme. Intensive Personalised Employment Support provision provides highly personalised packages of employment support for disabled people who want to work but have complex needs or barriers and require specialist support to achieve sustained employment.</p><p> </p><p>We are working with employers to encourage them to become Disability Confident. The Disability Confident scheme encourages employers to think differently about disability and health and to take positive action to address the issues disabled employees face in the workplace.</p> answering member constituency Corby answering member printed Tom Pursglove question first answered 21/11/2022 13:58:12 answering member 4369 label Biography information for Tom Pursglove
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies

1471745

registered interest
date	20/06/2022
answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
answering dept id	29
answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
hansard heading	Long Term Unemployed People
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the prevalence of speech, language and communication needs among the long-term unemployed in the latest period for which figures are available.
tabling member constituency	Swansea West
tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
uin	21075
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/06/2022 answer text <p>I refer the honourable Member to the answer given to <a href="https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-06-09/15249" target="_blank">PQ15249</a>.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 23/06/2022 09:48:27 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies