Questions Asked 10 January 2022
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: VaccinationHL5271To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the COVID-19 vaccination programme to all 5- to 11-year-olds.
Department for Education
UniversitiesHL5269To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to encourage universities to make face-to-face teaching compulsory.
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Professions: TrainingHL5268To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to either (1) reimburse tuition fees, or (2) clear current student debt, for all nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare students affected by the removal of the NHS bursary.
Department of Health and Social Care
Care Workers: VacanciesHL5270To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to establish an emergency volunteer army for social care in light of reports that (1) care homes, and (2) home care providers, are struggling to operate properly due to staff shortages.
Questions Asked 15 December 2021
Treasury
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme HL5033To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to reintroduce a limited version of the furlough scheme to (1) vulnerable households, and (2) small businesses.
Home Office
Police: Equality HL5032To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the recruitment of black police officers.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Manufacturing Industries: Coronavirus HL5035To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a Build Back Better fund to help the manufacturing sector recover after COVID-19.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Technology: Companies HL5034To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to require technology companies to implement mechanisms to deal with harmful anonymous accounts.
Questions Asked 14 December 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Sick Pay: Living Wage and Minimum Wage HL4977 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to raise the rate of statutory sick pay to equate to either the (1) national minimum, or (2) living, wage.
Department for International Trade
Trade Fairs: F
Questions Asked 8 December 2021
Treasury
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme HL4814 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to restart the furlough scheme in case more COVID-19 restrictions are implemented.
Department for Work and Pensions
Employment Schemes: Young PeopleHL4812 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support young people into jobs in (1) England, and (2) other European countries.
Ministry of Justice
Courts: CoronavirusTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide extra Nightingale court capacity in order to address the backlog of legal cases.
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Vaccination To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce compulsory COVID-19 vaccine certificates in order to help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.
Questions Asked 8 December 2021
Treasury
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme HL4814 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to restart the furlough scheme in case more COVID-19 restrictions are implemented.
Department for Work and Pensions
Employment Schemes: Young PeopleHL4812 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support young people into jobs in (1) England, and (2) other European countries.
Ministry of Justice
Courts: CoronavirusTo ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide extra Nightingale court capacity in order to address the backlog of legal cases.
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Vaccination To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce compulsory COVID-19 vaccine certificates in order to help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant.
Questions Asked 7 December 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Vaccination HL4771 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce new COVID-19 booster jabs every six to nine months to respond to new strains.
Department for Education
Students: Fees and Charges HL4774 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to require universities to provide partial refunds of tuition fees to students who are affected by the disruptions caused by industrial action.
Department for Work and Pensions
Workplace PensionsHL4772 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to encourage employers to calculate their gender pension contributions gap in order to compare this to their gender pay gap data.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Housing: Repairs and Maintenance HL4773 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide greater (1) powers, and (2) funding, to (a) local, and (b) city, authorities to enable homes to be retrofitted more quickly.
Questions Asked 6 December 2021
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Regional Planning and Development HL4747 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to set up a body to monitor the impact of government policy on regional inequalities.
Department for Work and Pensions
Workplace Pensions: FemalesHL4746 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to publish guidance directed at women on how to prepare for retirement in order to help reduce the pension gender pay gap.
Department for Education
Secondary Education: Teachers HL4748 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of secondary school teachers in England.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Pornography: Internet HL4749 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce age verification for commercial pornography websites.
Questions Asked 1 December 2021
Home Office
Meta: OfcomHL4622 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to give Ofcom emergency powers to investigate Facebook’s encrypted messaging plans before they are introduced.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: EqualityHL4625 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to require all football clubs to have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan to be assessed as part of the annual club licensing process.
Department of Health and Social Care
Travel: Coronavirus HL4624 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reintroduce pre-departure COVID-19 tests for those travelling to the UK.
Department of Health and Social Care
Care Workers: PayHL4623 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to boost care worker pay in the short term amid existing staff shortages due to COVID-19.
Questions Asked 30 November 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices HL4585 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to require employers to spend two-thirds of the funding for apprenticeships on under-25 year olds starting their careers.
Home Office
Visas: British National (Overseas)HL4584 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand the British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa scheme to people from Hong Kong who (1) are aged between 18 and 25, and (2) have a parent with BN(O) status.
Home Office
Asylum: FemalesHL4586 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that there is single sex housing for uncoupled women at all points during the asylum process.
Treasury
TaxationHL4587 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide additional specialised support to (1) contractors, and (2) self-employed taxpayers, who are facing large tax liabilities.
Questions Asked 29 November 2021
Treasury
Travel: Coronavirus HL4513 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to offer tailored support for travel businesses whose recovery will be affected by new COVID-19 restrictions.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Mortgages and Rents: Government AssistanceHL4514 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional support for those unable to pay their (1) rent, or (2) mortgage, due to COVID-19.
Ministry of Justice
Windrush Compensation SchemeHL4515 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enable those pursuing claims through the Windrush Compensation Scheme to receive legal aid.
Questions Asked 24 November 2021
Department for Education
Universities: Student WastageHL4409 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide more support for students at risk of dropping out of university.
Department for Education
Children: Day CareHL4410 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the 30 hours funded childcare policy.
Home Office
Windrush Compensation SchemeHL4412 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to withdraw the responsibility for the Windrush Compensation Scheme from the Home Office and give the responsibility to an independent body.
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services: Foreign NationalsHL4411 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Public Policy Research Towards True Universal Care: Reforming the NHS Charging System, published on 23 November; and what plans they have to set up an independent body to (1) receive complaints about the charging system, and (2) review decisions by providers.
Questions Asked 23 November 2021
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food: Sales HL4349 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a legal duty for large food businesses to provide annual data on their sales of High in Fat, Salt or Sugar (HFSS) products, to be collated and published by the Food Standards Agency.
Department for Education
Students: Grants HL4352 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a voucher subsidy scheme alongside maintenance grants to enable students to upgrade their devices if they are becoming outdated.
Treasury
Hospitality Industry and Tourism: VAT HL4351 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to freeze the current rate of VAT to (1) encourage investment, and (2) create jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Department of Health and Social Care
Food: Sales Promotions HL4350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce new regulations to limit the use of promotional techniques on unhealthy food and drink product packaging.
Questions Asked 22 November 2021
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Migration HL4317 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reinstate 0.7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product for Overseas Development Assistance to address migrant displacement.
Home Office
Refugees: ChildrenHL4314 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reinstate the scheme protecting unaccompanied refugee children to provide a safe route for unaccompanied migrant children.
Department of Health and Social Care
Care Homes: Visits HL4315 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to monitor how care home providers are enabling residents to receive visitors.
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: VaccinationHL4316 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce COVID-19 vaccine passports to help decrease transmission rates.
Questions Asked 17 November 2021
Department for Education
Broadband: Schools HL4116 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that 3,835 schools are in postcodes which do not have access to full-fibre broadband; and what steps they are taking to improve connectivity for schools.
Department for Education
Children: Nutrition HL4167 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the access to healthy food for primary school children.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing: Children HL4168 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the campaign by Contact for a decent home for every disabled child; and what plans they have (1) to build more (a) accessible, and (b) affordable, social housing, and (2) to give greater priority to families with disabled children needing housing.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Coronavirus: Vaccination HL4169 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide COVID-19 vaccines with a longer expiry date to poorer nations to ensure they can be used.
Questions Asked 16 November 2021
Cabinet Office
Northern Ireland Protocol: Customs HL4115 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to unilaterally stop checks on some goods sent across the Irish Sea as an alternative to triggering Article 16 to suspend the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Department for Education
Humanities: Degrees HL4112 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Higher Education Policy Institute report The Humanities in Modern Britain: Challenges and Opportunities, published on 23 September; and what plans they have to ensure that humanities degrees teach professionally valuable skills to boost (1) enrolments, and (2) the employment, prospects of humanities graduates.
Department for Education
Education: Reform HL4113 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to create an apolitical organisation to lead an independent consultation on reforming the education (1) curriculum, and (2) assessment, models.
Home Office
Police: Vetting HL4114 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent reports that 2,500 long-serving police officers and other police staff are working despite not having up-to-date vetting; and what steps they are taking to ensure that all serving police officers have been vetted.
Questions Asked 15 November 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Ambulance Services: Staff HL4052 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that staff working in ambulances who are not paramedics have to be (1) registered, or (2) regulated.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Businesses: Environment Protection HL4053 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide help for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises to become more environmentally sustainable.
Home Office
Asylum: France HL4054 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to work with the government of France to provide safe access to asylum procedures on both sides of the English Channel.
Questions Asked 10 November 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Health: DisadvantagedHL3970 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to implement a health inequalities strategy that targets deprivation and focuses on the impact on (1) physical, and (2) mental, ill-health.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: JournalismHL3973 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce guidelines for social media companies on what counts as journalism in the Online Safety Bill.
Treasury
Electric Vehicles: VATHL3973 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to cut VAT on the lowest cost electric vehicles.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Housing: ConstructionHL3971 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Building Britain Back Commission Levelling up and the Housing Challenge, published on 5 November; and what plans they have to implement a new national housing strategy that transitions from being based on historic growth to a new levelling up model of need.
Questions Asked 9 November 2021
Department for Transport
RailwaysHL3915 To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will publish their integrated rail plan.
Treasury
Small Businesses: CompensationHL3914 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of (1) resolved, and (2) settled, cases under the small business compensation scheme.
Treasury
Cryptocurrencies and Financial Services: RegulationHL3913To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create a new regulatory framework for (1) crypto-asset regulation, and (2) open finance.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Sewage: Waste DisposalHL3912To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to stipulate a reduction in the volume of sewage that water companies can pump into waterways.
Questions Asked 8 November 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: CoronavirusHL3849 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce mandatory vaccines for all NHS England staff.
Department for Transport
Electric Vehicles: Rural AreasHL3847 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the number of electric car charging points in rural parts of England.
Department for Education
Arts: Secondary EducationHL3848 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that their £90 million support-funding pledge for the arts and creative development in secondary schools is met.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Iron and Steel: Carbon EmissionsHL3850 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a steel sector deal (1) to help UK producers compete internationally, and (2) to provide long-term, sustainable policy support for the steel industry to transition to a low-carbon future.
Questions Asked 4 November 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Help to Grow SchemesHL3739 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow participants in the Small Business Leadership Programme to participate in the Help to Grow Scheme.
Questions Asked 3 November 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Help to Grow SchemesHL3700 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand the Help to Grow scheme to allow businesses with fewer than five employees to participate.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: CoronavirusHL3701 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance they are providing to businesses about applications to the relief funds announced in March 2020.
Home Office
Refugees: AfghanistanHL3702 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide councils with £28 per person per day to support Afghan refugee families.
Questions Asked 2 November 2021
Department for Transport
Motorways: SafetyHL3656 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to stop any further rollout of smart motorways until five years of safety data is available and improvements can be independently evaluated.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
EvictionsHL3657 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to prohibit section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Help to Grow SchemesHL3658 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to change the eligibility of the Help to Grow scheme to permit charities to participate.
Department for Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: VaccinationHL3655 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that people living in rural areas are able to go to their nearest vaccination centre to receive their COVID-19 booster jab.
Questions Asked 1 November 2021
Department for Education
Personal, Social, Health and Economic EducationHL3597 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce compulsory teaching for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) once per week in schools.
Treasury
Employment Allowance: Small BusinessesHL3598 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the small business employment allowance to support smaller employers seeking to expand.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Livestock: Waste DisposalHL3596 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a support package for the farming and agriculture sector if a mass farm animal cull is required.
Home Office
Spiking: Alcoholic drinksHL3595 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to tackle drink spiking.
Questions Asked 27 October 2021
Department for Education
Sustainable Development: CurriculumHL3506 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to include a module on sustainability in every (1) apprenticeship, and (2) T Level course.
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: VaccinationHL3504 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide clearer messaging on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women.
Home Office
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts BillHL3505 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to remove the proposed restrictions on protests from the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Home Office
Missing Persons: Ethnic GroupsHL3507 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to conduct a public inquiry into how the police deal with reports of missing Black people.
Questions Asked 26 October 2021
Department for Education
Environment Protection and Sustainable Development: CurriculumHL3463 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce environmental sustainability across all National Curriculum and A-Level courses.
Department for Transport
Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: TrainingHL3462 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to extend, and (2) to reform, the Certificate of Professional Competence to encourage (a) experienced, and (b) retired, HGV drivers to return to work.
Treasury
National Insurance ContributionsHL3464 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking (1) to increase the employment allowance, and (2) to reform upfront costs, such as business rates.
Home Office
Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Vacancies HL3465 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to add HGV drivers to the shortage occupation list to make it easier for skilled workers to obtain visas.
Questions Asked 25 October 2021
Department for Education
Digital Technology: EducationHL3416 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make the teaching of digital skills mandatory.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social MediaHL3415 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to force social media platforms to stop amplifying hateful content via their algorithms.
Home Office
Migrant Workers: Care WorkersHL3417 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create new flexible immigration routes in order to allow more people to work in the social care sector helping people wth disabilities.
Questions Asked 20 October 2021
Department for Education
Special Educational Needs: ReviewsHL3258 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to accelerate, and (2) to publish, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Review.
Treasury
InvestmentHL3260 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to impose stronger investor protections where illiquid assets are held in funds.
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Racial DiscriminationHL3259 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to tackle racial inequalities in the mental health system.
Department of Health and Social Care
Protective Clothing HL3257 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make masks mandatory (1) on public transport, and (2) in public spaces, as both COVID-19 daily cases and deaths continue to rise.
Questions Asked 19 October 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: PrivacyHL3219 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to legislate (1) to limit the social media abuse of public figures, and (2) to end online anonymity.
Treasury
Energy: VATHL3221 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to cut VAT by five per cent on energy bills in the Autumn Budget.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Sleeping Rough: Government AssistanceHL3220 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide (1) support, and (2) services, to individuals before they have to sleep rough.
Department for Education
Adult Education: PublicityHL3222To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to launch a national awareness campaign regarding access to adult education courses.
Questions Asked 13 October 2021
Treasury
Taxation: Electronic GovernmentHL3187 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that software providers for businesses participating in the Making Tax Digital programme do not pursue unfair profit-seeking behaviour.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Housing: InsulationHL3188 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce an insulate homes scheme to help deliver their commitment to cutting carbon emissions.
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: VaccinationHL3186 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow 12–15 year olds to attend COVID-19 vaccination centres.
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: FinanceHL3189 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest in early intervention for psychosis.
Questions Asked 13 October 2021
Treasury
Hospitality Industry: VATHL3079 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the 12.5 per cent rate of VAT on hospitality until 2024 to help rebuild the nightlife sector.
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: FinanceHL3077 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to fund permanent surge capacity in the NHS to manage significant increases in demand.
Department for Transport
Electric Vehicles: Charging PointsHL3078 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to create a comprehensive UK-wide electric vehicle charging network by 2028.
Home Office
Police: MisconductHL3076 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to investigate the issue of transparency in police misconduct hearings during the public inquiry into issues raised by the murder of Sarah Everard.
Questions Asked 12 October 2021
Department for Transport
London UndergroundHL3041 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Mayor of London about restarting the Night Tube in London to help business recovery in the winter period.
Department for Education
Scholarships: Ethnic GroupsHL3042 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide funding for scholarships for those wanting to study subjects in which black students are under-represented.
Department for Education
Secondary Education: CoronavirusHL3043 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reintroduce COVID-19 safety measures in secondary schools in light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in younger people.
Department of Health and Social Care
Travel: CoronavirusHL3040 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide a date for when mandatory PCR tests for foreign travel will be stopped.
Questions Asked 11 October 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
FreightHL2972 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to resolve the short-term issues to UK goods supply chains.
Home Office
Migrants: FinanceHL2973 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to lift the No Recourse to Public Funds rule for one year to support migrants who were put in accommodation under the Everyone In scheme and are no longer eligible.
Department for Education
Teachers: EqualityHL2971 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage schools to boost diversity among teachers.
Department for Education
Schools: VentilationHL2970 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide funding to schools to improve ventilation systems.
Questions Asked 15 September 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Equal Pay: Ethnic GroupsHL2762 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure ethnicity pay gap reporting is mandatory for all large employers by 2023.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Air PollutionHL2763 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to grant new regulatory powers to councils to combat non-transport related pollution.
Cabinet Office
UK Trade with EU: Import ControlsHL2764 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide financial support for businesses whose checks and paperwork were delayed as a result of preparing for import control deadlines.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Libraries: Electronic EquipmentHL2765 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce loan schemes at libraries for electronic devices to encourage citizens to become more digitally capable.
Questions Asked 9 September 2021
Treasury
Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeHL2724 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the furlough scheme for industries affected by COVID-19.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Planning Permission: EqualityHL2725 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand the National Planning Policy Framework’s presumption in favour of sustainable development to include an aim of striving for racial equality in all planning processes.
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Professions: TrainingHL2723 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase investment in the medical workforce to fund (1) foundation programmes, and (2) specialty training places.
Department of Health and Social Care
Healthy Start SchemeHL2726 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand Healthy Start eligibility to all households earning £20,000 or less after benefits which include pregnant women or children under five.
Questions Asked 8 September 2021
Treasury
Insurance and Pension Funds: Capital InvestmentHL2674 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to change the regulation of insurer investment to encourage pension funds and insurers to back capital projects.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Football: Racial DiscriminationHL2675 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include racism in football as a priority in the Hate Crime Unit; and what resources they will provide to that Unit.
Treasury
MoneyHL2672 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to make the Financial Conduct Authority responsible for tracking whether businesses accept cash money across the economy.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Environment Protection: Job CreationHL2673 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand the green recovery programmes for rapid job creation; and how they intend to scale investment in line with G7 peers.
Questions Asked 8 September 2021
Department for Education
Free School MealsHL2520 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand Free School Meal eligibility (1) to all children aged seven to 18 in households earning £20,000 per annum or less after benefits, and (2) to children that are undocumented or living in households as part of the no recourse to public funds immigration system.
Department for Education
Special Educational NeedsHL2559 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide more special educational needs and disability (SEND) support to schools.
Department for Education
Apprentices: TaxationHL2558 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reform the apprenticeship levy and use part of the levy funds to support pre-apprenticeship programmes to help young people at school build confidence.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Bounce Back Loan Scheme: Employee OwnershipHL2557 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to give struggling companies the option to convert emergency bounce back loans into Employee Ownership Trusts to support their post-pandemic recovery process.
Questions Asked 7 September 2021
Treasury
Financial Services: TaxationHL2520 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to amend the tax regime for the financial services sector; and how they intend to provide more clarity on investment screening laws to attract more inward investment.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Retail Trade: Urban AreasHL2518 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support the redevelopment of retail space to attract consumers back to local high street shops and support their recovery process.
Department for Education
Schools: RadicalismHL2518 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the University College London report Addressing Extremism Through the Classroom, published on 7 September; and what steps are they taking to provide schools with the training and tools to teach pupils how to reject extremist views.
Department for Education
Cybercrime: EducationHL2517 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce cybersecurity education to Key Stage 1 children in order to educate them on tech literacy and online safety.
Questions Asked 6 September 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Racial HarassmentHL2462 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a YouGov survey, published on 25 August, which found that 62 per cent of football fans fear that a player will be racially abused.
Department for International Trade
Trade PromotionHL2463 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to streamline administration of support to the UK’s export scheme to help small firms access trade programmes more easily.
Home Office
Migrant Workers: Large Goods Vehicle DriversHL2460 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow EU drivers to return on temporary visas as skilled workers.
Department for Education
Schools: Mental Health ServicesHL2460 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide mental health support for students and staff returning to school.
Questions Asked 21 July 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Sports: DefibrillatorsHL2277 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support a defibrillator education programme at all professional sports teams.
Department for Education
Apprentices: DegreesHL2279 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to engage with professional and statutory regulatory bodies to determine how degree apprenticeship proposals are implemented.
Department for Education
Arts: EducationHL2278 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of funding cuts to the high cost subsidy for creative arts courses at universities on the viability of these courses; and what steps they are taking to ensure equal access to creative arts courses in all educational settings.
Home Office
Crime PreventionHL2280 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Resolve Taking back our communities – working together to make communities safe, published on 19 July; and what plans they have to develop and deliver effective victim centred strategies to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Questions Asked 20 July 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Children HL2246 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce regulations on social media companies, including mandatory design standards, to increase online safety for services that are used by children.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Homelessness HL2245 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a system of (1) means-tested grants, or (2) interest-free loans, to repay arrears in order to prevent an increase in homelessness.
Department for Education
STEM Subjects: TrainingHL2243 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve access to STEM training and resources for both (1) employed, and (2) unemployed individuals.
Treasury
Stamp Duty Land TaxHL2244 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to extend the stamp duty holiday; and if they do have such plans, what assessment they have made of the impact of an extension on the benefits to local economies.
Questions Asked 19 July 2021
Department for Education
Teachers Training HL2183 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Education Policy Institute The cost of high-quality professional development for teachers in England, published on 15 July; and what steps are they taking to improve the quality of existing CPD training that teachers participate in.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Loans: Repayments HL2185 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to allow small businesses flexible government loan repayment plans.
Treasury
Small Businesses: Coronavirus HL2184 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to offer financial support to small businesses who will keep COVID-19 capacity limits in place.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Local Government: Greenhouse Gas Emissions HL2182 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide local authorities with clarity about their role in achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Questions Asked 14 July 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment HL2044 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to make it easier for unemployed individuals to access clear labour market information on local green job opportunities.
Department for Work and Pensions
Health and Safety HL2045 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide regulations and guidance for workplaces on health and safety compliance measures.
Department for Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Musicians: EU Countries HL2046 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to negotiate (1) visa-free travel, and (2) Europe-wide work permits, for musicians and crew.
Department for Work and Pensions
Job Security: Ethnic Groups HL2043 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals in insecure work.
Questions Asked 13 July 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Multinational Companies: Technology HL1983 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce tax penalties against tech companies that are slow to remove harmful content.
Treasury
Corporation Tax: Overpayments HL1985 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that businesses are aware if they have overpaid corporation tax.
Department for Education
Schools: Disability HL1986 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide training for school staff on work-based assistive technology; and what assessment they have made of how such technology can support disabled students.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Freeports HL1984 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide more clarity surrounding freeports and how they will be (1) operated, and (2) governed.
Questions Asked 12 July 2021
Department for International Trade
Tradeshow Access Programme HL1926 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to replace the Tradeshow Access Programme Scheme in order (1) to enable Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to compete on a level playing field against international competitors, and (2) to retain the UK’s status as a global maritime leader.
Department for Transport
Transport for London: Finance HL1925 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce a long-term funding deal for Transport for London to support a return to work in London.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Remote Working: Health and Safety HL1924 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of increased remote working on employee wellbeing; and what steps they are taking to ensure employers prevent employee burnout.
Home Office
Migrant Workers: EU Nationals HL1923 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with UK businesses regarding the need for more EU nationals to be permitted to work in the UK; and what steps they are taking as a result.
Questions Asked 7 July 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Kickstart Scheme HL1837 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to extend the Kickstart Scheme; and what steps are they taking to communicate this decision to businesses.
Treasury
Digital Technology: Taxation HL1836 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a Smart Fund tax on technological devices to support the creative arts sector.
Department for Education
Economic Growth: Greater London HL1834 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by London First Central Government’s Role in Helping London Drive Recovery, published in May; and what plans they have to create a London Apprenticeship Fund targeted at small firms affected by COVID-19 to restart apprenticeship growth in the capital.
Department for Education
Special Educational Needs HL1835 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to create a national framework of minimum standards of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities in mainstream schools.
Questions Asked 6 July 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Voluntary Work HL1776 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by British Future Our Chance to Reconnect, published in March; and what steps they are taking to make it easier for people to volunteer in their local community.
Treasury
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme HL1779 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the total cost to employers of retaining employees who are currently using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme once the scheme ends.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry: Students HL1778 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by People 1st International Future Talent in Hospitality, published in June; and what steps they are taking to assist hospitality students to pursue a career in the industry.
Department for Education
Vocational Guidance: Greater London HL1777 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by London First Central Government’s Role in Helping London Drive Recovery, published in May; and what plans they have to introduce a London Careers Service to provide tailored and flexible support to (1) young Londoners transitioning from education to employment, and (2) adults who have been displaced as a result of the pandemic.
Questions Asked 5 July 2021
Treasury
Coronavirus Self-isolation Payment Scheme HL1737 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase self-isolation payment support once the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Equal Pay and Recruitment: Ethnic Groups HL1739 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey research by the Trade Unions Congress, published on 19 March, which found that one in three black and minority ethnic workers say they have been unfairly turned down for a job; and what plans they have to introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting.
Treasury
Rules of Origin: EU Countries HL1736 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide clarification to small businesses on the rules of origin for duty free trade with the EU.
Ministry of Justice
Prisons: Employment HL1738 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the number of employment hubs in prisons.
Questions Asked 30 June 2021
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Local Government: Debts HL1617 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist local authorities in managing debt levels.
Department for Education
Students: Special Educational Needs HL1618 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of local authorities to sufficiently support special educational needs students.
Questions Asked 29 June 2021
Treasury
Off-payroll Working HL1571 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that businesses understand how to use the online ‘Check Employment Status’ tool in regard to IR35 status.
Department for Education
Apprentices: Finance HL1569 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all businesses have the required funding to carry out sufficient on course training for apprenticeships.
Department for Education
Pupils: Absenteeism HL1568 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that persistently absent school pupils receive targeted educational support programmes.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Sharing Economy: Conditions of Employment HL1570 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enhance workers’ rights in the gig economy; and what steps they are taking to provide more clarity to businesses over employment status criteria.
Questions Asked 28 June 2021
Home Office
Employment: Vetting HL1499 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK nationals will have parity with non-UK nationals regarding in person right to work checks from September.
Treasury
Cash Dispensing: Older People HL1502 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that vulnerable elderly individuals continue to have access to cash.
Department for Education
Education: Standards HL1501 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by New Schools Network and Onward Lost Learning: Why we need to Level Up Education, published on 25 June; and what plans they have to offer teachers a fixed stipend to work in schools in areas of underperformance.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food: UK Trade with EU HL1500 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the decline in food and drink sales to the EU on potential job losses within the UK food and drink industry; and what steps they are taking to prevent such job losses.
Questions Asked 23 June 2021
Treasury
Tourism and Travel: Government Assistance HL1362To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a financial support package for the travel and tourism industry; and in particular, what plans they have to introduce tailored grants.
Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
Offshore Industry: Skilled Workers HL1364 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the report by Platform, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Greenpeace UK Training & Tickets: the hidden costs for offshore oil & gas workers, published on 22 June, what steps they are taking to create a training passport scheme to allow offshore workers to transfer their experience between sectors.
Department for Education
Apprentices: Carbon Emissions HL1365 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to review whether apprenticeship standards are fit for purpose to contribute to the net zero economy.
Department for Education
Educational Institutions: Visual Impairment HL1363 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made the report by the Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research at the University of Birmingham Lost in Transition? The post-school experiences of young people with vision impairment, published on 18 June; and what steps they are taking to ensure that all educational institutions are accessible for those with visual impairments.
Questions Asked 22 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Energy Conservation HL1330 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to improve the understanding of small businesses about energy efficiency schemes.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Self Employed HL1331 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to provide tailored mental health support schemes to freelancers.
Answered: 13 July 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices HL1332 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the National Foundation for Educational Research Putting Apprenticeships to Work for Young People, published on 16 June; and what steps they are taking to increase apprenticeship course start rates outside of London.
Answered: 6 July 2021
Ministry of Housing. Community and Local Government
Take Away Food: Small Business HL1333 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that small food and drink businesses can continue to operate as takeaway services; and what steps they are taking to support such businesses in their applications for pavement licences from local authorities.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Questions Asked 21 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business Working Conditions HL1272 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Newable Small Business Confidence Index, published on 15 June 2020; and what steps they are taking to assist small businesses in creating sustainable office environments.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Department for Education
Financial Services Education HL1270 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to implement personal financial education into the UK curriculum.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government
UK EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Construction HL1273 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on (1) staff shortages in the construction industry, and (2) the impact of any such staff shortages on house building rates.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government
Housing: Disabilties HL1271 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage new build houses to have disabled access.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Questions Asked 16 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Recruitment Equality HL1185 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the UK Recruitment Diversity and Inclusion Index, published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the Association of Professional Staffing Companies on 14 June; and what steps they are taking to support small businesses to report on staff diversity.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Department for Education
Graduates: COVID-19 HL1184 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Office for National Statistics Graduates Report Graduates’ labour market outcomes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: occupational switches and skill mismatch, published on 8 March; and what assessment have they made of the finding that over 25 per cent of employed graduates are employed in unskilled or low-skilled roles.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Department for Education
Unemployed Training HL1186 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that skills training programmes in emerging job markets are accessible for unemployed individuals.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Questions Asked 15 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business Equality HL1130 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Henley Business School The Equity Effect, published on 7 June; and what steps they are taking to encourage businesses to have racially diverse workforces.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Department for Education
Social Media: Curriculum HL1132 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include social media awareness and training in the national curriculum.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Part Time Employment: COVID-19 HL1131 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Timewise The Impact of Covid-19 on Part-Time Employees, published in June; and what steps they are taking to support the creation of jobs with flexible working hours.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Department for Education
Higher Education Finance HL1133 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the higher technical education provider growth fund is accessible to all (1) colleges, and (2) universities.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Questions Asked 14 June 2021
Department for Education
Small Business Trading HL1092 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide subsidised skills training courses for small businesses.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Treasury
Small Business: Government Assistance HL1090 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recent report by Simply Business The impact of Covid-19 on UK small business, published on 9 June; and what assessment they have made of the finding that 81 per cent of small businesses do not feel they have received enough support from government.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Treasury
SME Brexit Support Fund HL1091 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the Brexit Support Fund is easily accessible to small businesses; and what steps they are taking to increase applications.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Treasury
COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme HL1089 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the terms of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in the event that COVID-19 restrictions last beyond the 21 June.
Answered: 23 June 2021
Questions Asked 9 June 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit: Training HL977 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all individuals on Universal Credit are able to participate in learning and training courses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Condtions of Employment HL976 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the case for a ‘Right to Disconnect’; and if they have made such an assessment, what the impact of such a right would be on employee mental health.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Tourism and Travel: COVID-19 HL975 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what additional financial support they plan to offer to the travel and tourism industry because of the decline of business in that sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Schools: Mental Health Services HL974 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that mental health first aid training is rolled out in primary school settings.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 June 2021
Treasury
Small Businesses: COVID-19 HL903 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reassure small businesses that financial support will be made available in the case of future COVID-19 restrictions being introduced.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Business: Government Assistance HL902 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support businesses that have lost revenue from cross-border card payments because of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Evictions: Families HL901 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of families at risk of eviction; and what steps they are taking to support them.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Businesses: COVID-19 HL900 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of small businesses that will be unable to retain current staff numbers after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends; and what steps they are taking to financially support small businesses after September 2021.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 June 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Night Time Economy: COVID-19 HL823 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prepare further financial support packages for the night-time entertainment industry affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
Answered: 14 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry: Small Business HL824 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what additional steps they are taking to support small businesses in filling job vacancies in the hospitality sector.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Financial Services Technology HL822 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist financial technology companies in pursuing environmentally sustainable technology.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Cryptocurrencies Regulation HL821 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a report by TheCityUK Cryptoassets: Shaping UK regulation for innovation and global leadership’, published on 25 May; and what steps they are taking to encourage crypto-based innovation in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 26 May 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Poverty: Families HL642 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Public Policy Research No Longer Managing, published on 26 May; and what steps they are taking to support families out of poverty.
Answered: 10 June 2021
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agriculture and Food: Vacancies HL641 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on labour shortages in the agricultural and food processing sectors; and what steps they are taking to reduce any such shortages.
Answered: 10 June 2021
Department for Education
Graduate Employment HL639 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities in England about the support they can provide to improve the employment prospects of graduates.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Treasury
Small Business VAT Exemptions HL640 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed removal of EU VAT exemptions on small e-commerce businesses based in the UK which trade in the EU.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Questions Asked 25 May 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Lone Parents: Coronavirus HL540 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Gingerbread Caring without Sharing, published in May; and what steps they are taking to provide financial support to single parents once the furlough scheme ends.
Answered: 10 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Construction HL592 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent cuts to the construction industry workforce once the furlough scheme ends.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Treasury
Taxation: Electronic Government HL589 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase awareness of the impact of ‘Making Tax Digital’ on tax.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Women and Equalities
Women: Employment HL591 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Vodafone Lost Connections, published in May; and what steps they are taking to ensure that women do not face increased barriers when returning to work.
Answered: 2 June 2021
Questions Asked 24 May 2021
Department for Education
Education: Coronavirus HL540 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a recent report by The Sutton Trust, ‘Fairness First: Social Mobility, Covid and Education Recovery’ published in May; and what plans they have to increase the funds for the early years pupil premium.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit HL539 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expand Universal Credit accessibility for those who are ineligible due to (1) their partner’s earnings, (2) savings, or (3) migration status.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business Labour Turnover HL538 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist small businesses staff retention rates.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Older Workers HL537 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that elderly workers are not disproportionately impacted by the ending of the furlough scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 May 2021
Department for Education
Small Business Loans HL379 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the report by the Education Policy Institute Education recovery and resilience in England, published on 14 May, what assessment they have made of the benefit of allowing students the option to retake an academic year, in cases of extreme learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Coronavirus HL378 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase awareness of government support for small businesses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Digital Technology Training HL377 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase collaboration between universities and technology companies regarding digital skills training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry and Leisure: Minumum Wage HL376 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of companies’ compliance with minimum wage requirements in the (1) hospitality, and (2) leisure, industries; and what steps they are taking to ensure such compliance.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 17 May 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business Loans HL324 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that small businesses can repay government loans over flexible time frames.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Government Coronavirus Assistance HL323 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Women’s Budget Group Gender Differences in Access to Coronavirus Government Support, published on 19 April; and what assessment they have made of the reliance of women, in comparison to men, on government COVID-19 support.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Financial Services Technology HL322 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce a Fintech Growth Fund; or, if they are not taking any such steps, what plans they have to fill the funding gap in the fintech industry.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Financial Services Technology HL321 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve technical visa access for fintech services.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 May 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proof of ID: Digital Technology HL198 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist businesses in creating digital identity services.
Answered: 26 May 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Taxation HL200 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the amount of unspent apprenticeship levy funds.
Answered: 24 May 2021
Treasury
Banks HL197 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Monveo The Banks and the Fintechs: Creating Better Banking Together, published on 11 May; and what steps they are taking to encourage banks to partner with Fintech companies.
Answered: 19 May 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Equal Pay: Ethnic Groups HL199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make ethnicity pay gap reporting mandatory.
Answered: 19 May 2021
Questions Asked 11 May 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL3112 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on staff shortages in the hospitality sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL3111 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the National Tutoring Programme targets financially disadvantaged pupils.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL3110 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the BRC’s Retail Sales Monitor, published on 11 May; and what steps they are taking to reduce the shop vacancy rate.
Awaiting Answer
Department for International Trade
HL3109 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses to digitalise their overseas trade operations.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 28 April 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Taxation HL15349 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the apprenticeship levy repayment timeframe to cover the duration of the period for which COVID-19 restrictions are in effect.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Teachers Training HL15351 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the (1) quality, and (2) quantity, of continuing professional development training for teachers.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Events Industry: Insurance HL15350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a cancellation insurance scheme for the live events sector.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Cornavirus HL15348 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey on the cost of COVID-19 to tradespeople by Simply Business, published on 23 April; and what steps they are taking to support the economic recovery of the construction industry from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Questions Asked 27 April 2021
Treasury
Small Businesses: Coronavirus HL15317 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses who have encountered payroll processing issues as a result of changes to COVID-19 support programmes.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Financial Services: Education HL15315 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to include financial education into the national curriculum.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Kickstart Scheme HL15316 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the Kickstart Scheme.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Hospitality and Tourism: Training HL15318 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow workers without qualifications in the hospitality and tourism sector to qualify for free level 3 courses.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Questions Asked 26 April 2021
Department for Education
Education: Finance HL15263 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Education Policy Institute Analysis paper: preliminary research findings on education recovery, published on 20 April; and what steps they are taking to ensure that educational recovery funding includes early years settings.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Treasury
Mortgages: Self Employed HL15266 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that self-employed workers are not excluded from the 95 per cent mortgage scheme announced on 19 April.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Enterprises HL15265 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to (1) support the development of social enterprises, and (2) integrate social enterprises into plans to make the UK carbon neutral by 2050.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Graduates: Employment Scheme HL15264 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce an employment support scheme for recent university graduates.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Questions Asked 21 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Srategy
Zero Hours Contracts HL15196 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that employers give as much notice as possible when offering work to employees on zero hours contracts.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Srategy
Small Business: Environmental Protection HL15195 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses to become more environmentally friendly.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Industrial Health and Safety: Mental Health HL15194 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of working environments on the mental health of employees.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Universities: Coronavirus HL15193 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a delayed return to in-person attendance at universities on the mental health of students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 20 April 2021
Department for Education
Primary Education: Admissions HL15123 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of (1) the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and (2) the COVID-19 pandemic, on demand for primary school places.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Ethnic Groups HL15122 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that BAME communities receive apprenticeship outreach information.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Mental Health HL15121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by Nerdwallet on business managers and mental health, published on 24 March; and what steps they are taking to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to mental health support.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Schools: Technology HL15120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address the reported digital learning divide; and what plans they have to increase funding for technology within schools.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 April 2021
Department for Education
Teachers Condition of Employment HL15084 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of current teacher workload on future retention rates.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football HL15083 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they plan to have with the Football Supporters’ Association about the potential involvement of English football clubs in the European Super League; and what steps they are taking to ensure that supporters are more involved in the decision-making of English football clubs.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football HL15082 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they are planning with (1) the Premier League, and (2) the Football Association, about the potential involvement of English football clubs in the proposed European Super League.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football HL15081 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what sanctions, if any, they are considering in response to the potential involvement of English football clubs in the proposed European Super League.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 14 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Retail Trade: Urban Areas HL14952 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to encourage consumers to support independent high street businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Young People: Coronavirus HL14951 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the briefing paper by the UCL Institute of Education The darkest hour? New evidence of the learning experiences, well-being and expectations of youth during the third national lockdown in the UK, published on 2 April; and what steps they are taking to increase the acquisition of work skills through education.
Awaiting Answer
Cabinet Office
UK Trade with EU: Greater London HL14950 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the level of trade experienced by businesses based in London.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Class Sizes: Coronavirus HL14949 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce school class sizes once restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Businesses: Government Allowance HL14948 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses owners who commit to investing in their businesses in 2021.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 13 April 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
HL14900 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a tailored employment support scheme for over 50s.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL14899 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed date change to the payment of corporation tax for small businesses on small business cashflow.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14898 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a potential extension of the academic year on the mental health of (1) staff, and (2) pupils.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL14847 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support businesses to incorporate hybrid working arrangements on a long-term basis.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14846 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that secondary schools are equipped to help new pupils with basic literacy.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL14845 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a backdated grant for workers who have not had access to any COVID-19 financial support.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL148454 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research by Pennyfreedom, published 14 March; and what steps they are taking to ensure that small businesses receive prompt payments of invoices.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 24 March 2021
Department for Education
Vocational Education: Employment Schemes HL14604 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what schemes are available to students on vocational courses to assist them in gaining employment.
Answered: 12 April 2021
Department for Education
National Tutoring Programme HL14606 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expand the capacity of the National Tutoring Programme.
Answered: 12 April 2021
Department for Education
NHS: Apprentices HL14603 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the level of interest in NHS apprenticeships; and what estimate, if any, they have made of the number of people they expect to apply to such schemes in the next 12 months.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Retail Trade: Finance HL14605 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to retail businesses who do not trade online.
Answered: 6 April 2021
Questions Asked 23 March 2021
Department for Education
Graduates and Work Experinces HL14544 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities regarding (1) the technical skills, and (2) the employability, of graduates; and what steps they are taking to increase practical work experience opportunities for young people.
Answered: 8 April 2021
Department for Education
Special Educational Needs: Disadvantaged HL14545 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that children with special educational needs in disadvantaged areas receive the required support.
Answered: 8 April 2021
Department for Education
Skilled Workers HL14543 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that local skills improvement plans will meet the skills gaps in each local authority.
Answered: 8 April 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Kickstart Scheme HL14542 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that more young people are enrolled in the Kickstart scheme.
Answered: 6 April 2021
Questions Asked 22 March 2021
Department for Education
IT: Further Education HL14476 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Work Institute Disconnected? Exploring the digital skills gap, published on 22 March; and what steps they are taking to encourage more young people to enrol in further education IT courses.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Ministry of Justice
Courts: Coronavirus HL14479 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce delays to court cases arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Redundancy HL14477 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by takepayments, published in February, which found that 30 per cent of small businesses have had to let staff go due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Treasury
Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Taxation HL14478 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact the revised tax legislation which takes effect next month will have on the ability of HGV drivers to remain self-employed.
Answered: 31 March 2021
Questions Asked 17 March 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Small Business HL14352 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the number of apprentices for which small businesses who do not pay the apprenticeship levy can claim cash incentives.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business: Corporation Tax HL14351 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of planned corporation tax increases on the profitability of small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business: Pay HL14350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of small business owners who have foregone their personal salaries to provide additional investment for their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Students: Ethnic Groups HL14349 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the attainment gap between ethnic minority university students and other university students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 16 March 2021
Treasury
Off Payroll Working HL14298 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of changes to the off-payroll working rules due to come into effect from 6 April on freelancers; and what steps they are taking to ensure that it is financially viable for freelancers to continue operating as self-employed individuals.
Answered: 23rd March 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Mental Wellbeing HL14299 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a recent survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Corporate Finance Network, published on 11 March, which found that one in five small business owners are struggling with mental health issues; and what steps they are taking to increase the wellbeing of small business owners.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Student Disabilities HL14297 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of disabled people undertaking higher education courses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Sustainable Development Education HL14296 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide environmental training to primary and secondary school teachers to ensure they are equipped to teach sustainable development.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 15 March 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Young People HL14241 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide targeted mental health support to unemployed young people.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Disability Employment HL14240 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address the disability employment gap.
Awaiting Answer
Department for International Trade
UK – EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement HL14239 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade Cooperation Agreement on the amount of revenue raised by UK manufacturers; and what steps they are taking in response any such impact.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Coronavirus HL14238 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of small businesses which are not eligible for COVID-19 Government grants; and what steps they are taking to reduce that number.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 10 March 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Loans HL14116 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the British Business Bank Small Business Finance Markets Report 2021, published on 10 March.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Business VAT HL14115 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the business readiness survey by Ready for Brexit, published on 9 March; and what plans they have to provide detailed guidance to businesses on VAT reporting requirements.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Artifical Intelligence: Curriculum HL14114 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to include artificial intelligence awareness in the education curriculum.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Educational Institutions: Cybercrime HL14113 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support educational institutions in protecting themselves from cyber threats.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 9 March 2021
Treasury
Employment: Coronavirus HL14070 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Resolution Foundation, Long Covid in the labour market, published on 17 February; and the estimate in that report that three out of ten self–employed workers are ineligible for COVID-19 financial support.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education: Appentices HL14069 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include funding for companies to train employees at further education colleges in the Apprenticeship Levy scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Small Business: Cybercrime HL14068 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the threat to small businesses from cyber-attacks; and what steps they are taking to support small business to improve their cyber defences.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education: Mental Health Services HL14067 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps, if any, they are taking to ensure that mental health literacy is part of all post 16 education programmes.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 March 2021
Department for Education
HL14016 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a longer school day on the mental health of students.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14015 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of remote learning on the attainment gap between students at state and private schools.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14014 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the retention of school headteachers is improved.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14013 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to outdoor educational centres.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 3 March 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Enviornment Protection: Employment HL13885 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Friends of the Earth An Emergency Plan on Green Jobs for Young People, published on 1 March.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Pensions: Self Employed HL13884 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pension contributions of self-employed individuals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Young People HL13883 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the level of youth unemployment.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Local Restrictions Support Grant HL13882 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that local authorities are correctly issuing grants under the Local Restrictions Support Grants scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2 March 2021
Treasury
Self Employed Income Support Scheme HL13848 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest estimate for the number of UK workers who are ineligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme; and what plans they have to update this estimate.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Transport
Aviation: Redundancy HL13847 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on job losses within the UK airline sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Sustainable Development HL13846 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to develop sustainability strategies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Disadvantaged Pupils HL13845 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Education Policy Institute, Measuring the disadvantage gap in 16–19 education, published on 1 March; and what steps they are taking to reduce the A-Level attainment gap of disadvantaged students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 1 March 2021
Department for International Trade
Trade: Environment Protection HL13774 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by The City of London Corporation and EY The City of London: an ecosystem enabling international trade, published on 24 February.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business; Coronavirus HL13773 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of small businesses to repay loans provided by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Enterprise: Finance HL13772 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase financial support for social enterprises.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business; Coronavirus HL13771 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sustainability of small and medium-size businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 24 February 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Broadband: Small Business HL13688 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that full-fibre broadband is accessible for all small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Courier Services: Conditions of Employment HL13686 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the working conditions of courier drivers; and what steps they are taking to ensure that such drivers are not paid less than the national minimum wage.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Weddings: Coronavirus HL13687 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase COVID-19 financial support to businesses in the wedding industry.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self Employed: Coronavirus HL13685 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to support self-employed workers to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 23 February 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business HL13623 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by Hiscox The Hiscox Business Demystified Survey Challenges for UK SMEs – 2020 and beyond, published on 4 January.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Loans HL13622 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of small businesses to obtain finance from banks that is not underwritten by the government.
Awaiting Answer
Cabinet Office
UK Trade with EU HL13621 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by the British Chamber of Commerce on Brexit, published on 11 February; and what plans they have to allow small businesses to write off additional customs costs as a result of the UK–EU Trade Cooperation Agreement, against their tax bill.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Companies: Enviornmental Protection HL13620 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that private companies retain interest in managing their environmental impact.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 22 February 2021
Department for Digital, Culutre, Media and Sport
HL13524 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they plan to take to tackle racism on social media platforms.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL13523 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that COVID-19 safety protocols are being enforced in courthouses; and what plans they have to recruit more court support staff in response to the pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL13522 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the recruitment of Crown Court staff.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL13521 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to fund additional Nightingale courts to clear the current court backlog.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 10 February 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Ethnic Groups HL13285 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase participation rates of people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities in apprenticeship programmes.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business: Non Domestic Rates HL13284 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce the rates relief threshold for small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Universities: Vocational Education HL13283 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of universities to deliver adequate technical skills training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
National Skills Fund HL13282 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend National Skills Fund allocations beyond July 2021.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 9 February 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Older People HL13212 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the unemployment rate of those aged 65 years old and over; and what steps they are taking to reduce that rate.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Broadband: Non Domestic Rates HL13211 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to exempt fibre lines from business rates.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Skilled Workers HL13210 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Mind the Skills Gap, published on 2 December 2020.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Remote Education HL13209 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Sutton Trust Learning in Lockdown, published in January; and what steps they are taking to assist schools in targeting resources to disadvantaged children.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 February 2021
Department for Education
Vocational Education: Assesments HL13135 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that there is equitable access to BTEC qualifications.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Revenue and Customs: Small Business HL13136 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the change in HMRC’s status as a preferential creditor on the borrowing capacity of small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Vocational Education HL13137 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to introduce regional bodies for the delivery of vocational education to local communities.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Performing Arts: Equality HL13138 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality within the performing arts sector.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 3 February 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Unfair Dismissal: Ethnic Groups HL12977 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk of increased vulnerability of BAME individuals to unfair employment dismissals; and what plans they have to strengthen unfair dismissal legislation.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Renewable Energy: Apprentices HL12978 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase apprenticeship opportunities in the clean energy industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Skilled Workers HL12976 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide local authorities with increased control over Local Skills Improvement Plans.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Test and Trace Support Payment HL12979 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all those eligible for a Test and Trace support payment receive such support.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2 February 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12919 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by Simply Business, published on 27 January, which found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of 82 per cent of small business owners; and what steps they are taking in response.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12918 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the total cost to HM Treasury of providing COVID-19 financial support to those who are ineligible for such support.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government
HL12917 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on shop closures of ending the business rates holiday.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12916 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to launch a campaign to encourage consumers to support local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 1 February 2021
Department for Education
HL12866 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what further financial support they intend to provide to the events industry, including support for freelancers within that industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12865 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they plan to give to small businesses about any new VAT arrangements which have been put in place since the UK’s departure from the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12864 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support small businesses in equipping remote workers with digital technology.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL12863 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they plan to have with social media companies about racist abuse of Premier League football players on social media platforms.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 27 January 2021
Treasury
Events Industry: Coronavirus HL12679 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what further financial support they intend to provide to the events industry, including support for freelancers within that industry.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Legal Proffesion: Self – Employed HL12678 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Bar Council Self-Employed Bar Survey, published on 21 January; and what plans they have to provide financial support to self–employed legal professionals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Enviornment, Food and Rural Affairs
Drinks and Food: Prices HL12677 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the price of food and drink to consumers in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Businesses: Greater London HL12676 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of viability of small businesses in London; and what plans they have to provide cash grants to London-based small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 26 January 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices and Work Experince: Advertising HL12622 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create a single online portal for advertising (1) apprenticeships, and (2) work experience.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Energy: Conservation HL12621 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to increase investment in low-carbon infrastructure, and (2) to reform business rates, to promote energy efficiency.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Appentices: Education HL12620 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow teacher assessed grades for apprenticeships.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Supermarkets: Minimum Wage HL12619 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the compliance of large supermarket companies with minimum wage requirements.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 25 January 2021
Treasury
HL12560 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend COVID-19 financial support to home-based, self-employed travel agents without a rateable property.
Awaiting Answer
Women and Equalities
HL12559 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of COVID-19 on racial economic equality.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12558 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of export levies resulting from the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the number of job losses in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12557 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide (1) financial advisory, and (2) specific mental health, services to people who are self-employed.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 20 January 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Conditions of Employment HL12392 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that employees in the UK have the same standard of legal protection as employees in the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Mortgages: Coronavirus HL12391 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on securing mortgages for those who have accessed their COVID-19 support schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Ethnic Groups HL12390 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide practical support for employers to ensure racial and ethnic diversity amongst their Higher Level apprentices.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit: Young People HL12389 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Work Institute Unleashing talent: Levelling up opportunity for young people, published in December 2020; and what plans they have to create a youth allowance within Universal Credit.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 January 2021
Department of Heath and Social Care
Abortion HL12317 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bethell on 29 December 2020 (HL11398), when the research by the King’s Fund on patterns of abortion uptake in England, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, will be published.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Hospitality Industry: Finance HL12316 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide a long-term financial support package specific to the hospitality sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Sick Pay: Cornavirus HL12315 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of increasing statutory sick pay on compliance with COVID-19 self-isolation requirements; and following any such assessment, what plans they have to increase statutory sick pay.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Fisheries: Redundancies HL12314 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on job losses within the UK fishing industry.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 18 January 2021
Department for Education
HL12256 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help universities provide digital technology to financially disadvantaged students.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12255 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage more businesses to provide mental health support to all employees.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12254 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide financial support to directors of small private companies who pay themselves in dividends.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12253 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce (1) a taxable grant for directors of limited companies, and (2) a scheme to reimburse small businesses for lost revenue, as part of a COVID-19 support package.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 13 January 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Digital Technology HL12122 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage private companies to provide digital resources to apprentices.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self – Employed: Finance HL12121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Prospect Inquiry into the future of self-employment, published in December 2020; and what plans they have to increase financial support for the self-employed.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rented Housing: Coronavirus HL12120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide financial support to tenants who have accrued rent arrears as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Landlords: Coronavirus HL12119 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce specific financial support for landlords who have lost rent as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 January 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12078 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to strengthen the legal employment rights of gig economy workers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12077 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help small businesses manage debt; and what plans they have to introduce employee shared ownership schemes to assist companies to address COVID-19 related debt.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12076 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that self–employed individuals do not overpay income tax.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12075 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development COVID-19 and the youth labour market, published in December 2020; and what steps they are taking to raise awareness of traineeships.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 11 January 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12015 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of workers who are not eligible for any COVID-19 financial support; and what steps they are taking to reduce that number.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Treasury
HL12014 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the reduced Value Added Tax rate for the hospitality industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12013 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that small businesses can access COVID-19 financial support schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL12012 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by ClearView Research Ltd Youth Employment 2030: Employment and prospects for young people in England post-COVID19, published on 17 December 2020; and what steps they are taking to support unemployed young people who are black, Asian or minority ethnic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 6 January 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Equality HL11839 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code since its introduction in October 2020; and what discussions they had with the Football Association about the creation of that Code before it was launched.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Ethnic Groups HL11838 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the English Football League about the impact of the ‘Rooney Rule’ on the racial diversity of football managers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Women HL11837 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about the classification of the Women’s FA Cup as a ‘non elite’ competition.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Coronavirus HL11836To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with (1) the Football Association, and (2) the Premier League, about the compliance of players with COVID-19 protocols.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 5 January 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11782 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about increasing racial diversity amongst football managers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11781 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to offer additional emergency financial support to non–professional football clubs whose competition participation has been suspended due to restrictions put in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11780 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a racial diversity threshold for boardrooms of all football organisations.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11779 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the Football Association in the recruitment of BAME referees in grassroots football.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 16 December 2020
Department for Work and Pensions
Automation HL11558 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase spending on job support and skills training for jobs at the highest risk of redundancy due to automation.
Answered: 31st December 2020
Department for Education
Educational Institutions: Inspections HL11559 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that education inspection bodies focus on skills provision when inspecting education providers.
Answered: 23rd December 2020
Department for Education
Outdoor Education: Finance HL11557 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional support to outdoor education centres.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 15 December 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Abortion: Ethnic Groups HL11506 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to investigate any differences in abortion rates between black women and other ethnic groups in Britain, and (2) to assess the impact of any differences on the black British community.
Answered: 6th January 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services and Social Services: Work Experince HL11508 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the availability of work placements in the health and social care sector; and what steps they are taking to increase that availability.
Answered: 6th January 2021
Department for Education
Digital Technology: Training HL11509 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce digital skills programmes targeted at unemployed elderly people.
Answered: 6th January 2021
Department for Education
Disability and Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus HL11507 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what additional support they plan to provide to children with disabilities and special educational needs who are isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 23rd December 2020
Questions Asked 14 December 2020
Department for Education
HL11448 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the rights of local communities to make decisions on the design and delivery of skills development programmes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL11447 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of road congestion resulting from disruption linked to the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU on the ability of schools in affected areas to open.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL11446 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the mental health and wellbeing of teachers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL11445 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase recruitment of (1) Black, (2) Asian, and (3) other ethnic minority, teachers.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 9 December 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Gambling: Rehabilitation HL11327 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest in gambling treatment and support services.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Students: Counselling and Health HL11326 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional emergency funding for student counselling and wellbeing services.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education HL11325 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest in post-16 education hubs for (1) specialist, and (2) minority, provision.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Hospitality Industry: Qualifications HL11324 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include hospitality on the level 3 Lifetime Skills Guarantee qualification list.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 December 2020
Department for Education
Secondary Education HL11252 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create a single post-16 education commissioning and regulatory process.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Secondary Education: Class Sizes HL11251 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce (1) minimum, and (2) average, class size targets for post-16 education providers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprenticeships: Standards HL11250 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with independent apprenticeship providers about improving the quality of apprenticeship training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Remote Education: Coronavirus HL11249 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the mental health of pupils of their update to the guidance on remote education expectations advising that teachers should check in on self-isolating pupils on a weekly, rather than a daily, basis.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 December 2020
Home Office
Stop and Search: Greater London HL11181 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Global City Policing Stop and Search in London: July to September 2020, published in November; and what discussions they have had with the Metropolitan Police about the impact of its stop and search policies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
STEM Subjects: Teachers HL11180 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that secondary school teacher recruitment meets targets in all STEM subjects.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Music Education HL11179 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of report by the Incorporated Society of Musicians The heart of the school is missing, published on 6 December; and what plans they have to increase music provision in (1) primary, and (2) secondary, schools.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education: Finance HL11178 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the financial sustainability of the further education and skills sector.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2 December 2020
Women and Equalities
Apprentices: Training HL11054 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings from Race on the Agenda’s survey, featured in Channel 5’s Everyday Racism programme on 25 November, on experiences of racism and, in particular, that 95 per cent of respondents identifying as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic have faced racism or racial prejudice.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Duty Free Allowances HL11053 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on job losses of changes to the duty-free regime for travellers from outside the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Employment: Mental Health HL11052 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of skills gaps on employee mental wellbeing.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus Screening HL11051 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the medical training provided to staff administering COVID-19 tests to university students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 1 December 2020
Department for Education
HL10998 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to higher education for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL10997 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide up to date training for Job Centre staff on the skills that employers are currently seeking.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10996 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase basic digital skills education programmes for adults.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10995 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow first year university students from the EU, who have not yet moved to the UK, to qualify for EU pre–settled status.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 30 November 2020
Department for Education
HL10919 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the quantity of school inspections on teacher mental wellbeing.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL10918 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of Job Centre staff who have experience in supporting disabled people to find employment.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10917 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that children with special educational needs receive an education and healthcare plan before exclusion from school is proposed.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10916 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of secondary school absence rates on pupil attainment.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 25 November 2020
Department for Education
Apprentices: Training HL10721 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that off-the-job training on apprenticeship schemes are of the required quality.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Higher Education: Racial Harrassment HL10720 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Universities UK Tackling racial harassment in higher education, published on 24 November; and what steps they are taking to increase racial diversity training for university staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Headteachers: Labour Turnover HL10719 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the poll on school leadership retention by the National Association of Head Teachers, published on 18 November; and what steps are they taking to increase headteacher retention.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 24 November 2020
Cabinet Office
HL10676 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the EU about ensuring the continued provision of seasonal jobs in the EU for British citizens after 31 December.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10675 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the provision of loans and grants for (1) further, and (2) higher, education to all regardless of age, background or circumstance.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10674 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Social Mobility Commission Changing gears: Understanding downward social mobility, published on 18 November; and what steps they are taking to increase the social mobility of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10673 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the number of students who are home educated, and (2) the quality of home education.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 23 November 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
HL10647 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reintroduce paid contracts for student nurses on placements in NHS hospitals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10646 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on school food supplies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10645 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide self-isolating students from disadvantaged backgrounds with digital devices.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL10644 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to boost employment through partnerships between colleges and SMEs.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 18 November 2020
Department for Education
Vocational Guidance HL10496 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Careers and Enterprise Company Careers education in England’s schools and colleges 2020, published on 12 November; and what plans they have to expand Careers Hubs.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Young People HL10495 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the youth unemployment rate on the affected individuals’ future pension benefits.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Career Devlopment: Young People HL10494 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the funding available for career development programmes aimed at employees aged 16 to 29.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Graduates: Recruitment HL10493 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support employers (1) to maintain, and (2) to increase, the number of graduate recruitment schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 17 November 2020
Home Office
HL10456 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to publish guidance to employers on the obligation to conduct right to work checks of EU nationals once the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU has ended.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10455 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional Training Course as admissible courses to attain a visa to the UK via the graduate immigration route after the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU ends.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10454 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recommendation by the Law Society and the Bar Council in its joint paper Immigration priorities for the legal services sector, published in November, that they should seek to “secure an EU-level treaty commitment to Permitted Paid Engagements throughout the entire period of a business visit and in all areas of legal activity”.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10453 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to publish updated guidance on which business activities are permitted under visa rules after the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10452 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to widen the scope, and (2) to extend the length, of Permitted Paid Engagement visas after the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU has ended.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 16 November 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL10396 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about how that organisation can improve on issues of racial diversity.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10395 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the Lifetime Skills Guarantee is accessible to all low-paid workers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10394 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in discussions with universities about the mass testing of students at the end of term.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 11 November 2020
Department for Education
Education: Assesments HL10254 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the case for universities and schools in England aligning end-of-year assessment plans with the rest of the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Construction: Employment HL10253 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of construction employment rates; and what plans they have to increase construction apprenticeship schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self – Employed: Coronavirus HL10252 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Centre for Economic Performance Self Employed: Six Months into the Crisis, published on 10 November; and what steps they are taking to support self-employed workers.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Vaccination HL10251 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to include teachers and school staff in priority groups for any potential COVID-19 vaccine.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 10 November 2020
Department for Education
HL10199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that disadvantaged children do not regress in basic skills and learning during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Transport
HL10198 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to the aviation industry.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10197 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to commission an independent review into legal aid fees.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10196 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve racial and gender diversity within the legal profession.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Football League My Lords, I declare my interest as a founding member of the original Independent Football Commission. In America, the National Football League shares its television revenue with all teams equally, regardless of status or performance. Is this a model that should be at least looked at in English football? Secondly, if the Premier League does not reach agreement with the EFL, will the Government consider a levy on football TV revenue?
Answered: 10 Novemeber 2020
Questions Asked 9 November 2020
Ministry of Justice
HL10133 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional training for the judiciary on online court proceedings.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10132 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expand the virtual court estate for short or preliminary hearings, and non-complex matters.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10131 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce early access legal advice for social welfare issues.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10130 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the sustainability of the current funding for the justice system; and what assessment they have made of the Bar Council’s recommendation that an additional £2.48 billion of funding for the justice budget is required.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Transparency and Accuracy of Statistics Data should always make trust greater. Covid-19 appears to have more of an effect on BAME communities than their white counterparts. What further research are the Government carrying out in relation to the data to find out the reasons why?
Answered: 9 Novemeber 2020
Questions Asked 4 November 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Labour Market: Coronavirus HL10024 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Centre for Progressive Policy From precarious to prosperous, published on 27 October; and what plans they have to introduce a minimum wage for the self-employed.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self – Employed: Coronavirus HL10023 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the finding in the report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies Income protection for the self-employed and employees during the coronavirus crisis, published on 2 April, that 18 per cent of self-employed individuals are ineligible for COVID-19 financial support; and what steps they are taking to expand access to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rented Housing: Coronavirus HL10022 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the scale of rental income losses in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Landlords: Coronavirus HL10021 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the financial impact of COVID-19 on private landlords; and what steps are they taking to provide financial support to private landlords.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 3rd November 2020
Department for Education
HL9962 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the COVID-19 transmission rate in schools; and what steps are they taking to protect teachers from COVID-19 infection.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL9961 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce (1) new business rate relief, and (2) an indemnity insurance scheme, for the events industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9960 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by City & Guilds Group Act Now, published on 2 November; and what steps they are taking to allow more autonomy regarding skills funding for mayoral combined authorities.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9959 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by the Early Years Alliance, published on 30 October, finding that one in six early years providers could close by Christmas 2020 without additional funding; and what steps they are taking to provide additional income to nurseries and childminders.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2nd November 2020
Ministry of Justice
HL9887 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to adopt the European Union Protection Measures Regulation (606/2013) into domestic law.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL9886 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that independent legal professionals based in the EU can access the UK (1) visa free, and (2) without needing a UK sponsor.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL9885 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that (1) EU nationals can still access legal services in the UK once the Brexit transition period ends, and (2) British nationals can access legal services in the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL9884 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provisions they have put in place for short-term business visits to the EU for legal professionals and barristers once the Brexit transition period ends.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 29 October 2020
Spoken Contribution
Charities: Funding My Lords, charity deserves parity. There are about 10,000 BAME charities and community groups in the United Kingdom; 65% of them have incomes of less than £10,000 per annum. Bearing in mind that Covid-19 has affected the lives and livelihoods of BAME communities more than those of their white counterparts, how will the Government factor in this issue of racial disparity in the future funding of BAME charities?
Answered: 29 October
Questions Asked 28 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business and Unemployment: Coronavirus HL9752 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of job loss estimates reported by the New Economics Forum on 21 October; and what plans they have to increase the wage subsidy for businesses accessing COVID-19 economic support.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Labour Market: Coronavirus HL9751 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Resolution Foundation Jobs, jobs, jobs; evaluating the effects of the current economic crisis in the UK labour market, published on 27 October.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Labour Market: Coronavirus HL9750 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Work Institute Crisis in the Capital, published on 27 October; and what steps they are taking to create new jobs in London.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Disadvantages HL9749 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that apprenticeship schemes are available to young people from lower income backgrounds.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 27 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9682 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to close the educational attainment gap between wealthy and deprived areas.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9681 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies Ethnic diversity in UK economics, published on 26 October; and what discussions they have had with universities about the diversity of academic staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL9680 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support self–employed and freelance workers within the live music industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9679 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the sustainability of the current university funding model.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 26 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9587 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Higher Education Policy Institute Demand for Higher Education to 2035, published on 22 October; and what steps they are taking to increase higher education capacity in England.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL9586 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Skills for Care The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England, published in October; and what steps they are taking to fill social care job vacancies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9585 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase BAME representation on apprenticeship schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9584 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide laptops to schools in deprived areas.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 21 October 2020
Department for Education
Apprentices: Construction HL9448 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Construction Industry Council Build back better: Improving the apprenticeship system to better support infrastructure, published in September; and what plans they have to review the flexibility of the apprenticeship levy.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Asessments: Coronavirus HL9447 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential health risk posed by students sitting exams in 2021; and what plans they have to prepare alternative arrangements.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Vocational Education: Remote Education HL9446 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that training providers have struggled to offer remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what steps they are taking to assist such providers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Redundancy HL9445 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase support for apprentices who have been made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 20 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9383 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to replace the Union Learning Fund to ensure that workers continue to have access to training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9382 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Confederation of British Industry Learning for life: Funding a world-class adult education system, published on 19 October.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9381 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities regarding a move to online teaching.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9380 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to fund free breakfast provision during school holidays.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9330 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Youth Music and the Take It Away Consortium Reshape Music, published on 14 October; and what steps they are taking to make music education more accessible.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9329 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Association of Colleges survey Colleges Week SME Leader Survey, published on 16 October; and what steps they are taking to ensure that SMEs have the resources to reskill their workforces.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9328 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to promote take-up of national tutoring programme funding.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL9327 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to employment for 16 to 24-year-olds.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 14 October 2020
Department for Education
Business: Training HL9199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Employer Skills Survey 2019, published on 14 October, what steps, if any, they plan to take to encourage businesses to increase the amount of training provided to staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Pensions: Ethnic Groups HL9198 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ethnicity pension gap; and what steps, if any, they are taking to reduce it.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
Pensions Scams My Lords, this study report is most welcome but there is an area that needs looking at for the future. Ethnic minority pensioners are said to be 24% worse off than white pensioners; indeed, the average total pension of BAME women is 51% less than that of white men. This pension inequality will become starker as the growing BAME population reaches retirement age, which may make BAME pensioners even more vulnerable to scams. Does the Minister agree that the Government also need to look into these related and relevant BAME pension issues?
Answered: 14th October 2020
Questions Asked 13 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9162 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with (1) local authorities in London, and (2) the Greater London Authority, about the ethnicity pay gap in London.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9161 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they, if any, have to compel major transnational companies to improve working conditions in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9160 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the analysis by the Food Foundation, published on 12 October, which found that 900,000 more children have been registered for free school meals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9159 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to COVID-19 financial support for BAME run businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9076 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce Who is at risk? Work and automation in the time of COVID-19, published in October.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9075 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that academic mentors are in schools by the end of the year.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9074 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the representation of BAME individuals in school governance roles.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9073 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the training provided as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee to those who have a level three qualification and have been made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry: Coronavirus HL8899 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to the hospitality sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Educational Vists: Coronavirus HL8898 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to protect jobs lost as a result of the ban on residential school trips.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus HL8897 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that pupils with special educational needs can attend school while restrictions are in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Discrimination HL8896 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a formal definition of racism and discrimination for the NHS.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 6 October 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Homelessness: Ethnic Groups HL8836 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address homelessness amongst BAME groups who are at greater risk from COVID-19.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Ethnic Groups HL8835 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the campaign launched on 1 October by the Confederation of British Industry and others to increase the diversity of racial and ethnic participation in British businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Pupil Exclusions: Ethnic Groups HL8834 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute of Race Relations How Black Working-Class Youth are Criminalised and Excluded in the English School System, published on 28 September.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
5G HL8833 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to speed up the 5G rollout.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 5 October 2020
Department for Education
HL8779 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Teach First Missing Pages: Increasing racial diversity in the literature we teach, published on 30 September.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8778 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional funding to schools to assist with costs resultant of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8777 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that students who have been impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns are offered partial tuition fee refunds.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL8776 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research published in the Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Infections, Genetics and Evolution, A survey of genetic variants in SARS-CoV-2 interacting domains of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and TLR3/7/8 across populations, published on 26 August.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 30 September 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL8648 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make new COVID-19 regulations specifically to protect BAME communities from the virus.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Universities: Coronavirus HL8647 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that universities remain operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Life Time Skills Guarantee: Disability HL8646 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that the Lifetime Skills Guarantee is accessible to those with disabilities.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Life Time Skills Guarantee: Apprentices HL8645 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support temporary apprentice workers as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 29 September 2020
Department for Education
HL8614 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase pupil premium funding for economically disadvantaged children.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL8613 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Job Support Scheme on future levels of redundancy.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8612 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support universities to provide more mental health and wellbeing support to students whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8611 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey conducted by The Diana Award, published in September, which found that 32 per cent of the children surveyed had overheard racist comments at school.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 28 September 2020
Treasury
HL8558 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Job Support Scheme on youth employment.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8557 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what risk assessment they undertook, prior to September, of the impact of students returning to universities on the transmission of COVID-19.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL8556 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to make mass on–campus testing available at all universities.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL8555 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research by the Institute for Public Policy Research Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups at greater risk of problem debt since COVID-19, published on 24 September.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 23 September 2020
Department for Education
National Skills Fund HL8432 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to make the National Skills Fund available to learners (1) at all levels, and (2) of all ages.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL8431 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the remarks by the Chair of the Council of the British Medical Association that further action is needed to protect BAME communities in the event of a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
Employment Tribunal Services HL8430 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that employment tribunal hearings are held on time.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Low Incomes: Coronavirus HL8429 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Working Institute The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on London’s low paid workers, published in July.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 22 September 2020
Department for Education
HL8391 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the diversity of students taking STEM subjects at university.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8390 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what funding they plan to provide for companies to continue to offer apprenticeship training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8389 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to online education courses for adults.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8388 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to make academic qualifications more accessible for adults.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8387 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that university maintenance loans reflect student living costs.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 21 September 2020
Treasury
HL8337 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on jobs of ending tax-free shopping for international tourists; and what steps they are taking, if any, to protect such jobs.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL8336 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide schools in England with access to COVID-19 tests.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL8335 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research from Radboud University Medical Center, Aarhus University and Copenhagen University that suggests sex and gender are not being adequately considered in COVID-19 clinical trials; and what steps they are taking, if any, in response.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 17 September 2020
Spoken Contribution
Maritime Industry The recent Global Maritime Issues Monitor cited the World Maritime University’s research into workforce diversity, stating:
“Without increased diversity in the next 10 years, the pace of innovation in the maritime industry will be slow”.
This also applies to achieving net-zero emissions targets. The report made it clear that workforce diversity includes race and gender diversity and is relevant to the issue of net-zero targets. Therefore, what role do the Government have in promoting such diversity in the maritime industry?
Answered: 17th September
Questions Asked 16 September 2020
Department for Work and Pensions
Pensions: Gender HL8213 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the gender pension gap.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Education: Finance HL8212 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide financial support (1) to further education, and (2) to sixth form, colleges.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services: Equality HL8211 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase NHS funding to address (1) ethnic, and (2) gender, inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
BBC: Ethnic Groups HL8210 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the BBC about increasing the number of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic leaders within that organisation.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 15 September 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL8166 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to create new jobs on low carbon (1) projects, and (2) infrastructure schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL8165 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research by Shields et al, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and asymptomatic viral carriage in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study, published on 11 September, which found that BAME ethnicity confers a significantly increased likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Stratey
HL8164 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recent report by Culture Shift, Maintaining Workplace culture in a rapidly changing environment, published on 11 September.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Stratey
HL8163 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide financial support to young people in the services sector.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
Examinations: A – Level’s and GCSE’s My Lords, research by the Runnymede Trust and others shows that pupils from BAME communities are still less likely to be accepted by the Russell group universities, even when equally as qualified at A-level as their white counterparts. What are the Government doing to address this issue?
Answered: 15th September
Questions Asked 14 September 2020
Department for Education
HL8092 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report Education at a Glance 2020, published on 8 September, which suggests that the teacher pay gap in England is twice that of the OECD average.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8091 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research by the Learning and Work Institute, published on 27 August, that suggested young people have lost apprenticeship opportunities at a faster rate than any other age group.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL8089 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase access to online learning for all university students.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL8090 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide social care professionals with legal training and information on COVID-19 emergency measures.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
Schools: Free Holiday Meals and Activities My Lords, one 22 year-old footballer, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, has had more influence recently on policy on child food poverty than any number of politicians or government agencies. Is there potential for the Government to work alongside other high-profile figures in sport and entertainment on this issue or more widely to promote higher standards in education and training?
Answered: 14th September
Questions Asked 9 September 2020
Department for Education
Universities: Coronavirus HL7997 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities about the steps which can be taken to prevent new outbreaks of COVID-19 when students return home.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Women HL7996 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the number of women employed in senior NHS roles.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL7995 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research published in the British Journal of General Practice Prevalence of suspected COVID-19 infection in patients from ethnic minority populations, published on 7 September.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 September 2020
Department for Work and Pensions
Kickstart Scheme HL7948 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses which cannot apply for funds from the Kickstart Scheme to create job placements for young people.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Discrimination HL7947 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with (1) professional football clubs, and (2) the Police, about sharing data on discrimination within professional football.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Business: Training HL7946 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to assist businesses to deliver online skills training to staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Pupils: Disadvantaged HL7945 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide support to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 September 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL7895 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the National Centre for Social Research Wellcome Monitor 2020: COVID-19 study, published in August, which concluded that (1) the BAME population were “less likely to receive information about staying safe from COVID-19 that they find clear or that they trust”, and (2) “consideration should be given to how health information engages people from BAME groups”; and what steps they intend to take in response.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Equality HL7894 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about increasing diversity among (1) grassroots, and (2) professional, football referees.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Older People HL7893 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent long term unemployment among older workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Manufacturing Industries: Coronavirus Job Rentention Scheme HL7892 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent skills losses in the manufacturing industry when the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Education: Technology HL7891 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage the use of educational technology.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
Treaty Scrutiny: Working Practices (EUC Report) My Lords, I thank the committees and their chairs for their hard work, expertise and excellent reports. In my view, it is only right that any trade deal or agreement has to result from proper vetting, not just voting. Scrutiny does not mean mutiny. The Government do not need to fear that the direction they are sailing in will be hijacked by a rebellious crew. On the contrary, scrutiny provides opportunity. It allows the UK Parliament the chance to examine closely, and influence positively, trade and other international agreements. After all, this is in keeping with the whole rationale of Brexit.
Transparency is vital because treaties will directly affect our daily lives. The Government have already started discussing important trade agreements with America, Japan and other major economies. These agreements will affect jobs, services, prices and the availability of goods in our shops. As we know, Parliament’s role has been defined by the Ponsonby rule, which is nearly 100 years old. Maybe it is symbolic that the initials of the CRaG Act also describe a high and rough mass of rigid rock that sticks out from the land around it. It is no longer fit for purpose.
It seems that the committees have come up with four very sensible recommendations, and I would like the Minister to indicate whether he is sympathetic to them. The first is that Parliament should be regularly updated during these agreement processes; the second that there should be a general presumption of transparency from the Government. That is not a legally codified or binding point, but just a presumption. There should also be a draft text of the agreement proposed and parliamentary trade reports from the Government, indicating full impact assessments on different sectors of the economy and labour markets. All this would be subject to confidentiality and security provisions. Will the Government indicate when they will give a formal, published response to these recommendations? The concept of a group of counsellors or advisors scrutinising such agreements goes back, in principle, to the Old Testament. This is a tried and tested principle: it is nothing new.
Brexit allows us to trade with the entire world. No longer is this great trading nation shackled by the European Union but, in a true democracy, those trade agreements must have effective scrutiny and that should come from Parliament. Parliament is more than an ornament.
Answered: 9th September
Questions Asked 3 September 2020
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19 My Lords, one in five NHS staff is from black and ethnic-minority communities, yet six out of every 10 UK health workers killed by Covid-19 have been BAME. What progress are the Government making in urgently finding out why so many BAME health workers have been so vulnerable, even to the point of losing their lives in the cause of serving others?
Answered: 3rd September
Questions Asked 2 September 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Pharmacy: Ethnic Groups HL7725 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research, published in Chemist+Druggist on 3 August, which showed that 51 per cent of BAME pharmacy staff have considered leaving their jobs due to racial discrimination.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Personal Income HL7724 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent research from Finland that suggests that Universal Basic Income improves employee mental health and boosts employment.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Manufacturing Industry HL7723 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to safeguard manufacturing apprenticeship schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Special Schools: Coronavirus HL7722 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to provide special schools with updated COVID-19 guidance.
Awaiting Answer
Women and Equalities
Ethnic Groups: Equality HL7721 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research published by Ageing Better as part of their Who is at risk of missing out? project in relation to the inequalities between older BAME and white communities.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 29 July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Racial Discrimination HL7560 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had, if any, with UK newsrooms about addressing racism.
Answered: 12th August 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Journalism: Ethnic Groups HL7559 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to support young BAME journalists.
Answered: 12th August 2020
Women and Equalities
Racial Discrimination HL7561 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the study by Number Cruncher Politics, published on 16 July, which stated that 55 per cent of ethnic minorities said that racism has stayed the same or has got worse during their lifetimes.
Answered: 12th August 2020
Department for Education
STEM Subjects: Equality HL7562 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to increase the diversity of students taking STEM subjects, in particular engineering.
Answered: 11th August 2020
Questions Asked 22 July 2020
Department for Education
Equal Pay HL7185 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the research from University College London, published on 20 July, which suggests that teenage boys have more ambitious aims regarding higher education which contributes towards the gender pay gap.
Answered: 4th August 2020
Women and Equalities
Equality: Ethnic Groups and Gender HL7186 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the recent Higher Education Statistics Agency statistics which suggest that gender and race inequalities are established immediately after university graduation.
Answered: 3rd August 2020
Questions Asked 21 July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Diversity HL7113 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the diversity of NHS senior management.
Answered: 7th August 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Commonwealth Games 2020 HL7114 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games about the diversity of its workforce.
Answered: 3rd August 2020
Questions Asked 20 July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL7034 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the study Socio-demographic heterogeneity in the prevalence of COVID-19 during lockdown is associated with ethnicity and household size, published in the EClinicalMedicine journal on 19 July, suggesting COVID-19 cases in Leicester have been concentrated amongst the BAME community.
Answered: 1st September 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL7039 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the study by researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Manchester on the impact of social determinants of health on patients with SARS-COV-2 infection in Birmingham, published on 19 July; in particular its finding that air pollution may have contributed to the impact of COVID-19 on BAME individuals.
Answered: 10th August 2020
Questions Asked 16 July 2020
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Human Trafficking My Lords, human trafficking is graphic, and it is a form of modern -day slavery. There are more slaves today than at the height of the transatlantic slave trade. What further action will the Government take to ensure that companies—for example, those in the textiles and fashion industry—eradicate slavery from their supply chains?
Answered: 16th July 2020
Questions Asked 15 July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Film: Ethnic Groups HL6909 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Clive James Race and ethnicity in the UK film industry: an analysis of the BFI diversity standards, published on 15 July.
Answered: 27th July 2020
Treasury
Financial Services: Women HL6908 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Financial Conduct Authority’s report Gender diversity in UK financial services, published in November 2019, and its finding that women constitute 17 per cent of FCA-approved individuals.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Questions Asked 14 July 2020
Home Office
Migrant Workers: Social Services HL6868 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new post-Brexit fast track visa system on recruitment in the care sector.
Answered: 28th July 2020
Department for Education
Asessments: Ethnic Groups HL6870 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the accuracy of grade predictions for BAME students in schools.
Answered: 27th July 2020
Department for Work and Pensions
Poverty: Ethnic Groups HL6869 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Social Metrics Commission Measuring Poverty 2020, published on 1 July, which suggests that BAME households are more likely to live in poverty.
Answered: 23rd July 2020
Questions Asked 13 July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Pregnancy: Ethnic Groups HL6813 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken, if any, to support pregnant BAME women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Sports: Equality HL6814 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had, if any, with (1) Sport England, and (2) UK Sport, about ethnic diversity within elite sports governance.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Spoken Contribution
Homelessness My Lords, no hero should be homeless. Of 343 local authorities, 252 do not include Armed Forces veterans in their housing strategies. One hundred and seventy-six local authorities fail to even consider the needs of these valiant veterans in their homeless strategy. Indeed, housing allocations for these homeless heroes have declined by nearly 11%. What steps will the Government take to remedy this unjust situation?
Answered: 13th July 2020
Questions Asked 8 July 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Local Government: Ethnic Groups HL6642 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of research published on 8 July from the University of Manchester suggesting that BAME communities are underrepresented in local government.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Questions Asked 7 July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL6588 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessments they have made, if any, of University College London’s ongoing Covid-19 Social Study that suggests that levels of depression and anxiety have been higher amongst BAME communities during lockdown.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Department for Education
Education: Racial Discrimination HL6587 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had, if any, with Universities UK about combating racism in medical schools.
Answered: 21st July 2020
Questions Asked 6 July 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Architecture: Ethnic Groups HL6530 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to support BAME–led architecture practices and BAME built environment professionals in their plans for the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 20th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL6529 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to encourage greater BAME representation in COVID-19 research projects and clinical trials.
Answered: 17th July 2020
Questions Asked 1 July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Voluntary Organisations: Coronavirus HL6387 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support BAME community organisations which have lost heritage funding as a result of the restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 16th July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Ethnic Groups HL6386 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with (1) the Premier League, (2) the English Football League, and (3) the Professional Footballers’ Association, about BAME coaching representation.
Answered: 13th July 2020
Questions Asked 30 June 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Businesses: Ethnic Groups HL6334 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they plan to take following reports that many black-owned businesses struggle to find investors.
Answered: 14th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Leicester HL6335 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the BAME community in Leicester during the localised lockdown.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 29 June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Pregnancy: Ethnic Groups HL6262 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Maternal, Newborn and Infant Clinical Outcome Review Programme Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care, published November 2019, which concluded that “black women still have more than five times the risk of dying in pregnancy or up to six weeks postpartum compared to white women”.
Answered: 17th July 2020
Home Office
Metropolitan Police: Compliants HL6263 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they plan to take following the complaint filed against the Metropolitan Police for its “aggressive and unnecessary actions” against an unresisting black father and his 13 year old son who were threatened with tasers when they were wrongfully suspected of being involved in a stabbing on 4 June.
Answered: 13th July 2020
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Airline Sector My Lords, the Government should not allow a UK airline to be on the breadline. The airline sector contributes £40 billion to the UK economy and employs more than 600,000 people. Bearing in mind that 13 of our 15 most popular destinations have a lower R rate than we do, will the Government commit to reviewing the 14-day quarantine rule?
Answered: 29th June 2020
Questions Asked 23 June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Coronavirus HL6092 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the cost to the NHS of the long-term health effects caused by COVID-19.
Answered: 20th August 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL6091 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prepare for a potential second peak of COVID-19 infections.
Answered: 28th July 2020
Department for Education
History: Curriculum HL6093 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to diversify the curriculum in schools to include a broader range of culture heritage history.
Answered: 8th July 2020
Department for Education
Foster Care: Coronavirus HL6088 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) encourage people to become foster carers, and (2) support foster carers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 8th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Germany HL6089 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of Germany’s ‘R’ rate for COVID-19 reportedly increasing to 2.88.
Answered: 7th July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Film and Television: Equality HL6090 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage greater diversity in UK film and TV.
Answered: 3rd July 2020
Questions Asked 17 June 2020
Home Office
Fines: Ethnic Groups HL5881 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that police in England and Wales have been found to be six times more likely to fine BAME people in the COVID-19 lockdown.
Answered: 17th June 2020
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Air Pollution and Road Traffic HL5880 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent traffic congestion and air pollution from rising above pre-COVID-19 levels.
Answered: 1st July 2020
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL5879 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they plan to take in response to the report by the World Wide Fund for Nature COVID-19: urgent call to protect people and nature, published on 17 June, in particular regard to addressing the environmental drivers of pandemics.
Answered: 1st July 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Ethnic Groups HL5878 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about the number of black football managers.
Answered: 22nd June 2020
Questions Asked 16 June 2020
Ministry of Justice
Barristers: Young People HL5811 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they taking, if any, to support young barristers.
Answered: 30th June 2020
Ministry of Justice
Barristers: Self – Employed HL5810 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the research by the Bar Council published on 27 April that without further support 74 per cent of self-employed barristers will be unable to continue to practice.
Answered: 30th June 2020
Women and Equalities
Ethnic Groups: Equality HL5808 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what will be the terms of reference of the new commission on race and ethnic disparities; and on what areas it will focus.
Answered: 29th June 2020
Women and Equalities
Equality and Racial Discrimination HL5809 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that they take action to address racism and inequality as the new commission on race and ethnic disparities is conducting its investigations rather than waiting for the inquiry to end.
Answered: 29th June 2020
Questions Asked 15 June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Doctors: Protective Clothing HL5723 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research by the Doctors’ Association UK which found that that six in 10 doctors have not had access to scrubs.
Answered: 7th July 2020
Department for Education
Home Education: Standards HL5725 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the Children’s Commissioner’s Office preliminary research on homeschooling which found that 27.8 per cent of children age 12 and under are spending one to two hours on schoolwork each day.
Answered: 29th June 2020
Department for Education
Home Education: Standards HL5724 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to improve homeschooling curriculums for publicly-funded schools.
Answered: 29th June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
WHO: Social Distancing HL5722 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of reported flaws in the study by the World Health Organisation about the risks posed by reducing social distancing to one metre.
Answered: 29th June 2020
Questions Asked 10 June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Dementia: Coronavirus HL5564 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, what plans, if any, they have to include dementia on the list of illnesses for which someone should shield themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 6th August 2020
Department for Education
Outdoor Education HL5561 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have for outdoor schooling during the summer.
Answered: 24th June 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Employment: Women HL5563 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to support women at work who have been affected by employment and risk concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 23rd June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Dementia: Coronavirus HL5562 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of data from the Office for National Statistics which shows that there has been a 52.2 per cent increase in excess deaths of people dying of dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 22nd June 2020
Questions Asked 9 June 2020
Home Office
Police: Biometrics HL5493 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create a regulatory framework for facial recognition technology.
Answered: 23rd June 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Biometrics: Ethnic Groups HL5495 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that commercial facial recognition technology is (1) registered, (2) accurate, and (3) not discriminatory towards people from BAME communities.
Answered: 23rd June 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Biometrics: Ethnic Groups HL5494 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to regulate the use of facial recognition technology to ensure that it is not discriminatory towards people from BAME communities.
Answered: 23rd June 2020
Mininstry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Homelessness: Coronavirus HL5496 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to find homeless people in England long-term housing after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 22nd June 2020
Questions Asked 8 June 2020
Women and Equalities
Ethnic Groups: Coronavirus HL5425 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support BAME women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 29th June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Hospitals: Coronavirus HL5424 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications of recent research by University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital on the transmission of virus DNA within the hospital setting for their COVID-19 response.
Answered: 23rd June 2020
Department for Education
Racial Hatred: Primary Education HL5423 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to ensure that primary school children in England are taught about racism.
Answered: 22nd June 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Equality HL5426 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to promote diversity in football.
Answered: 15th June 2020
Questions Asked 4 June 2020
Spoken Contribution
National Risk Register My Lords, diversity should not mean adversity. The Public Health England report of 2 June concluded that BAME communities are at a higher risk from Covid-19. How will the protection of ethnic minorities be prepared for in future in the national risk register?
Answered: 4th June 2020
Questions Asked 3 June 2020
Home Office
Internet: Safety HL5252 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect children from online grooming during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 23rd June 2020
Ministry of Justice
Barristers HL5250 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support barristers’ chambers doing publicly funded work.
Treasury
Barristers: Coronavirus HL5248 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to exempt barristers from business rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 17th June 2020
Treasury
Self – Employed Income Support Scheme: Barristers HL5251 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to expand the range of evidence newly practising barristers can submit to be eligible for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
Answered: 17th June 2020
Department for Education
Universities: Students HL5253 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support university students who are returning to study in September.
Answered: 17th June 2020
Questions Asked 2 June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL5120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people were tested for COVID-19 between 21 and 31 May.
Answered: 4th August 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL5119 To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will resume publishing the number of COVID-19 tests conducted each day.
Answered: 4th August 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL5123 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of COVID-19 tests that have been double-counted.
Answered: 29th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL5121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people in England have been tested for COVID-19 antibodies.
Answered: 27th July 2020
Women and Equalities
Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups HL5118 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to support BAME communities in response to the findings in their report Disparities in the risk and outcomes from COVID-19, published on 2 June.
Answered: 27th July 2020
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
George Floyd HL5122 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the death of George Floyd.
Answered: 9th June 2020
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Public Transport My Lords, transportation connects the nation. Organisations such as the AA have predicted that traffic levels will remain lower due to Covid-19. What implications will that have for the Government’s £28.8 billion road-building programme, which is based on 1% annual growth in traffic demand?
Answered: 2nd June 2020
Questions Asked 21 May 2020
Spoken Contribution
UK Shared Prosperity Fund My Lords, inequality anywhere is a threat to equality everywhere. Will the Minister confirm that the priorities and objectives of the UK shared prosperity fund will remain—in particular, to boost economic development, especially in the inner cities and other impoverished areas—irrespective of the Covid-19 situation?
Answered: 21 May 2020
Questions Asked 19 May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL4805 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the prevalence of false negative COVID-19 test results from a nasal swab or saliva test.
Answered: 29th July 2020
Home Office
Video Confercing: Offences against Children HL4803 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Zoom about protecting children and young people from incidents of video calls being interrupted by anonymous users to display images of child abuse.
Answered: 9th June 2020
Department for Education
Contact Tracing: Schools HL4806 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of children returning to school before the NHSX contact tracing application is released in England on the spread of COVID-19.
Answered: 4th June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Ethnic Groups HL4808 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to offer NHS front-line BAME staff alternative roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 4th June 2020
Department for Work and Pensions
Employment: Coronavirus HL4807 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what continuous financial support they plan to provide to vulnerable people who are unable to return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 4th June 2020
Department for Education
Coronavirus: Schools HL4804 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the increased risk of COVID-19 to those over (1) 70, and (2) 50, years old who live with children who are due to return to school.
Answered: 4th June 2020
Questions Asked 18 May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Protective Clothing HL4718 To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they estimate they will have procured sufficient stocks of personal protection equipment to meet (1) current, and (2) anticipated future, demand.
Answered: 15th June 2020
Department for Education
Schools: Coronavirus HL4714 To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (1) primary, and (2) secondary, schools will re-open on 1 June.
Answered: 3rd June 2020
Department for Education
Schools: Coronavirus HL4716 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of schools reopening on the circulation of COVID-19.
Answered: 3rd June 2020
Home Office
Immigration Controls: Quarantine HL4715 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans are in place to ensure that people quarantine for two weeks following arrival into the UK.
Answered: 2nd June 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Dismissal: Coronavirus HL4719 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that (1) disabled people, and (2) those who live with a vulnerable person, are being threatened with dismissal if they do not physically return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 2nd June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL4717 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) support, and (2) protect, BAME (a) key workers, and (b) NHS staff, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 28th May 2020
Spoken Contribution
Coronavirus: Restrictions My Lords, in order to promote more faith, not fear, what more will the Government do to show that the four nations of the United Kingdom can have a more co-ordinated approach to Covid-19?
Answered: 18th May 2020
Questions Asked 13 May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Cancer: Coronavirus HL4453 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of any additional risk encountered by cancer patients as a result of a delay to their receiving letters advising them to shield themselves from COVID-19.
Answered: 28th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Protective Clothing HL4455 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have been taking, if any, to ensure that personal protective equipment produced in domestic or non-professional settings meets the standards set by The British Standards Institution.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL4456 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether their target of 200,000 COVID-19 tests a day relates to tests administered, results received, or the number of people tested.
Answered: 11th June 2020
Home Office
Aviation: Coronavirus HL4451 To ask Her Majesty’s Government why passengers coming to the UK by (1) boat, and (2) the Eurostar, will not need to quarantine themselves for two weeks while those arriving by air will.
Answered: 4th June 2020
Department for Education
Coronavirus: Schools HL4452 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the capability of infants and primary school children to (1) understand, and (2) adhere to, the principles of social distancing at school.
Answered: 29th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Social Services: Coronavirus HL4454 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to protect care workers from contracting COVID-19.
Answered: 27th May 2020
Spoken Contribution
Coronavirus: Sports My Lords, under Project Restart, the Premier League is considering returning by 12 June. However, can the Minister say what the Government are planning to help less wealthy clubs outside the Premier League which want to emerge from this fight as victors, not victims?
Answered: 27th May 2020
Questions Asked 12 May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Protective Clothing HL4372 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken and are taking, if any, to produce personal protection equipment for all non-NHS workers who cannot work from home in the UK.
Answered: 31st July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL4369 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of having an open border with France on the COVID-19 R rate.
Answered: 7th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Dental Services: Coronavirus HL4371 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the planned timescale for non-NHS dentists to return to work with increased personal protection equipment.
Answered: 4th June 2020
Home Office
Immigration HL4368 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of people who have come into the UK by (1) boat, and (2) Eurostar, since 1 April.
Answered: 27th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Quarantine HL4370 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to use GPS technology to ensure people who have interacted with a ‘super-spreader’ quarantine appropriately.
Answered: 27th May 2020
Cabinet Office
Exercise: Coronavirus HL4367 To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they selected Wednesday 13 May as the appropriate day on which unlimited outdoor exercise could resume.
Answered: 26th May 2020
Spoken Contribution
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme My Lords, ethnic minority business owners have historically found it more difficult to access bank loans and other finance. In many cases, they operate microbusinesses where they would have to be almost a prophet to accurately forecast their profit. Have the difficulties faced by ethnic-minority business owners been factored in?
Answered: 12th May 2020
Questions Asked 6 May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Death HL4152 To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many people they have tested for COVID-19 after they have passed away; and how many such tests have returned a positive result.
Answered: 29th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL4156 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the UK’s testing capacity for COVID-19; and how many tests they plan to conduct in June.
Answered: 30th June 2020
Ministry of Justice
Coronavirus: Quarantine HL4155 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to issue electronic bracelets to people breaking quarantine restrictions in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Answered: 21st May 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
SAGE HL4154 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to expand the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies to include (1) immunologists, and (2) experts on large scale logistics.
Answered: 21st May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Computer Software HL4153 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to offer online tutorials to those with a learning disability on how to use the NHS COVID-19 contact tracing application.
Answered: 15th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Computer Software HL4151 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to incentivise the use of the NHS COVID-19 tracing application.
Answered: 15th May 2020
Questions Asked 5 May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Quarantine HL4046 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential to use electronic border detection equipment to quarantine individual counties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 17th June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL4048 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce electronic temperature testing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 27th May 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Coronavirus HL4045 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about (1) restarting the English Premier League behind closed doors and (2) the timing of matches in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 26th May 2020
Department for Education
Higher Education: Standards HL4044 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether students returning to university in the autumn will be able to receive the same standard of education as would normally be provided, and whether course fees should be reduced.
Answered: 20th May 2020
Department for Education
Universities: Staff HL4043 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Universities UK about the number of universities who have furloughed academic personnel.
Answered: 20th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Contact Tracing: Visual Impairment HL4047 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether their track and trace app is accessible to blind and partially sighted people, including those who use screen reading technology.
Answered: 11th May 2020
Questions Asked 29 April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Protective Clothing HL3725 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to work with suppliers to increase the production of face masks that could be worn by the public across the UK to slow the spread of COVID-19 after lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Answered: 22nd July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Protective Clothing HL3722 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether wearing (1) non-surgical facemasks, and (2) glasses, alongside social distancing measures in closed public places, reduces the respiratory spread of COVID-19.
Answered: 8th June 2020
Home Office
Immigration: Coronavirus HL3724 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimates they have, if any, of how many people coming into the UK in (1) February, (2) March, and (3) April, had COVID-19.
Answered: 14th May 2020
Home Office
ID Cards: Coronavirus HL3723 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a COVID-19-related identity card system after lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
Answered: 13th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Deaths HL3726 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include care home deaths in the statistics reported at their COVID-19 daily briefings.
Answered: 12th May 2020
Department for International Development
Africa: Ventilators HL3721 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken, if any, to support African countries in manufacturing ventilators.
Answered: 12th May 2020
Questions Asked 28 April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Hopsitals: Protective Clothing HL3638 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of NHS hospitals that are not giving personal protection equipment fit tests to staff.
Answered on: 20th May 2020
Treasury
Legal Profession: Coronavirus HL3640 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken, if any, to support (1) female, (2) BAME, and (3) new practising, lawyers who have been affected by a loss of earnings as a result of COVID-19 prior to the furlough payments being released.
Answered on: 14th May 2020
Ministry of Justice
Legal Aid Scheme: Coronavirus HL3643 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk posed to legal aid lawyers who have to attend police stations and psychiatric hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 13th May 2020
Ministry of Justice
Legal Aid Scheme and Trials: Coronavirus HL3641To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the (1) financial impact of COVID-19 on legal aid lawyers, and (2) the long-term impact of court trials that need to be restarted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 13th May 2020
Department for Education
Apprecentices: Coronavirus HL3639 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps have been taken to support apprentices who are unable to claim furlough pay during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 12th May 2020
Ministry of Justice
Legal Profession HL3642 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of lawyers who have been asked to continue working despite being furloughed.
Answered on: 11th May 2020
Questions Asked 22 April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL3443 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of COVID-19 tests used on NHS workers that were flawed.
Answered on: 29th July 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Nurses: Re – employment HL3442 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to request those nursing professionals whose registration has lapsed in the last five years to return to work in NHS Nightingale Hospitals.
Answered on: 4th May 2020
Questions Asked 21 April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Protective Clothing: 3D Printing HL3447 To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many (1) 3D printers they have acquired, and (2) individuals with 3D printers have volunteered, to produce visors for NHS staff.
Answered on: 30th June 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Protective Clothing HL3446 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether all suppliers and potential providers of personal protective equipment within the UK have been used by the NHS.
Answered on: 27th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Protective Clothing HL3448 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that NHS staff and key workers have personal protective equipment and suitable reserves of equipment; and when they estimate new equipment will be delivered to such workers.
Answered on: 12th May 2020
Department for Education
Protective Clothing HL3449 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to request students studying design and technology to produce personal protective equipment.
Answered on: 5th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL3445 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the remarks by the World Health Organisation that there is no evidence of COVID-19 immunity amongst those who have recovered from the virus.
Answered on: 5th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Food HL3350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to provide NHS staff with free food after they finish their shifts.
Answered on: 4th May 2020
Questions Asked 25 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Football HL2978 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of football matches held in England before 23 March on the spread of COVID-19.
Answered on: 14th May 2020
Home Office
Disease Control: Coronavirus HL2977 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce further penalties for those who do not comply with the rules surrounding the restriction of movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 8th April 2020
Treasury
Denatal Services: Non – Domestic Rates HL2975 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to extend business rate exemptions to include dental practices.
Answered on: 8th April 2020
Treasury
Self – Employed: Coronavirus HL2976 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to support the self-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 6th April 2020
Questions Asked 24 March 2020
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Delivery Services and Shops: NHS HL2891 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to work with supermarkets to create designated NHS staff stores and delivery services.
Answered on: 7th April 2020
Home Office
Police: Protective Clothing HL2889 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what personal protective equipment they are giving to police officers enforcing restrictions on movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 7th April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: ID Cards HL2890 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to protect NHS staff following reports of staff being mugged for their NHS staff identification cards.
Answered on: 6th April 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Temporary Accomodation: Coronavirus HL2892 To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much accommodation they have offered to key workers who want to reduce the risk of giving COVID-19 to their families.
Answered on: 3rd April 2020
Questions Asked 23 March 2020
Home Office
Coronavirus: Social Distancing HL2842 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given, if any, to the deployment of police officers to ensure that people are social distancing.
Answered on: 6th April 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Energy
Supermarkets: Sunday Trading HL2839 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to relax temporarily Sunday trading hours to prevent overcrowding and allow key workers to purchase shopping at supermarkets.
Answered on: 3rd April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL2841 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to test key workers for COVID-19 regularly.
Answered on: 3rd April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL2840 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to utilise artificial intelligence to test for COVID-19.
Answered on: 3rd April 2020
Questions Asked 18 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Social Distancing HL2768 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to issue social distancing guidance for delivery drivers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 6th April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL2767 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether schools contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
Answered on: 6th April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL2765 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria patients have to meet in order to be tested for COVID-19.
Answered on: 31st March 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rents: Coronavirus HL2766 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to issue a rent break to tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 30th March 2020
Questions Asked 17 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Protective Clothing HL2713 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that NHS medical staff are being given out of date equipment and that the new protective equipment advice inadequately protects staff.
Answered on: 28th April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL2712 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to impose a ban on people visiting clothes shops to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the UK.
Answered on: 27th April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Intensive Care: Ventaliors HL2711 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to requisition medical ventilators from British cruise ships and make them available for use by the NHS to treat COVID-19.
Answered on: 7th April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL2714 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enforce social isolation measures so companies can claim COVID-19 relief on their insurance.
Answered on: 6th April 2020
Questions Asked 16 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Hosptials HL2655 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to build new hospitals to cope with any influx of COVID-19 patients.
Answered on: 15th May 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Ventilators HL2653 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the case for using simplified iron lung machines to treat COVID-19.
Answered on: 31st March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Intensive Care: Ventilators HL2652 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to create an online hackathon platform to help design and deploy an open-source ventilator for the NHS.
Answered on: 31st March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Professionals: Coronavirus HL2654 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to advise medical professionals in ‘at-risk’ groups to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on: 31st March 2020
Questions Asked 11 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL2519 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of Google DeepMind’s predictions on the future development of COVID-19’s protein structure.
Answered on: 25th March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL2518 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to use virtual reality technology in NHS hospitals to train staff to identify signs of COVID-19.
Answered on: 25th March 2020
Treasury
Digital Technology: Taxation HL2516 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the amount of tax paid by Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft or Google.
Answered on: 25th March 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Huawai: 5G HL2517 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to review Huawei’s planned involvement in the UK’s 5G network.
Answered on: 25th March 2020
Questions Asked 10 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL2460 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to use artificial intelligence to analyse lung scans to help diagnose COVID-19.
Answered on: 25th March 2020
Cabinet Office
UK Relations with the EU HL2461 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to pause their negotiations with the EU due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Answered on: 23rd March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services: Older People HL2459 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to use virtual reality therapy to treat older people advised to have limited social interaction due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Answered on: 19th March 2020
Cabinet Office
Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019 HL2458 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to review the Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Act 2019.
Answered on: 16th March 2020
Questions Asked 9 March 2020
Department for Education
Pupils: Exercise HL2373 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to ensure girls in primary schools meet the recommended levels of activity in the UK.
Answered on: 1st April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Mortality Rates HL2375 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the World Health Organisation’s estimate of the mortality rate of COVID-19.
Answered on: 1st April 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Italy HL2374 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure people returning from Northern Italy self-isolate.
Answered on: 23rd March 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Women HL2372 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure women in football receive equal pay to their male counterparts.
Answered on: 23rd March 2020
Questions Asked 5 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Mortality Rates HL2301 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk of mortality from COVID-19 amongst smokers.
Answered on: 19th March 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Harassment HL2300 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce cyber-harassment fines for (1) the media, and (2) members of the public.
Answered on: 18th March 2020
Questions Asked 4 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL2237 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether shaking hands could contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
Answered on: 18th March 2020
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Air Pollution HL2240 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce air pollution.
Answered on: 17th March 2020
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Energy: Housing HL2238 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to meet the energy efficiency targets for housing set out in their Clean Growth Strategy, published in October 2017.
Answered on: 16th March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Medical Records: Data Protection HL2235 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to review the legal framework governing the ownership of personal health data.
Answered on: 16th March 2020
Department for Education
Schools: Transport HL2239 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of poor transport infrastructure on the results of secondary schools students.
Answered on: 16th March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services: Artifical Intelligence HL2236 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to create a single, online regulatory advice and information platform for the healthcare artificial intelligence sector.
Answered on: 13th March 2020
Questions Asked 2 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Drugs HL2100 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to use any Brexit stockpiles in the event of increased supply chain issues caused by the recent outbreak of COVID-19.
Answered on: 16 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Dental Services HL2102 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with NHS dentists about the possibility of a shortage of facemasks and the impact of any such shortage on patient waiting times.
Answered on: 16 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL2101 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to (1) ban large scale events, and (2) encourage people to work from home, until Public Health England have identified the individuals who are potentially spreading COVID-19 within the UK.
Answered on: 16 March 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Employment: Ethnic Groups HL2099 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the report by Carnegie UK Trust Race Inequality in the Workforce, published in February 2020, what assessment they have made of the finding that BAME individuals are more likely to have less stable working lives than their white peers.
Answered on: 16 March 2020
Questions Asked 26 February 2020
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Control: Finance HL1963 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest further in flood defences.
Answered on: 11 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Italy HL1961 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to test all pupils returning to the UK from school trips in northern Italy for Wuhan coronavirus.
Answered on: 11 March 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Data Protection HL1965 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the case for introducing legislation to permit the legal ownership of personal data.
Answered on: 11 March 2020
Home Office
Electronic Surveillance HL1962 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that the security services are granted access to encrypted messages in exceptional circumstances.
Answered on: 10 March 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
High Rise Flats: Insulation HL1964 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to ensure that all apartment blocks with combustible cladding have such cladding removed; and if so, by when.
Answered on: 9 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Hospital Beds HL1960 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the number of NHS hospital beds available in England.
Answered on: 6 March 2020
Questions Asked 25 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Disease Control HL1894 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of isolation as a method of containment for suspected cases of Wuhan coronavirus.
Answered on: 10 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Life Expectancy: Women HL1893 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve life expectancy for women in the UK.
Answered on: 10 March 2020
Questions Asked 24 February 2020
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Japan: Coronavirus HL1808 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to review the process for repatriating British citizens from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.
Answered on: 9 March 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Children HL1805 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to work with the Football Association to ban children under the age of 18 from heading footballs during training, in order to mitigate the possible associated risk of developing brain disease in later life.
Answered on: 9 March 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Social Services: Recruitment HL1806 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage the recruitment of social care workers.
Answered on: 5 March 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Google HL1807 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Google’s decision to move all data about UK users of its services to the US.
Answered on: 3 March 2020
Questions Asked 12 February 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Coronavirus: China HL1622 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the financial impact the outbreak of Wuhan coronavirus has had on the technology market.
Answered on: 26 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
OFCOM: Finance HL1621 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the number of their grants to Ofcom, following the announcement that it will have increased regulatory responsibilities.
Answered on: 25 February 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Digital Technology: Takeovers HL1620 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to ensure that the acquisition of smaller companies by Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft or Google is transparent.
Answered on: 24 February 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
New Business: AI HL1619 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to ensure that UK-based artificial intelligence start-ups are not acquired by dominant market players.
Answered on: 24 February 2020
Questions Asked 11 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: AI HL1544 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to regulate the algorithms used by social media companies to promote content.
Answered on: 26 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Contact Tracing: Computer Software HL1541 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to develop a version of the government of China’s coronavirus close contact detector application.
Answered on: 25 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Diabetes HL1542 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of cases of type 2 diabetes.
Answered on: 25 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Google: Advertising HL1543 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that loopholes in Google’s advertising networks allow companies to target vulnerable groups.
Answered on: 25 February 2020
Questions Asked 10 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Mobile Phones HL1498 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that technology companies are deliberately slowing down old phone models.
Answered on: 21 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Data Protection HL1497 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to further regulate how social media companies secure information online.
Answered on: 21 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Media
Coronavirus HL1496 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk that Coronavirus could be transmitted to the UK on the surface of electronic goods manufactured in China.
Answered on: 13 February 2020
Questions Asked 5 February 2020
Treasury
Viedo on Demand: Taxation HL1386 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to reform taxation for video streaming services.
Answered on: 19th February 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Directors: Equality HL1388 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to encourage greater diversity on executive level boards.
Answered on: 13th February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
TV Licensing HL1385 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to de-criminalise non-payment of the BBC licence fee.
Answered on: 13th February 2020
Department for Education
Pupils: Mobile Phones HL1389 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to ban children from using their mobile phones during lesson time.
Answered on: 13th February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Finance HL1387 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the amount of long-term funding for the NHS.
Answered on: 12th February 2020
Questions Asked 4 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Gaming: Equality HL1338 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to promote diversity in the UK gaming industry.
Answered on: 17 February 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Climate Change: Arctic HL1337 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they taking to reduce the thawing of permafrost in the Arctic.
Answered on: 12 February 2020
Questions Asked 3 February 2020
Home Office
Domestic Abuse HL1284 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to combat any rise of domestic violence perpetrators using technology to control their partners.
Answered on: 17 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL1283 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to use artificial intelligence to help combat the recent outbreak of coronavirus.
Answered on: 12 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Children and Young People HL1285To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to ensure quicker access for children to child and adolescent mental health services.
Answered on: 12 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Disinformation: Internet HL1286 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to introduce legislation to establish the difference between free speech and false information online.
Answered on: 10 February 2020
Questions Asked 29 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Cancer: Drugs HL956 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute of Cancer Research From patient to patient: analysing access to innovative cancer drugs, published on 28 January.
Answered on: 5 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL954 To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what grounds they have concluded that 14 days is the appropriate timescale for the quarantining of British citizens repatriated from Wuhan, China.
Answered on: 5 February 2020
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Livestock: Colistin HL955 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the use of colistin in farming.
Answered on: 4 February 2020
Questions Asked 28 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Doctors: Stress HL880 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Resilience burnout and coping mechanisms in UK doctors: a cross-sectional study, published in the British Medical Journal on 27 January.
Answered on: 11 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Huawai: 5G HL881 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that Huawei’s limited role in the UK’s 5G network does not present a security risk.
Answered on: 6 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL879 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to quarantine British citizens repatriated from Wuhan, China.
Answered on: 5 February 2020
Questions Asked 22 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Self – Harm and Suicide HL720 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce fines for social media companies who do not actively seek to remove (1) suicide. and (2) self-harm, related posts.
Answered on: 13 February 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Instagram: Self – Harm HL721 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Instagram about reports that its algorithms cause people with mental illnesses to self-harm.
Answered on: 13 February 2020
Department for Education
Social Mobility HL719 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Sutton Trust Elites in the UK: Pulling Away?, published on 22 January; and what action, if any, they plan to take in response.
Answered on: 5 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Negligence HL722 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to decrease the cost to the NHS of clinical negligence claims.
Answered on: 30 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
HL718 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the amount of community care available for dementia patients.
Answered on: 29 January 2020
Questions Asked 21 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Artificial Intelligence HL650 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce an artificial intelligence ethical regulatory framework after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered on: 13 February 2020
Department for Education
Education: Standards HL651 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of The Annual Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills 2018/19, published on 21 January.
Answered on: 4 February 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Screening HL649 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce temperature screening at airports for the coronavirus following the government of China’s confirmation that the virus can be transmitted from person to person.
Answered on: 30 January 2020
Questions Asked 20 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Advertising: Misrepresentation HL587 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce further legislation to ban companies from profiting from other digital companies’ scam advertising or misleading investments.
Answered on: 6 February 2020
Department for Education
Secure Accomodation HL585 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the amount of secure accommodation in England for children with severe behavioural problems.
Answered on: 3 February 2020
Cabinet Office
House of Lords: Location HL584 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to relocate the House of Lords to York.
Answered on: 3 February 2020
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Plastic Waste HL586 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the export of plastic waste.
Answered on: 3 February 2020
Questions Asked 15 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Death: Young People HL480 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research by Imperial College London, published on 13 January, which links global warming with an increase in the violent deaths of young people.
Answered on: 29 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Privacy HL483 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Google’s “privacy sandbox” technology on market fairness and safety.
Answered on: 27 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus HL482 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk posed by a novel coronavirus to the UK.
Answered on: 24 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Advertising HL481 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Norwegian Consumer Council, Out of Control: How Consumers Are Exploited by the Online Advertising Industry, published on 14 January, which states that a number of mobile applications are violating the EU General Data Protection Regulation.
Answered on: 22 January 2020
Questions Asked 14 January 2020
Home Office
Offences Against Children: Criminal Investigation HL431 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken since Operation Augusta was launched in 2003 to ensure that child sexual abuse allegations are properly investigated.
Answered on: 28 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Huawai: 5G HL430 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what risk assessment they have conducted of the proposed adoption of Huawei technology for the UK’s 5G network infrastructure.
Answered on: 22 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Huawai: 5G HL429 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of remarks by senior officials in the United States that adopting Huawei technology in the UK’s 5G network presents a security risk.
Answered on: 22 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Racial Discrimination HL428 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with the Football Association to combat racism in football.
Answered on: 22 January 2020
Questions Asked 13 January 2020
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Iran: Demonstrations HL350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Iran’s reported use of violence against protestors in Tehran on 12 January.
Answered on: 24 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Young People HL352 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to address the ‘treatment gap’ for young people who are referred to mental health services but rejected for not meeting eligibility criteria.
Answered on: 23 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Hospitals: Overcrowding HL351 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to find a short-term solution to overcrowding in hospitals, following reports that hospitals are redeploying nurses from wards to look after patients in corridors.
Answered on: 23 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Facebook: Advertising HL353 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the dangers that may arise from Facebook not strengthening regulation of political advertisements.
Answered on: 22 January 2020
Questions Asked 8 January 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Leasehold: Reform HL233 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to reform the leasehold sector.
Answered on: 23 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Advertising HL232 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce tougher advertising legislation for celebrities who do not clearly state that their social media posts include branded items which are part of an advertising partnership.
Answered on: 22 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media HL236 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether social media platforms are adequately monitored for harmful and illegal content.
Answered on: 17 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Innovation HL235 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the suggestions in the report by the Academy of Medical Sciences Transforming health through innovation: integrating the NHS and academia, published on 8 January, that NHS breakthroughs have been put at risk.
Answered on: 16 January 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Minimum Wage HL234 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the incentives for firms to comply with paying the National Minimum Wage.
Answered on: 16 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Prescription Drugs: Envrionment Protection HL237 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to reduce the environmental impact of NHS prescribed pharmaceuticals.
Answered on: 16 January 2020
Questions Asked 7 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Technology: New Businesses HL177 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support technology start-ups.
Answered on: 21 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Video Recordings: Disinformation HL176 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce legislation to ban deepfake videos which promote misinformation.
Answered on: 21 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Advertising HL173 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the interim report by the Competition and Markets Authority Online platforms and digital advertising, published on 18 December, in particular the consideration that online platforms should allow users to turn off personalised advertisements.
Answered on: 21 January 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Age: Equality HL174 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by United for All Ages Together in the 2020s, published on 7 January; and what action, if any, they plan to take in response.
Answered on: 21 January 2020
Department for Education
Universities: Crime HL175 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with UK Universities about reports that universities are not reporting crime statistics.
Answered on: 14 January 2020
Questions Asked 19 December 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Promotions: Internet HL84 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce further regulation in regard to the online promotion of products by celebrities.
Answered on: 7 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Air Pollution: Health Hazards HL87 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of air pollution on the NHS, particularly in the winter.
Answered on: 7 January 2020
Department for Education
Universities: Admissions HL88 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with UK universities about combating the student wealth divide in those applying to university.
Answered on: 7 January 2020
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Homelessness HL85 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to combat the rise in homelessness.
Answered on: 7 January 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Air Pollution: Mental Health HL86 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the research by Environmental Health Perspectives, published on 18 December, which links air pollution with higher rates of mental health issues.
Answered on: 7 January 2020
Questions Asked 30 October 2019
Home Office
High Rise Flats: Fire Prevention HL569 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the report of the Public Inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017 Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 1 Report, published on 30 October, when they plan to introduce new fire safety legislation.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department for Education
Universities: Finance HL570 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with UK Universities about concerns over the future finances of universities.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Treasury
Brexit HL567 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the long-term economic benefit of leaving the EU with the new Brexit deal.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Lung Diseases: Medical Equipment HL568 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to cease the prescription of dry powder inhalers in England apart from in exceptional circumstances; and if so, when.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Questions Asked 29 October 2019
Department for Envrionemnt, Food and Rural Affairs
Plastic: Fees and Chagres HL535 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the environmental impact of introducing a 5p charge for plastic clothes hangers.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Women and Equalities
Equal Pay HL534 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to ensure that companies publish their action plans for closing the gender pay gap.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Home Office
Human Trafficking HL533 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to implement additional measures to detect people smuggling through UK ports, including the use of X-rays.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
5G HL536 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of 5G airwaves on (1) satellite communication, and (2) the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Project.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Questions Asked 28 October 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Vaccination: Children HL475 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to increase the uptake of childhood vaccinations; and when any such plans are likely to be implemented.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department for Education
Pupil Refferal Units HL472 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to increase the number of spaces available in pupil referral units.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department for Education
Nurseries HL473 To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the freedom of information request which details how nursery rates are calculated will be published by the Department of Education.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Qatar: Football HL474 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they made as to whether the humans rights of workers building the stadium for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar have been violated.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Questions Asked 23 October 2019
Home Office
Human: Trafficking HL368 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to use thermal imaging cameras at all UK ports to check for incidents of human trafficking.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department for Education
Universities: Racial Harassment HL370 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Universities UK about the steps it is taking to reduce racial abuse on campuses.
Answered on: 31 October 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media HL371 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce legislation concerning the application of augmented reality filters by social media networks.
Answered on: 30 October 2019
Department for International Trade
Manufactured Goods: Exports HL369 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that manufacturers are predicting sharp declines in exports next year.
Answered on: 29 October 2019
Questions Asked 22 October 2019
Department for Envrionemnt, Food and Rural Affairs
Peat Bogs HL326 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the environmental impact of the drying of peatlands in the UK.
Answered on: 5 November 2019
Department for Transport
Aviation: Taxis HL323 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the regulatory requirements needed for the introduction of so-called “flying taxis”.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Department for Education
School Libaries HL325 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the educational impact on children of not having access to a school library.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Department for Education
School Libaries HL324 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to make it mandatory for schools to have a library.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Questions Asked 21 October 2019
Department for Transport
London Underground: Carbon Emissons HL258 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Transport for London about steps it may take to make the London Underground network carbon neutral.
Answered on: 4 November 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Chile: Politics and Government HL256 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the situation in Chile.
Answered on: 30 October 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Racial Discrimination HL255 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to combat racism in football.
Answered on: 30 October 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Trade Marks: Internet HL257 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to legislate to ensure that web search engines de-index (1) URLs or (2) websites from its web search index when trademarks have been infringed.
Answered on: 25 October 2019
Questions Asked 16 October 2019
Home Office
Crime Prevention HL166 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to prevent criminals exploiting a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 30 October 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Health: Screening HL164 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to establish mandatory annual health screenings.
Answered on: 30 October 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Science: Industry HL165 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of uncertainty regarding Brexit on the UK science industry.
Answered on: 30 October 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Gambling: Children HL162 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to address the number of children who gamble.
Answered on: 29 October 2019
Department for Education
Home Education HL163 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to roll out a home-schooling program with regular checks and tests.
Answered on: 24 October 2019
Questions Asked 15 October 2019
Home Office
Hate Crime: Disability HL137 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce violent hate crime towards disabled people.
Answered on: 28 October 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Carbon Emissions HL138 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to make 2025 the new target for zero carbon emissions.
Answered on: 29 October 2019
Treasury
Public Finance HL139 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the prediction by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that a no-deal Brexit would increase borrowing to £92 billion a year and total debt as a share of national income would rise by 2024 to 83 per cent.
Answered on: 22 October 2019
Questions Asked 14 October 2019
Home Office
Knives: Young People HL54 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to prevent young people from carrying knives.
Answered on: 28 October 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services: British Nationals Abroad HL56 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to ensure the provision of healthcare for UK pensioners living in the European Union post-Brexit.
Answered on: 25 October 2019
Department for Education
Students: Sexual Offences HL57 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to increase the amount of support offered to university students who have been victims of sexual assault.
Answered on: 24 October 2019
Department for Education
Special Educational Needs HL55 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce legislation to reform the provision of support for children with special educational needs; and when they intend to introduce such legislation.
Answered on: 24 October 2019
Questions Asked 2 October 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Eggs: Imports HL18019 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to make the duty-free import of eggs conditional upon animal welfare requirements.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media HL18022 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to combat sadfishing.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
North Korea: Guided Weapons HL18020 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Women and Equalities
Equal Pay HL18021 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to identify the cause of the gender pay gap.
Answered on: 7 October 2019
Questions Asked 1 October 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
Business HL17983 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether businesses which have planned and stockpiled for Brexit twice will be reimbursed for extra costs incurred, if there is no Brexit on 31 October.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Hong Kong: Demonstrations HL17980 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of violence towards (1) bystanders, and (2) protestors, in the National Day protests in Hong Kong.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Homelessness: Death HL17982 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to combat the rise in deaths of homeless people.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Gibraltar: Spain HL17981 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that people crossing the border in Gibraltar have as minimum a time delay as possible after the UK departs the EU.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Questions Asked 30 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Companies: Carbon Emissions HL17935 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce penalties for UK companies that do not achieve the 2050 targets set out in the Paris Agreement.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Social Services: Reform HL17938 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to publish a plan listing their proposed reforms for adult social care and timings for legislation to implement any such reforms; and if so, when.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Vaccination: Children HL17937 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to increase the uptake of childhood vaccination, and (2) make childhood vaccination mandatory.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Home Office
Alcoholic Drinks: Prices HL17936 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce minimum alcohol pricing in England.
Awaiting Response
Questions Asked 26 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Equal Pay: Social Class HL17882 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce workplace pay gaps where cases are based on social class discrimination.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
New Business HL17883 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that there has been a fall in the number of UK business start-ups due to Brexit uncertainty.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Advertising HL17880 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that social media companies use image recognition software to identify and block the advertising of illegal drugs.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Treasury
Borders: Northern Ireland HL17881 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to install electronic detection border equipment in Northern Ireland.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Questions Asked 25 September 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Private Sector HL17842 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to conduct an inquiry into standards of care in private mental health units.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
White Fish: North Sea HL17843 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of climate change on North Sea cod losing sustainability status.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department for International Development
Tanzania: Ebola HL17845 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the outbreak of disease with Ebola-like symptoms in Tanzania.
Answered on: 8 October 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Carbon Emissions HL17844 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to publish guidance about how people can reduce their carbon emissions.
Answered on: 3 October 2019
Questions Asked 5 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
North Sea: Oil Rigs HL17773 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the environmental impact of leaving de-commissioned oil rigs in the North Sea.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Social Services: Finance HL17771 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to change the distribution of adult social care funding.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Food: Taxation HL17770 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a snack tax to help reduce obesity.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Doctors: Training HL17772 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps the NHS is taking to increase the number of trainee doctors recruited each year.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Questions Asked 4 September 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Water: Rationing HL17732 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for rationing to prevent potential food and water shortages post Brexit.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Environment Protection HL17729 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to remain closely aligned with the EU regulatory framework on (1) environmental protection, and (2) food safety standards.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade HL17730 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a joint-letter from a group of worldwide business federations coordinated by the United States Chamber of Commerce warning against the impact that a no-deal Brexit could have on global trade as reported by The Times on 4 September.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Animal Welfare HL17731 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce legislation that recognises animals as sentient beings after Brexit.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Questions Asked 3 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Carbon Emissions HL17688 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce further incentives for carbon-neutral lifestyles.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
UK Trade with EU HL17689 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of EU businesses that divert supply chains away from the UK.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department for Work and Pensions
Food Banks: Schools HL17690 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that there has been an increase in the number of food banks set up in UK schools.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Retail Trade HL17687 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase footfall in high street stores.
Answered on: 9 September 2019
Questions Asked 24 July 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tankers: Security HL17495 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure the safe passage of British tankers overseas.
Answered on: 9 August 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Artifical Intelligence: Business HL17498 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage more UK companies to automate decision-making through artificial intelligence technology.
Answered on: 2 August 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: EU Action HL17497 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of EU plans for a Digital Services Act after Brexit.
Answered on: 2 August 2019
Ministry of Defence
Merchant Shipping: Security HL17496 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to join a United States-led shipping coalition after Brexit.
Answered on: 2 August 2019
Questions Asked 23 July 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements: Canada HL17431 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a reduction in import tariffs on a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and Canada.
Answered on: 6 August 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Iran: Foreign Relations HL17429 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to de-escalate tensions with Iran.
Answered on: 6 August 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Biotechnology HL17432 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help increase growth in the UK biotechnology sector after Brexit.
Answered on: 1 August 2019
Department for Education
Apprentices: Taxation HL17430 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reform the apprenticeship levy to (1) ensure companies spend more on training, and (2) broaden the levy to include a greater number of companies.
Answered on: 29 July 2019
Questions Asked 22 July 2019
Department for Transport
HS2 Railway Line HL17372 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the present total cost of HS2.
Answered on: 5 August 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
5G HL17373 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect the UK’s future 5G infrastructure against cyberattacks.
Answered on: 22 July 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
Cybercrime HL17374 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the UK was represented at the EU28 meeting on cyber security standards on 25 June.
Answered on: 1 August 2019
Treasury
Infrastructure HL17375 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to implement a national infrastructure strategy to increase business growth after Brexit.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Questions Asked 17 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Amazon: Unfair Practices HL17275 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the role of the UK in the EU’s investigation into possible data misuse by Amazon.
Answered on: 31 July 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Medical Equipment: Artifical Intelligence HL17273 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps have been taken to regulate AI technology which can be implanted within the human body.
Answered on: 25 July 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
Borders: Northern Ireland HL17276 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the European Commission’s position on renegotiating the Irish backstop.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Treasury
Brexit HL17274 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to address any economic downturn that may be caused by a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Questions Asked 16 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Eating Disorders HL17232 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to block applications which publish content that may be harmful to children with eating disorders.
Answered on: 1 August 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
School Leaving: Employment HL17233 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to create more job opportunities for school leavers after Brexit.
Answered on: 30 July 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Surgey: Training HL17231 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of introducing virtual reality learning to (1) aid surgical training, and (2) practice pioneering operations.
Answered on: 25 July 2019
Department for Education
Education: Digital Technology HL17234 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the role of digital technology in the UK education sector.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Questions Asked 15 July 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements HL17181 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of a shortage of experienced UK trade negotiators during the Brexit process.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Home Office
Organised Crime HL17182 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that there may be a rise in cross-border organised crime after Brexit; and if so, what steps they are taking to address this.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Leader of the House of Lords
Bullying and Harassment in the House of Lords Independant Inquiry HL17179 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Naomi Ellenbogen QC An Independent Inquiry into bullying and harassment in the House of Lords, published on 11 July.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Digital Technology: Sales HL17180 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reform the Consumer Rights Act 2015 rules for digital content purchased post-Brexit to include a 28-day refund rule.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Questions Asked 10 July 2019
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Water Companies: Pollution Control HL17098 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that water companies meet targets set by the Environment Agency to reduce pollution by 2020.
Answered on: 24 July 2019
Home Office
Police: Technology HL17096 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest in technology provided to police officers.
Answered on: 22 July 2019
Home Office
Emergency Services: Counselling HL17095 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce mandatory weekly counselling sessions for (1) frontline police officers in England and Wales, and (2) ambulance staff in England.
Answered on: 22 July 2019
Department for International Trade
Exports HL17097 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to decrease the UK’s trade deficit after Brexit.
Answered on: 18 July 2019
Questions Asked 9 July 2019
Ministry of Justice
Sexual Offences HL17064 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to (1) introduce tougher sentences for sex offenders, and (2) stop sex offenders being granted parole.
Answered on: 31 July 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
Trade with the EU: Duty Free Allowances HL17063 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to re-introduce duty free trade with the EU after Brexit.
Answered on: 23 July 2019
Department for International Development
Developing Countries: Education HL17062 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, with UNESCO, to raise global education standards.
Answered on: 18 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Equal Pay: Ethnic Groups HL17061 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce the ethnic minority pay gap in the UK.
Answered on: 17 July 2019
Questions Asked 8 July 2019
Treasury
Pensions: Doctors HL17005 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to revisit the 2016 rule changes to tax relief for medical practitioners, in order to resolve the current staffing crisis.
Answered on: 22 July 2019
Treasury
Parcels: VAT HL17003 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure more foreign companies sign up to the new parcel tax scheme in preparation for a possible no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 22 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Women HL17006 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to develop the profile of women’s football in the UK.
Answered on: 19 July 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements: Mercosur HL17004 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to secure a free trade agreement with the Mercosur trade bloc; and whether any such agreement would include measures to support sustainable growth.
Answered on: 15 July 2019
Questions Asked 3 July 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Drugs HL16926 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that adequate warehouse space is available in order to stockpile medicines, if required, in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 17 July 2019
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Housing HL16925 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase growth in the UK housing market after Brexit.
Answered on: 15 July 2019
Department for Education
Technology: Training HL16929 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to re-train low-skilled workers to help them gain employment in the technology sector.
Answered on: 12 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Fast Food: Advertising HL16928 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to regulate fast-food advertisements.
Answered on: 12 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Advertising: Internet HL16927 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the market power held by online platforms on competition in the advertising sector.
Answered on: 12 July 2019
Questions Asked 2 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Civil Engineering HL16888 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support the civil engineering sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 16 July 2019
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Local Government Finance HL16887 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of current levels of funding provided to local councils on councils’ ability to provide statutory services.
Answered on: 11 July 2019
Treasury
Financial Services HL16886 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to invest in infrastructure projects in the UK financial services industry to help address climate change.
Answered on: 9 July 2019
Questions Asked 1 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Directors: Female HL16846 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce legislation to require businesses to appoint equal numbers of men and women at board level.
Answered on: 15 July 2019
Home Office
Cannbis: Misuse HL16848 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review policy surrounding the use of cannabis, including the implementation of tougher sentences and penalties for drug use.
Answered on: 15 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Supermarkets HL16847 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on any decline in retail sales in the UK supermarket sector.
Answered on: 11 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Harassment HL16849 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce fines for cyber-harassment.
Answered on: 10 July 2019
Questions Asked 26 June 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: EU Law HL16724 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to assess the impact on the NHS of leaving the European regulatory framework in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 10 July 2019
Treasury
Inheritance Tax HL16723 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to scrap the inheritance tax 40 per cent excess policy above an individual’s £325,000 allowance.
Answered on: 9 July 2019
Department for Education
Further Education: Finance HL16725 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support an increase in the budget allocated to further education colleges to help address the UK skills gap.
Answered on: 8 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Safety HL16726 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to regulate technology companies to improve online safety protection measures for children.
Answered on: 4 July 2019
Questions Asked 25 June 2019
Home Office
Borders: Northern Ireland HL16676 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential for technological solutions for the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit.
Answered on: 9 July 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Obseity: Children HL16677 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit on measures to tackle child obesity.
Answered on: 9 July 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade HL16675 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment, if any, they have made of proposals by the Centre for Policy Studies to establish opportunity zones to increase trade after Brexit.
Answered on: 9 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries HL16678 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on just-in-time supply chains in the UK automotive sector.
Answered on: 2 July 2019
Questions Asked 24 June 2019
Department for Education
Construction: Skilled Workers HL16616 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps, if any, they are taking to address a reported shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry due to Brexit uncertainty.
Answered on: 8 July 2019
Treasury
Cryptocurrencies: Regulation HL16615 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to regulate the use of new crypto-currencies created by large technology companies; and what steps they are taking to protect private financial information in that sector.
Answered on: 8 July 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade: India HL16614 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to advance UK trading relations with India post-Brexit.
Answered on: 3 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Consumers: Protection HL16613 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to place a cap on the price paid in markets where there are rolling contracts for consumers.
Answered on: 1 July 2019
Questions Asked 19 June 2019
Cabinet Office
Cybercrime HL16516 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make public advice available to prepare for the threat of a category one cyberattack.
Answered on: 27 June 2019
Treasury
Financial Services: Equality HL16517 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that the UK financial sector (1) increases its diversity, and (2) ensures equal pay.
Answered on: 2 July 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
ICT: Innovation HL16518 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to develop supercomputer technology in the UK.
Answered on: 25 June 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
British Nationals Abroad: EU Countries HL16519 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to make an agreement to safeguard the rights of UK citizens living in the EU after Brexit.
Answered on: 2 July 2019
Questions Asked 18 June 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Finance HL16475 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase funding for the NHS post-Brexit.
Answered on: 2 July 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services HL16476 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to implement a long-term strategy to improve the timescale of mental health treatment in the NHS.
Answered on: 2 July 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Bullying HL16477 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support social media companies to eradicate online bullying.
Answered on: 27 June 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Sports: Corruption HL16478 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the levels of global corruption in sport.
Answered on: 27 June 2019
Questions Asked 17 June 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Iran: Nuclear Power HL16433 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review the UK’s participation in the Iran nuclear agreement following escalating tensions in the region.
Answered on: 24 June 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Smart Devices HL16434 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to regulate the use of interconnected sensor technology in the UK private sector.
Answered on: 27 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Higher Education HL16435 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that Brexit could have on the ability of UK business schools to (1) recruit academic talent, and (2) attract research funding.
Answered on: 25 June 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade: South America HL16436 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve post-Brexit trading ties with South American countries.
Answered on: 25 June 2019
Questions Asked 12 June 2019
Cabinet Office
Electronic Government HL16331 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to invest in the digital transformation of government services.
Answered on: 20 June 2019
Department for Education
Business: Education HL16332 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the development of entrepreneurial skills as part of the UK education curriculum.
Answered on: 24 June 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Food: Imports HL16333 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the preparations of the Food Standards Agency regarding implementing any new legislation that may be required for imported products after Brexit.
Answered on: 25 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Energy: Research HL16334 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage the responsible development of materials for new energy technologies.
Answered on: 19 June 2019
Questions Asked 11 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Shopping Centres HL16284 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support businesses increase footfall in shopping centres.
Answered on: 19 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Investment HL16285 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by KPMG 2018 Global CEO Outlook: UK, published on 11 June, in regard to business investment in the UK after Brexit.
Answered on: 19 June 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Hong Kong: Politics and Government HL16286 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) recent protests in Hong Kong, and (2) the impact of plans to allow extradition to China on the judicial independence of Hong Kong.
Answered on: 24 June 2019
Department for International Trade
UK Trade with EU HL16287 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, with the EU, to ensure that European businesses which trade with the UK are prepared for a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 20 June 2019
Questions Asked 10 June 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Technology: New Businesses HL16222 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to continue to increase the number of UK technology business start-ups after Brexit.
Answered on: 24 June 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements: Canada and South Africa HL16223 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to secure a post-Brexit trade deal with (1) South Africa, and (2) Canada.
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Department for International Trade
Foreign Investment in UK HL16224 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help attract foreign direct investment into the UK after Brexit.
Answered on: 24 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries HL16225 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase productivity in the UK automotive sector.
Answered on: 24 June 2019
Questions Asked 6 June 2019
Treasury
Cash Dispensing: Rural Areas HL16175 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the decline in the number of free-to-use cash machines on rural communities.
Answered on: 20 June 2019
Department for International Trade
China: USA HL16176 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China has on (1) global GDP, and (2) the UK economy.
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Carbon Emissions HL16177 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that their plans to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 do not affect the economic competitiveness of UK industries.
Answered on: 17 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Unfair Practices: Competition HL16178 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the number of cases submitted to the Competition and Markets Authority.
Answered on: 13 June 2019
Questions Asked 5 June 2019
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agriculture: Subsidies HL16120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of the timescale of their plan for UK farming subsidies after Brexit.
Answered on: 14 June 2019
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Electronic Warfare HL16121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to strengthen UK defences against new threats posed by (1) misinformation campaigns, and (2) cyber warfare
Answered on: 13 June 2019
Home Office
Stop and Search HL16122To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase stop and search policing in the UK following the recent rise in knife crime.
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Retail Trade: Urban Areas HL16123 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of business rates on high street businesses; and whether they have any plans to make UK town centres free-trade zones.
Answered on: 13 June 2019
Questions Asked 4 June 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements: USA HL16056 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the United States.
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Treasury
Bank Services: Internet HL160567 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to remain closely aligned to any new EU security regulations for online banking transactions after Brexit.
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements: USA HL16058 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include in any post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the United States provisions to help retain control of regulation of UK public services, including the NHS.
Answered on: 18 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Manufacturing Industries HL160589 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the economic impact that a no-deal Brexit could have on the UK manufacturing sector.
Answered on: 12 June 2019
Questions Asked 22 May 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services: Artificial Intelligence HL15939 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to invest in the development and use of artificial intelligence in the UK healthcare sector.
Answered on: 6 June 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade: Developing Countries HL15940 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of global trade slowdown on emerging economies; and what steps they are taking to reduce barriers to supply chains between the UK and emerging economies post-Brexit.
Answered on: 4 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Energy: Prices HL15941 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the cost of energy bills on the rate of inflation; and what steps they are taking to improve price competition in the energy sector.
Answered on: 4 June 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Productivity HL15942 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a disorderly Brexit on UK business productivity.
Answered on: 5 June 2019
Questions Asked 21 May 2019
Treasury
Financial Markets: Regulation HL15907 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the role of (1) the European Securities and Markets Authority, and (2) the Financial Conduct Authority, will have in regulating financial markets after Brexit.
Answered on: 4 June 2019
Treasury
Banks: Digital Technology HL159078 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps, if any, they are taking to invest in digital technology hubs in the UK banking sector.
Answered on: 4 June 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Data ProtectionHL15909 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps, if any, they are taking to work with Instagram and other companies to secure the personal information of social media users following a recent global data breach
Answered on: 3 June 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Hungary: Human RightsHL15910 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of possible human rights violations in Hungary; and what steps they are taking to work with EU member states to address any such problem.
Answered on: 5 June 2019
Questions Asked 20 May 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
USA: Iran HL15855 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran.
Answered on: 28 May 2019
Department for Education
Vocational Education HL15856 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with UK businesses to address any gaps in the education and training of vocational skills.
Answered on: 3 June 2019
Department for International Trade
EU External Trade: ChinaHL158567 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Business Confidence Survey 2019, published on 20 May by the European Chamber of Commerce, suggesting an increase in European companies feeling pressured to hand over valuable technology to China in exchange for market access.
Answered on: 4 June 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Huawei: Data Protection HL15858 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of any risks to UK data security associated with telecoms equipment provided by Huawei.
Answered on: 30 May 2019
Questions Asked 15 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Iron and Steel: Import Duties HL15779 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a 20 per cent World Trade Organization tariff could have on the UK steel industry, in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 29 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Renewable Energy HL15780 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support projects to develop renewable electricity sources; and whether any plans to build electricity networks with other EU countries could be affected in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 28 May 2019
Treasury
Credit HL15781 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of any increase in complaints regarding short-term and payday lenders related to those suffering with problem debt.
Answered on: 22 May 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Regulation HL157812 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of social media regulators in keeping up with innovation in large technology companies.
Answered on: 29 May 2019
Questions Asked 14 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing IndustriesHL15744 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the automotive sector of recent announcements by Honda and other car manufacturers of expected job losses in the UK.
Answered on: 22 May 2019
Ministry of Defence
Defence: Finance HL15745 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to use funds made available from the UK’s contributions to EU defence spending to facilitate an increase in UK defence spending after Brexit.
Answered on: 29 May 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Cybercrime HL157456 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with the digital communications sector to help companies improve their cyber security measures.
Answered on: 29 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Research: Finance HL15747 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help increase investment in UK research and development.
Answered on: 20 May 2019
Questions Asked 13 May 2019
Ministry of Defence
Navy Recruitment HL15689 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to increase staff recruitment in the UK Royal Navy; and if so, what steps they are taking to increase skills and training of such staff.
Answered on: 20 May 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Telephones: Fees and Charges HL15690 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the cap on the cost of phone calls between EU member states will apply to UK consumers until the end of any transition period, in the event that a Brexit deal is agreed.
Answered on: 23 May 2019
Home Office
Biometrics HL15691 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the accuracy of facial recognition technology.
Answered on: 24 May 2019
Treasury
Banks: Competition HL156912 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to update competition law to allow for shared banking hubs in areas where local bank branches have been closed.
Answered on: 22 May 2019
Questions Asked 9 May 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Artificial Intelligence: Data Protection HL15649 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage large providers of artificial intelligence technology to ensure greater privacy rights for customers.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Department for Transport
Airline Insolvency Review HL15650 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the response from representatives of the aviation industry to the proposals outlined in the Airline Insolvency Review.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Department for Education
Education: Migrant WorkersHL15651 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase recruitment of staff from non-EU countries in the UK education sector after Brexit.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
Brexit HL15652 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the economic impact of a Brexit scenario where the UK stays in a customs union with the EU.
Answered on: 22 May 2019
Questions Asked 8 May 2019
Treasury
Financial Services HL15610 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of remarks by the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority about the impact of a post-Brexit customs union on the UK financial services sector.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Treasury
EU Emissions Trading Scheme HL15611 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to replicate the European Trading Scheme carbon emissions tax on companies in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Migrant Workers HL156112 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the number of NHS staff recruited from EU member states after Brexit.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade: Germany HL1561123 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to develop the UK’s post-Brexit trading relationship with Germany.
Answered on: 22 May 2019
Questions Asked 7 May 2019
Department for International Trade
China: USA HL15568 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the trade dispute between the United States and China; and of the effect of that dispute on global markets.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business HL15569 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Business Confidence Monitor Q2 2019, published in May, which suggests a decline in confidence of UK businesses due to ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
Answered on: 20 May 2019
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Biodiversity HL15570 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to remain closely aligned with the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy after Brexit; and if not, what plans they have to implement a long-term post-Brexit strategy on biodiversity.
Answered on: 20 May 2019
Treasury
Private Equity HL155701 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to remain closely aligned with the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy after Brexit; and if not, what plans they have to implement a long-term post-Brexit strategy on biodiversity.
Answered on: 21 May 2019
Questions Asked 1 May 2019
Department for Transport
Channel Ferries: Contracts HL15489 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effects of the recent decision to cancel the remaining contracts with no-deal Brexit ferry operators on supply chains in the freight sector.
Answered on: 16 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Manufacturing Industries: Employment HL15490 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on job cuts in the UK manufacturing sector.
Answered on: 10 May 2019
Questions Asked 30 April 2019
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Marine Management Organisation: Recruitment HL15437 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to increase the number of marine enforcement officers in the UK fishing industry after Brexit.
Answered on: 10 May 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Artificial Intelligence HL154378 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have plans to invest in projects to improve the development of artificial intelligence in the UK.
Answered on: 14 May 2019
Questions Asked 10 April 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Drugs HL15199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report from the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee about the impact of Brexit on a shortage of medicine supplies at UK pharmacies.
Answered on: 26 April 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade: China HL15200 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase foreign investment and trade between the UK and China post-Brexit.
Answered on: 25 April 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Regulation HL15201 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report from the Coalition for a Digital Economy suggesting that new tech regulations set out in the Online Harms White Paper may restrict fair competition of UK start-ups in this sector.
Answered on: 25 April 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
Brexit HL152012 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the possibility that the UK may lose its right to veto EU proposals in the event of a further delay to Brexit.
Answered on: 16 April 2019
Questions Asked 9 April 2019
Treasury
World Economy HL15168 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a recent International Monetary Fund forecast regarding the impact of a no-deal Brexit as a risk to global economic growth.
Answered on: 25 April 2019
Department for International Trade
EU External Trade: USA HL151689 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of trade tensions between the EU and the United States; and whether they anticipate UK trade with the United States will be affected while the UK remains an EU member state.
Answered on: 25 April 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Artifical Intellegience: Ethics HL15171 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to remain aligned with EU guidelines on the ethical development of artificial intelligence following the UK’s departure from the EU.
Answered on: 25 April 2019
Department for Transport
Air Space HL15170 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to amend UK airspace regulations after Brexit; and whether any such plans would be affected by a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 18 April 2019
Questions Asked 8 April 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Tourism: Coastal Areas HL15120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase levels of tourism in UK coastal communities after Brexit.
Answered on: 24 April 2019
Ministry of Justice
Legal Profession: Equality HL15121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to increase diversity at UK law firms.
Answered on: 24 April 2019
Home Office
Immigration: EU Nationals HL15122 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a lack of understanding of the settled status scheme could have on the ability of EU citizens to rent properties in the UK.
Answered on: 24 April 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Jaguar Land Rover HL15123 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to shut down production short-term due to Brexit.
Answered on: 16 April 2019
Question Asked 3 April 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade HL15048 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the analysis by the World Trade Organisation that global trade growth may decline in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 17 April 2019
Question Asked 1 April 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Factories HL14979 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on the levels of stockpiling by factories.
Answered on: 16 April 2019
Treasury
Financial Services HL14980 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide clarity surrounding new sales rules for UK asset managers in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 15 April 2019
Treasury
Investment HL14981 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports suggesting that Brexit may have cost the UK approximately 2.4 per cent of GDP due to a fall in investment.
Answered on: 15 April 2019
Treasury
Claims Management Services: Regulation HL14982 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of sector regulation on closures of financial claims management firms; and of the impact that could have on consumers.
Answered on: 15 April 2019
Question Asked 27 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Data Protection HL14882 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the possible future use of encrypted metadata mining by social media companies.
Answered on: 9 April 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Artifical Intellegience HL14881 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to implement a long-term strategy to address ethical issues raised by artificial intelligence.
Answered on: 9 April 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Copyright: EU Law HL14884 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the EU Article 13 copyright directive on the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 3 April 2019
Department for Transport
Cars: Safety HL14883 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to remain closely aligned with EU car safety standards in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 2 April 2019
Question Asked 26 March 2019
Treasury
British National Abroad: EU HL14835 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a no-deal Brexit could have on possible delays experienced by British citizens at the borders of EU countries.
Answered on: 9 April 2019
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Housing Market HL14837 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on the UK housing market.
Answered on: 8 April 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Racial Discrimination HL14836 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with relevant authorities, such as FIFA, and UEFA, to strengthen sanctions against racist behaviour in international football.
Answered on: 8 April 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
Vaccination: Imports HL14834 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that travel disruption could have on imports of vaccines in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
Answered on: 2 April 2019
Question Asked 25 March 2019
Treasury
Fruad HL14801 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with banks to protect UK businesses against invoice fraud.
Answered on: 8 April 2019
Treasury
Debts HL14799 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve measures to support those with problem debt.
Answered on: 8 April 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Automation HL14798 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that 1.5 million jobs could be lost due to increased automation.
Answered on: 4 April 2019
Department for Industrial Strategy
Overseas Trade: Commonwealth HL14800 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase UK trade with Commonwealth countries after Brexit.
Answered on: 2 April 2019
Question Asked 20 March 2019
Treasury
Financial Services HL14719 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of uncertainty on the UK financial services sector’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 3 April 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Drugs HL14720 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a disorderly Brexit on the supply of pharmaceuticals between the UK and EU member states.
Answered on: 2 April 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Racial Discrimination HL14721 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking following comments by the Prime Minister of New Zealand calling for a global response to tackle racism.
Answered on: 28 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Multinational Companies: Competition HL14722 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to ensure that UK competition law remains closely aligned with EU rules in relation to large companies after Brexit; and if not, what steps they are taking to introduce effective regulation to ensure competition, particularly in relation to multinational technology companies.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Question Asked 19 March 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Water Shortages HL14677 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address a potential long-term water shortage in the UK.
Answered on: 2 April 2019
Department for Education
Overseas Students HL14678 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the number of overseas students attending academic institutions in the UK continues to grow in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 29 March 2019
Ministry of Defence
Armoured Fighting Vehicles HL14676 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of cuts to the defence budget on projects to upgrade armoured vehicles in the UK armed forces.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Service Industries: Productivity HL14675 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve productivity growth in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Question Asked 18 March 2019
Department for Transport
Eurostar HL14627 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk of disruption to Eurostar rail services in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Investment HL14626 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a forecast by the British Chambers of Commerce that there may be a decline in business investment this year as a result of Brexit uncertainty.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Data Protection: EU Law HL14625 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent breaches of EU data protection rules by advertising companies on public sector websites; and what steps they are taking to ensure companies adhere to online data compliance legislation in the UK.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Question Asked 13 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Motor Vehicles: Import Duties HL14540 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of the impact that no-deal Brexit tariff plans could have on possible price rises in the UK automotive sector.
Answered on: 27 March 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Air Pollution HL14542 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to secure agreements with EU countries to work on reducing levels of air pollution after Brexit.
Answered on: 26 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
IT: Competition HL14539 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve data transparency amongst large tech companies in order to support competition in the digital services sector.
Answered on: 26 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Economic Growth HL14541 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on recent statistics suggesting slower growth and smaller investment in UK manufacturing and construction over the last three months.
Answered on: 18 March 2019
Question Asked 12 March 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Human Rights HL14496 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure human rights standards are upheld in all post-Brexit international agreements; and what steps they are taking to ensure the UK meets its international obligations on human rights after Brexit.
Answered on: 25 March 2019
Department for International Trade
Exports HL14495 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the recent growth slowdown in key export markets could have on UK trade after Brexit.
Answered on: 25 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Biotechnology: Research HL14494 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to invest in UK biotechnology research projects.
Answered on: 18 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Aviation HL14493 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a disorderly Brexit could have on supply chains in the aviation sector.
Answered on: 25 March 2019
Question Asked 6 March 2019
Department for International Trade
Import Duties HL14311 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports of business uncertainty regarding possible Government plans to cut import tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 20 March 2019
Department for Education
Apprentices: Taxation HL14312 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports from the National Audit Office that the number of UK apprenticeships has fallen since the introduction of an apprenticeship levy on large employers.
Answered on: 19 March 2019
Department for Transport
Aviation HL14310 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the UK aviation sector.
Answered on: 15 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Conditions of Employment HL14313 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend that the UK will remain closely aligned to EU standards on workers’ rights in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 13 March 2019
Question Asked 5 March 2019
Home Office
Violent Crime HL14275 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to combat the rise in (1) youth gang-related violence, and (2) knife crime.
Answered on: 19 March 2019
Treasury
Financial Markets HL14273 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports from the Bank of England and European Central Bank that there may be significant market volatility in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
Answered on: 19 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Cars: Manufacturing Industries HL14276 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent warnings by BMW and Toyota that their UK car production may be threatened in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 12 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Service Industries: Employment HL14274 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of any decline in employment in the UK services sector; and what steps they are taking to boost employment in this sector.
Answered on: 12 March 2019
Question Asked 4 March 2019
Home Office
Drugs: Crime HL14218 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent the use of social media and encrypted messaging apps to supply and access illegal drugs.
Answered on: 18 March 2019
Home Office
Companies: Crown Dependencies HL14217 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce measures to improve the transparency of company ownership in the Crown Dependencies.
Answered on: 18 March 2019
Treasury
Credit: Interest Charges HL14219 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that some people who have used credit to buy their cars are being overcharged on interest payments; and how they are working with financial regulators to help address this issue.
Answered on: 18 March 2019
Department for Transport
Large Goods Vehicles: EU Countries HL14220 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in a no-deal Brexit, they intend to issue European Conference of Ministers of Transport permits to UK lorry drivers; and if so, how many they plan to issue.
Answered on: 15 March 2019
Question Asked 27 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Import Duties HL14119 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help UK businesses which trade with the EU to prepare for the effects of introducing tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 14 March 2019
Treasury
Financial Services HL14121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the assessment of the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority in evidence to the EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee on 27 February that there may be market disruption in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 13 March 2019
Treasury
Capital Markets: EU Action HL14118 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and member states on 26 February on the Capital Markets Union, and (2) whether UK investment firms’ access to EU markets could be restricted if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Answered on: 13 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Manufactured Goods: Storage HL14120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the assessment of the Governor of the Bank of England that there may not be enough space in warehouses for UK manufacturers to stockpile goods in preparation for Brexit.
Answered on: 4 March 2019
Question Asked 26 February 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
India and Pakistan HL14066 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
Answered on: 11 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Discolosure of Information: EU Countries HL14069 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to negotiate a post-Brexit data sharing agreement with the EU; and when they anticipate that such a deal will be signed.
Answered on: 11 March 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Supply HL14068 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a no-deal Brexit could have on the UK’s food supplies.
Answered on: 12 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Life Sciences HL14067 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a no-deal Brexit could have on growth in the UK life sciences sector.
Answered on: 5 March 2019
Question Asked 25 February 2019
Treasury
Banks HL14017 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help co-ordinate a post-Brexit strategy for financial institutions in the UK banking sector.
Answered on: 11 March 2019
Department for Work and Pensions
State Retirement Pensions: British Nationals Abroad HL14018 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on UK pension claimants living in EU countries.
Answered on: 8 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Television: Advertising HL14016 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the commercial impact of Brexit uncertainty on UK business marketing; and of the impact of a decline in advertising revenue on UK television broadcasters.
Answered on: 6 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business HL14015 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a statement from the Institute of Directors regarding the impact of Brexit uncertainty on consumption and investment in UK businesses.
Answered on: 5 March 2019
Question Asked 20 February 2019
Home Office
Police: Equality HL13939 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help promote diversity and ethnic minority representation in UK police forces.
Answered on: 6 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Internet: Standards HL13941 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that a technical fragmentation in new Internet Protocol standards may last indefinitely, and of the impact this could have on (1) future global communications, and (2) online safety.
Answered on: 6 March 2019
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agriculture HL13940 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help boost growth in the UK agriculture and farming sector; and whether they anticipate that there will be a slowdown in growth in those industries in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 5 March 2019
Department for Work and Pensions
Poverty: Children HL13942 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help reduce levels of child poverty in the UK.
Answered on: 27 February 2019
Question Asked 19 February 2019
Treasury
UK Trade with EU HL13877 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that UK small businesses may need to be represented by an agent to trade with the EU Single Market after Brexit.
Answered on: 5 March 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Tourism Trade: Competitivenss HL13876 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the UK will remain competitive in the tourism sector in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered on: 4 March 2019
Treasury
Banks: Equality HL13878 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help increase diversity and ethnic minority representation in the UK banking sector.
Answered on: 4 March 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Honda: Sweden HL13875 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Honda’s decision to close its factory in Swindon on the wider supply chain in the UK car industry.
Answered on: 27 February 2019
Questions Asked 18 February 2019
Home Office
Extradition: EU Countries HL13800 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to negotiate new post-Brexit extradition arrangements with EU countries.
Answered: 4 March 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade: Far East HL13799 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in negotiations to advance post-Brexit trading relations with (1) Japan, and (2) China.
Answered: 4 March 2019
Department for Education
Skilled Workers: Vaccancies HL13802 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address a skills shortage in the UK private sector.
Answered: 26 February 2019
Ministry of Defence
Gibraltar: Navy HL13801 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to increase UK naval defences in Gibraltar after Brexit.
Answered: 25 February 2019
Questions Asked 13 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade HL13708 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on future global trade.
Answered: 27 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business HL13710 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the business concerns raised by the British Chambers of Commerce about no-deal Brexit preparations.
Answered: 26 February 2019
Ministry of Justice
Magistrates HL13709 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure the adequate provision of magistrates in the UK justice system.
Answered: 25 February 2019
Cabinet Office
Infrastructure: Construction HL13707 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of an analysis by the National Infrastructure Forum suggesting there may be instability in the construction sector as a result of government infrastructure projects.
Answered: 20 February 2019
Questions Asked 12 February 2019
Department for Transport
Driverless Vehicles: Infrastructure HL13670 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the quality of UK infrastructure to help the development of autonomous vehicles.
Answered: 26 February 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Disinformation HL13668 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce new regulations requiring technology companies to ensure that social media platforms distribute trustworthy news content.
Answered: 22 February 2019
Treasury
Financial Services HL13671 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that a disorderly Brexit could have on the UK financial services sector.
Answered: 22 February 2019
Treasury
Small Business Loans HL13669 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with banks to ensure that there is an emergency funding programme for small businesses in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario.
Answered: 22 February 2019
Questions Asked 11 February 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Migrant Workers HL13614 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with (1) EU member states in general, and (2) Spain in particular, to ensure the UK is able to fill staff vacancies in the NHS after Brexit.
Answered: 25 February 2019
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS: Drugs HL13613 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact a no-deal Brexit would have on access to new medicines.
Answered: 25 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Shipbuilding HL13612 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) protect jobs, and (2) boost productivity, in the UK shipbuilding industry.
Answered: 19 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Manufacturing Industries HL13611 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of falls in factory output on the recent growth slowdown in the UK manufacturing sector.
Answered: 19 February 2019
Questions Asked 6 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements HL13537 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Confederation of British Industry’s warning that the UK may have to leave several existing trade agreements in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered: 20 February 2019
Home Office
Social Media Fruad HL13539 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with social media companies to help prevent online fraudulent activity.
Answered: 20 February 2019
Department for Education
Erasmus Programme HL13536 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that university funding may be lost for UK students wishing to study abroad under the Erasmus scheme in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered: 19 February 2019
Ministry of Justice
Defence: Cross Border Cooperation HL13538 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the UK retains strong defence ties with EU member states after Brexit.
Answered: 14 February 2019
Questions Asked 5 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business Premises: Construction HL13476 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a recent decline in the growth of UK commercial construction projects.
Answered: 19 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Service Industries HL13474 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve growth in the UK services sector.
Answered: 13 February 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Media: Standards HL13477 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with social media companies to help improve online fact-checking mechanisms.
Answered: 13 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Iron and Steel: Manufacturing Industries HL13475 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit scenario on the UK steelmaking industry.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Questions Asked 4 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Energy Supply HL13420 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) reports that businesses are stockpiling electrical power components in preparation for a no-deal Brexit, and (2) the impact a no-deal Brexit could have on UK power networks.
Answered: 18 February 2019
Treasury
Stocks and Shares HL13418 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of calls from European investors for regulators to protect their ability to buy and sell London-traded shares of companies with dual listings in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered: 18 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business HL13419 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reported concerns in the financial sector that uncertainty around Brexit will cause a deterioration in the long-term UK business environment; and whether they will increase their efforts to reassure UK businesses about the impact of Brexit.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Cars: Manufacturing Industries HL13417 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure the UK car manufacturing sector remains competitive after Brexit.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Questions Asked 30 January 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements: USA HL13311 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to implement more flexible trading standards to secure a bilateral trade deal with the United States in the (1) food, (2) agriculture, (3) health, and (4) technology sectors.
Answered: 13 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Trade Agreements HL13308 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the length of time that will be required to conclude new global trade deals after Brexit.
Answered: 13 February 2019
Department for Exiting the European Union
NHS: Drugs HL13310 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to prioritise imports of medicine in their post-Brexit trading arrangements, in the event of a no-deal scenario.
Answered: 13 February 2019
Treasury
Banks: Cybercrime HL13309 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help encourage banks to boost their cybersecurity in order to protect customers from online fraud.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Questions Asked 29 January 2019
Department for International Trade
Arms Trade HL13263 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of potential trading opportunities in the defence sector with non-European countries after Brexit.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Treasury
Banks HL13261 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the banking industry of jobs being moved out of the UK due to Brexit uncertainty.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Treasury
Investment HL13264 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reassure investors following warnings of challenging market conditions due to Brexit uncertainty.
Answered: 12 February 2019
Cabinet Office
Freedom of Information HL13262 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to extend the scope of freedom of information laws to include bodies in the private sector that provide public services.
Answered: 5 February 2019
Questions Asked 28 January 2019
Department for Enviornment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food: Shortages HL13178 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of warnings from UK supermarkets that (1) a no-deal Brexit could threaten UK food security, and (2) that there could be empty shelves at supermarkets due to the difficulties of importing fresh food.
Answered: 11 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business HL13177 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of small and medium-sized companies preparations for Brexit, including if no deal is agreed.
Answered: 6 February 2019
Department for Transport
Transport: Freight HL13180 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to reduce the impact of congestion and delays on road and rail freight to help boost trade imports after Brexit.
Answered: 6 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Overseas Trade HL13179 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to switch to trading on World Trade Organisation terms in the event of a no-deal Brexit; and if so, whether they anticipate that such arrangements would allow for frictionless, tariff-free trade.
Answered: 6 February 2019
Questions Asked 24 January 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Airbus: Location HL13136 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that Airbus may move their wing-building operations out of the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered: 1 February 2019
Questions Asked 23 January 2019
Department for International Trade
UK Trade with EU HL13082 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with businesses based in other European countries to minimise disruption to supply chains in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
Answered: 7 February 2019
Home Office
National Security HL13081 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risks to UK security and counter-terrorism operations regarding uncertainty over shared data and intelligence with the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered: 6 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Foreign Investment in UK: Japan HL13080 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Sony’s recent decision to move their European headquarters to the Netherlands from London; and what plans, if any, they have to encourage Japanese companies to trade in the UK after Brexit.
Answered: 6 February 2019
Questions Asked 22 January 2019
Department for Transport
Channel Ferriers: Freight HL13037 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether there will be severe disruption of freight traffic in a no-deal Brexit scenario; and what plans, if any, they have to ensure smooth trade operations between the UK and France after Brexit.
Answered: 5 February 2019
Department for Transport
Channel Ferriers HL13036 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with the shipping industry to help minimise disruption for ferry passengers in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Answered: 5 February 2019
Department for International Trade
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership HL13038 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the government of Australia’s position on the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership after Brexit.
Answered: 5 February 2019
Treasury
Infrastructure: Capital Investment HL13035 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that infrastructure investors may be withholding investment in the UK due to concerns about the current regulatory climate.
Answered: 4 February 2019
Questions Asked 21 January 2019
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Greece: Macedonia HL12999 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent escalating tensions between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia regarding the latter’s proposed name change; and whether they would support a membership application from Macedonia to join the EU.
Answered: 4 February 2019
Department for Internatioal Trade
Trade Agreements HL13002 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to make progress in negotiating post-Brexit bilateral trade deals with (1) Norway, (2) South Korea, and (3) Turkey.
Answered: 4 February 2019
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Foreign Investment in UK HL13000 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on takeovers of UK companies by international investors.
Answered: 4 February 2019
Department for Transport
Aviation HL13001 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to work with the airline sector to help minimise travel disruption for passengers in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
Answered: 4 February 2019
Department for Education
Work Experience: Coronavirus HL1620 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the early careers survey by Prospects, Work experience during a crisis, published in May; and what plans they have to offer incentives to businesses to employ work experience students.
Department for Education
Students: Special Educational Needs HL1618 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of local authorities to sufficiently support special educational needs students.
Questions Asked 29 June 2021
Treasury
Off-payroll Working HL1571 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that businesses understand how to use the online ‘Check Employment Status’ tool in regard to IR35 status.
Department for Education
Apprentices: Finance HL1569 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all businesses have the required funding to carry out sufficient on course training for apprenticeships.
Department for Education
Pupils: Absenteeism HL1568 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that persistently absent school pupils receive targeted educational support programmes.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Sharing Economy: Conditions of Employment HL1570 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enhance workers’ rights in the gig economy; and what steps they are taking to provide more clarity to businesses over employment status criteria.
Questions Asked 28 June 2021
Home Office
Employment: Vetting HL1499 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK nationals will have parity with non-UK nationals regarding in person right to work checks from September.
Treasury
Cash Dispensing: Older People HL1502 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that vulnerable elderly individuals continue to have access to cash.
Department for Education
Education: Standards HL1501 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by New Schools Network and Onward Lost Learning: Why we need to Level Up Education, published on 25 June; and what plans they have to offer teachers a fixed stipend to work in schools in areas of underperformance.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food: UK Trade with EU HL1500 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the decline in food and drink sales to the EU on potential job losses within the UK food and drink industry; and what steps they are taking to prevent such job losses.
Questions Asked 23 June 2021
Treasury
Tourism and Travel: Government Assistance HL1362To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a financial support package for the travel and tourism industry; and in particular, what plans they have to introduce tailored grants.
Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
Offshore Industry: Skilled Workers HL1364 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the report by Platform, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Greenpeace UK Training & Tickets: the hidden costs for offshore oil & gas workers, published on 22 June, what steps they are taking to create a training passport scheme to allow offshore workers to transfer their experience between sectors.
Department for Education
Apprentices: Carbon Emissions HL1365 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to review whether apprenticeship standards are fit for purpose to contribute to the net zero economy.
Department for Education
Educational Institutions: Visual Impairment HL1363 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made the report by the Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research at the University of Birmingham Lost in Transition? The post-school experiences of young people with vision impairment, published on 18 June; and what steps they are taking to ensure that all educational institutions are accessible for those with visual impairments.
Questions Asked 22 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Energy Conservation HL1330 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to improve the understanding of small businesses about energy efficiency schemes.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Self Employed HL1331 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, if any, to provide tailored mental health support schemes to freelancers.
Answered: 13 July 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices HL1332 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the National Foundation for Educational Research Putting Apprenticeships to Work for Young People, published on 16 June; and what steps they are taking to increase apprenticeship course start rates outside of London.
Answered: 6 July 2021
Ministry of Housing. Community and Local Government
Take Away Food: Small Business HL1333 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that small food and drink businesses can continue to operate as takeaway services; and what steps they are taking to support such businesses in their applications for pavement licences from local authorities.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Questions Asked 21 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business Working Conditions HL1272 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Newable Small Business Confidence Index, published on 15 June 2020; and what steps they are taking to assist small businesses in creating sustainable office environments.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Department for Education
Financial Services Education HL1270 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to implement personal financial education into the UK curriculum.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government
UK EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Construction HL1273 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on (1) staff shortages in the construction industry, and (2) the impact of any such staff shortages on house building rates.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government
Housing: Disabilties HL1271 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage new build houses to have disabled access.
Answered: 5 July 2021
Questions Asked 16 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Recruitment Equality HL1185 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the UK Recruitment Diversity and Inclusion Index, published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the Association of Professional Staffing Companies on 14 June; and what steps they are taking to support small businesses to report on staff diversity.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Department for Education
Graduates: COVID-19 HL1184 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Office for National Statistics Graduates Report Graduates’ labour market outcomes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: occupational switches and skill mismatch, published on 8 March; and what assessment have they made of the finding that over 25 per cent of employed graduates are employed in unskilled or low-skilled roles.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Department for Education
Unemployed Training HL1186 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that skills training programmes in emerging job markets are accessible for unemployed individuals.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Questions Asked 15 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business Equality HL1130 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Henley Business School The Equity Effect, published on 7 June; and what steps they are taking to encourage businesses to have racially diverse workforces.
Answered: 29 June 2021
Department for Education
Social Media: Curriculum HL1132 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include social media awareness and training in the national curriculum.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Part Time Employment: COVID-19 HL1131 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Timewise The Impact of Covid-19 on Part-Time Employees, published in June; and what steps they are taking to support the creation of jobs with flexible working hours.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Department for Education
Higher Education Finance HL1133 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the higher technical education provider growth fund is accessible to all (1) colleges, and (2) universities.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Questions Asked 14 June 2021
Department for Education
Small Business Trading HL1092 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide subsidised skills training courses for small businesses.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Treasury
Small Business: Government Assistance HL1090 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recent report by Simply Business The impact of Covid-19 on UK small business, published on 9 June; and what assessment they have made of the finding that 81 per cent of small businesses do not feel they have received enough support from government.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Treasury
SME Brexit Support Fund HL1091 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the Brexit Support Fund is easily accessible to small businesses; and what steps they are taking to increase applications.
Answered: 28 June 2021
Treasury
COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme HL1089 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the terms of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in the event that COVID-19 restrictions last beyond the 21 June.
Answered: 23 June 2021
Questions Asked 9 June 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit: Training HL977 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all individuals on Universal Credit are able to participate in learning and training courses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Condtions of Employment HL976 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the case for a ‘Right to Disconnect’; and if they have made such an assessment, what the impact of such a right would be on employee mental health.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Tourism and Travel: COVID-19 HL975 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what additional financial support they plan to offer to the travel and tourism industry because of the decline of business in that sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Schools: Mental Health Services HL974 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that mental health first aid training is rolled out in primary school settings.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 June 2021
Treasury
Small Businesses: COVID-19 HL903 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reassure small businesses that financial support will be made available in the case of future COVID-19 restrictions being introduced.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Business: Government Assistance HL902 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support businesses that have lost revenue from cross-border card payments because of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Evictions: Families HL901 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of families at risk of eviction; and what steps they are taking to support them.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Businesses: COVID-19 HL900 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of small businesses that will be unable to retain current staff numbers after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends; and what steps they are taking to financially support small businesses after September 2021.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 June 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Night Time Economy: COVID-19 HL823 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prepare further financial support packages for the night-time entertainment industry affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
Answered: 14 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry: Small Business HL824 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what additional steps they are taking to support small businesses in filling job vacancies in the hospitality sector.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Financial Services Technology HL822 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist financial technology companies in pursuing environmentally sustainable technology.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Cryptocurrencies Regulation HL821 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a report by TheCityUK Cryptoassets: Shaping UK regulation for innovation and global leadership’, published on 25 May; and what steps they are taking to encourage crypto-based innovation in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 26 May 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Poverty: Families HL642 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Public Policy Research No Longer Managing, published on 26 May; and what steps they are taking to support families out of poverty.
Answered: 10 June 2021
Department for Envrionment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agriculture and Food: Vacancies HL641 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on labour shortages in the agricultural and food processing sectors; and what steps they are taking to reduce any such shortages.
Answered: 10 June 2021
Department for Education
Graduate Employment HL639 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities in England about the support they can provide to improve the employment prospects of graduates.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Treasury
Small Business VAT Exemptions HL640 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed removal of EU VAT exemptions on small e-commerce businesses based in the UK which trade in the EU.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Questions Asked 25 May 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Lone Parents: Coronavirus HL540 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Gingerbread Caring without Sharing, published in May; and what steps they are taking to provide financial support to single parents once the furlough scheme ends.
Answered: 10 June 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Construction HL592 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent cuts to the construction industry workforce once the furlough scheme ends.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Treasury
Taxation: Electronic Government HL589 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase awareness of the impact of ‘Making Tax Digital’ on tax.
Answered: 8 June 2021
Women and Equalities
Women: Employment HL591 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Vodafone Lost Connections, published in May; and what steps they are taking to ensure that women do not face increased barriers when returning to work.
Answered: 2 June 2021
Questions Asked 24 May 2021
Department for Education
Education: Coronavirus HL540 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a recent report by The Sutton Trust, ‘Fairness First: Social Mobility, Covid and Education Recovery’ published in May; and what plans they have to increase the funds for the early years pupil premium.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit HL539 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expand Universal Credit accessibility for those who are ineligible due to (1) their partner’s earnings, (2) savings, or (3) migration status.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business Labour Turnover HL538 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist small businesses staff retention rates.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Older Workers HL537 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that elderly workers are not disproportionately impacted by the ending of the furlough scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 May 2021
Department for Education
Small Business Loans HL379 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the report by the Education Policy Institute Education recovery and resilience in England, published on 14 May, what assessment they have made of the benefit of allowing students the option to retake an academic year, in cases of extreme learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Coronavirus HL378 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase awareness of government support for small businesses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Digital Technology Training HL377 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase collaboration between universities and technology companies regarding digital skills training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry and Leisure: Minumum Wage HL376 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of companies’ compliance with minimum wage requirements in the (1) hospitality, and (2) leisure, industries; and what steps they are taking to ensure such compliance.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 17 May 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business Loans HL324 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that small businesses can repay government loans over flexible time frames.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Government Coronavirus Assistance HL323 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Women’s Budget Group Gender Differences in Access to Coronavirus Government Support, published on 19 April; and what assessment they have made of the reliance of women, in comparison to men, on government COVID-19 support.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Financial Services Technology HL322 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce a Fintech Growth Fund; or, if they are not taking any such steps, what plans they have to fill the funding gap in the fintech industry.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Financial Services Technology HL321 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve technical visa access for fintech services.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 May 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Proof of ID: Digital Technology HL198 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to assist businesses in creating digital identity services.
Answered: 26 May 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Taxation HL200 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the amount of unspent apprenticeship levy funds.
Answered: 24 May 2021
Treasury
Banks HL197 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Monveo The Banks and the Fintechs: Creating Better Banking Together, published on 11 May; and what steps they are taking to encourage banks to partner with Fintech companies.
Answered: 19 May 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Equal Pay: Ethnic Groups HL199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to make ethnicity pay gap reporting mandatory.
Answered: 19 May 2021
Questions Asked 11 May 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL3112 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on staff shortages in the hospitality sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL3111 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the National Tutoring Programme targets financially disadvantaged pupils.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL3110 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the BRC’s Retail Sales Monitor, published on 11 May; and what steps they are taking to reduce the shop vacancy rate.
Awaiting Answer
Department for International Trade
HL3109 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses to digitalise their overseas trade operations.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 28 April 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Taxation HL15349 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the apprenticeship levy repayment timeframe to cover the duration of the period for which COVID-19 restrictions are in effect.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Teachers Training HL15351 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the (1) quality, and (2) quantity, of continuing professional development training for teachers.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Events Industry: Insurance HL15350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce a cancellation insurance scheme for the live events sector.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Cornavirus HL15348 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey on the cost of COVID-19 to tradespeople by Simply Business, published on 23 April; and what steps they are taking to support the economic recovery of the construction industry from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Questions Asked 27 April 2021
Treasury
Small Businesses: Coronavirus HL15317 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses who have encountered payroll processing issues as a result of changes to COVID-19 support programmes.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Financial Services: Education HL15315 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to include financial education into the national curriculum.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Kickstart Scheme HL15316 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the Kickstart Scheme.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Hospitality and Tourism: Training HL15318 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow workers without qualifications in the hospitality and tourism sector to qualify for free level 3 courses.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Questions Asked 26 April 2021
Department for Education
Education: Finance HL15263 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Education Policy Institute Analysis paper: preliminary research findings on education recovery, published on 20 April; and what steps they are taking to ensure that educational recovery funding includes early years settings.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Treasury
Mortgages: Self Employed HL15266 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that self-employed workers are not excluded from the 95 per cent mortgage scheme announced on 19 April.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Enterprises HL15265 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to (1) support the development of social enterprises, and (2) integrate social enterprises into plans to make the UK carbon neutral by 2050.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Department for Education
Graduates: Employment Scheme HL15264 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce an employment support scheme for recent university graduates.
Answered: 29 April 2021
Questions Asked 21 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Srategy
Zero Hours Contracts HL15196 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that employers give as much notice as possible when offering work to employees on zero hours contracts.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Srategy
Small Business: Environmental Protection HL15195 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses to become more environmentally friendly.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Industrial Health and Safety: Mental Health HL15194 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of working environments on the mental health of employees.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Universities: Coronavirus HL15193 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a delayed return to in-person attendance at universities on the mental health of students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 20 April 2021
Department for Education
Primary Education: Admissions HL15123 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of (1) the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and (2) the COVID-19 pandemic, on demand for primary school places.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Ethnic Groups HL15122 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that BAME communities receive apprenticeship outreach information.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business: Mental Health HL15121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by Nerdwallet on business managers and mental health, published on 24 March; and what steps they are taking to ensure that entrepreneurs have access to mental health support.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Schools: Technology HL15120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address the reported digital learning divide; and what plans they have to increase funding for technology within schools.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 April 2021
Department for Education
Teachers Condition of Employment HL15084 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of current teacher workload on future retention rates.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football HL15083 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they plan to have with the Football Supporters’ Association about the potential involvement of English football clubs in the European Super League; and what steps they are taking to ensure that supporters are more involved in the decision-making of English football clubs.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football HL15082 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they are planning with (1) the Premier League, and (2) the Football Association, about the potential involvement of English football clubs in the proposed European Super League.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football HL15081 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what sanctions, if any, they are considering in response to the potential involvement of English football clubs in the proposed European Super League.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 14 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Retail Trade: Urban Areas HL14952 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to encourage consumers to support independent high street businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Young People: Coronavirus HL14951 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the briefing paper by the UCL Institute of Education The darkest hour? New evidence of the learning experiences, well-being and expectations of youth during the third national lockdown in the UK, published on 2 April; and what steps they are taking to increase the acquisition of work skills through education.
Awaiting Answer
Cabinet Office
UK Trade with EU: Greater London HL14950 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the level of trade experienced by businesses based in London.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Class Sizes: Coronavirus HL14949 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce school class sizes once restrictions in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Businesses: Government Allowance HL14948 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support small businesses owners who commit to investing in their businesses in 2021.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 13 April 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
HL14900 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a tailored employment support scheme for over 50s.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL14899 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed date change to the payment of corporation tax for small businesses on small business cashflow.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14898 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a potential extension of the academic year on the mental health of (1) staff, and (2) pupils.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL14847 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support businesses to incorporate hybrid working arrangements on a long-term basis.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14846 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that secondary schools are equipped to help new pupils with basic literacy.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL14845 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a backdated grant for workers who have not had access to any COVID-19 financial support.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL148454 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of research by Pennyfreedom, published 14 March; and what steps they are taking to ensure that small businesses receive prompt payments of invoices.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 24 March 2021
Department for Education
Vocational Education: Employment Schemes HL14604 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what schemes are available to students on vocational courses to assist them in gaining employment.
Answered: 12 April 2021
Department for Education
National Tutoring Programme HL14606 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expand the capacity of the National Tutoring Programme.
Answered: 12 April 2021
Department for Education
NHS: Apprentices HL14603 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the level of interest in NHS apprenticeships; and what estimate, if any, they have made of the number of people they expect to apply to such schemes in the next 12 months.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Retail Trade: Finance HL14605 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to retail businesses who do not trade online.
Answered: 6 April 2021
Questions Asked 23 March 2021
Department for Education
Graduates and Work Experinces HL14544 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities regarding (1) the technical skills, and (2) the employability, of graduates; and what steps they are taking to increase practical work experience opportunities for young people.
Answered: 8 April 2021
Department for Education
Special Educational Needs: Disadvantaged HL14545 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that children with special educational needs in disadvantaged areas receive the required support.
Answered: 8 April 2021
Department for Education
Skilled Workers HL14543 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that local skills improvement plans will meet the skills gaps in each local authority.
Answered: 8 April 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Kickstart Scheme HL14542 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that more young people are enrolled in the Kickstart scheme.
Answered: 6 April 2021
Questions Asked 22 March 2021
Department for Education
IT: Further Education HL14476 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Work Institute Disconnected? Exploring the digital skills gap, published on 22 March; and what steps they are taking to encourage more young people to enrol in further education IT courses.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Ministry of Justice
Courts: Coronavirus HL14479 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce delays to court cases arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Redundancy HL14477 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by takepayments, published in February, which found that 30 per cent of small businesses have had to let staff go due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 7 April 2021
Treasury
Large Goods Vehicle Drivers: Taxation HL14478 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact the revised tax legislation which takes effect next month will have on the ability of HGV drivers to remain self-employed.
Answered: 31 March 2021
Questions Asked 17 March 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Small Business HL14352 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the number of apprentices for which small businesses who do not pay the apprenticeship levy can claim cash incentives.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business: Corporation Tax HL14351 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of planned corporation tax increases on the profitability of small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business: Pay HL14350 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of small business owners who have foregone their personal salaries to provide additional investment for their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Students: Ethnic Groups HL14349 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the attainment gap between ethnic minority university students and other university students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 16 March 2021
Treasury
Off Payroll Working HL14298 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of changes to the off-payroll working rules due to come into effect from 6 April on freelancers; and what steps they are taking to ensure that it is financially viable for freelancers to continue operating as self-employed individuals.
Answered: 23rd March 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Mental Wellbeing HL14299 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of a recent survey by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Corporate Finance Network, published on 11 March, which found that one in five small business owners are struggling with mental health issues; and what steps they are taking to increase the wellbeing of small business owners.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Student Disabilities HL14297 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of disabled people undertaking higher education courses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Sustainable Development Education HL14296 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide environmental training to primary and secondary school teachers to ensure they are equipped to teach sustainable development.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 15 March 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Mental Health Services: Young People HL14241 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide targeted mental health support to unemployed young people.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Disability Employment HL14240 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address the disability employment gap.
Awaiting Answer
Department for International Trade
UK – EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement HL14239 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade Cooperation Agreement on the amount of revenue raised by UK manufacturers; and what steps they are taking in response any such impact.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Coronavirus HL14238 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of small businesses which are not eligible for COVID-19 Government grants; and what steps they are taking to reduce that number.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 10 March 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Loans HL14116 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the British Business Bank Small Business Finance Markets Report 2021, published on 10 March.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Business VAT HL14115 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the business readiness survey by Ready for Brexit, published on 9 March; and what plans they have to provide detailed guidance to businesses on VAT reporting requirements.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Artifical Intelligence: Curriculum HL14114 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to include artificial intelligence awareness in the education curriculum.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Educational Institutions: Cybercrime HL14113 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support educational institutions in protecting themselves from cyber threats.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 9 March 2021
Treasury
Employment: Coronavirus HL14070 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Resolution Foundation, Long Covid in the labour market, published on 17 February; and the estimate in that report that three out of ten self–employed workers are ineligible for COVID-19 financial support.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education: Appentices HL14069 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include funding for companies to train employees at further education colleges in the Apprenticeship Levy scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Small Business: Cybercrime HL14068 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the threat to small businesses from cyber-attacks; and what steps they are taking to support small business to improve their cyber defences.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education: Mental Health Services HL14067 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps, if any, they are taking to ensure that mental health literacy is part of all post 16 education programmes.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 March 2021
Department for Education
HL14016 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a longer school day on the mental health of students.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14015 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of remote learning on the attainment gap between students at state and private schools.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14014 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the retention of school headteachers is improved.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL14013 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to outdoor educational centres.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 3 March 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Enviornment Protection: Employment HL13885 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Friends of the Earth An Emergency Plan on Green Jobs for Young People, published on 1 March.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Pensions: Self Employed HL13884 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pension contributions of self-employed individuals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Young People HL13883 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the level of youth unemployment.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Local Restrictions Support Grant HL13882 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that local authorities are correctly issuing grants under the Local Restrictions Support Grants scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2 March 2021
Treasury
Self Employed Income Support Scheme HL13848 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest estimate for the number of UK workers who are ineligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme; and what plans they have to update this estimate.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Transport
Aviation: Redundancy HL13847 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on job losses within the UK airline sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Sustainable Development HL13846 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to develop sustainability strategies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Disadvantaged Pupils HL13845 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Education Policy Institute, Measuring the disadvantage gap in 16–19 education, published on 1 March; and what steps they are taking to reduce the A-Level attainment gap of disadvantaged students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 1 March 2021
Department for International Trade
Trade: Environment Protection HL13774 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by The City of London Corporation and EY The City of London: an ecosystem enabling international trade, published on 24 February.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business; Coronavirus HL13773 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of small businesses to repay loans provided by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Social Enterprise: Finance HL13772 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase financial support for social enterprises.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business; Coronavirus HL13771 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sustainability of small and medium-size businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 24 February 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Broadband: Small Business HL13688 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that full-fibre broadband is accessible for all small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Courier Services: Conditions of Employment HL13686 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the working conditions of courier drivers; and what steps they are taking to ensure that such drivers are not paid less than the national minimum wage.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Weddings: Coronavirus HL13687 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase COVID-19 financial support to businesses in the wedding industry.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self Employed: Coronavirus HL13685 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they intend to take to support self-employed workers to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 23 February 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business HL13623 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by Hiscox The Hiscox Business Demystified Survey Challenges for UK SMEs – 2020 and beyond, published on 4 January.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Business: Loans HL13622 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of small businesses to obtain finance from banks that is not underwritten by the government.
Awaiting Answer
Cabinet Office
UK Trade with EU HL13621 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by the British Chamber of Commerce on Brexit, published on 11 February; and what plans they have to allow small businesses to write off additional customs costs as a result of the UK–EU Trade Cooperation Agreement, against their tax bill.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Companies: Enviornmental Protection HL13620 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that private companies retain interest in managing their environmental impact.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 22 February 2021
Department for Digital, Culutre, Media and Sport
HL13524 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they plan to take to tackle racism on social media platforms.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL13523 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that COVID-19 safety protocols are being enforced in courthouses; and what plans they have to recruit more court support staff in response to the pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL13522 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the recruitment of Crown Court staff.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL13521 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to fund additional Nightingale courts to clear the current court backlog.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 10 February 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Ethnic Groups HL13285 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase participation rates of people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities in apprenticeship programmes.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Small Business: Non Domestic Rates HL13284 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce the rates relief threshold for small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Universities: Vocational Education HL13283 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ability of universities to deliver adequate technical skills training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
National Skills Fund HL13282 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend National Skills Fund allocations beyond July 2021.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 9 February 2021
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Older People HL13212 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the unemployment rate of those aged 65 years old and over; and what steps they are taking to reduce that rate.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Broadband: Non Domestic Rates HL13211 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to exempt fibre lines from business rates.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Skilled Workers HL13210 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Mind the Skills Gap, published on 2 December 2020.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Remote Education HL13209 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Sutton Trust Learning in Lockdown, published in January; and what steps they are taking to assist schools in targeting resources to disadvantaged children.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 February 2021
Department for Education
Vocational Education: Assesments HL13135 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that there is equitable access to BTEC qualifications.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Revenue and Customs: Small Business HL13136 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the change in HMRC’s status as a preferential creditor on the borrowing capacity of small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Vocational Education HL13137 To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to introduce regional bodies for the delivery of vocational education to local communities.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Performing Arts: Equality HL13138 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality within the performing arts sector.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 3 February 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Unfair Dismissal: Ethnic Groups HL12977 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risk of increased vulnerability of BAME individuals to unfair employment dismissals; and what plans they have to strengthen unfair dismissal legislation.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Renewable Energy: Apprentices HL12978 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase apprenticeship opportunities in the clean energy industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Skilled Workers HL12976 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide local authorities with increased control over Local Skills Improvement Plans.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Test and Trace Support Payment HL12979 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all those eligible for a Test and Trace support payment receive such support.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2 February 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12919 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by Simply Business, published on 27 January, which found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of 82 per cent of small business owners; and what steps they are taking in response.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12918 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the total cost to HM Treasury of providing COVID-19 financial support to those who are ineligible for such support.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government
HL12917 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on shop closures of ending the business rates holiday.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12916 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to launch a campaign to encourage consumers to support local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 1 February 2021
Department for Education
HL12866 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what further financial support they intend to provide to the events industry, including support for freelancers within that industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12865 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they plan to give to small businesses about any new VAT arrangements which have been put in place since the UK’s departure from the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12864 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support small businesses in equipping remote workers with digital technology.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL12863 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they plan to have with social media companies about racist abuse of Premier League football players on social media platforms.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 27 January 2021
Treasury
Events Industry: Coronavirus HL12679 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what further financial support they intend to provide to the events industry, including support for freelancers within that industry.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Legal Proffesion: Self – Employed HL12678 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Bar Council Self-Employed Bar Survey, published on 21 January; and what plans they have to provide financial support to self–employed legal professionals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Enviornment, Food and Rural Affairs
Drinks and Food: Prices HL12677 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the price of food and drink to consumers in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Small Businesses: Greater London HL12676 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of viability of small businesses in London; and what plans they have to provide cash grants to London-based small businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 26 January 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices and Work Experince: Advertising HL12622 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create a single online portal for advertising (1) apprenticeships, and (2) work experience.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Energy: Conservation HL12621 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to increase investment in low-carbon infrastructure, and (2) to reform business rates, to promote energy efficiency.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Appentices: Education HL12620 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow teacher assessed grades for apprenticeships.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Supermarkets: Minimum Wage HL12619 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the compliance of large supermarket companies with minimum wage requirements.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 25 January 2021
Treasury
HL12560 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend COVID-19 financial support to home-based, self-employed travel agents without a rateable property.
Awaiting Answer
Women and Equalities
HL12559 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of COVID-19 on racial economic equality.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12558 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of export levies resulting from the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the number of job losses in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12557 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide (1) financial advisory, and (2) specific mental health, services to people who are self-employed.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 20 January 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Conditions of Employment HL12392 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that employees in the UK have the same standard of legal protection as employees in the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Mortgages: Coronavirus HL12391 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on securing mortgages for those who have accessed their COVID-19 support schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Ethnic Groups HL12390 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide practical support for employers to ensure racial and ethnic diversity amongst their Higher Level apprentices.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Universal Credit: Young People HL12389 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Work Institute Unleashing talent: Levelling up opportunity for young people, published in December 2020; and what plans they have to create a youth allowance within Universal Credit.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 January 2021
Department of Heath and Social Care
Abortion HL12317 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bethell on 29 December 2020 (HL11398), when the research by the King’s Fund on patterns of abortion uptake in England, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, will be published.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Hospitality Industry: Finance HL12316 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide a long-term financial support package specific to the hospitality sector.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Sick Pay: Cornavirus HL12315 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of increasing statutory sick pay on compliance with COVID-19 self-isolation requirements; and following any such assessment, what plans they have to increase statutory sick pay.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Fisheries: Redundancies HL12314 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on job losses within the UK fishing industry.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 18 January 2021
Department for Education
HL12256 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help universities provide digital technology to financially disadvantaged students.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12255 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage more businesses to provide mental health support to all employees.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12254 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide financial support to directors of small private companies who pay themselves in dividends.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12253 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce (1) a taxable grant for directors of limited companies, and (2) a scheme to reimburse small businesses for lost revenue, as part of a COVID-19 support package.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 13 January 2021
Department for Education
Apprentices: Digital Technology HL12122 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage private companies to provide digital resources to apprentices.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self – Employed: Finance HL12121 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Prospect Inquiry into the future of self-employment, published in December 2020; and what plans they have to increase financial support for the self-employed.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rented Housing: Coronavirus HL12120 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide financial support to tenants who have accrued rent arrears as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Landlords: Coronavirus HL12119 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce specific financial support for landlords who have lost rent as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 January 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12078 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to strengthen the legal employment rights of gig economy workers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12077 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to help small businesses manage debt; and what plans they have to introduce employee shared ownership schemes to assist companies to address COVID-19 related debt.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
HL12076 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that self–employed individuals do not overpay income tax.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12075 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development COVID-19 and the youth labour market, published in December 2020; and what steps they are taking to raise awareness of traineeships.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 11 January 2021
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12015 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of workers who are not eligible for any COVID-19 financial support; and what steps they are taking to reduce that number.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Treasury
HL12014 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the reduced Value Added Tax rate for the hospitality industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL12013 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that small businesses can access COVID-19 financial support schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL12012 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by ClearView Research Ltd Youth Employment 2030: Employment and prospects for young people in England post-COVID19, published on 17 December 2020; and what steps they are taking to support unemployed young people who are black, Asian or minority ethnic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 6 January 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Equality HL11839 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Football Association’s Football Leadership Diversity Code since its introduction in October 2020; and what discussions they had with the Football Association about the creation of that Code before it was launched.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Ethnic Groups HL11838 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the English Football League about the impact of the ‘Rooney Rule’ on the racial diversity of football managers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Women HL11837 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about the classification of the Women’s FA Cup as a ‘non elite’ competition.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Football: Coronavirus HL11836To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with (1) the Football Association, and (2) the Premier League, about the compliance of players with COVID-19 protocols.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 5 January 2021
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11782 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about increasing racial diversity amongst football managers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11781 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to offer additional emergency financial support to non–professional football clubs whose competition participation has been suspended due to restrictions put in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11780 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a racial diversity threshold for boardrooms of all football organisations.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL11779 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support the Football Association in the recruitment of BAME referees in grassroots football.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 16 December 2020
Department for Work and Pensions
Automation HL11558 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase spending on job support and skills training for jobs at the highest risk of redundancy due to automation.
Answered: 31st December 2020
Department for Education
Educational Institutions: Inspections HL11559 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that education inspection bodies focus on skills provision when inspecting education providers.
Answered: 23rd December 2020
Department for Education
Outdoor Education: Finance HL11557 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional support to outdoor education centres.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 15 December 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Abortion: Ethnic Groups HL11506 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to investigate any differences in abortion rates between black women and other ethnic groups in Britain, and (2) to assess the impact of any differences on the black British community.
Answered: 6th January 2021
Department of Health and Social Care
Health Services and Social Services: Work Experince HL11508 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the availability of work placements in the health and social care sector; and what steps they are taking to increase that availability.
Answered: 6th January 2021
Department for Education
Digital Technology: Training HL11509 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce digital skills programmes targeted at unemployed elderly people.
Answered: 6th January 2021
Department for Education
Disability and Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus HL11507 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what additional support they plan to provide to children with disabilities and special educational needs who are isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered: 23rd December 2020
Questions Asked 14 December 2020
Department for Education
HL11448 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the rights of local communities to make decisions on the design and delivery of skills development programmes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL11447 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of road congestion resulting from disruption linked to the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU on the ability of schools in affected areas to open.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL11446 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the mental health and wellbeing of teachers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL11445 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase recruitment of (1) Black, (2) Asian, and (3) other ethnic minority, teachers.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 9 December 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
Gambling: Rehabilitation HL11327 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest in gambling treatment and support services.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Students: Counselling and Health HL11326 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional emergency funding for student counselling and wellbeing services.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education HL11325 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to invest in post-16 education hubs for (1) specialist, and (2) minority, provision.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Hospitality Industry: Qualifications HL11324 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include hospitality on the level 3 Lifetime Skills Guarantee qualification list.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 8 December 2020
Department for Education
Secondary Education HL11252 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to create a single post-16 education commissioning and regulatory process.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Secondary Education: Class Sizes HL11251 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce (1) minimum, and (2) average, class size targets for post-16 education providers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprenticeships: Standards HL11250 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with independent apprenticeship providers about improving the quality of apprenticeship training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Remote Education: Coronavirus HL11249 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the mental health of pupils of their update to the guidance on remote education expectations advising that teachers should check in on self-isolating pupils on a weekly, rather than a daily, basis.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 December 2020
Home Office
Stop and Search: Greater London HL11181 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Global City Policing Stop and Search in London: July to September 2020, published in November; and what discussions they have had with the Metropolitan Police about the impact of its stop and search policies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
STEM Subjects: Teachers HL11180 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that secondary school teacher recruitment meets targets in all STEM subjects.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Music Education HL11179 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of report by the Incorporated Society of Musicians The heart of the school is missing, published on 6 December; and what plans they have to increase music provision in (1) primary, and (2) secondary, schools.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Further Education: Finance HL11178 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the financial sustainability of the further education and skills sector.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2 December 2020
Women and Equalities
Apprentices: Training HL11054 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings from Race on the Agenda’s survey, featured in Channel 5’s Everyday Racism programme on 25 November, on experiences of racism and, in particular, that 95 per cent of respondents identifying as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic have faced racism or racial prejudice.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Duty Free Allowances HL11053 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact on job losses of changes to the duty-free regime for travellers from outside the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Employment: Mental Health HL11052 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of skills gaps on employee mental wellbeing.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus Screening HL11051 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the medical training provided to staff administering COVID-19 tests to university students.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 1 December 2020
Department for Education
HL10998 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to higher education for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL10997 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide up to date training for Job Centre staff on the skills that employers are currently seeking.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10996 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase basic digital skills education programmes for adults.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10995 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to allow first year university students from the EU, who have not yet moved to the UK, to qualify for EU pre–settled status.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 30 November 2020
Department for Education
HL10919 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the quantity of school inspections on teacher mental wellbeing.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL10918 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the number of Job Centre staff who have experience in supporting disabled people to find employment.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10917 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that children with special educational needs receive an education and healthcare plan before exclusion from school is proposed.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10916 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of secondary school absence rates on pupil attainment.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 25 November 2020
Department for Education
Apprentices: Training HL10721 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that off-the-job training on apprenticeship schemes are of the required quality.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Higher Education: Racial Harrassment HL10720 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Universities UK Tackling racial harassment in higher education, published on 24 November; and what steps they are taking to increase racial diversity training for university staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Headteachers: Labour Turnover HL10719 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the poll on school leadership retention by the National Association of Head Teachers, published on 18 November; and what steps are they taking to increase headteacher retention.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 24 November 2020
Cabinet Office
HL10676 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the EU about ensuring the continued provision of seasonal jobs in the EU for British citizens after 31 December.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10675 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the provision of loans and grants for (1) further, and (2) higher, education to all regardless of age, background or circumstance.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10674 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Social Mobility Commission Changing gears: Understanding downward social mobility, published on 18 November; and what steps they are taking to increase the social mobility of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10673 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the number of students who are home educated, and (2) the quality of home education.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 23 November 2020
Department of Health and Social Care
HL10647 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reintroduce paid contracts for student nurses on placements in NHS hospitals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10646 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on school food supplies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10645 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide self-isolating students from disadvantaged backgrounds with digital devices.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL10644 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to boost employment through partnerships between colleges and SMEs.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 18 November 2020
Department for Education
Vocational Guidance HL10496 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Careers and Enterprise Company Careers education in England’s schools and colleges 2020, published on 12 November; and what plans they have to expand Careers Hubs.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Unemployment: Young People HL10495 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the youth unemployment rate on the affected individuals’ future pension benefits.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Career Devlopment: Young People HL10494 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase the funding available for career development programmes aimed at employees aged 16 to 29.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Graduates: Recruitment HL10493 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support employers (1) to maintain, and (2) to increase, the number of graduate recruitment schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 17 November 2020
Home Office
HL10456 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to publish guidance to employers on the obligation to conduct right to work checks of EU nationals once the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU has ended.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10455 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to include the Legal Practice Course or the Bar Professional Training Course as admissible courses to attain a visa to the UK via the graduate immigration route after the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU ends.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10454 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the recommendation by the Law Society and the Bar Council in its joint paper Immigration priorities for the legal services sector, published in November, that they should seek to “secure an EU-level treaty commitment to Permitted Paid Engagements throughout the entire period of a business visit and in all areas of legal activity”.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10453 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to publish updated guidance on which business activities are permitted under visa rules after the end of the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL10452 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have (1) to widen the scope, and (2) to extend the length, of Permitted Paid Engagement visas after the transition period for the UK’s departure from the EU has ended.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 16 November 2020
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL10396 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Football Association about how that organisation can improve on issues of racial diversity.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10395 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the Lifetime Skills Guarantee is accessible to all low-paid workers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL10394 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in discussions with universities about the mass testing of students at the end of term.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 11 November 2020
Department for Education
Education: Assesments HL10254 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the case for universities and schools in England aligning end-of-year assessment plans with the rest of the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Construction: Employment HL10253 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of construction employment rates; and what plans they have to increase construction apprenticeship schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self – Employed: Coronavirus HL10252 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Centre for Economic Performance Self Employed: Six Months into the Crisis, published on 10 November; and what steps they are taking to support self-employed workers.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
Coronavirus: Vaccination HL10251 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to include teachers and school staff in priority groups for any potential COVID-19 vaccine.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 10 November 2020
Department for Education
HL10199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that disadvantaged children do not regress in basic skills and learning during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Transport
HL10198 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to the aviation industry.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10197 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to commission an independent review into legal aid fees.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10196 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve racial and gender diversity within the legal profession.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Football League My Lords, I declare my interest as a founding member of the original Independent Football Commission. In America, the National Football League shares its television revenue with all teams equally, regardless of status or performance. Is this a model that should be at least looked at in English football? Secondly, if the Premier League does not reach agreement with the EFL, will the Government consider a levy on football TV revenue?
Answered: 10 Novemeber 2020
Questions Asked 9 November 2020
Ministry of Justice
HL10133 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional training for the judiciary on online court proceedings.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10132 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expand the virtual court estate for short or preliminary hearings, and non-complex matters.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10131 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce early access legal advice for social welfare issues.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL10130 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the sustainability of the current funding for the justice system; and what assessment they have made of the Bar Council’s recommendation that an additional £2.48 billion of funding for the justice budget is required.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
COVID-19: Transparency and Accuracy of Statistics Data should always make trust greater. Covid-19 appears to have more of an effect on BAME communities than their white counterparts. What further research are the Government carrying out in relation to the data to find out the reasons why?
Answered: 9 Novemeber 2020
Questions Asked 4 November 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Labour Market: Coronavirus HL10024 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Centre for Progressive Policy From precarious to prosperous, published on 27 October; and what plans they have to introduce a minimum wage for the self-employed.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Self – Employed: Coronavirus HL10023 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the finding in the report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies Income protection for the self-employed and employees during the coronavirus crisis, published on 2 April, that 18 per cent of self-employed individuals are ineligible for COVID-19 financial support; and what steps they are taking to expand access to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Rented Housing: Coronavirus HL10022 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the scale of rental income losses in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Landlords: Coronavirus HL10021 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the financial impact of COVID-19 on private landlords; and what steps are they taking to provide financial support to private landlords.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 3rd November 2020
Department for Education
HL9962 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the COVID-19 transmission rate in schools; and what steps are they taking to protect teachers from COVID-19 infection.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL9961 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to introduce (1) new business rate relief, and (2) an indemnity insurance scheme, for the events industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9960 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by City & Guilds Group Act Now, published on 2 November; and what steps they are taking to allow more autonomy regarding skills funding for mayoral combined authorities.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9959 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the survey by the Early Years Alliance, published on 30 October, finding that one in six early years providers could close by Christmas 2020 without additional funding; and what steps they are taking to provide additional income to nurseries and childminders.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 2nd November 2020
Ministry of Justice
HL9887 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to adopt the European Union Protection Measures Regulation (606/2013) into domestic law.
Awaiting Answer
Home Office
HL9886 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that independent legal professionals based in the EU can access the UK (1) visa free, and (2) without needing a UK sponsor.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL9885 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that (1) EU nationals can still access legal services in the UK once the Brexit transition period ends, and (2) British nationals can access legal services in the EU.
Awaiting Answer
Ministry of Justice
HL9884 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provisions they have put in place for short-term business visits to the EU for legal professionals and barristers once the Brexit transition period ends.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 29 October 2020
Spoken Contribution
Charities: Funding My Lords, charity deserves parity. There are about 10,000 BAME charities and community groups in the United Kingdom; 65% of them have incomes of less than £10,000 per annum. Bearing in mind that Covid-19 has affected the lives and livelihoods of BAME communities more than those of their white counterparts, how will the Government factor in this issue of racial disparity in the future funding of BAME charities?
Answered: 29 October
Questions Asked 28 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business and Unemployment: Coronavirus HL9752 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of job loss estimates reported by the New Economics Forum on 21 October; and what plans they have to increase the wage subsidy for businesses accessing COVID-19 economic support.
Awaiting Answer
Treasury
Labour Market: Coronavirus HL9751 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Resolution Foundation Jobs, jobs, jobs; evaluating the effects of the current economic crisis in the UK labour market, published on 27 October.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Labour Market: Coronavirus HL9750 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Learning and Work Institute Crisis in the Capital, published on 27 October; and what steps they are taking to create new jobs in London.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Disadvantages HL9749 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that apprenticeship schemes are available to young people from lower income backgrounds.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 27 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9682 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to close the educational attainment gap between wealthy and deprived areas.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9681 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies Ethnic diversity in UK economics, published on 26 October; and what discussions they have had with universities about the diversity of academic staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
HL9680 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to support self–employed and freelance workers within the live music industry.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9679 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the sustainability of the current university funding model.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 26 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9587 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Higher Education Policy Institute Demand for Higher Education to 2035, published on 22 October; and what steps they are taking to increase higher education capacity in England.
Awaiting Answer
Department of Health and Social Care
HL9586 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Skills for Care The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England, published in October; and what steps they are taking to fill social care job vacancies.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9585 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase BAME representation on apprenticeship schemes.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9584 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide laptops to schools in deprived areas.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 21 October 2020
Department for Education
Apprentices: Construction HL9448 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Construction Industry Council Build back better: Improving the apprenticeship system to better support infrastructure, published in September; and what plans they have to review the flexibility of the apprenticeship levy.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Asessments: Coronavirus HL9447 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the potential health risk posed by students sitting exams in 2021; and what plans they have to prepare alternative arrangements.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Vocational Education: Remote Education HL9446 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that training providers have struggled to offer remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what steps they are taking to assist such providers.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
Apprentices: Redundancy HL9445 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase support for apprentices who have been made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 20 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9383 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to replace the Union Learning Fund to ensure that workers continue to have access to training.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9382 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Confederation of British Industry Learning for life: Funding a world-class adult education system, published on 19 October.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9381 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with universities regarding a move to online teaching.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9380 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to fund free breakfast provision during school holidays.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 19 October 2020
Department for Education
HL9330 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Youth Music and the Take It Away Consortium Reshape Music, published on 14 October; and what steps they are taking to make music education more accessible.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9329 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the Association of Colleges survey Colleges Week SME Leader Survey, published on 16 October; and what steps they are taking to ensure that SMEs have the resources to reskill their workforces.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9328 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to promote take-up of national tutoring programme funding.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
HL9327 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to employment for 16 to 24-year-olds.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 14 October 2020
Department for Education
Business: Training HL9199 To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Employer Skills Survey 2019, published on 14 October, what steps, if any, they plan to take to encourage businesses to increase the amount of training provided to staff.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Work and Pensions
Pensions: Ethnic Groups HL9198 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the ethnicity pension gap; and what steps, if any, they are taking to reduce it.
Awaiting Answer
Spoken Contribution
Pensions Scams My Lords, this study report is most welcome but there is an area that needs looking at for the future. Ethnic minority pensioners are said to be 24% worse off than white pensioners; indeed, the average total pension of BAME women is 51% less than that of white men. This pension inequality will become starker as the growing BAME population reaches retirement age, which may make BAME pensioners even more vulnerable to scams. Does the Minister agree that the Government also need to look into these related and relevant BAME pension issues?
Answered: 14th October 2020
Questions Asked 13 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9162 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with (1) local authorities in London, and (2) the Greater London Authority, about the ethnicity pay gap in London.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9161 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they, if any, have to compel major transnational companies to improve working conditions in the UK.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9160 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the analysis by the Food Foundation, published on 12 October, which found that 900,000 more children have been registered for free school meals.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9159 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to remove barriers to COVID-19 financial support for BAME run businesses.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 12 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
HL9076 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce Who is at risk? Work and automation in the time of COVID-19, published in October.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9075 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that academic mentors are in schools by the end of the year.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9074 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase the representation of BAME individuals in school governance roles.
Awaiting Answer
Department for Education
HL9073 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the training provided as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee to those who have a level three qualification and have been made redundant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awaiting Answer
Questions Asked 7 October 2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Hospitality Industry: Coronavirus HL8899 To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide additional financial support to the hospitality sector