Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 2 February 2023 · 19 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mary Glindon raised concerns about civil servants using food banks and taking part in industrial action over pay. The Government is engaged in constructive discussions with unions regarding pay and conditions.
  • Edward Timpson questioned the Government's assessment of the impact of school closures during the pandemic, highlighting the detrimental effects on children's education and development.
  • Angela Rayner inquired about the late submission of a ministerial declaration of interests and the National Audit Office's investigation into the former Prime Minister's legal fees. The Government defended its transparency measures and actions taken to address the issues raised.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

A survey found one in twelve Public and Commercial Services Union members are using food banks. Over 100,000 civil servants participated in industrial action over pay issues.

Question

Shockingly, a survey found that one in 12 Public and Commercial Services Union members are having to use food banks. Yesterday, more than 100,000 civil servants took part in industrial action, principally over pay. What steps will the Government take to make a significantly improved offer so that they can reach a negotiated settlement for underpaid civil servants?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office continues to engage with the unions in constructive discussions about precisely those points, with a particular view to the forthcoming financial year. I also pay tribute to the overwhelming majority of civil servants who did not strike yesterday—only 12% participated —to ensure that essential public services continued uninterrupted.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or details on improved offers for negotiations

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Q2 Edward Timpson Con
Education
Context

A clear lesson from the COVID response is that closing schools disproportionately impacts children's education and development.

Question

One clear lesson from our covid response has been to understand the severe and disproportionate consequences of closing our schools and the impact that that has had on our children's education and development. What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of that so far, and does he agree that we should look at making schools part of our essential national infrastructure, so that we ensure that that does not happen again in future?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I am deeply saddened, as my hon. and learned Friend is, by any interruption to our children's education, particularly when they have suffered so much during covid. I pay tribute to the headteachers and others who ensured that about 90% of schools were open in one capacity or another so that our children continued to have an education—indeed, 70% of teachers did not participate in the strike. I hope that we continue to keep schools open on a voluntary basis, but if we cannot, we reserve the right, under the legislation passing through Parliament, to deem education an essential service that requires minimum service levels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly agree or disagree with making schools part of essential national infrastructure

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Q3 Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne
Standards & Ethics
Context

An independent adviser revealed that a former Minister did not submit their declaration on time and is now under scrutiny.

Question

Last week the independent adviser revealed that the former Minister without Portfolio, the right hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), submitted his declaration of interests only in the last two weeks, some three months after his appointment and while he was in the eye of the storm. Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster tell the House how many other Ministers are yet to submit their declarations and what steps he or the Prime Minister has taken to pursue them, and can he guarantee there are not yet more ministerial conflicts of interest waiting to emerge that he knows about either formally or informally?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I can assure the right hon. Lady that we are upholding high standards of transparency. The ministerial code requires such declarations to be made, and they are policed by the independent adviser, which the Labour party urged us to appoint and we appointed that person. Where there are failures, action is taken immediately, as we saw from the Prime Minister this weekend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on how many other Ministers have not submitted declarations or what steps will be taken

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Q4 Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne
Standards & Ethics
Context

The National Audit Office is set to meet the Cabinet Office this week for details on public money spent on former PM's legal fees.

Question

While we are on the subject of transparency, The Guardian has today revealed that the National Audit Office is due to meet the Cabinet Office this week to obtain details of public money spent on the former Prime Minister's legal fees. The permanent secretary has already admitted a budget of £220,000 could have been exceeded, and the contract, which has already been extended once, could be extended again. Will the Minister publish the details of this arrangement and tell us who approved it and why—or, even better, can the Minister just put a stop to this insulting waste of public money all together?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The right hon. Lady will know that this was dealt with by the permanent secretary at the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, and the contract was published on Contracts Finder. It has always been the case that Ministers receive support in respect of their conduct in office after they have left office. That was extended to Ministers in the Conservative party and the Labour party. I will add that it is a good job that we did not extend it to former Leaders of the Opposition given the millions of pounds being spent by the Labour party defending itself against allegations of antisemitism.

Not addressed: Redirected towards Labour Party's spending on anti-antisemitism defence instead of addressing legal fees contract details

How: Redirecting To A Different Issue

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Q5 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

There is evidence that the Cabinet Office monitored a journalist's social media posts in relation to pursuing an anti-lockdown agenda.

Question

In 2020 we have evidence that the Cabinet Office monitored the journalist Peter Hitchens' social media posts in relation to the pandemic. In an internal email the Cabinet Office accused him of pursuing an anti- lockdown agenda. He then appears to have been shadow- banned on social media. Will the Minister confirm that his Department did nothing to interfere with Hitchens' communications, either through discussion with social media platforms or by any other mechanism? If he cannot confirm that today, will he write to me immediately in the future to do so?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

It is a pleasure to take it, Mr Speaker. I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. He referred to the rapid response unit; what it was doing during the course of the pandemic was entirely sensible—trawling the whole of what is available publicly on social media to make certain we as the Government could identify areas of concern particularly regarding disinformation so that correct information could be placed into the public domain to reassure the public. I think that was an entirely reasonable and appropriate thing to do. I do not know about the specifics that my right hon. Friend asks about; I would rather not answer at the Dispatch Box, but my right hon. Friend has asked me to write to him and I certainly will.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny interference with Hitchens' communications directly

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Q6 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Parliamentary Procedure

Question

Does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster believe there should be a minimum qualifying period for a Prime Minister's resignation honours list?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there are conventions that govern lists submitted by former Prime Ministers; they are not for direct decision by current Ministers.

Not addressed: Did not provide any specific view or stance on the minimum qualifying period

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Q7 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
NHS Transport
Context

The MP noted recent strikes, including the largest in over a decade, affecting public services such as unreliable bus and train services into London. Constituents face disruption during these events.

Question

I have mentioned many times the need for better connectivity in my constituency, especially regarding unreliable bus services and trains into London. I also recently spoke about ambulance wait times on non-strike days. Given yesterday's major strike, can the Minister provide an update on what he is doing to ensure my constituents can continue using these public services daily?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

As a fellow Hertfordshire Member of Parliament, I share the hon. Friend's concerns about disruption to travel for commuters into London. Our manifesto committed to bringing forward minimum service legislation, which we are passing through the House despite Labour opposition. This is to ensure hard-working constituents can continue their lives and livelihoods.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding measures during strikes was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.

How: Minister Shares Concerns But Does Not Provide Specifics

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Q8 Martyn Day SNP
Employment Democracy & Elections
Context

The Government recently passed anti-strike legislation amid large public sector strikes. The MP questions the strategy of this approach.

Question

This week, the Government passed harsh anti-strike laws while seeing the largest public strikes in over a decade. Does the Minister agree it is time to negotiate with unions instead of vilifying workers?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Ministers meet unions regularly, as evidenced by meetings this week. Ministers also have a duty to uphold minimum standards of public services for safety, which includes pursuing legislation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding negotiation was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.

How: Minister Acknowledges Meetings But Does Not Commit To Negotiations

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Q9 Peter Aldous Con
Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

Levelling-up missions span multiple departments and require co-ordination for effective delivery.

Question

The Government's 12 levelling-up missions cross departmental responsibilities. What coordinating work is my right hon. Friend doing to ensure these policies are delivered successfully?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

My hon. Friend is correct about the need for co-ordination. The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has regular meetings to ensure this happens across Government. The missions are jointly monitored by him and the No. 10 policy unit to ensure effectiveness.

Answered
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Q10 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Employment Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP's Worker Protection Bill is supported by the Government. There are formal complaints against the Deputy PM involving civil servants.

Question

My bill aims to create respectful workplaces, but with 24 civil servants in formal complaints against the Deputy Prime Minister, what example is the Government setting? Does the Minister think it's appropriate for him to remain in office if not?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The Government take those allegations seriously, appointing a leading King's Counsel with employment law experience to investigate. The Minister believes due process should be followed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about appropriateness of Deputy PM's position not directly answered.

How: Minister Discusses Investigation But Does Not Commit

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Q11 Andrew Jones Con
Veterans
Context

North Yorkshire has a high forces presence, leading to many veterans transitioning to civil employment. A survey is concluding.

Question

In north Yorkshire we have significant veteran numbers due to military presence. As the Office for Veterans' Affairs and ONS survey closes today, will the results be used to improve transition processes?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The surveys were designed to increase data granularity on veterans' challenges. Current services are better than before, but we always look to learn from new findings.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask regarding use of survey results for changes not directly addressed.

How: Minister Acknowledges Surveys But Does Not Commit

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Q12 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Business & Trade
Context

The Procurement Bill seeks to extend contracts to SMEs. The MP believes linking advanced apprenticeships to these contracts is important.

Question

With the Procurement Bill, the Government aim to expand SME opportunities through public contracts. However, I believe we need more high-level apprenticeships linked to such contracts. What are the Government doing in this regard?

Answer from Alex Burghart

The hon. Gentleman is welcome to join Committee Room 10 discussions on social value, including apprenticeship opportunities within the Procurement Bill.

Not addressed: Specific ask about measures for advanced apprenticeships not addressed.

How: Invites Mp To Committee Meetings Instead Of Addressing

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Q13 Jonathan Gullis
Economy Employment Local Government
Context

Stoke-on-Trent is a major recipient of levelling-up funds and places for growth. Home Office jobs are relocating to the area.

Question

Stoke-on-Trent is proud to be among the largest recipients of levelling-up funding and places for growth, securing 500 Home Office jobs. Will my right hon. Friend congratulate Councillor Brown and the Home Office on this achievement?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

My hon. Friend campaigned long for these jobs, which are relocating from London to benefit local communities. Since September last year, 8,000 jobs have been relocated away from London.

Answered
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Q14 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Standards & Ethics
Context

MPs must declare their financial interests within 28 days, but Ministers often delay this declaration. Previously promised to align Ministerial declarations with MPs.

Question

Why do we have to wait until May to know what Ministers' financial interests are? Only a few weeks ago, the Leader of the House promised that all Ministers would be held to the same timetable as other MPs. When is that going to happen?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Ministers are required, under the ministerial code, to provide full declarations. We are taking steps to move to more rapid declarations of ministerial interests so that they align more closely with the declarations of Members of Parliament, and we are working through those processes.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Working Through

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Q15 Holly Mumby-Croft
Veterans
Context

Bryn Parry, founder of Help for Heroes, is ill. He established the organisation to support veterans during the Afghanistan campaign.

Question

Many Members will know of the work of Bryn Parry, who set up Help for Heroes. Will the Veterans Minister join me in wishing him well—I know he is not well at the moment—and paying tribute to him for the work that he has done?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Bryn Parry founded Help for Heroes with his wife Emma. His contribution to care for veterans is unrivalled, and he has a dear place in my heart and the nation's heart. I pay tribute to him and his work, and we are all thinking of him at this difficult time.

Answered
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Q16 Patrick Grady SNP
Brexit Democracy & Elections
Context

Brexit-related legislation often includes Henry VIII powers, giving Ministers significant regulatory powers. The Procurement Bill is one example of such legislation.

Question

Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster give us an example of how democratic scrutiny and control have been taken back to this House rather than by Executive power grab?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The Procurement Bill is a major step forward, increasing flexibility for smaller companies. It is one way we are taking back control in this place following Brexit.

Partly answered

How: Example Of Democratic Scrutiny

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Q17 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Housing Veterans
Context

Under the Homelessness Reduction Act, the Ministry of Defence has a duty to ensure that all veterans leaving the armed forces are provided with a settled home. There is concern about compliance.

Question

What action is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that the MOD keeps to its legal duty?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Op Fortitude has procured £8.5 million-worth of services to deal with instances in which provision is not available, providing wraparound support for those at risk of homelessness.

Answered
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Q18 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The Institute for Government has suggested publishing more policy advice from officials to improve transparency and ministerial engagement.

Question

What assessment have Ministers made of the recommendation by the Institute for Government to publish more policy advice from officials, and will it be implemented?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Ministers rely on good advice from our officials. It is up to Ministers to determine how that policy is then prosecuted, and I believe we need to preserve privacy between advice received and decisions made.

Partly answered

How: Preserve Privacy

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Q19 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Energy Veterans
Context

One in ten people from the ex-services community face financial difficulties. The situation is worsening due to the cost of living crisis.

Question

What steps will be taken to ensure that those former members of the armed forces are not left behind?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

There is help and support through the energy price cap scheme, as well as grants available across the country. The RBL has been working hard in constituencies to provide specialised assistance.

Answered
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