Written Statements

Tuesday 11th July 2017 Written Statements

Tuesday 11 July 2017

Members' Correspondence

Tuesday 11th July 2017 Written Statements

[The First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Damian Green)]

I am today publishing a report on the performance of Departments and Agencies on handling correspondence from Members and Peers during the calendar year 2016. Details are set out in the attachment below. Correspondence statistics for 2015 can be found on 21 July 2016, Volume 613 (HCWS118).

Departmental figures are based on substantive replies unless otherwise indicated. The footnotes to the table provide general background information on how the figures have been compiled.

Attachments can be viewed online at:

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2017-07-11/HCWS35/

Correspondence Table 2016 (Correspondence Table 2016.doc)

[HCWS35]

ECOFIN: 11 July 2017

Tuesday 11th July 2017 Written Statements

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Elizabeth Truss)]

A meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will be held in Brussels on 11 July 2017. The UK will be represented by Sir Tim Barrow, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the European Union. European Finance Ministers will discuss the following items:

Early morning session

The Eurogroup President will brief Ministers on the outcomes of the 10 July meeting of the Eurogroup, and Ministers will discuss the current economic situation.

Current financial service legislative proposals

The Council presidency will provide an update on current legislative proposals in the field of financial services.

Mandatory disclosure rules

The Commission will give a presentation on the proposal for a Council directive amending directive regarding the mandatory automatic exchange of information in the field of taxation in relation to reportable cross-border arrangements.

Presentation of the work programme of the Estonian presidency

The new Estonian presidency of the Council of the European Union will present its work programme for the next six-month period. The Council will exchange views on the work programme.

Commission mid-term review of the capital markets union action plan

The Council will be asked to endorse Council conclusions on the mid-term review of the capital markets union action plan.

Non-performing loans

ECOFIN will hold an exchange of views on policy responses to the non-performing loans situation. The Council will also be asked to endorse Council conclusions.

[HCWS36]

Chemical Weapons Convention

Tuesday 11th July 2017 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mark Lancaster)]

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State in the House of Lords (The Earl Howe) has made the following written statement:

The Defence Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Howe: The UK’s chemical protection programme is designed to protect against the use of chemical weapons. Such a programme is permitted by the chemical weapons convention, with which the United Kingdom are fully compliant. Under the terms of the convention, we are required to provide information annually to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In accordance with the Government’s commitment to openness, I am placing a copy of the summary that has been provided to the Organisation outlining the UK’s chemical protection programme in 2016 in the Library of the House.

[HCWS37]

Northern Ireland Finances

Tuesday 11th July 2017 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (James Brokenshire)]

In my statement to the House on 3 July, I made it clear that the UK Government will always uphold their ultimate responsibilities for political stability and good governance in Northern Ireland. With that in mind, I have been keeping under review the financial situation in Northern Ireland absent an Executive. Having reflected on the situation, and following further advice from the head of the Northern Ireland civil service, I have concluded that it will be necessary for me to provide additional clarity ahead of the summer recess to support Northern Ireland permanent secretaries in addressing financial pressures and maintaining public services. Following the public holidays in Northern Ireland this week, I therefore, intend to lay a further written statement before the House next week with adjusted indicative budget positions and departmental allocations. This will take account of the Barnett consequentials arising from the spring Budget, and funding as may be available from budget transfers and updated forecasts.

[HCWS38]