Topical Questions 2022-12-08
2022-12-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has spent £10 billion on personal protective equipment that was either unusable, overpriced or never delivered. Additionally, there are VIP contract lanes for Conservative supporters.
I have tried before, as have others, but we have not really had an answer, so I will give it another go. The UK has written off £10 billion of spending on personal protective equipment that was either unusable, above market value or not even delivered. Alongside that, and perhaps not unrelated to it, we have seen VIP contract lanes for Tory pals and cronies. Who does the Secretary of State think should be held accountable for this colossal waste of money? From where I am standing, there is no reason why anyone can ever trust this Government to deliver value for money for the taxpayer.
I have to say to the hon. Lady that this is an extraordinary exercise in hindsight from the SNP. It should remember the pressure that the state and the country were under at the time of the crisis, and the Government responded effectively to it. That is not just my view, but the view of the Office for Budget Responsibility, which said: “Those potential costs—of not acting with such speed—cannot be quantified with any precision, but… it is not unreasonable to think that they could have been far greater.” Of course the Government are taking action to deal with that. For example, we have stopped more than £700 million of overclaimed grants, but she must understand the context.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide a direct answer about who should be held accountable for the waste of funds on PPE and did not commit to taking action against those responsible.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Places for Growth programme has the potential to locate a Ministry of Justice hub in Wrexham.
The previous Minister for Government efficiency, my right hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset (Mr Rees-Mogg), visited Wrexham to discuss its potential under the Places for Growth programme, with a view to locating a civil service Ministry of Justice hub in the city. Will the Minister please give me an update?
As my hon. Friend mentions, the Government Property Agency is in dialogue with the Cabinet Office's Places for Growth programme team to identify the possible demand for relocating civil service roles to Wrexham. Discussions are ongoing in a number of regions and cities across the country; I am sure she will understand that, until further commercial negotiations are concluded and Departments have informed staff, Government hub locations cannot be confirmed. However, I can confirm that future locations are under active consideration.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging ongoing discussions with Wrexham regarding the Places for Growth programme, Alex Burghart did not provide a clear update on the status of establishing a Ministry of Justice hub in the city.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's VIP fast-track lane for contract procurement is perceived as benefiting Conservative MPs and peers, resulting in a waste of public funds.
I am here to spread the message that gingers are for life, not just for Christmas—with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster as well, of course. Christmas came early for those on the VIP fast-track lane to get contracts. Many hon. Members on the Opposition Benches are trying to get to the bottom of that and are very frustrated, as are the public. Billions of pounds were wasted and only those suppliers pushed by Conservative MPs and peers got on that VIP fast-track lane. Why are this Government protecting that fast-track lane and not dealing with it in the Procurement Bill while at the same time telling public sector workers to take a real-terms pay cut? That is galling in the public's eye.
First, in the spirit of consensus, I welcome the right hon. Lady's jumper and, as a fellow ginger, wholly endorse the sentiments on it. It is not just the jumper that reminds me of Christmas; the repeat question from the Labour party does too. I believe Labour raised it in an urgent question on Tuesday and with the Prime Minister yesterday. I am happy to state again, first, that it was not the case that there was a fast track through: 90% of offers referred through that route were unsuccessful. The high-priority lane was established at a time when many required urgent help, and was subject to proper processes.
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Assessment & feedback
Oliver Dowden did not address the main issues raised about the VIP fast-track lane and its protection by the government.
Deflected By Acknowledging Jumper
Referred Back To Previous Discussions
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government have been involved in a mediation process regarding contracts that were allegedly fast-tracked through VIP lanes.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster mentions the Prime Minister's response yesterday. The Prime Minister said he was “shocked” to hear the allegations, but the Government have known for 10 months and have been dodging our questions on the murky contracts because they are in a so-called mediation process. Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster tell me today what progress has been made on the mediation? Will he commit to publishing any final settlement, and can he set a firm deadline for how long he is prepared to let this drag on before taking legal action to claw back every single penny of taxpayers' money?
The right hon. Lady knows we are currently engaged in a mediation process, so it would be wrong for me to comment on the specifics, but we have been very clear that that sort of behaviour is not acceptable. If that is found to have happened, we will not hesitate to take action to recover those moneys.
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Assessment & feedback
Oliver Dowden did not provide a specific update on the progress made in the mediation process or set any firm deadlines for publishing settlements and taking legal actions.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The NHS faces numerous challenges in ensuring local practices can bid for and win contracts successfully.
NHS dentistry faces many challenges, one of which is ensuring that locally based practices have every opportunity to bid for contracts successfully. Can my hon. Friend set out how the Procurement Bill will enable them to do so?
This Government want NHS dental service contracts to be attractive. The intention is that the procurement of healthcare services such as dentistry will be subject to the rules set out under the anticipated provider selection regime as enacted by the Health and Care Act 2022. The Procurement Bill will apply to other services and help to break down barriers for small businesses of all kinds to engage in public sector procurement.
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Assessment & feedback
Alex Burghart did not provide specific details on how the Procurement Bill would directly support local dental practices in contract bidding processes.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The House passed a motion instructing the Government to release all correspondence related to a multi-million-pound contract with PPE Medpro. The Cabinet Office previously rejected a similar request from the Good Law Project.
On Tuesday, the House passed a motion instructing the Government to release all correspondence relating to the awarding of a multi-million-pound contract with PPE Medpro, but the Cabinet Office had earlier said disclosure would make it harder for the responsible department to secure a sound financial and contractual basis. What changed so dramatically?
We on the Government side respect the will of the House. That motion was passed, and we will comply with its terms.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific reasons for the change in stance were not addressed
Respects The Will Of The House
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP suggests a national effort to cut energy consumption during wartime.
Part of our contribution should be a great national endeavour to cut our energy consumption, should it not?
A planned communication programme is coming this winter. Maybe we should be looking at the temperature in this House. Ambient though it is, would it not be better if we all had a chance to put on fresh jumpers to keep warm?
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Assessment & feedback
The idea of reducing energy consumption was not addressed
Temperature In This House
Jumpers
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Tens of thousands of civil servants have balloted to strike over poor pay and in-work poverty.
PCS union members are balloting overwhelmingly to strike, with many facing in-work poverty and some claiming universal credit. What is the Minister going to do about it?
I very much regret the decision of those concerned to go on strike. The hon. Gentleman must accept that there are constraints on the public finances, partly because of the money we provide to help people through difficult times. That support is available to all, including those on lower incomes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific measures to increase pay were not addressed
Regret Over Strike
Public Finance Constraints
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
Vulnerable individuals are facing threats and frauds as they go online.
The national cyber-security strategy is helping to bolster support for those who are going online for the first time. Could my right hon. Friend explain how this is being done?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. The national cyber-security strategy includes supporting businesses and individuals in keeping safe online, as well as further steps to bring forward offences related to fraud.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support measures were not detailed
Importance Noted
Further Steps
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Home Office contracts are being overseen by organisations that generate complaints and may not ensure value for money.
Party donors such as Clearsprings Ready Homes are overseeing Home Office contracts, generating over 200 complaints a month. What is the Cabinet Office doing to ensure value for money?
I assure the hon. Lady that proper procurement process is undertaken, ensuring value for money and a decent service provided.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Transplant patients need to travel long distances for check-ups, often using public transport.
My wife needs to go to the Royal Papworth Hospital every few months for check-ups. Can someone please reassure me about measures in place to ensure trains run for people without cars?
My hon. Friend highlights some of the terrible consequences of these strikes for individuals, urging all members taking part to think again about the impact on hardworking people.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for train services were not addressed
Consequences Of Strikes
Impact On People
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Only one of the nineteen recommendations from Sir Robert Francis's report has been followed up on.
The report made 19 recommendations, but only one has been followed. Can the Minister provide assurances that constituents like Marion Nugent will not be ignored when responding to this inquiry?
That study was conducted to ensure we are ready to respond to Sir Brian Langstaff's report in the middle of next year. We met full interim recommendation of £100,000 payments and continue to work on it.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances were not provided
Ready To Respond
Interim Payment
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about the impact of the Northern Ireland protocol on levelling up efforts.
Can one of the Ministers advise to what extent the Cabinet Office is involved in negotiations to bring about changes to the Northern Ireland protocol?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. In terms of engagement on the Northern Ireland protocol, work is ongoing through the Foreign Office, the Foreign Secretary and the Northern Ireland Secretary, and, as ever, the Cabinet Office plays a role in co-ordinating Government efforts, including in this area.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify extent of involvement but acknowledged general coordination role
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about a session with kids who have brain injuries talking about their experiences in the health service and schools.
Will the Cabinet Office and other Departments ensure that children get an opportunity to prosper, even if they have had a stroke at the age of seven?
I know what a passionate advocate the hon. Gentleman is on acquired brain injuries. He may know that I took a close interest in this when I was Culture Secretary and started gathering evidence in relation to acquired brain injuries in sporting incidents. I wholeheartedly endorse all the points he makes and will make sure the Cabinet Office plays its role.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitment but acknowledged support
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about the Mayor Andy Street's efforts to boost skills and investment in the west midlands.
How much more could the Government use the GREAT initiative to further boost skills and enterprise right across the country?
My right hon. Friend makes a very important point. In fact, I met the Mayor of the west midlands just two days ago. We did not have GREAT on the agenda on that occasion, but as the Minister responsible for GREAT, I shall certainly pick up the points she raises.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify use of GREAT initiative but acknowledged raising points
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about whether there should be an upper limit to the size of the House of Lords.
Do the Government have a view on whether there should be an upper limit to the size of the House of Lords?
The Government do not have a view on the upper limit of the House of Lords. The House of Lords contains a great many with expertise that the hon. Gentleman could learn from.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide government's view but acknowledged expertise in House of Lords
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about planned trade union strikes threatening to disrupt essential health services, particularly at Southend University Hospital.
Can my right hon. Friend assure me that he will put in place contingency plans to ensure that my constituents have access to emergency healthcare at Christmas?
The Cabinet Office is working hard with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that we have the best possible contingencies. However, there is only one way we can ensure that this disruption is totally minimised, and that is by calling off this unreasonable strike; I urge the unions to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide commitment on contingency plans but urged strikes to be called off
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about the efficiency of spending £700,000 a day on storing personal protective equipment in China.
Does the Minister think this is an efficient use of taxpayers' money?
That is a decision for the Department of Health and Social Care. I gently remind the hon. Lady that that PPE was required for any reason. To have had access to PPE is helpful. There is a lot of hindsight being applied to the circumstances we found ourselves in at the start of covid.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide efficiency assessment but noted decision rests with other department
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about the need for hospitals, schools and leisure centres to accompany house building.
What does the Cabinet Office do to co-ordinate all those different Government Departments to ensure that those facilities are available for the extra people who will move into the area?
My hon. Friend rightly highlights the need to ensure that infrastructure goes with development. Clearly, that is led by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, but the Cabinet Office continues to monitor progress against the agreed goals of that Department and to work closely with it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify coordination role but acknowledged monitoring progress
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion about providing support to the 60,000 British military veterans with frozen pensions who live in countries that do not have a reciprocal uprating agreement with the UK.
What discussions has the Minister had with his colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Work and Pensions about providing support to the 60,000 British military veterans with frozen pensions?
I have regular conversations with Ministers in the DWP and MOD about the pensions issue. The hon. Lady knows full well the history of the issue where pensions are changed after agreements have been made. We are constantly looking at that and I am more than happy to meet her to discuss where we are.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify discussions but acknowledged ongoing review
Response accuracy
Q21
Direct Answer
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Context
The census data on veterans will provide new insights into the needs of veterans across the country.
We are very much looking forward to the opening of our new armed forces hub in Scunthorpe in the new year. I am pleased that the census collected data on who and where our veterans are. Can the Minister say more about the plans of the Office for Veterans' Affairs to use that data to further improve the services that we offer to veterans?
For the first time since the second world war, when people started campaigning to have a question about veterans on the census, that appeared last year. That has given us a real granularity to the data around veterans, which we can use to formulate our policies and ensure that wherever they are in the country, their acute needs are met by the third sector and by statutory provision as we make this the best country in the world to be a veteran.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of PPE contract fraud and the need for ongoing police inquiries to bring those responsible to justice.
In response to my earlier question, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General said that they were focused on fraud and on taking action. How many police inquiries are ongoing into PPE contract fraud? When can we expect any of the big-time fraudsters to be brought to justice?
I do not think I would be in a position to discuss police inquiries in this place, so I have nothing to say in response to the hon. Gentleman's question.
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Assessment & feedback
Police inquiry details and timeframe for justice
I Do Not Think I Would Be In A Position To Discuss Police Inquiries In This Place, So I Have Nothing To Say
Response accuracy
Q23
Direct Answer
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Context
The £450,000 investment towards commemorating the service of nuclear test veterans.
As my right hon. Friend will know, veterans are close to my heart, and none more so than the nuclear test veterans. Will he ensure that the £450,000 that we have already invested in projects to commemorate their service will preserve their testimony for years to come?
I pay tribute to all those who campaigned for the nuclear test veterans, who were awarded their medals, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister two weeks ago. We are spending that sum to make sure that we properly capture their experiences. Their duty and their sacrifice for the nation will not be forgotten.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
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Ensuring that veterans receive cold weather payments and other support to avoid suffering this winter.
To help and support veterans with additional cold weather payments, has the Department liaised with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that none of our veterans is left shivering in the dark this winter?
None of our veterans should be left shivering in the dark this winter. Cold weather payments and grants from the Royal British Legion are available to support those who are at a particularly vulnerable point in their lives. Help is available if veterans speak up and reach out. Many people are prepared to help them, so no veteran should be cold and suffering this winter.
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Assessment & feedback
Liaison with the Ministry of Defence
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of veterans feeling isolated and not knowing how to access available support.
As we head towards Christmas, my mind turns to the hundreds of hampers of local produce that I will deliver to veterans in Christmas week, which gives me the opportunity to thank them for their service. I come across veterans who feel isolated and often do not know how to access services. Can my right hon. Friend set out the support that is available to veterans who may feel isolated in the run-up to Christmas?
Isolation is a huge challenge for veterans who have left the military, and what we are trying to do in the Office for Veterans' Affairs is build dedicated clear pathways for those who are isolated, homeless or particularly vulnerable. Homelessness is a particular issue around this time of year—veterans are under-represented in the homeless population, but one is one too many—and I will have more to say about this before Christmas.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific pathways and clear actions for veterans
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
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The need to review VIP lane contracts for PPE purchases and recover funds from companies profiting from the pandemic.
It is not just Baroness Mone who made obscene profits out of VIP lane-awarded contracts for PPE purchases. Private Eye has long highlighted other companies that made record profits through this process. When are the Government going to review all the contracts awarded through the VIP lane and try to recover money, instead of allowing people to profiteer from the pandemic?
We have made a lot of progress in recovering moneys. For example, our checks prevented over £2 billion of fraud on bounce back loans and we have stopped over £700 million in over-claimed grants. We have invested £100 million to set up a taxpayer protection taskforce, which is expected to recover up to £1 billion by 2022-23.
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Assessment & feedback
VIP lane contract reviews and recovery efforts
Response accuracy