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101557

registered interest
date	29/10/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Iranian authorities on the imprisonment of Maryam Naghash Zargaran.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212410
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>We are aware of the imprisonment in Iran of Maryam Naghash Zargaran. We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian Government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and to end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:53:35 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101604

registered interest
date	29/10/2014
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 Schemes: Disability
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he expects to inform residential training colleges for disabled people whether their funding will be extended beyond August 2015.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212413
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p /> <p>It is a priority for me to ensure that as many disabled people as possible are helped towards employment through the Department’s various employment programmes.</p><p> </p><p>As mentioned in the “Disability and Health Employment Strategy: the discussions so far”, I understand the importance of a specialist support offer for disabled people, and I want to continue to improve this offer by considering a wide range of ideas and initiatives.</p><p> </p><p>My officials are currently undertaking a detailed analysis of how best to support disabled customers, and the role that Residential Training Colleges should play in this support. I cannot yet confirm when I will be able to inform residential training colleges of the outcome of this work, which will take account of the broader Disability Health and Employment Strategy and of the Department’s other employment programmes including Work Programme and Work Choice. As part of the process, officials will undertake an equality analysis so that I fully understand the impact of any future proposals before I make my final decision.</p> answering member constituency Forest of Dean answering member printed Mr Mark Harper question first answered 03/11/2014 17:46:00 answering member 1520 label Biography information for Mr Mark Harper
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101123

registered interest
date	27/10/2014
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Sugar
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the prospects of the Government seeking a more advantageous arrangement for cane sugar refiners in its negotiations with the EU.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212112
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>During negotiations of the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy last year, which led to the agreement to end sugar beet production quotas in 2017, the UK pushed for the full liberalisation of the sugar regime in order to allow the sugar cane refiners to compete with the beet producers on an equal footing.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Disappointingly, there was insufficient support from other Member States to secure the necessary changes as part of that exercise. However, we remain committed to working with the European Commission to address this issue through forthcoming EU trade agreements.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Camborne and Redruth answering member printed George Eustice question first answered 30/10/2014 15:37:24 answering member 3934 label Biography information for George Eustice
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101124

registered interest
date	27/10/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Iranian government about the persecution of Christians, Bahá'ís and other religious minorities in that country.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212108
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK welcomed President Rouhani’s comments in 2013 that all Iranians, including religious minorities, should “feel justice.” Unfortunately, there has been little noticeable change in the approach taken by Iran’s security and judicial authorities.</p><p><br>The Iranian Constitution recognises only three religious faiths other than Islam: Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianiam. Christians nevertheless continue to face discrimination; Evangelical Christians, Iranian converts to Christianity and those involved in house churches have been particularly affected. Other minority religious groups have faced similar treatment, and the Baha’i faith – which is unrecognised in Iran - has been particularly discriminated against.</p><p><br>The UK has repeatedly called on the Iranian government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We will continue to use our bilateral relationship to urge Iran to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:37:53 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101125

registered interest
date	27/10/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Iranian government about the case of the imprisoned Christian pastor, Farshid Fathi.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212109
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:38:45 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101126

registered interest
date	27/10/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran under the Rouhani administration; and what the implications of that assessment are for developing bilateral relations between the UK and Iran.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212110
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK welcomed President Rouhani’s comments in 2013 that all Iranians, including religious minorities, should “feel justice.” Unfortunately, there has been little noticeable change in the approach taken by Iran’s security and judicial authorities. The Iranian Constitution recognises only three religious faiths other than Islam: Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianiam. Christians nevertheless continue to face discrimination; Evangelical Christians, Iranian converts to Christianity and those involved in house churches have been particularly affected. Other minority religious groups have faced similar treatment, and the Baha’i faith – which is unrecognised in Iran - has been particularly discriminated against. The UK has repeatedly called on the Iranian government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We will continue to use our bilateral relationship to urge Iran to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:45:10 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101127

registered interest
date	27/10/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what priority the Government gives to the human rights situation in Iran as a factor in the development of bilateral relations with that country and in the potential re-opening of embassies in Tehran and London; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	212111
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text We remain deeply concerned by the dire human rights situation in Iran. Iran is one of the UK Government's "Countries of Concern" on human rights and thus subject to enhanced monitoring and reporting on human rights developments. We hope that President Rouhani will act on the pledges he has made to implement social reforms and improve the rights of all citizens in Iran. But responsibility for human rights in Iran does not fall under the direct authority of the President. Genuine progress, while essential, will be difficult to achieve. Improving our bilateral relationship with Iran is in the interests of both countries. It does not mean we suddenly agree on everything; on the contrary, we will continue to have sharp disagreements with Iran, particularly over human rights. But a functioning relationship, including with embassies reopened, will better equip us to respond to those challenges. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:47:12 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

100918

registered interest
date	24/10/2014
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	Social Security Benefits
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2014 to Question 210464, what metrics are used to track and manage timeliness of payments within the benefits system.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	211860
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>The Department uses a broad range of Management Information to monitor processing of benefit claims including, for example, the percentage of claims processed within defined timescales and the average time for claims to be processed, with different metrics being used for different benefits. Further information on activities to manage timeliness of payments, and some examples of the metrics used for specific benefits, is available via the Departmental Improvement Plan and the Annual Report and Accounts, both of which are publicly accessible via the gov.uk website.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>DIP <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-departmental-improvement-plan-2014" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-departmental-improvement-plan-2014</a></p><p> </p><p>Accounts <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/323953/dwp-annual-report-accounts-2013-2014.PDF" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/323953/dwp-annual-report-accounts-2013-2014.PDF</a></p><p> </p> answering member constituency Wirral West answering member printed Esther McVey question first answered 29/10/2014 16:22:00 answering member 4084 label Biography information for Esther McVey
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

100919

registered interest
date	24/10/2014
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	Universal Credit
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 make an assessment of the potential merits of universal credit access to childcare accounts equivalent to those proposed in the Childcare Payments Bill for claimants of tax-free childcare.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	211857
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p /> <p>Universal credit prepares claimants for the world of work in which around 75% of employees are paid monthly and in arrears. Monthly payment of benefit, which includes support for childcare costs that have been paid out, makes for more straightforward reporting and helps households to budget on a monthly income, which eases the transition into paid work.</p><p> </p><p>Moving to a system of ‘childcare accounts’ which ring-fences childcare costs would complicate the system for these claimants. It would add complexity to the Universal Credit system, which is being rolled out in a safe and controlled manner and could potentially increase the administration costs of running two systems in parallel.</p><p> </p><p>We have worked with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to support claimants that may wish to switch between Universal Credit and Tax Free Childcare. It will be easy for parents to register and open a childcare account online for Tax Free Childcare, and those who wish to move back to Universal Credit may do so without having to report the change to HMRC. Both systems are designed to be simple, responsive and flexible.</p><p> </p><p>We recognise the importance of providing information and support to help parents make an informed choice about which scheme to access. Alongside wider guidance and information, we will provide support and online tools for parents choosing between Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare.</p> answering member constituency Thornbury and Yate answering member printed Steve Webb question first answered 29/10/2014 14:39:47 answering member 220 label Biography information for Steve Webb
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

100920

registered interest
date	24/10/2014
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: Older Workers
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the Mid-life Career Review Project.
tabling member constituency	East Ham
tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
uin	211858
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p /> <p>I welcome the findings of the Mid-life Career Review. As identified in our publication “Fuller Working Lives – A Framework For Action”, re-skilling is an essential component in ensuring that people can work, earn and save for as long as they wish. A number of lessons learned from the pilot have already been integrated into existing career and skills provider practice, and the Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will continue to work with the National Careers Service and the wider network of advisers in the community, and with business, on ways to meet career review needs.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Thornbury and Yate answering member printed Steve Webb question first answered 29/10/2014 14:51:16 answering member 220 label Biography information for Steve Webb
tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms