Topical Questions 2023-04-26
2023-04-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Inclusive Britain report by the department shows substantial progress in tackling ethnic disparities.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner thanks the Secretary of State for fulfilling 32 out of 74 commitments in the first year, including issuing voluntary guidance for employers to measure and address ethnicity pay gaps.
Last week, we published a report on the substantial progress made in delivering our groundbreaking Inclusive Britain action plan. We fulfilled 32 of the 74 commitments one year after launch, including issuing voluntary guidance for employers to measure and address ethnicity pay gaps. I will report back to Parliament in 12 months' time on the progress we have made on delivering the remaining actions.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the demonisation of trans people in some quarters.
While supporting the need for protected places for women, the questioner expresses concern that trans people are becoming demonised. He asks what the Secretary of State is doing to protect the interests and nature of genuine trans people.
We believe in individual liberty and humanity, aiming to take the toxicity out of debates. NHS England is expanding clinical capacity in adult gender identity services through new pilot clinics rooted in primary care and sexual health services. Four new clinics have opened since 2020, with a fifth opening this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to protect trans people's interests were not detailed beyond expanding NHS capacity.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Research from the Living Wage Foundation shows that over 2 million women earn below the real living wage.
The hon. Gentleman raises concerns about women being trapped in low-paid, insecure and precarious jobs. He asks if the Minister will work with Cabinet colleagues to ensure their work pays by introducing a real living wage and strengthening protection for workers on zero-hours contracts.
The Department for Work and Pensions focuses on in-work progression, supporting women with childcare, training or other needs. The emphasis is on helping them progress and thrive in work, though specific commitments to a real living wage or zero-hours contract protections were not detailed.
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Assessment & feedback
Introduction of a real living wage and protections for zero-hours contracts were not committed to directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Studies show that anabolic steroid usage is particularly high among gay men, up to six times higher than straight counterparts.
The hon. Member asks if the Department will work with DCMS and DHSC to commission a study of anabolic steroid use in the UK.
The hon. Friend's extensive work is commendable, and as a DCMS Minister and Equalities Minister, I will take keen interest in this area. Specific commitment to commission the study was not provided.
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Assessment & feedback
Commissioning of anabolic steroid use study across demographics was not directly committed to.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Ministry of Justice has made changes regarding transgender prisoners, excluding those guilty of sexual or violent offences from the general women's estate.
The Minister is asked if there is a need for single-sex spaces and services across other Departments, based on the criterion of sex at birth.
Safety must come first. More than 90% of transgender women prisoners are housed in the male estate, with policy strengthened to house those who have committed sexual or violent offences elsewhere only under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
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Assessment & feedback
The question of single-sex spaces and services across other Departments was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy