Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 25 January 2024 · 17 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sending vegetarian haggis to the US is the only way due to export restrictions, according to a Liberal Democrat MP.
  • The Minister reviewed limits on cash payments at the post office and increased transparency in checks to prevent money laundering.
  • The government will retain a six-day postal service but will consider the views of postal workers raised in Ofcom's report.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Business & Trade
Context

Concern over trade barriers for Scottish haggis in the US market.

Question

Is it not a scandal that sending vegetarian haggis to the US is the only way due to export restrictions? Can she put this into her 18-point action plan?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

We are continually removing barriers to US-UK trade. If he has a specific example, I would appreciate if he wrote to me for further investigation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to including haggis export issue in the action plan directly.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Duncan Baker
Economy Business Compliance Environment
Context

Many banks are closing on high streets, and post offices are stepping in to help. However, the amount of cash that can be deposited is limited.

Question

Can the Minister review the limits placed on the amount of cash that can be paid in at the post office and ensure higher volumes for rural businesses?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The limits are there to prevent money laundering but need to be proportionate. I have raised their impact with the Financial Conduct Authority and UK Finance, and now there is more transparency in checks. Ingham's fish and chip shop in Filey experiences fewer problems when paying in money.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reviewing or changing the limits directly.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Justin Madders Lab Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Employment Transport
Context

Postal workers are working at unsustainable levels, not recognised adequately by Ofcom's report on the future of universal service obligations.

Question

Please confirm that postal workers' input will be considered in any future decisions related to their views raised in Ofcom's report?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

Our clear position is that we will retain a six-day service, but the views of postal workers will be taken into account.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a review or specific action based on postal workers' input.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Theresa Villiers Con
Brexit
Context

Reports suggest the Government will introduce a requirement to screen future regulations to avoid extra barriers in the Irish Sea.

Question

Is it true that the Government have pledged to screen all future regulatory changes to prevent extra barriers in the Irish Sea?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I cannot comment on ongoing Northern Ireland political process. We retain ability to diverge from EU laws, and I agree with retaining comparative advantage over the EU in our regulations post-Brexit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny reports about screening future regulations.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Richard Thomson
Context

Concern over potential changes to legislation regarding the marketing of infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes.

Question

Will the Secretary of State confirm that this Government have no plans to alter legislation on the marketing of infant formula?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting point, I am very happy to write to him about it.

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny plans to change the legislation directly.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Scott Benton
Transport Business & Trade
Context

Concern over inadequate postal service impacting small business models relying on the six-day service.

Question

Does the Minister agree that any proposed changes to Royal Mail services must protect small businesses and customers' rights, given recent fines by Ofcom?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

The service has not been satisfactory, but Royal Mail has employed 3,000 more postal workers to address problems. We are seeing some improvement, but agree that six-day service is vital for magazines and greeting card industries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit directly to protecting small businesses and customers' rights in proposed changes.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Peter Dowd Lab Bootle
Employment
Context

Private sector trials for a four-day work week have been conducted. The results are under scrutiny.

Question

I am concerned about the assessment made by the Minister regarding private sector trial results in relation to introducing a four-day work week. Will he meet me to discuss these results?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

I thank the hon Gentleman for that question. It is clearly up to businesses to decide if they want to trial a four-day week. We have made no assessment of any results.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Provided no specific assessment or commitment regarding private sector trials

How: It Is Our Belief That We Should Not Run A Stalinist Economy, Where We Tell Private Sector Businesses How To Operate Their Workforce And On What Days Of The Week

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
Employment Business & Trade
Context

The Gosport branch of Asda is considering strike action due to low staffing levels, health and safety issues, and delayed equal pay claims.

Question

I am concerned about the first UK branch of Asda balloting for strike action. Considering Asda's importance to the food chain and employment across the country, what powers does the Minister have to ensure that both workers and consumers are protected?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

My hon Friend raises an interesting point. We will continue to monitor this situation, but clearly Asda is a private company and it is up to them to decide how best to deploy their workforce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific powers or measures were provided to protect workers and consumers during the potential strike

How: We Have Looked At This Particular Situation With Interest And Will Continue To Monitor It

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Energy Business & Trade
Context

There is concern about the steel industry's ability to provide materials for wind turbine construction due to expansion of renewables in Scotland.

Question

I am concerned about the evolving state of our steel industry and its capability to meet demands from expanding renewable energy sectors. What steps will be taken by the government to support this vital industry?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

Our steel industry is not disappearing but evolving. We will continue to have significant steelmaking capability in the UK and produce materials for industries such as renewables.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or measures to support the steel industry's supply capabilities for renewable energy sectors

How: This Is Part Of Decarbonisation Efforts, Which All Opposition Members Have Been Advocating

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q10 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Business & Trade
Context

Inquiry into the government's position on ensuring UK capacity for producing virgin steel.

Question

Following from previous questions, can the Secretary of State confirm that it remains the Government's position to ensure that the UK has the capability to produce virgin steel?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Government maintain we want to ensure steelmaking capability in the UK, but changes require imports and face challenges from China and India.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm a specific commitment or stance on ensuring UK's capacity for producing virgin steel

How: We Are Making Sure Our Industry Is More Resilient At A Time When It Faces Oversupply From Other Nations

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q11 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
NHS
Context

A postmistress lost £250,000 in 2000 and requires assistance to claim appropriate compensation.

Question

Will the Post Office Minister meet my constituent who was a postmistress and lost £250,000? She needs help identifying which of the three compensation schemes she qualifies for.

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

Yes, I would be very happy to meet. There are three compensation schemes; if it is group litigation order, an immediate award of £75,000 can be made.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Cherilyn Mackrory
Business & Trade
Context

Leaders from the critical minerals industry met to discuss ongoing challenges and demand growth.

Question

I chaired a meeting with industry leaders discussing challenges faced by the critical minerals industry. Will the Minister agree to attend a roundtable discussion on these issues?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I am happy to be interrogated by the APPG and congratulate the hon Friend for securing investment in Cornwall, particularly lithium mining.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to attending a specific meeting but agreed to discussion

How: Obviously It Is Important To Secure Investment In Mining In Cornwall

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Jo Gideon
Context

Progress on preventing deaths and injuries from button batteries following a tragic incident involving one of the MP's constituents.

Question

I have been working with the Minister on button battery safety. Will he meet me to discuss progress, particularly how guidelines drawn up by the Office for Product Safety and Standards can be made compulsory?

Answer from Kevin Hollinrake

My hon Friend has done a fantastic job with the campaign. Of course I shall be happy to meet her to see what more can be done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for ensuring guidelines are compulsory

How: The Hon Friend Has Made Huge Progress Towards Best Practice

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q14 Kenny MacAskill
Scotland
Context

Concerns regarding the future of Ferguson Marine, the last remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde, facing potential procurement obstacles.

Question

The last remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde is at risk due to work configuration issues. Will the Minister ensure no impediments prevent a direct order from CalMac for seven small island ferries?

Answer from Nusrat Ghani

I am more than happy to sit down with the hon Member to discuss furthering his case, but the decision sits with the Scottish Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or assurance of no impediments

How: The Overriding Fact Is That The Decision Sits With The Scottish Government

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q15 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Immigration Business & Trade
Context

Businesses in North Shropshire are concerned about impending import controls affecting goods such as seed potatoes and chilled equine semen.

Question

Importers of short-life items in my constituency, such as seed potatoes and chilled equine semen, are worried about impending import controls. Will the Minister meet me, and business leaders in North Shropshire, to discuss how they can continue their businesses in the face of these imminent problematic controls?

Answer from Greg Hands

Of course I shall be happy to meet the hon. Lady, but let me remind her of what I said earlier. The border operating model was introduced after extensive consultation with businesses, led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with the agrifood sector. There has been plenty of opportunity for feedback from businesses, but I shall be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss specific cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to meeting specifically about import control issues affecting short-life items and instead offered a general response.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q16 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Housing Local Government
Context

Flitwick Town Council plans to revitalise its local high street but needs support from the community ownership fund.

Question

I am sure that the Secretary of State shares my desire to revitalise our fantastic local high streets. Flitwick Town Council plans to do exactly that, but it needs support from the community ownership fund. May I urge the Secretary of State to look favourably on its forthcoming application?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

It is good to see the hon. Gentleman working so hard for his community. The community ownership fund sits with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, but I am sure that if he makes representations to those in the Department, they will be able to give him a more substantive answer.

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit to looking favourably on Flitwick Town Council's application and instead directed the MP to another department.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q17 Barry Sheerman Lab
Education Economy
Context

Traditional universities are failing to meet standards of sustainable development research, while Manchester, Huddersfield and Newcastle Universities perform better.

Question

Will the Secretary of State look at the impact assessments of universities? The traditional universities are failing to meet the standards of sustainable development research, and Manchester, Huddersfield and Newcastle Universities are doing much better. Will the Secretary of State look into that, and push the other universities to do better?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

This is a matter that sits with the Department for Education, but of course my Department takes an interest in all the innovation research that is going on, because it will help to boost the UK economy. I am sure that officials in my Department have been looking at those assessments, and will be able to provide details if the hon. Gentleman has a more specific question.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit to investigating university impact assessments or encouraging improvement specifically for sustainable development research.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)