Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 11 May 2023 · 18 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Marco Longhi echoed support for the UK's successful coronation, praising the servicemen, police officers, and public servants involved.
  • Angela Rayner congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister and questioned him about the handling of personal protective equipment contracts.
  • David Duguid inquired about steps to improve access to public procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises, to which the response highlighted ongoing efforts despite Scottish Government opposition.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

In a supplementary question, the MP expresses pride in the coronation and asks for agreement with sentiments about British traditions.

Question

I of course echo my right hon. Friend's comments about the coronation and thank the dedicated servicemen, police officers and public servants who made it such a success. Does he agree with me and many of my Dudley constituents that we should never be shy about being proud of our country's fantastic traditions and institutions?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I align myself entirely with the sentiments of my hon. Friend and the people of Dudley, and indeed the people of the whole United Kingdom. We witnessed the biggest military parade since the coronation of Her late Majesty, and it was a spectacular tribute to the values we all hold so dear.

Answered
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Q2 Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne
Standards & Ethics Local Government
Context

The MP mentions local council election results and criticizes the Deputy Prime Minister for losing his local Conservative council.

Question

First, may I offer my congratulations to the right hon. Gentleman, who is proving that being ginger is no barrier to becoming Deputy Prime Minister? I hope to take his example with me very soon one day, and in the meantime I look forward to facing him at Deputy PMQs to a bigger crowd in the future. I also want to offer my heartfelt commiserations to the right hon. Gentleman, who lost his local Conservative council this week.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The right hon. Lady started off so nicely—you never know, one day the Labour party might even allow a woman to lead it. In Hertsmere and nationally it is the same picture: while we in the Conservative party are focusing on delivering for the British people, Labour is working out grubby, dodgy deals with other parties. We are focused on the British people; they are focused on their own political interests.

How: Criticism Of Opposition

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Q3 Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne
Democracy & Elections
Context

The MP discusses voter ID regulations causing chaos and confusion at polling stations, citing an incident with a 93-year-old cancer sufferer who was excluded from voting.

Question

The only grubbiness that I have seen over the last few years has been about dodgy personal protective equipment contracts. I hope the Deputy Prime Minister will start to get a grip of that, because the local elections last Thursday revealed a lot about not only the British public's rejection of the mess created by the Conservatives over the last 13 years, but the impact of the Government's new voter ID regulations, which caused chaos and confusion at polling stations. Oona Preece, a 93-year-old cancer sufferer, was excluded from voting in the local elections last week.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Of course, I will look into Oona's case, but I am not quite sure where the right hon. Lady and Labour Members have been, because I did not find any of the scenes that she describes in my constituency and nor did colleagues across the country. It was competently done, and actually it has aligned us with many other countries around the world such as Canada. It is a perfectly sensible reform.

Not addressed: The Deputy Prime Minister discussed voter ID but focused on its international alignment rather than addressing issues of exclusion or chaos.

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 David Duguid Con
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The MP compliments the Secretary of State on the coronation and asks about steps to improve access to public sector procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland.

Question

May I first associate myself with the Secretary of State's remarks about the coronation? I think we can all agree that it was a fantastic event. I add my thanks to the security personnel and armed forces who kept us safe on the day. What steps is the Department taking to improve access to public sector procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in Scotland?

Answer from Alex Burghart

My hon. Friend knows the answer to this question all too well, having been on the Procurement Bill Committee. We are creating access to public procurement for small and medium-sized enterprises as never before. Alas, the Bill will not apply to Scotland because the Scottish Government refused to take part in it. That is a great shame, because it means that small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland will be deprived of the opportunities that those south of the border will get.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer mentioned steps being taken but avoided addressing how these affect SMEs specifically in Scotland due to the Scottish Government's refusal to participate.

How: Hedging Language

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Q5 John Spellar Lab
Defence Employment Business & Trade
Context

The MP expresses heartening remarks on resilience but criticizes the old dogma and asks when the Government will give priority to British industry, agriculture, and workers.

Question

I was heartened earlier by the Secretary of State's comments about resilience. As he knows, this is part of an international wake-up call, especially in the EU and the United States. Unfortunately, that was slightly undermined by the comments of his Minister, who was straight back to the old, tired dogma. Does the Minister recognise that local and national Government have a crucial role as a customer for firms that need regular orders and work flow? When will our Government catch up with other countries all round the world and give priority to British industry, British agriculture and British workers?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

One of the things that depressed me about leaving the Ministry of Defence was the fact that I would no longer be across the Dispatch Box from the right hon. Gentleman and his worthy campaign to make certain that, in defence in particular, orders go to UK companies. He is right, and the Government absolutely accept that many areas of our national life must, for defence and security reasons, be provided by UK companies. However, there are huge advantages to working internationally as well, including in the sphere of defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged the need but did not specify when or how prioritization would occur beyond mentioning existing efforts in defense.

How: Hedging Language

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Q6 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Environment
Context

Government agencies such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the Passport Office, Natural England and the Environment Agency are taking major decisions that affect constituents and businesses. Delays and inefficiencies have caused problems.

Question

Delays and inefficiencies in government agencies like DVLA, Passport Office, Natural England, and Environment Agency affect constituents and businesses. Will the Minister outline what actions are being taken to improve efficiency and accountability?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We constantly have efficiency reviews, work closely with the Treasury for customer service improvements, and managed £3.4 billion in savings last year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not outlined

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Q7 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Context

The Office of Government Property is expected to reissue updated guidance on the disposal of public assets. Current policy allows police authorities to sell disused stations below market value for community benefits.

Question

Thanking Ministers for supporting my campaign, can you advise when the Office of Government Property will issue its updated guidance on disposing public assets for community benefit?

Answer from Alex Burghart

I am happy to look into her suggestion and support local communities and value for money.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No timeline provided

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Q8 Sally-Ann Hart
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

Local civil servants have been working positively with the MP to deliver services, especially during local elections.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend join me in thanking local civil servants for their hard work delivering services, particularly during recent local elections?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We endorse the MP's statement and appreciate the work of civil servants at both local and national levels.

Answered
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Q9 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Veterans
Context

Five hundred people have died since the inquiry was set up, with one death every four days on average.

Question

Following Sir Brian Langstaff's second interim report, can you provide basic factual information about steps taken by the Government and a timeframe for action?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We have received the second interim report on compensation. We are working at pace, with meetings scheduled with Ministers to formulate a constructive response.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific factual information provided

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Q10 Tobias Ellwood Con
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The Minister is asked to update the House on the Government's commitment to support veterans from Northern Ireland.

Question

Will the Minister for Veterans' Affairs provide an update on the manifesto commitment to support veterans who served in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Government is committed to fulfilling our manifesto commitments, ensuring legacy issues are addressed with victims at the center.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps outlined

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Q11 Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst
NHS
Context

The Minister was previously asked to deal with the contaminated blood report 'at pace'. A month later, he is repeating this phrase.

Question

A month ago, the Minister promised to deal with the contaminated blood report 'at pace'. Can he now provide a specific timescale?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We have received the second interim report and are working through it, ensuring it receives the attention required.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeframe provided

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Q12 Michael Fabricant Con
Context

The Three network faced issues during a previous emergency test, affecting some alerts.

Question

I am pleased the emergency test was up and running, with 93% of people managing to receive signals. However, there were issues with the Three network that need addressing. Will another test be conducted to ensure at least 99% of alerts are successfully delivered?

Answer from Oliver Dowden (Minister for Implementation)

Following my meeting with the chief executive, I am confident that the network has taken necessary steps to resolve issues. Therefore, no further test is needed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to another test despite request

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Q13 Alison Thewliss SNP
NHS
Context

Brian, a constituent, lost his mother in the contaminated blood scandal and has yet to receive proper compensation.

Question

My constituent Brian's family is one of many struggling due to the contaminated blood scandal. Families want immediate action rather than promises of future assistance. Will compensation be paid now to those infected or affected by the scandal?

Answer from Jeremy Quin (Paymaster General)

The interim compensation of £100,000 was paid last year. However, we need time to work through recommendations in the report.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify timeline for full compensation payments

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Q14 Selaine Saxby
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Some constituents in remote rural areas did not receive emergency alerts, especially those not using Three.

Question

What assurances can be provided to constituents in remote rural areas who never received their alert and are not with the Three network?

Answer from Oliver Dowden (Minister for Implementation)

Issues in more rural areas due to signal penetration problems. Extending mobile technology roll-out is part of government plans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address non-Three users' current issues directly

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Q15 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Mental Health Veterans
Context

Data from 2022 shows high prevalence of mental health disorders among serving military personnel and veterans, particularly depression and alcohol misuse.

Question

What steps are Ministers taking to ensure serving military personnel and veterans have access to tailored mental health support?

Answer from Johnny Mercer (Minister of State for Defence People and Veterans)

Op Courage provides £22 million annually with 19,000 referrals in its first year, addressing unmet need. Message is always: 'Come forward, help is available.'

Answered
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Q16 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Democracy & Elections
Context

Data from the local elections last week suggests some people were turned away, affecting voting opportunities.

Question

Has an assessment been made of the number of people who did not get to vote in recent local elections? Is there a number that would indicate needing to reconsider or abolish the policy?

Answer from Alex Burghart (Minister for Local Government)

This is a matter for the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. No problems in my constituency despite predictions by others.

Not addressed: Shifted focus to Secretary of State instead of addressing issue directly

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Q17 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Benefits & Welfare Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Consultation closed on 4 September regarding sustainable and local food procurement by the Government.

Question

May I return to my earlier question? Cabinet Office should engage more with DEFRA for better public food procurement. Will the Minister speak to DEFRA about ensuring a sustainable trajectory?

Answer from Alex Burghart (Minister for Local Government)

I am always talking to DEFRA colleagues. Crown Commercial Service is looking into involving SMEs in public food procurement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to direct engagement on the consultation topic

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Q18 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Employment Northern Ireland Business & Trade
Context

Belfast is known as the cyber capital of the world, suggesting strong foundation for further investment.

Question

Will the Cabinet Office and Secretary of State build on Belfast's strong cyber industry to invest and create more jobs with existing skills?

Answer from Oliver Dowden (Minister for Implementation)

Impressed by strength of the cyber industry in Northern Ireland, particularly Belfast. Government remains committed and further investment is assured.

Answered
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