Topical Questions 2022-10-27

2022-10-27

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jessica Morden Lab
Newport East
Context
Constituents affected by the contaminated blood scandal are waiting for an arm's length body to administer payments, independent legal support for claimants, and inclusion of parents who lost children in future compensation schemes.
Constituents involved in the contaminated blood inquiry want to know when the arm's length body to administer payments will be ready, whether independent legal support will be available for those making claims and, crucially—this is on behalf of the Smiths, whose harrowing evidence was a key part of the inquiry; I ask Ministers to watch it—whether parents who lost children will be included in future compensation schemes. When will we know? These people have waited far too long already.
Interim payments will be made by the end of the week. The hon. Lady's points about independent legal support, inclusion of parents who lost children in future compensation schemes, will be considered as part of an ongoing process.
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on when all concerns raised by constituents will be addressed positively were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The new Prime Minister promised to reappoint an independent ethics adviser but instead appointed a Home Secretary who had resigned for breaking the ministerial code. The questioner seeks clarity on when an ethics adviser will be in place.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Let me welcome the newest Ministers who have made it through the revolving door to the Government Front Bench—and may I say that it feels like the Spice Girls versus the Backstreet Boys? When their latest Prime Minister was campaigning in the leadership election—the one before last, that is—he said that reappointing an independent ethics adviser would be one of the first things he would do, but the first things he did were to bring back a Home Secretary a week after she resigned for breaking the ministerial code and an Immigration Minister who admitted that they had acted unlawfully in office. When will there be someone in place to investigate the new Cabinet?
The right hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise the question of the independent adviser. I have discussed it with the Prime Minister and he will make an announcement shortly, with someone in place.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The former Minister without Portfolio revealed that the Home Secretary was involved in multiple breaches of the ministerial code. The questioner asks about investigating these issues and whether an ethics adviser would have sanctioned the return of this Home Secretary.
I absolutely welcome the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's comments. I listened to him earlier with regard to the Home Secretary. I am sure he heard last night that the former Minister without Portfolio, the right hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Sir Jake Berry), revealed that the Home Secretary was involved in multiple breaches of the ministerial code, that these were really serious and that the Cabinet Secretary had expressed concern. Perhaps the new Minister can tell us what they were, how will they now be investigated and what action will be taken over them. If the Government had an ethics adviser, does he really think they would have sanctioned the return of this Home Secretary?
The Home Secretary did accept that she made errors of judgment in her conduct and resigned. The Prime Minister sought assurances to prevent this happening again. Private advice given by the Cabinet Secretary to the PM is not made public. I wonder whether Opposition Members want to discuss the strong record of the Home Secretary.
Assessment & feedback
Details on specific breaches and investigation plans were not provided in full.
Wonder Whether Opposition Members Want To Discuss...
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Context
The FCDO's procurement process for replacing electronic countermeasures has raised concerns about the thoroughness of investigations and whether bids from companies in the questioner's constituency were thoroughly evaluated.
On the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's replacement of electronic countermeasures, can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster advise me on whether that process has reached the end? If it has not, will he reconsider the bids that were made by a number of companies, two of which are in my constituency, which do not feel that the process was carried out as thoroughly, in terms of investigations, as it might have been?
The correct procedures were followed. Both suppliers failed to satisfactorily provide answers and documentation following classification questions. The existing procurement remains in compliance with all regulations and will be concluded within the original timeframe outlined.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Stephanie Peacock Lab
Barnsley South
Context
The Doncaster Sheffield Airport, a critical national infrastructure asset, is due to close within days despite risks to essential services.
Doncaster Sheffield airport is part of our critical national infrastructure, both as a major regional economic asset and as a base to emergency and national security services. Despite the risk to those essential services, it is due to close within days. Will the Minister meet me and other hon. Members to discuss how the Government could step in to save the airport if the owners refuse to sell, including through the use of their powers under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004?
We are keen to see thriving regional enterprises. The matter has been discussed frequently in the House and I refer her back to earlier debates on this issue.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting request and use of powers under Civil Contingencies Act 2004 were not addressed.
Refer Her Back To Earlier Debates
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Context
The National Cyber Force is being relocated in Lancashire, creating numerous high-skilled jobs.
As you know, Mr Speaker, the National Cyber Force is to be located in Lancashire, which is a great boost for local high-skilled jobs. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if we are to level up the country, it is important that young people can gain the skills and qualifications that they need locally to feed into those high-skilled jobs?
I know what a strong champion my hon. Friend is for the National Cyber Force in Samlesbury. Thanks to the efforts of her and others, 6,000 jobs were created just last year and more than 52,000 people are now employed in cyber-security. Crucially, more than half of them are outside London and the south-east.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Context
Reports indicate that the Home Secretary was involved in an inquiry by the Cabinet Office security group and MI5 regarding security leaks.
Further to the comments on the Home Secretary, we have learned today from reports in the media that she was the subject of an inquiry by the Cabinet Office security group and MI5 in January into security leaks. Given what we have heard about the circumstances of her resignation, this would surely be the time to reopen that inquiry, both to give the security services confidence in her and, actually, for the Home Secretary's sake.
The hon. Lady, as a former colleague of mine in Downing Street during the coalition days, will remember that we do not ever comment on issues in relation to the security services. However, in all leak inquiries, as she may recall, everyone is interviewed, so I would not read too much into some of those reports.
Assessment & feedback
Reopening the inquiry about security leaks
We Do Not Comment On Issues Related To The Security Services
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
Schemes aimed at improving mental, physical and economic health are scattered across Whitehall Departments.
Poor mental health costs the economy £118 billion per annum, obesity-related diseases cost the NHS £6.5 billion every year and ill health in England's most deprived communities costs £30 billion, yet schemes that would improve the nation's wellbeing and reduce those sums are scattered across Whitehall Departments and buried low down in their priorities. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how his Department can lead a wellbeing strategy to improve the physical, mental and economic health of the nation?
I know my hon. Friend's passionate commitment to that cause, and I would be delighted to meet her to discuss it.
Assessment & feedback
Delighted To Meet But No Concrete Commitments
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
The Home Secretary resigned due to a significant breach of the ministerial code, but was reappointed shortly after.
If a civil servant were to use their private email to send confidential Government business, they would rightly be expected to face the harshest penalties and lose their security clearance. Does the Minister agree, therefore, that reappointing the Home Secretary just six days after she made significant breaches of the ministerial code in that way smacks of having one rule for them and another for our hard-working civil servants?
The Home Secretary has accepted that her conduct was not acceptable. That is precisely why she resigned and accepted that responsibility. However, I have to say that Labour Members' obsession with a mistake for which she has apologised stands in stark contrast to their failure to answer questions on crime or immigration. That says it all about their priorities for the British people.
Assessment & feedback
Obsession With Mistakes Failure To Address Other Issues
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
Electoral result corrections require intervention through the High Court.
If an election result is declared and challenged, it can ultimately be settled in the High Court. If an election result is declared and a genuine mistake is spotted, even with the agreement of the returning officer and all the candidates, the only option to correct it is through the High Court, causing delay, great expense and distress. Will that anomaly be looked at by Ministers and corrected?
Once again, my hon. Friend demonstrates his in-depth knowledge of electoral issues. He raises a very important point; I will take advice on that and look into whether there is something that we can do.
Assessment & feedback
Takes Advice, Looks Into It
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Chris Bryant Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Context
Ministers are required to publish details of received hospitality far later than regular MPs.
Will the Minister do a root-and-branch review of the transparency of publications by the Government on ministerial hospitality received? Quite often, those lists are not even an accurate list of Ministers, let alone an accurate list of the hospitality that they have received. Why is it that ordinary Members of Parliament have to register and publish any hospitality that they receive within 28 days, whereas if someone is a Minister, they never have to provide all the details and it does not get published for at least nine or sometimes 12 months?
I am happy to look into the points that the hon. Gentleman raises. The standards of transparency in this country—and indeed, that have been introduced under this Government—are some of the highest in the world, but I will look into that.
Assessment & feedback
Look Into It Highest Transparency Standards
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Luke Evans Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Context
Ministers are encouraged to relocate outside London, aiming for regional integration.
I welcome the Government's commitment to having move civil servants outside London. Leicestershire is a perfect place for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; we have a rural community, with big farming and concern for the environment. I would be surprised—amazed, actually—if Ministers had not heard about the campaign by my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Alicia Kearns) to bring DEFRA right to the heart of England. Is that something the Cabinet Office would support?
I hear a proper call from a Leicestershire MP for Leicestershire's values to be recognised. It would not be for me to make determinations for DEFRA, but I wish my hon. Friend well in his campaign.
Assessment & feedback
Not Making Determinations Wishes The Mp Well
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
The Sewel convention outlines guidelines for legislative consent motions regarding devolved administrations.
I wonder whether we might give Ministers a second chance and see whether one of them can explain what they understand the principles of the Sewel convention to be, and whether nowadays they are more easily observed in their breach than in their application.
I remind the hon. Gentleman that, as I am sure he realises, we will not normally legislate on a matter that involves the Scottish Parliament or another devolved Administration without consulting the devolved institution and letting it pass a legislative consent motion. I am sure that will continue. If he has any issues with any particular case, he is welcome to come and speak to us about it.
Assessment & feedback
Consulting Devolved Institution Welcoming Discussions
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
The Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs identified a critical issue where British farmers do not have adequate access to nitrogen fertiliser needed for food production.
I am concerned that the inquiry into food security has revealed that British farmers who wish to produce more food face difficulties due to lack of nitrogen fertiliser. In light of this, can Ministers review across Government what additional measures we can take to ensure farmers have access to the necessary fertilisers?
My right hon. Friend raises an important point, and while I am not as knowledgeable about farming as he is, I believe we have already relaxed some regulations concerning fertilisers. However, it may be necessary to do more.
Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or plans for improving access to nitrogen fertiliser were not provided
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill requires dedicated resources, including a well-resourced workforce like the civil service, to ensure its successful implementation.
I am concerned that the Retained EU Law Bill may require significant resources from the civil service to deliver effectively. Has an assessment been made of the headcount needed for this project?
We will ensure that we have appropriate resources and civil service support to govern effectively and implement laws passed by this House.
Assessment & feedback
Specific resource requirements or headcounts were not provided
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
The Financial Conduct Authority found that 13% of people in Northern Ireland are struggling with bills and loan repayments, indicating economic challenges.
Given the finding by the FCA that 13% of individuals in Northern Ireland are having difficulty paying bills or loans, can the Minister reaffirm the government's commitment to supporting the Northern Irish economy during this challenging period?
Absolutely. We are aware of issues affecting citizens across the UK and globally, and we will support our people in all parts of the United Kingdom.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or measures to support Northern Irish economy were not provided
Response accuracy