The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (PHA) makes it a criminal offence for someone to pursue a course of conduct which amounts to harassment (section 2) or causes someone to fear that violence will be used against them (section 4).<\/p>
<\/p>
The PHA was amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to insert two specific offences of stalking - sections 2A (stalking) and 4A (stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress).<\/p>
<\/p>
The average custodial sentence for people found guilty of harassment and stalking in between 2009 and 2013 can be viewed in the table.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/194", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Hughes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bermondsey and Old Southwark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Simon Hughes"} , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100241/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "PQ 211252 ( table).xls"} , "title" : "harassment and stalking - custodial sentences"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-24T13:50:43.3807695Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Harassment: Sentencing"} , "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 the average custodial sentence was for people found guilty of (a) stalking and (b) harassment in 2012-13.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4035", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Steve Rotheram"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Liverpool, Walton"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Steve Rotheram"} ], "uin" : "211252"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100249", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Justice"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100249/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is committed to making sure that the Information Commissioner has sufficient resource to carry out its statutory duties.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Ministry of Justice works closely with the Information Commissioner\u2019s Office (ICO) to keep its enforcement powers under review.<\/p>
<\/p>
Further information about the ICO\u2019s enforcement powers can be found on its website - www.ico.org.uk.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/194", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Simon Hughes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bermondsey and Old Southwark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Simon Hughes"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-24T13:44:23.3366216Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "54"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Justice"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Information Commissioner's Office: Powers"} , "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, if he will ensure that the Information Commissioner has sufficient powers to enforce his rulings.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1552", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Alison Seabeck"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Plymouth, Moor View"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Alison Seabeck"} ], "uin" : "211203"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100250", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Northern Ireland Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100250/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
My discussions about the establishment of a Panel on Parading in the Twaddell/Ardoyne area of North Belfast are ongoing. I have recently written to the Executive parties seeking their thoughts on possible panel membership and am awaiting responses.<\/p>
I would urge political parties and others with an involvement in the dispute to engage constructively with this process.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1500", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Theresa Villiers"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chipping Barnet"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mrs Theresa Villiers"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-27T16:15:12.4276281Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "21"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Northern Ireland"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Parades"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what progress has been made on the new Parading Panel; and when this panel will begin work.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1597", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for David Simpson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Upper Bann"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "David Simpson"} ], "uin" : "211220"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100255", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100255/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Since 2009 to the present date, the number of unpaid notices issued to foreign commercial vehicle drivers by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is 417.<\/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" : "2014-10-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-27T14:09:27.4215223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Fines"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many fines on foreign lorry drivers are unpaid.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3977", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Heaton-Harris"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Daventry"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Chris Heaton-Harris"} ], "uin" : "211225"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100256", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100256/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is not undertaking a sale of High Speed 1(HS1) network. The HS1 network is operated on a concession from Government and remains the property of the Secretary of State. Given that there is no sale occurring there is no impact on the current level of services to Ashford or intermediate stations.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3974", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Claire Perry"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Devizes"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Claire Perry"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-24T10:38:39.811214Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "High Speed 1 Line"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to protect High Speed 1 services to Ashford and other intermediate stations after the sale of the Government's shareholding; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/76", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Damian Green"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ashford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Damian Green"} ], "uin" : "211207"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100257", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100257/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The review of the Government Car Service is part of the Government\u2019s "Ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) readiness project", through which central department fleets are being reviewed to see where ULEVs could be run cost effectively, and funding provided to introduce ULEVs into these fleets. We expect to announce the results of this project, including how many vehicles will be introduced into each fleet, following completion of all reviews.<\/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" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-24T12:42:00.5149472Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Official Cars"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when his Department's review of the Government Car Service will be published.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4046", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Bridget Phillipson"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Houghton and Sunderland South"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Bridget Phillipson"} ], "uin" : "211251"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100258", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100258/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government has published an Impact Assessment detailing the estimated cost of roads reform and transforming the Highways Agency into a Strategic Highways Company. We have estimated these costs as a one off transitional cost of £11 million (the cost of necessary reform to Department for Transport, Highways Agency, the monitor and watchdog) alongside average annual costs of £10 million going forward; this will generate an estimated annual benefit of £380 million.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/350", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir John Hayes"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Holland and The Deepings"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr John Hayes"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-24T10:42:02.6812339Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Highways Agency"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the total of each cost heading for transfer of the Highways Agency to a government-owned company.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/301", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Richard Burden"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Northfield"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Richard Burden"} ], "uin" : "211246"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100260", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100260/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
At the Department for Transport\u2019s most recent \u2018Bus Partnership Forum\u2019 on 16th<\/sup> July, my Noble Friend, the Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Kramer, encouraged representatives from the bus industry to invest in these systems, where possible.<\/p> <\/p> The cost of installing and maintaining existing audio and/or visual announcement technology on buses can place a financial burden on local bus operators.<\/p> With this in mind, my Noble Friend has launched a new schools technology competition, which will seek innovative and cost-effective solutions on how to provide passengers with accessible information during their journey.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/350", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir John Hayes"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Holland and The Deepings"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr John Hayes"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-10-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-10-24T10:55:51.7825212Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-10-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bus Services: Disability"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps he has taken to encourage bus operators to install audio visual announcement systems.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4105", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Justin Tomlinson"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Swindon"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Justin Tomlinson"}
], "uin" : "211279"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100263", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Work and Pensions"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/100263/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The information requested is shown in the table below.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants in the Motherwell and Wishaw parliamentary Constituency, with a duration of 1 year or more: As at February 2014:<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p><\/td> Total<\/p><\/td><\/tr> Motherwell and Wishaw<\/p><\/td> 3,030<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Source: DWP, 100% Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Notes:<\/p> <\/p>