Asked by: Lord Glenarthur (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide aid to the Kingdom of Tonga, following the volcanic eruption on 15 January; what is the timetable for delivering any such aid; and whether they have made any assessment of what aid is most needed.
Answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
The UK is deeply concerned by the appalling devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga. While full details of the humanitarian impact are still unknown, it is estimated that up to 80,000 people will have been affected. HMG has been working with partners on options for support, helping to ensure a coordinated regional response.
On Friday 21 January, the UK sent supplies to support the humanitarian and disaster relief effort on Australia's HMAS Adelaide. 17 pallets are on board, including 90 family tents, 8 community tents and 6 wheel barrows. All of these items were requested by the Tongan government.
In addition, HMS Spey has now set sail for Tonga, loaded with additional items including fresh water and medical supplies.
The UK is also funding the deployment of crisis experts through the United Nations. They will support the Tongan authorities to coordinate the international response.
The UK-funded International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) has also released £345,000 to support Tonga. The UK has committed a £6 million contribution to the DREF through an annual £1.5 million donation 2020-2023.
Asked by: Lord Glenarthur (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the context of unplanned admissions to hospitals by patients registered in Scotland, English hospitals are able to access an individuals patient's records for the purpose of admission and medical history; and if not, whether they propose to enable such arrangements.
Answered by Lord O'Shaughnessy
We recognise that information and data sharing is essential to delivering high quality, integrated health and social care and this Government is committed to ensuring that data sharing is done safely, securely and legally.
There are currently no plans to allow the Summary Care Record to be accessed by English hospitals for patients who are registered with general practitioner surgeries in Scotland.
Asked by: Lord Glenarthur (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government at what date they expect the new rolling stock for the Caledonian Sleeper operated under franchise by Serco Group to be brought into service.
Answered by Lord O'Neill of Gatley
Responsibility for the Caledonian Sleeper service is devolved to the Scottish Government.
At Autumn Statement 2011 the government committed to invest £50m in the Caledonian Sleeper service, conditional on co-funding from the Scottish Government, to support this valuable cross-border service. This funding was transferred as part of the 2012 Supplementary Estimates round.
Asked by: Lord Glenarthur (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made with the Scottish Government of the level of performance of the Serco Group franchised Caledonian Sleeper; and what plans they and the Scottish Government have to ensure that the current aged rolling stock operated by the Caledonian Sleeper remains viable, safe and with adequate provision for passenger amenities.
Answered by Lord O'Neill of Gatley
Responsibility for the Caledonian Sleeper service is devolved to the Scottish Government.
At Autumn Statement 2011 the government committed to invest £50m in the Caledonian Sleeper service, conditional on co-funding from the Scottish Government, to support this valuable cross-border service. This funding was transferred as part of the 2012 Supplementary Estimates round.
Asked by: Lord Glenarthur (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they continue to share with the Scottish Government the public finance element of the Caledonian Sleeper franchise operated by Serco Group, and if so, what has been the cost to both Governments since the Serco Group franchise contract commenced in April 2015.
Answered by Lord O'Neill of Gatley
Responsibility for the Caledonian Sleeper service is devolved to the Scottish Government.
At Autumn Statement 2011 the government committed to invest £50m in the Caledonian Sleeper service, conditional on co-funding from the Scottish Government, to support this valuable cross-border service. This funding was transferred as part of the 2012 Supplementary Estimates round.