argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Under-25s: Working Conditions and Pay — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Labor
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): I point out that some of the highest unemployment rates are among that age group so our priority is to make sure that young people are able to gain secure work and experience. In actual fact, nine out of 10 workers between the ages of 18 and 24 are paid above the national minimum wage rate, and we are continuing to work towards increasing that year on year.
Supermarket Supply Chains: Human Rights — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Labor
Questions: What recent assessment his Department has made of the prevalence of human and labour rights abuses in the global supply chains of UK supermarkets.
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for his question and say that we meet Sir Charlie Mayfield regularly. This gives us a great opportunity to highlight the fact that there are thousands of businesses really stepping up to the mark on this issue. ASOS and Co-op are leading the way on transparency, and are identifying risks and taking action. M&S, Unilever and Tesco are also signing up to the employers’ pay principles.
Leaving the EU: Consumer Rights — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady raises an important point. Every piece of no-deal legislation that we have brought through the House has had an impact assessment, and we have already submitted five pieces of legislation. We have been very clear that consumer rights will be protected when we leave the European Union, and I am committed to doing that.
Tendring: Skilled Jobs — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Education
Giles Francis Watling (Conservative, Centre-right): High-skilled jobs are clearly useless without anyone to fill them, and the employee supply chain necessitates a clear role for further education. I recently signed a cross-party letter to the Chancellor calling for further education funding to be increased to above inflation in the next financial year. Does the Minister agree with me and 164 other colleagues that that is a good idea?
Tendring: Skilled Jobs — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Education
Christopher James Skidmore (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government have protected the base rate of funding for 16 to 19-year-olds until 2020 and are working closely with the post-18 funding review led by Sir Philip Augar to ensure a coherent vision for further and higher education. As part of its local industrial strategy for the district of Tendring, I welcome the fact that the South East LEP is investing in further education, including £10 million for the Colchester Institute’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Innovation Centre, its Learning and Technology Centre in Braintree, and a centre of excellence in health and care in Colchester.
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is quite right that we have a diverse energy supply and we must continue to maintain that, guided by the principles of lowest cost, lowest carbon and the maximum exploration of overseas trade opportunities. As the Secretary of State set out in his recent speech, we should continue to use market mechanisms wherever we can to maintain this diversity of supply.
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Philip Martin Dunne (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. However, can she reassure the House, and many of our constituents, that the move from the existing feed-in tariff to the smart export guarantee will not jeopardise the viability of solar energy anaerobic digester producers and that they will continue to be paid for exporting energy to the grid?
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is quite right. As I said earlier, we are very keen to ensure, through the smart export guarantee, that we move to the lower-subsidy or subsidy-free future that we know we can get to, but that we continue to see the sorts of viable projects that he references. I would urge him to make sure that the views of his constituents are reflected in the consultation that closes on 5 March.
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman, I am sure, shares my view that we should have the most efficient and well-invested energy system going forward that keeps costs down for consumers. He will also know that since privatisation—[Interruption.] Well, if he wants an answer perhaps he could stop shouting at me and listen. We have seen a large reduction in power outages and an increase in energy security. We have to make sure that the system is fit for the future because, as he knows, much of what happens in the future will not be creation of energy on the old coalfield sites and distribution down the transmission lines—there will be far more decentralised energy, and we continue to look forward to that development. [Interruption.]
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: International Affairs
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): The capacity or otherwise of a particular Minister to speak fluent Chinese is, at best, a secondary consideration in respect of this question, I say to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman), who is chuntering endlessly from a sedentary position.
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Patrick McLoughlin (Conservative, Centre-right): I very much agree with diversity of energy supply, but will my right hon. Friend assure me that there will be no diminution in the controls over the fracking industry, which has agreed to the regulations and has to stand by them?
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for asking a very topical question. The situation is this. We have set out very clearly our need to explore soberly and scientifically this potentially important resource. We rejected the companies’ request during the process of extraction from the first well to change the regime, on the basis that it was fit for purpose. I have been very well aware of all the scientific suggestions that somehow this regime should be reviewed. Of course, we now have an independent regulator, the Oil and Gas Authority, and it is within its remit, should it wish, to look at the science. For me, it is a scientist-led decision—it is nothing to do with politicians.
Energy Market: Diversity Supply — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman will know that we continue to look actively at this sector. Indeed, we have invested over £50 million in innovation in the sector over the past few years. However, it was right to reject the most expensive power station ever proposed in the form of the Swansea tidal lagoon. It is very pleasing to see that that project has now been brought forward in a form that does not require any Government subsidy. That is clearly a vote of confidence in this sector and this technology going forward. Our door is open for innovative proposals in this area. I was pleased, as I said, to meet the Marine Energy Council to see what more we can do.
Research and Development Trends — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Technology
Questions: What comparative assessment he has made of trends in the level of spending on research and development in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states.
Victoria Grace Ford (Conservative, Centre-right): Many British-based scientists are concerned that their participation in cross-border science networks might be jeopardised by Brexit. Can the Minister confirm that it is this Government’s intention that the UK should continue to participate in Horizon Europe’s next framework programme, FP9, and that the best way for us to help to make sure that that happens is for this House to support the withdrawal agreement?
Research and Development Trends — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What comparative assessment he has made of trends in the level of spending on research and development in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states.
Christopher James Skidmore (Conservative, Centre-right): I entirely agree with my hon. Friend on this issue. The Government’s priority is a smooth and orderly exit from the EU as set out in principle in the EU withdrawal agreement. Voting for the agreement would provide continuity and reassurance for researchers in continuing to participate in the Horizon programmes. It is no secret that we want to explore association with Horizon Europe. The political declaration makes clear our joint intention to establish terms and conditions regarding UK participation in EU programmes as part of our future relationship.
Research and Development Trends — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Education
Questions: What comparative assessment he has made of trends in the level of spending on research and development in (a) the UK and (b) other EU member states.
Christopher James Skidmore (Conservative, Centre-right): I am proud, as the Universities Minister, that we have in this country three of the world’s top 10 universities when it comes to research. We want to ensure that we continue to have that international reputation. We have made Treasury guarantees on the underwrite extension, ensuring that we continue to be part of all the projects that are part of Horizon 2020. We want to ensure that the association with Horizon Europe has universities at the front and centre of it.
Leaving the EU: Support for Businesses based in Scotland — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on fiscal support for businesses based in Scotland to prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): The Chancellor and I work closely together to support businesses right across the United Kingdom, but as I said before, the best option for Scotland in facing Brexit is to provide certainty to business by supporting a deal that has been proposed with the European Union.
Leaving the EU: Support for Businesses based in Scotland — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on fiscal support for businesses based in Scotland to prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): The solution is in the hon. Gentleman’s own hands. The NFU has been clear about this in Scotland and every part of the United Kingdom—it said that we should back the deal that has been negotiated. He has the opportunity to do that.
Leaving the EU: Support for Businesses based in Scotland — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Technology
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on fiscal support for businesses based in Scotland to prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): I am delighted to say that we work closely with the Scottish Government and universities and businesses across Scotland. One example is the sector deals that we have struck, including the life sciences sector deal, in which Scotland is strong, which means investment going into Scottish institutions and creating good jobs now and in the future.
Leaving the EU: Support for Businesses based in Scotland — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Transportation
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on fiscal support for businesses based in Scotland to prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): The Secretary of State for Transport gave a statement on that yesterday and was clear that no Government money had been put into that. When it comes to building confidence for businesses in Scotland, which I hope the hon. Gentleman and I want to do, he will know that the way to allay businesses’ concerns is to ensure that we conclude an agreement. There is one that has the support of businesses in Scotland and across the country, and I hope his party will back it.
Leaving the EU: Support for Businesses based in Scotland — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Questions: What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on fiscal support for businesses based in Scotland to prepare for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman would raise fiscal matters, when some of the fiscal decisions taken in Scotland recently have further diminished investors’ confidence. For Scotland to be the highest-taxed part of the United Kingdom is a terrible signal to not only workers but businesses.
Yorkshire: Economic Development — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): I know that the hon. Gentleman is a proud Yorkshireman, and he will know that we frequently discuss the economic success story that is Yorkshire and the Humber. It may be a little bit politically incorrect, but I am sure he is proud of the fact that in the first three years of the Conservative Government from 2010, Yorkshire created more jobs than the whole of France.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Richard Harrington (Conservative, Centre-right): Our modern industrial strategy for our whole country will ensure that the UK remains one of the most competitive locations in the world for manufacturing investment. We are investing over £600 million in the high-value manufacturing Catapult, and up to £167 million in our "Made Smarter" industrial digitalisation programme. I hope and believe that this will help UK manufacturers develop, adopt and exploit new technologies to make us really successful in the future.
Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Environment
Richard Harrington (Conservative, Centre-right): Much as I would like to do so, I cannot give my hon. Friend that assurance, because waste and recycling policy is a devolved matter. However, it is our preference that the scheme is UK-wide, and we will really be pushing that with the devolved authorities.
Motor Manufacturing — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Environment
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): I say to the right hon. Gentleman, who I know takes an interest in this, that I have always been clear, and indeed the "road to zero" strategy is very clear, that having a new diesel engine is a perfectly reasonable choice as we move towards zero-emission vehicles in the future. That is very clear: I have said it, my colleagues have said it and I am happy to repeat it to the House.
Rural Post Offices — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government recognise the importance of post offices to rural communities across the UK and are committed to the post office network’s future. The Post Office offers targeted financial support in recognition of the unique challenges of running a rural post office. Postmasters who run community branches that are the last shop in the village can receive packages combining fixed and variable remuneration to reflect their special circumstances.
Rural Post Offices — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
Maria Colette Caulfield (Conservative, Centre-right): Post offices in my rural villages of Newick, East Dean and Alfriston are still temporarily closed because the Post Office local model, on a transaction-fee basis, is not enticing potential postmasters. Will the Minister look at returning to a community-based Post Office model to help these post offices to reopen?
Rural Post Offices — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government have invested significantly in post offices in recent years. While there is no programme of post office closures, some unexpected closures, for some reasons beyond the control of the Post Office, as in my hon. Friend’s constituency, can occur. Work is currently under way in regard to her constituency, and there is hope that the services will be restored. I will also ask the Post Office to liaise directly with my hon. Friend on those issues.
Rural Post Offices — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
John Simon Bercow (Conservative, Centre-right): Order. Surely Devon and Cornwall are home to both rural post offices and highly skilled jobs. With a degree of lateral thinking, the hon. Member for Torbay (Kevin Foster) can shoehorn his inquiry into the question of which we are currently treating.
Rural Post Offices — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
Questions: Thank you, Mr Speaker. As the Minister will be aware, there are a number of small rural post offices in Devon and Cornwall—indeed, a new one is being opened in Torbay. Will she confirm what support the Government will be making available to ensure that there are trained and skilled job seekers to work in those post offices if they open in my patch?
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): It is true: it has been too long since I have had the opportunity to visit my hon. Friend’s part of the country. I have met some of his colleagues to talk about post office opportunities in the south-west. As I have already reiterated, we are committed to delivering those rural post offices.
Rural Post Offices — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
Questions: Thank you, Mr Speaker. As the Minister will be aware, there are a number of small rural post offices in Devon and Cornwall—indeed, a new one is being opened in Torbay. Will she confirm what support the Government will be making available to ensure that there are trained and skilled job seekers to work in those post offices if they open in my patch?
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Gentleman is quite correct: the Post Office is at the forefront of looking at new ways in which it can modernise and increase the services delivered through our post offices. I will be more than happy to listen to any suggestions that he has—so, yes, of course, at some point I will meet him.
Small Businesses — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Government Operations
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend raises a really important question. There have been several criticisms of the FRC, which is why the Secretary of State commissioned Sir John Kingman to lead a review of the regulator. We are taking forward Sir John’s recommendations to create a stronger regulator with stronger powers. I assure my hon. Friend that I will continue to meet him on the particular issue he raises, so that we can find a resolution.
Small Businesses — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): I am glad the hon. Gentleman has raised this issue. We engage with the small business community, the wider business community and all business representation organisations on a weekly basis. It is quite right that we consult a plethora of businesses throughout the UK on any decision that will be taken on customs and tariffs. We will take into consideration their views when we set our policy, which will be announced in the near future.
Parental Leave: Children with Severe Illnesses — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Social Welfare
Kelly Jane Tolhurst (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government are committed to supporting working families. We are conducting a short and focused review of the provisions for parents of premature, sick and multiple babies, focusing primarily on barriers to the labour market. I have met colleagues, Bliss and The Smallest Things.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Technology
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): Since our last departmental questions, we have been continuing to implement the industrial strategy. We are doing more, for example, to protect businesses and consumers from online threats, with the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund backing research to make hardware more secure. As we leave the EU, we are determined to continue to be a pioneer in setting the highest standards, including proposals—currently being consulted on—to expand protections for pregnant women and new parents returning to work after having children.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Labor
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. It was one of the first sector deals. We were very determined to act on the report of Sir Peter Bazalgette, which celebrated the potential for new jobs to be created. It is going extremely well. Investments are being made in virtual reality, creating new opportunities for small businesses to benefit from the technology that larger ones have.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Energy
Gregory David Clark (Conservative, Centre-right): We have a proud record of being one of the world’s leaders in renewable energy. The proportion of renewable energy on the grid at the moment has hit 33% for the first time in our history. We are the world’s leader in offshore wind. The challenges that the hon. Lady identifies come from the fact that energy sources are falling in price. They are more abundant than ever before and we have established ourselves as the place in the world with the technology to be able to deploy them on the grid. She should welcome that.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-02-12
Topic: Environment
Questions: Jaguar Land Rover in Southend struggles to recruit trained mechanics. As we move towards electric vehicles and more technical vehicles, what more can the Government do to make sure that we fill this skills gap?; My constituents in Midlothian tell me how concerned they are about the catastrophic impacts that climate change will have, and indeed, is already having. What is the Secretary of State’s response to the long-term forecast by the Met Office showing that global warming could reach 1.5°, the limit aimed for in the Paris agreement, in just five years? Does he honestly believe that the Government are doing enough within their power to stop this?
Claire Louise Perry (Conservative, Centre-right): I am very pleased to assure the hon. Lady that we are not only doing enough, but leading the developed world. Our renewables generation has increased fourfold since 2010. We have decarbonised our economy—as our four nations—more than any other country in the G20, and we were the first industrialised county to seriously look at that shocking Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and ask our own independent Committee on Climate Change for its advice on how we can get to a net zero-carbon economy going forward.