theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Martin Rhodes:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the implementation of the National Wealth Fund's strategic partnership with the Glasgow City Region. \p Kirsty McNeill: We meet regularly with the Scottish Government to discuss economic growth, which is this Government’s top priority. To achieve our growth mission, mobilising private investment alongside public sector financing is vital. In January, the Chancellor announced the National Wealth Fund’s Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region, which will provide enhanced support to help the region secure long-term investment opportunities.

From 2014 to 2022, the Greater Manchester economy grew by almost 50%.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Josh Babarinde:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the Scottish offence of domestic assault in tackling violence against women and girls. \p Kirsty McNeill: There can be no place in our society for violence against women and girls - and this Government was elected on a commitment to halve such violence over the next decade.

Tackling domestic abuse is a core part of this mission.

That is why last year the Secretary of State and I signed the “White Ribbon Pledge” to help end these atrocious crimes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Blair McDougall:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that Scotland benefits from nuclear energy developments in the UK. \p Ian Murray: Nuclear energy creates well-paid jobs and develops vital transferable skills. Investment in new nuclear power stations brings billions of pounds into local communities. It is good for the environment and good for national energy security.

So, what do the SNP say to all that? No thank you! But of course, they are happy to accept Scotland’s energy baseload coming from English nuclear power.

Their outdated, ideological opposition is holding Scotland back.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Elaine Stewart:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support grassroots football in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, and that is why we are investing a further £8.6 million this year in sports facilities across Scotland.

Through this scheme, almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding, we can look forward to many more.

This scheme will increase participation, improve health and help people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of sport.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Kirsty Blackman:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential impact of recent changes to welfare provision on families in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: Scotland needs both its governments to step up and fix a broken welfare system.

We will ensure the system protects the most vulnerable who can’t work, while supporting people who can into work.

But in Scotland there are people who want to work but can’t because they are stuck on an NHS waiting list, employability services have faced cuts, college places are at a decade low and the equivalent of a large secondary school’s worth of kids leave school every year without qualifications, and there is a declared housing crisis in Scotland - does the hon Member really think that speaks well of the SNP’s record?
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Jerome Mayhew:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on job creation in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: Figures released last week showed that the employment rate and wages in Scotland are up - no thanks to the opposition who crashed our economy, sent mortgages soaring and were ready to do it all over again.

Let us not forget, the £22 billion black hole the opposition left this government. As part of our plan for change, we have fixed the foundations and are beginning to turn things around after 14 years of Tory chaos.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if her Department will provide sentencing data by (a) ethnicity and (b) nationality to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth's private inquiry into grooming gangs. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: The Ministry of Justice publishes data on the number of offenders sentenced, which can be filtered to specific offences and broken down by defendant ethnicity. This can be obtained in the Outcomes by Offences data tool, which can be downloaded from the Criminal Justice Statistics landing page here: Criminal Justice Statistics.

However, data held centrally does not include an offender’s nationality. This information may be held on court records but to examine individual court records would be of disproportionate cost.

Data held centrally includes details of sexual grooming offences but does not identify if this was gang related. Gang related sexual grooming offences are not identifiable separately as there is no single offence code to specifically cover offences related to gangs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she has made an estimate of the number of criminals erroneously released as part of the early release scheme. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: On 10 September 2024, the Government took the necessary and unavoidable step to move certain release points from 50% to 40%, with an initial tranche of eligible offenders released on this date, and a second tranche released on 22 October 2024.

There was an issue with a repealed Breach of Restraining Order offence. We took action and as a result, we returned all 37 offenders to prison who had been released in error owing to this issue.

We have published data on how many offenders were released on the first day of both initial SDS40 release tranches (1,889 prisoners for Tranche 1, and 1,223 prisoners for Tranche 2). The number of people who have been released in error since September 2024 forms a subset of releases in error data which is scheduled for future publication. In accordance with the requirements of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, we may not give any early indication of the contents of these statistical reports. Annual totals for releases in error are published each July in the HMPPS Annual Digest, available via Prison and Probation Performance Statistics - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of US tariffs on the hospitality sector in the UK. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The UK and US have a strong economic relationship which is fair, balanced and reciprocal. We have £1.2 trillion invested in each other’s economies and over 2.5 million jobs across both countries.

Hospitality businesses play a key role in the UK economy and we’re prioritising engagement with the US to stand up for industry and find a resolution.

We will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests. We will keep all options on the table and won’t hesitate to respond in the national interest.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to introduce retaliatory tariffs on horse importations from the US. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both the UK and the US but nothing is off the table; this government will do what is necessary to defend the UK's national interest. That is why on 3 April, the government launched a Request for Input from businesses as a formal step, to keep all options on the table; and to give businesses the chance to have their say and influence the design of any possible UK response.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions his Department has had with US Government officials and representatives on horse importations as part of negotiators on a potential trade deal. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship. The UK is committed to continuing these discussions, but the UK will only do a deal that is in the national interest of the UK and its businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on UK automotive exports on (a) levels of unemployment in Wales and (b) level of exports from Wales to the United States. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: We know that this is a concerning time for automotive businesses in Wales. Last year, Wales exported £89 million worth of road vehicles to the US, which accounted for 14% of its total road vehicle exports. That is why the government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US, and we remain committed to these discussions.

We are resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and we will continue to engage with businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. In addition, on 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK's response to US tariffs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to review the mis-selling of timeshare schemes. \p Justin Madders: Consumers are already protected from mis-selling by consumer law.

Additionally, The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulations 2010 specifically prevent mis-selling and pressure-selling of timeshares and give consumers protections against unfair contracts.

Recognising that tough enforcement is crucial to protecting consumers, the Government has introduced the Digital Market, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Part 3 of the Act introduces penalties of up to 10% of turnover for breaches of the law and gives the Competition and Markets Authority new powers to take swifter enforcement action without having to go through the courts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to take steps to disclose UK foreign direct investment holdings in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Department for Business and Trade does not hold this information. It is held by the Office for National Statistics.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with his Commonwealth counterparts on the potential for mutual recognition agreements on professional qualifications. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Department for Business and Trade recognises the importance of mutual recognition of professional qualifications (RPQ) to support services trade and domestic labour market outcomes.

International agreements provide mechanisms for officials to regularly engage with their Commonwealth counterparts on RPQ. Officials engage frequently with counterparts in Australia, New Zealand and the CARIFORUM states through Professional Services Working Groups, joint and specialised committee structures.

Independent UK regulators set standards, assess professional qualifications and are responsible for agreeing Mutual Recognition Agreements on RPQ. DBT is committed to promoting RPQ opportunities and supporting regulators in their discussions with Commonwealth counterparts.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the role of Commonwealth trade agreements in increasing the UK’s export growth rate in the services sector. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: UK exports in services to Commonwealth countries rose in current prices from £36.4 billion in 2019 to £58.1 billion in the 12 months to September 2024 and represents 61.5% of UK exports to Commonwealth countries in the latest period.

The UK increases services exports and removes barriers to services trade through many of our trade agreements covering 35 Commonwealth countries. For example, the UK’s accession to CPTPP provided UK and Malaysian firms and professionals with certainty when looking to deliver services in their respective territories.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there have been any amendments to the (a) duration, (b) remuneration and (c) other contractual terms of the six additional senior-level experts added to the Strategic Defence Review team since the commencement of their appointments. \p Luke Pollard: The six leading figures supporting the external reviewers continue to support the delivery of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The SDR-which will be published in the Spring-will ensure the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad, now and for the years to come.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2025 to Question 36052 on Strategic Defence Review: Contracts, whether there have been any amendments to the (a) duration, (b) remuneration and (c) other contractual terms of (i) Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, (ii) General Sir Richard Barrons and (iii) Fiona Hill since the commencement of their appointments as external reviewers. \p Luke Pollard: The external review team continue to support the delivery of this crucial piece of work. The Strategic Defence Review-which will be published in the Spring-will ensure the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad, now and for the years to come.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions (a) ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with US Air Forces in Europe – United Kingdom on the Local National Direct Hire programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Secretary of State for Defence and Defence Officials have regular engagements on a wide range of Defence topics with their US counterparts.

The Local National Direct Hire Programme is a United States’ programme, and it is for the US to determine how they wish to support their mission. Defence officials provide UK sponsorship for the security clearance of UK individuals hired under the US Local National Direct Hire Programme. There is no further planned engagement on this programme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any portion of the £2.2 billion spending uplift for the Ministry of Defence in the 2025-26 financial year is allocated to cover costs associated with the Chagos agreement. \p Luke Pollard: The Diego-Garcia military base agreement is still being finalised, once the treaty is finalised it will be put before Parliament for scrutiny in the usual way.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 39042 on Helicopters: Finance, if he will make an estimate of the budget across front line commands for (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26. \p Maria Eagle: Departmental spending priorities will be subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review and therefore it is not practical to provide an estimate at this stage.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS573, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of defence reform on single service budgets. \p Maria Eagle: Single Service budgets now sit in the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ), under the Chief of Defence Staff. Their capital investment budgets now sit with the National Armaments Director – in one ‘invest’ budget.

These changes will speed up our decision making, focus on outcomes, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the progress of the Ground Based Air Defence programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Land Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) programme strives to modernise Defence’s ground-based air defence capabilities in the face of rapidly developing threats and is a high priority for the Army. This includes the development of an integrated layered air defence system comprising countering Small Air Targets, Short and Medium Range Air Defence.

The programme is now working towards an Initial Operating Capability of Medium Range Air Defence for warfighting by July 2026. This includes two Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Centres, and two enhanced Wireless Enabled Network sets. By June 2027, a further 800 Thales (Belfast) lightweight multi role missiles (LMM) will also be procured.

The programme has begun to deliver Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability for dismounted close combat forces, albeit in relatively low numbers. The focus is now switching to higher level UAS detect and non-kinetic systems, and upgrades to vehicle mounted weapon systems to enable them to engage UAS.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on the Challenger 3 programme. \p Maria Eagle: The Armour Main Battle Tank programme will deliver Challenger 3.

The programme has now delivered four prototypes, with four more currently in build, trials have already proven Challenger 3’s basic firing capability, mechanical design, and structural strength. The next set of trials are due to start in Quarter 2 2025.

Among the improvements underway which will significantly enhance Challenger 3’s performance over Challenger 2, the programme is working under a bilateral UK/Germany agreement to qualify Enhanced Kinetic Energy ammunition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many employees have been recruited to work on US Air Force bases under the Local National Direct Hire programme in each year since 2000. \p Al Carns: As the Local National Direct Hire Programme is a United States’ programme the Ministry of Defence is unable to provide this information.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what change there has been in the cost of hearing loss compensation claims since the implementation of the Tactical Hearing Protection System in each financial year. \p Al Carns: The implementation of the Tactical Hearing Protection System programme took place between April 2015 and September 2016.

The supporting table below shows the total number of initial injury/illness claims cleared under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2024 with a condition awarded for hearing loss by financial year, and the corresponding payment amounts.

The Ministry of Defence publishes annual statistics for the AFCS on the GOV.UK website. The latest publication was on 18 July 2024 using data extracted from the Compensation and Pension System (CAPS) as at 31 March 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-compensation-scheme-statistics-index

Table 1: Total initial injury/illness claims cleared under the AFCS with a condition awarded for hearing loss by financial year1, numbers and £2,3

1 April 2013 - 31 March 2024

Financial Year

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Total Awarded

438

301

292

186

158

102

71

54

60

119

117

Lump Sum Amounts

£3,293,900

£2,026,000

£2,102,900

£1,378,000

£1,130,900

£835,300

£707,300

£362,700

£380,800

£763,900

£752,600

Guaranteed Income Payments

£2,233,800

£906,900

£773,300

£768,600

£391,300

£269,300

£422,900

£58,600

£0

£17,100

£7,300

Source: Compensation and Pension System (CAPS), Veterans UK Finance Team
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to amend the requirement service personnel spouses to request permission at each posting to run a business from Service Family Accommodation. \p Al Carns: A review of the policy and process around occupants operating a business from their Service Family Accommodation, is ongoing. There is currently a pause in progressing new applications to run a business from home until the review is completed. It is anticipated that an update will be provided to families by the end of May 2025. Whilst the review remains underway, there is no intent to amend the requirement to request permission at each posting and therefore that requirement will remain.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help reduce the impact of posting on the SEN provision for the children of service personnel. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the impact of mobile Service life on the families of our Service personnel, including in regard to supporting Service children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and have taken a number of steps to mitigate this.

Over the last three years, the MOD’s Service Pupil Support Programme, administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, has distributed over £970,000 in funding to schools and local authorities for SEND support related projects.

In February 2025 the MOD published an advisory note to Local Authority SEND teams and SEND professionals to assist in their delivery against statutory Armed Forces Covenant duties, specifically with regard to SEND services and provision.

The MOD has also funded research conducted by Oxford Brookes University which focuses on how Service life affects the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes of children with SEND, focusing on what helps these children thrive.

The MOD is currently working with administrations in England, Scotland and Wales to establish resources that support the delivery of positive transition experiences for Service children between UK education systems. We aim to reduce the particular risks associated with Armed Forces’ mobility between the different SEND related systems across the devolved administrations.

In conjunction with colleagues in the Department for Education we have produced guidance for local authorities to clarify arrangements to maintain Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans when children accompany their parents on temporary assignments outside of England. This guidance explained the legal flexibilities available to local authorities and what they should consider in determining the appropriateness of maintaining EHC plans in such circumstances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to extend the Scottish Income Tax Mitigation scheme to reservists. \p Al Carns: Only Regular Service personnel who are Scottish taxpayers are eligible to receive a payment under the terms of the Scottish Income Tax Mitigation scheme. This reflects the fact that Regular Service personnel cannot choose where they serve and so cannot choose to work elsewhere to avoid paying higher taxes. For this reason, the Ministry of Defence has no plans to extend the scheme to Reservists.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to retire the Royal Air Force’s MQ-9A Reaper drones; and whether he plans to donate any of those drones to Ukraine. \p Maria Eagle: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2025 to Question 38649.

There are no plans to donate any MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems to Ukraine.

Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement (docx, 28.4KB)
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there will be equal levels of single service representation for (a) the National Armaments Director Group and (b) its supporting staff. \p Maria Eagle: It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements and Service representation levels for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.

It is, however, anticipated that the guiding principle of military post rotation within the single Services will continue to apply in the new structure.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department provides to Local National Direct Hire staff members who have been dismissed or placed on furlough from their positions at US Air Force bases. \p Al Carns: Individuals hired under the US Local National Direct Hire programme are not employees of the Ministry of Defence and therefore receive no support from the Department if dismissed or displaced on furlough.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Local National Direct Hire staff members have been (a) dismissed and (b) placed on furlough in US Air Force bases in the UK this year. \p Al Carns: The Local National Direct Hire Programme is a United States' programme and the Ministry of Defence is not privy to the information requested. It is for the US to determine how they support their mission.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether United States Visiting Forces have suspended the Local National Direct Hire programme on US Air Force bases in the UK. \p Al Carns: The Local National Direct Hire programme is owned by the US Air Force.

We are aware of a “hiring freeze” to the Local National Direct Hire programme but have not seen anything issued formally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 39835 on Social Media: Regulation, whether (a) his Department and (b) Ofcom has made an assessment of the impact of designating end-to-end encryption as a risk factor in the (i) Illegal Harms Codes of Practice and (ii) illegal content risk assessment guidance on regulated businesses' willingness to offer end-to-end encryption to users in the UK. \p Feryal Clark: Ofcom is responsible for assessing the possible implications of its codes of practice and guidance under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

As previously noted, the OSA does not ban any service design and the European Conventions of Human Rights (ECHR) requires all UK public bodies, including Ofcom, to act in a way that complies with ECHR rights. Companies are legal persons having rights afforded by the ECHR.

DSIT will carry out a Post Implementation Review to assess the effectiveness of the legislation, including how the OSA has addressed harmful online content while protecting UK users’ rights.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the press release entitled Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control, published on 7 April 2025, what estimate he has made of the potential reduction in Government spending arising from this review. \p Georgia Gould: The review of all arms length bodies is ongoing. Further information, including on savings, will be announced in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 8801 on Equality Act 2010, whether those plans include a public consultation with each public authority in legal scope of the new duty; and whether the New Burdens principle applies to local authority bodies subject to the new duty. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Government is committed to commencing the socio-economic duty in the Equality Act 2010. The duty will require specified public bodies, when making strategic decisions, to consider actively how their decisions might help to reduce the inequalities associated with socio-economic disadvantage.

Public authorities will be able to reach their own decisions as to how they wish to approach reducing inequalities associated with socio-economic disadvantage.

We will work in partnership with public authorities, civil society and others in order to ensure that the implementation of the duty is as effective as possible. As part of this, we have included questions in relation to the socio-economic duty in a call for evidence on equality law, which was launched on 7 April and will be open until 30 June. This will enable public authorities and others to input into plans in relation to the socio-economic duty at an early stage. We will also consult on draft statutory guidance in order to ensure it addresses the needs of public bodies and civil society and supports effective implementation.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, which public bodies have a live television feed to Parliament other than BBC Parliament; and what the annual cost is of such a subscription. \p Nick Smith: Other than BBC Parliament, there are no other live television feeds from public bodies to Parliament. Before migration to the internet over five years ago, the following channels from public bodies were available (in addition to BBC Parliament):

UK Parliament’s sound and vision contractor provisioned the broadcast signals from these public bodies onto the Parliamentary Estate as part of their overall contract. It is not possible to separate out this cost from the overall contract.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_101
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_101

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010. \p Mike Kane: The Maritime & Coastguard Agency has offered apprenticeships in each year, since 2018.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_102
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_102

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the revised Lyme Regis and Bridport Harbour Order (revision of October 2022) for Dorset Council will include provisions to allow the granting of longer leases; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the revised order on potential leaseholders. \p Mike Kane: The department does not manage the process of Harbour orders, as this process is led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is unusually busy with Harbour orders at present but is working continuously to process all harbour orders.

Whilst the department is a consultee of all HROs, the department does not comment on the content of orders unless it affects the position or powers of the department. As such, no assessment has been made on the impact of the order on leaseholders.

For an accurate status update of the harbour order in question and for an update as to its content, we suggest the Council contacts the MMO directly.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_103

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the time taken to consider the revised Lyme Regis and Bridport Harbour Order (revision of October 2022) on Dorset Council. \p Mike Kane: The department does not manage the process of Harbour orders, as this process is led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is unusually busy with Harbour orders at present but is working continuously to process all harbour orders. While the Department is keen to work with the MMO to understand how we can support more sustainable efficiencies in the longer term, no assessment has been made of the impact of time taken for this order or any other.

For an accurate status update of the harbour order in question, we suggest the Council contacts the MMO directly.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_104

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the status is of the revised Harbour Revision Order relating to the Harbour managed by Dorset Council; and when she expects it to be approved. \p Mike Kane: The department does not manage the process of Harbour orders, as this process is led by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The MMO is unusually busy with Harbour orders at present but is working continuously to process all harbour orders.

For an accurate status update of the harbour order in question, we suggest the Council contacts the MMO directly.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_105

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the development of seafarer (a) training, (b) skills and (c) employment policy as a result of projects funded through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport has been in frequent discussion with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which oversees UK seafarer training, to ensure green skills are embedded in the new training scheme. This scheme, developed with industry input and coordinated by the MCA, will launch in September 2025. It includes training on future fuels and new technologies, complementing the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition's projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, the MCA has a formal role in both the design and delivery of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition's programme and was closely involved in the design of the latest funding competition, which includes provision for bids covering training and skills.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_106
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 43027 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, how many public charging devices for electric vehicles there were per head of population in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales, and (d) Northern Ireland as of 1 January 2025. \p Lilian Greenwood: The below table shows public electric vehicle charging devices per 100,000 of the population in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as of 1 January 2025.

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Public electric vehicle charging devices per 100,000 of population

111.0

112.7

99.9

35.6

Data on public electric vehicle charging devices in the UK, held by the Department for Transport, are sourced from the electric vehicle charging platform Zapmap. Charging devices not recorded on Zapmap are not included and the true number of charging devices may be slightly higher than recorded in these figures.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Report to the Shipbuilding Enterprise for Growth Group by the Centres of Excellence Task & Finish Group, published in September 2024, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on potential domestic maritime employment opportunities in the pipeline of shipbuilding contracts identified in that report. \p Mike Kane: Shipbuilding skills and employment is led by the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO), which is hosted by the Ministry of Defence. My officials are in regular contact with the NSO to understand where the Department can support their work.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_108
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_108

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the availability of practical driving tests at (a) Arbroath Test Centre and (b) Dundee Test Centre. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 18 December 2024, DVSA set out further plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps include recruiting 450 driving examiners (DEs). Full details of these steps can be found on GOV.UK.

DVSA continues to recruit DEs at Arbroath and Dundee driving test centres (DTC) and is currently working through the recruitment process from recent campaigns. As part of this, DVSA has two potential new DEs, one is booked on a training course and one is undergoing pre-employment checks. Additionally, one DE successfully passed training and is now conducting driving tests at Dundee and Arbroath.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, who the sub-contractors were who were involved in (a) the supply of crew to operate the Pacific Grebe during the sea trials phase and (b) other aspects of the Winds of Change project funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions. \p Mike Kane: The Winds of Change project was awarded funding through the third round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC). The CMDC is funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) Research and Development programme in the Department for Transport and delivered and managed by Innovate UK, on behalf of the Department.

Applications for CMDC funding undergo an independent assessment process, managed by Innovate UK. Project partners of all successful bids are published online. Innovate UK and the Department for Transport are not responsible for the procurement of subcontractors, but the rules around the use of subcontractors are set out in the competition scope.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_110
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_110

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department holds data on (a) vessel operation and (b) maritime skills recorded as part of Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition projects funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions in her Department. \p Mike Kane: The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) is funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. The CMDC has supported a range of feasibility studies, pre-deployment trials and short demonstrations.

We are committed to a robust evaluation of the UK SHORE programme. The Department has commissioned Frontier Economics and SYSTRA Ltd to conduct a comprehensive independent evaluation of the UK SHORE programme, which is assessing the processes and impact of all UK SHORE schemes, including environmental impacts and job creation.

In March 2025, the Department for Transport published a report setting out the early outcomes of the evaluation of the UK SHORE programme to date, including completed projects in the CMDC. The majority of the CMDC demonstration projects only concluded at the end of March 2025. Therefore, data about their impact will be captured through the ongoing evaluation, due to conclude later this year.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_111

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) InnovateUK and (b) the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on the appraisal of projects funded in each round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. \p Mike Kane: The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) is funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport, to support innovation in the maritime sector. The CMDC is delivered and managed by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department.

We are committed to a robust evaluation of the UK SHORE programme. The Department has commissioned Frontier Economics and SYSTRA Ltd to conduct a comprehensive independent evaluation of the UK SHORE programme, which is assessing the processes and impact of all UK SHORE schemes and will inform future policy development.

In March 2025, the Department for Transport published a report setting out the early outcomes of the evaluation of the UK SHORE programme to date, including completed projects in the CMDC, with the final report due in Autumn 2025.

Officials regularly discuss the appraisal of CMDC projects with Innovate UK, who play a key role in collecting project monitoring data to inform the evaluation programme.

We work jointly across Government to develop policies, regulation and mechanisms to support maritime environment and decarbonisation, including with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_112

Llinos Medi:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people the Crown Estate employs in the United Kingdom. \p James Murray: The average number of staff during the year 2023-24 was 642, as set out in Table 7 Staff Costs of The Crown Estate Integrated Report and Accounts 2023/24. The figure will be updated in The Crown Estate’s annual report for 2024-25, which is due for publication in the summer.
wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-23)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-23 conversation_113

Catherine Fookes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the recent Report on the Call for Evidence about the Financial Conduct Authority, published by the APPG on Investment Fraud & Fairer Financial Services, whether she plans to introduce the recommended legislative changes. \p Emma Reynolds: I noted the report with interest, and I recognise the difficulties faced by those who have lost out. Many of the issues explored in the report have already been extensively reviewed, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made significant changes in response. The government has no plans to make the legislative changes recommended in this report.

I regularly engage with the FCA to ensure that it continues to learn from these experiences and is effectively delivering on its objectives.