The Government is committed to seizing the opportunities arising from exiting the European Union, and to ensuring that we exit smoothly on the best possible terms. The terms 'hard' and 'soft' are commonly used outside the Civil Service and within discussions around EU exit.<\/p>
<\/p>
The role of the Civil Service is to provide impartial advice and to deliver Government policy, and is focused on delivering this Government\u2019s commitment to leave the EU and get the very best deal for the United Kingdom.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4545", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord O'Shaughnessy"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord O'Shaughnessy"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-07-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-07-17T11:52:06.347Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "17"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Health"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Health"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-07-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "Her Majesty's Government whether civil servants in the Department of Health are permitted to use the term \u201chard Brexit\u201d in official briefing papers.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL421"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/747969", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/747969/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is aware of the recent media allegations of misconduct by an apparent whistle-blower, but consider it premature to refer the matter to the National Crime Agency. As the NCA would likely investigate only if these allegations have not been examined by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, the Government will need to await publication of the Tribunal\u2019s full, reasoned decision before deciding whether it is appropriate to refer the matter to the NCA.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4311", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Williams of Trafford"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Williams of Trafford"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-07-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-07-18T16:24:39.383Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-07-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "Her Majesty's Government, in the light of (1) the clearing of Leigh Day and three of its solicitors of all allegations of professional misconduct, and (2) reports of further allegations by a whistle-blower against that firm, concerning claims by Iraqi civilians of abuse by British troops, whether they intend to refer that firm to the National Crime Agency for investigation of any possible criminal conduct.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL423"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/718250", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/718250/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
There are no plans to initiate a public inquiry at this time.<\/p>
<\/p>
We have been open about the difference between real world and laboratory testing for diesel cars. Our modelling takes into account the gap between laboratory testing and real world emissions. The UK government is committed to taking action on emissions testing. We see real world testing as the ultimate solution and a vital step in tackling air pollution. The vote to introduce real driving emissions in 2017 is an important milestone but we will continue to press for a comprehensive approach to emissions testing to restore consumer confidence and deliver our wider air quality and climate objectives.<\/p>
<\/p>
Last year, the Government published the conclusions to its Vehicle Emissions Testing Programme, which provided a valuable insight into diesel car emissions on our roads. In addition, an assessment of the scale of the air quality problem and its sources within specific regions across the UK was set out in the Government\u2019s 2015 national air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide and accompanying zone plans.<\/p>
<\/p>
In light of both updated information on real world emissions from diesel vehicles and the High Court judgement last year, we are developing a revised air quality plan for consultation.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-04-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-04-24T11:49:42.51Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-04-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Diesel Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether they will initiate a public inquiry into the information available to HM Government between 1997 and 2005 on the dangers of diesel engines.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6749"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/717839", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/717839/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
NATO publishes defence investment statistics on the expenditure of Allies, with the most recent figures published in March 2017. These figures are available at:<\/p>
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49198.htm.<\/p>
The attached table contains defence spending by NATO Allies in US dollars at current and 2010 exchange rates. NATO determines the definitions for categorising defence spending. All NATO members are assessed using the same guidelines so that NATO Allies' defence spending can be compared accurately.<\/p>
Neither NATO, nor the UK, produces analysis on potential defence spending by Allies.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/2000", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Earl Howe"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Earl Howe"} , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/717839/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "20170407 - NATO Defence Spending Table in USD.docx"} , "title" : "NATO Defence Spending in US Dollars"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-04-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-04-19T15:05:06.057Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-04-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defence: Expenditure"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what is their estimate, in pounds sterling, of the difference between (1) the amount spent by each NATO member state which has failed to spend two per cent of GDP on defence, and (2) the amount which would be spent if that target had been reached, for the last year for which GDP figures are available for each member state.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6648"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/717842", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/717842/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government does not routinely comment on individual cases.<\/p>
However the Government has made its position on the withdrawal of passports on public interest grounds clear. In a Written Ministerial Statement on 25 April 2013 (Hansard Column 69WS) the Secretary of State for the Home Department set out the terms under which the Royal Prerogative will be exercised to refuse or withdraw passports under the public interest criteria. All such cases are assessed on their merits and consider the rights of the individual balanced against the public interest criteria.<\/p>
The Government may also deprive individuals of their British citizenship if it is conducive to the public good to do so. As a consequence of this their access to passport facilities is also withdrawn.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4311", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Williams of Trafford"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Williams of Trafford"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-04-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-04-18T15:52:18.077Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-04-04", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Terrorism: British Nationals Abroad"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government, following the withdrawal of the passport of Sufiyan Mustapha Hamza, whether they will withdraw passports from all other British jihadis currently in Iraq and Syria and fighting with ISIL or other terrorist forces.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6651"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710403", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Transport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710403/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The EU drivers\u2019 hours regulations allow HGV drivers to take a daily rest or a reduced weekly rest in their vehicle, provided the vehicle is stationary and is fitted with suitable sleeping facilities. However, the regulations do not allow a regular weekly rest period of 45 hours to be taken in the vehicle. Subject to stakeholder views, the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency will be enforcing this through a £300 fixed penalty notice/financial penalty deposit.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4210", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-24T11:14:47.817Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "27"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Transport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Road Traffic Offences"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government, in the light of EU regulations requiring HGV drivers to have a 45 hour break every week, what plans they have to introduce criminal penalties for lorry drivers who sleep in their cabs during breaks.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6007"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710404", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710404/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Under the exceptional leadership of Simon Elliott and the excellent teaching of his staff, Forest Gate Community School has been transformed from a poorly performing school to an outstanding one. The academies programme is predicated upon using our best leaders to support other schools to improve.<\/p>
I am delighted that the school has established a multi-academy trust and is approved to sponsor other schools in the region. Discussions are underway with the Regional Schools Commissioner for the East of England and North East London to identify the schools that would benefit most from Simon Elliot\u2019s leadership and the methods adopted at Forest Gate School.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4270", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Nash"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Nash"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-20T17:23:31.527Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Schools: Standards"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government, in the light of the final report by the outgoing Head of Ofsted which singled out the exemplary leadership of Simon Elliott, headmaster of Forest Gate Community School, what lessons they have learned from the methods adopted at that school; and whether they plan to use this as a model for other schools.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6008"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710405", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710405/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We do not have any plans to legislate to confer the full powers of police constables on private security guards working in retail premises. However, we recognise the valuable role that the private security industry and others, such as locally employed business wardens, can have in helping to prevent and deter shoplifting.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4311", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Williams of Trafford"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Williams of Trafford"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-20T15:59:26.543Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Shoplifting"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government, in the light of reports that some police forces will not send an officer to investigate in cases of shoplifting of goods worth less than £100, whether they intend to legislate to confer the full powers of a police constable on private security guards in retail premises.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6009"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710406", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710406/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government recognises the impact that all forms of retail crime, including shoplifting has on its victims. We encourage all retailers to continue to report these crimes to the police.<\/p>
<\/p>
We are working closely with the police and the retail sector through the National Retail Crime Steering Group to understand better the crime issues that affect the sector and how we can best work together to prevent and respond to these crimes.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4311", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Williams of Trafford"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Williams of Trafford"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-20T16:00:03.33Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Shoplifting"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government what support they will give to shopkeepers from whom goods worth less than £100 are stolen, in cases where direct police support is not provided.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6010"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710407", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/710407/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The NCA is accountable to the Home Secretary and through the Home Secretary, to Parliament, but it is operationally independent. The Home Secretary sets the NCA\u2019s strategic priorities and holds the Director General to account for the discharge of NCA functions. Within that framework, the Director General sets the NCA\u2019s operational priorities.<\/p>
The DG NCA has the power and responsibility to direct the NCA, including deciding which operations the NCA should run against which organised crime groups and threats and how those operations should be conducted.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4311", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Williams of Trafford"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Williams of Trafford"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2017-03-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2017-03-27T16:24:46.223Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2017-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Fly-tipping"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty\u2019s Government whether they will ask the National Crime Agency to investigate large-scale fly tipping gangs.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/497", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Blencathra"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Blencathra"} ], "uin" : "HL6011"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "https://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?tablingMember.label=Biography+information+for+Lord+Blencathra&_page=1&version=1&max-questionFirstAnswered.=2017-07-19T10%3A55%3A51.35Z", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 284, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }