Lord Patten

Conservative - Life peer

Became Member: 17th June 1997


Lord Patten is not a member of any APPGs
Secretary of State for Education and Science
10th Apr 1992 - 20th Jul 1994
Minister of State (Home Office)
13th Jun 1987 - 9th Apr 1992
Minister of State (Department of Environment) (Housing)
2nd Sep 1985 - 12th Jun 1987
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Security)
14th Jun 1983 - 2nd Sep 1985
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office)
5th Jan 1981 - 13th Jun 1983


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Lord Patten has voted in 298 divisions, and 6 times against the majority of their Party.

15 Jun 2020 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 - View Vote Context
Lord Patten voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative Aye votes vs 125 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 112 Noes - 388
15 Jun 2020 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 - View Vote Context
Lord Patten voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Conservative No votes vs 127 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 77
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Lord Patten voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 36 Conservative Aye votes vs 156 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 93 Noes - 418
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Lord Patten voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative Aye votes vs 151 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 63 Noes - 401
28 Apr 2021 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021 - View Vote Context
Lord Patten voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative Aye votes vs 144 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 409
21 Jun 2022 - Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022 - View Vote Context
Lord Patten voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative Aye votes vs 88 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 28 Noes - 181
View All Lord Patten Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Shipley (Liberal Democrat)
(1 debate interactions)
Lord Bradley (Labour)
(1 debate interactions)
Baroness Newlove (Conservative)
(1 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Ministry of Justice
(3 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(2 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(1 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Dormant Assets Act 2022
(842 words contributed)
Assisted Dying Bill [HL] 2021-22
(454 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Lord Patten's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Patten, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


Lord Patten has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Lord Patten has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
1 Other Department Questions
14th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they use the term “working class” in official business; and if so, how they would define it.

The ONS guidance document titled ‘National Statistics Socio-economic classification’ explains and defines socio-economic groups and this is guidance we follow.

22nd Jan 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the performance and governance of the UK Statistics Authority.

The UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) was established under the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. The Authority is an independent statutory body governed by the UKSA Board. It operates at arm’s length from the Government as a non-ministerial department and reports directly to the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

In June 2023 an independent review of UKSA by Professor Denise Lievesley CBE was announced by the Government. As part of the Public Bodies Review Programme the review has focused on governance, efficacy, accountability and efficiency. The review is currently in its final stages and the Government plans to publish it later this year.

Further information on the UKSA’s performance and governance arrangements are set out in their annual report and accounts, found here: https://uksa.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/publication/annual-report-and-accounts-2022-2023/

Additionally, a review of the UKSA, conducted by Professor Sir Charles Bean, was provided to the Government in 2016 which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-uk-economic-statistics-final-report. While that review primarily focused on UK Economic Statistics, it also covered governance.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
3rd May 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the numbers of full-time civil servants, and (2) the percentages of the overall numbers of civil servants, who work from home on (a) Mondays, (b) Tuesdays, (c) Wednesdays, (d) Thursdays, and (e) Fridays.

According to Civil Service statistics as at 31 March 2022, of 510,080 civil servants, 408,110 work full time. However the data on civil servants’ working patterns, including those working at home is not routinely captured or reported on by the Cabinet Office.

Decisions on flexible working requests are made locally by departments, based on their business needs and delivery requirements. As departments are individual employers they set out their employees’ terms and conditions, including any flexible working policies.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
2nd Mar 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of any difference in life expectancy of prisoners to the population a whole; and if so, what is that difference.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the noble Lord’s Parliamentary Question of 6 March is attached.

The Rt Hon. the Lord Patten

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

8 March 2023

Dear Lord Patten,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking whether any assessment has been made of any difference in life expectancy of prisoners to the population as a whole; and if so, what is that difference (HL6095).

The ONS produces the National Statistics on life expectancy for the population as a whole, local areas of the United Kingdom and for socioeconomic classes. The ONS have not estimated the life expectancy of prisoners in its regular portfolio of life expectancy releases and would require new complex analyses to produce such statistics.

Currently, the Ministry of Justice provides official estimates of deaths in prison custody in England and Wales [1] as part of their Safety in custody statistics [2] , with reference to broad cause of death categories assigned prior to coroner’s inquest.

The ONS produce Experimental Statistics [3] on deaths in prisoners, by linking the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data together to give additional insight into suicide and drug-related deaths in prison custody [4].

[1] Deaths in prison custody, Ministry of Justice.

[2] Safety in custody statistics, Ministry of Justice

[3] Experimental Statistics, ONS

[4] Drug-related deaths and suicide in prison custody in England and Wales: 2008 to 2019

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
17th Jan 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to postpone nominating any individual connected to the investigations into the conduct of 800 officers in the Metropolitan Police for (1) an honour, or (2) a life peerage.

All honours are awarded on the basis of merit and checks are carried out at every stage of the process for an (1) honour and for a (2) life peerage. There are clear procedures in place to ensure the integrity of the independent assessment process.

There are specific professional standards measures in place concerning police nominees.

Robust probity checks for peerage nominations are conducted and assessed by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
21st Nov 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of people aged over 65 who were victims of (1) physical, (2) psychological, and (2) sexual, abuse for the most recent year for which figures are available.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Noble Lord’s Parliamentary Question: HL3614 is attached.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
16th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of when civil servants, in all departments, will be working in their offices for all of their contracted hours.

Since the pandemic began, civil servants have been delivering the Government’s priorities from home and the workplace. This includes the vaccine rollout, one of the world’s most comprehensive economic responses and continuing to run vital public services.

Following the Government’s move to Step Four of the Roadmap on 19 July 2021, all Civil Service employers are making corporate decisions regarding the working arrangements of their staff and a return to greater workplace-working. Departments are gradually and steadily increasing the number of staff in workplaces, whilst ensuring they remain safe and secure through the regular review of building risk assessments.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
11th May 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the accuracy of the Office for National Statistics’ population growth forecasts when used in planning for future house building needs in green belt areas of England; and whether algorithms are used in the construction of the forecasts.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician

The Rt. Hon, the Lord Patten of Barnes

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

20 May 2021

Dear Lord Patten,

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking what assessment has been made of the accuracy of the Office for National Statistics population growth forecasts when used in planning for future house building needs in green belt areas of England; and whether algorithms are used in the construction of the forecasts (HL79).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes population estimates and the methods used are set out in the Mid-year Population Estimates Quality and Methodology Information paper.[1] Similar quality and methodology information papers are published for national population projections[2], subnational population projections[3] and household projections[4]. Each round of our mid-year population estimates and population projections is fully quality assured and where appropriate (such as for subnational outputs) includes reviewing differences between local authorities and small geographies.

The ONS’ projections are not forecasts but are based on the continuation of recent trends and do not take into account social or economic factors that could affect the population in the future. As such, they do not try to predict any potential demographic consequences of future political or economic changes.

Individual local authorities have responsibility for planning future housing needs through their own local plans. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are responsible for setting out guidance and policy on the use of ONS statistics for the purposes of planning.

You may be aware of the recent Office for Statistics Regulation report[5] about the ONS’ population projections and estimates, which found that at the national level, the ONS’ approach to projections and estimates was fit for purpose. The ONS has published a National Statistical blog explaining how the Centre for Ageing and Demography (responsible for population estimates and projections) at the ONS will meet the challenges raised by the report[6].

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

[1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/methodologies/midyearpopulationestimatesqmi

[2]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodologies/nationalpopulationprojectionsqmi

[3]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodologies/subnationalpopulationprojectionsqmi

[4]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodologies/householdprojectionsinenglandqmi

[5]https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/news/osr-publishes-its-review-of-population-estimates-and-projections-produced-by-the-office-for-national-statistics/

[6] https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2021/05/17/meeting-the-challenges-in-population-estimation/

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
25th Feb 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy on the use of algorithms by their departments.

Safe and ethical use of algorithms in the public sector offers major opportunities for government, including improving public service delivery and increasing productivity and efficiency. The Government’s Data Ethics Framework and ‘Guide to Using AI in the Public Sector’, alongside other area-specific guidance available on GOV.UK, support the ethical and safe use of algorithms in the public sector.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
27th Oct 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they last conducted a review of the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns and the related costs; and what were the results.

Government constantly monitors and gains insight on public awareness. We use regular evaluations to maximise the impact of our campaigns across the UK.

Cabinet Office publishes expenditure on COVID-19 and other national campaigns on a rolling monthly basis on gov.uk as part of routine government transparency arrangements.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
29th Sep 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the accuracy, and (2) the efficacy, of the use of algorithms in (a) the planning, and (b) the implementation, of their policies.

The Government’s Data Ethics Framework and ‘Guide to Using AI in the Public Sector’, alongside other guidance are available on GOV.UK, to support ethical and safe use of algorithms in the public sector. Building on existing work on algorithmic and data ethics, the Government is now seeking to deliver more transparency on the use of algorithmic-assisted decision making within the public sector; and is working with leading organisations in the field of data and AI ethics on a proposed approach to algorithmic transparency.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
5th Feb 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 29 January (HL528), what was the proportion of successful candidates to the Civil Service Fast Stream with science-related degrees who graduated from (1) Oxford, (2) Cambridge, (3) Russell Group universities, and (4) all other higher education establishments.

Information relating to candidates' university background is published in the Fast Stream and Early Talent 2017-18 annual report.

We do not currently cross-tabulate information relating to science degrees and universities. Providing this information could only be done at disproportionate cost.

The Russell Group is not in of itself a kite mark of quality and is not considered as such.

30th Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 21 January (HL527), what plans they have to increase the number of those with science and engineering graduate-equivalent qualifications who enter the Civil Service Fast Stream.

The Fast Stream responds to the needs of government departments and professions who request the number of Fast Stream entrants they require. These are called ‘bids’. Our marketing attraction campaign targets specific audiences to meet those needs.

The Fast Stream marketing campaign targets science and engineering graduate applications through paid media channels; advertising on job sites such as STEM graduates, Stats Jobs, Economist jobs and with the New Scientist; ensuring a Civil Service presence at the ‘Ultimate STEM Graduate Recruitment Fair’; and posting blogs and content targeting science and engineering graduates on our social media channels.

Furthermore the campus outreach programme involves Year 2 Fast Streamers sharing their Civil Service experiences on campuses including those with science and engineering faculties.

The attached Civil Service Fast Stream: Annual Report 2017-2018 shows appointments of candidates with a science and engineering degree background have increased from 13.5% in 2016 to 19.7% in 2018.

Earl Howe
Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
16th Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the remarks made on 12 January by Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, that the Civil Service needs to recruit more science and engineering graduates.

The government plans to build on the successful reforms of the Civil Service since 2010, going further and faster to ensure that it has the right skills. In particular this means attracting more people with quantitative and data analytics skills - which are developed through training in science and engineering.

Demand for science and engineering graduates is increasing - with Fast Stream bids for this specialism having doubled this year.

Those with science-related degrees make up an increasing proportion of those entering the Fast Stream. Candidates with science-related degrees (where known) made up 19.7% of entrants in 2018 compared with 17.4% in 2017.

Earl Howe
Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
16th Jan 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people (1) applied, and (2) were accepted on to, the Civil Service Fast Stream, in each of the last three years; and how many of the successful applicants had science and engineering graduate-equivalent qualifications.

The information requested is in the table below.

Fast Stream Recruitment Summary, External Applicants Only

2016

2017

2018

Applications

32,450

40,570

40,457

of which: applicants with a Science & Engineering degree background

5,519

7,302

7,620

Science & Engineering degree background applicants, % of known total

17.1%

18.5%

19.4%

Appointments

1,245

1,233

1,411

of which: appointments of candidates with a Science & Engineering degree background

168

211

272

Science & Engineering degree background appointments, % of known total

13.5%

17.4%

19.7%

Earl Howe
Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
4th Jul 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the capabilities of the UK (1) construction industry, and (2) related consultancy businesses, to operate in the rebuilding of Ukraine.

The UK has led support for Ukraine during the war and we will continue to lead in supporting the Ukrainian government’s Reconstruction and Development Plan. The UK Government is exploring how we engage British construction and consultancy businesses to participate in the reconstruction effort, and we continue to work closely with the sector to identify where it has the capability and capacity to do so

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the current levels of productivity in the UK.

According to the latest ONS data available, in 2021 Q3 UK labour productivity measured by output per hour worked was 0.7% higher than in 2019 Q4.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the UK’s comparative productivity level when compared to each member of (1) the G7 and (2) the G20.

The ONS do not produce estimates of labour productivity levels for other G20 countries.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Mar 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of the additional capacity necessary to analyse the present levels of productivity in the UK.

The Government has recently expanded its funding for research into productivity by £37 million, including a new Productivity Institute headquartered in Manchester Business School.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Jan 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ability of the British postcode system to meet changing demand, including from delivery drivers, and the efficiency and sustainability of the system.

The postcode system is an operational tool, owned and maintained by Royal Mail, with its primary purpose being to ensure the accurate sorting, routing and delivery of customers’ mail. Royal Mail keeps this under review for its purposes.

Postcodes may be used for other purposes including by private and public sector organisations with the terms of access to the postcode address file being regulated by Ofcom, the independent regulator. However, other means of identifying locations for the purposes of deliveries are also available.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Oct 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the relevance of section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 due to changes in business practice since that date.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires directors, in promoting the success of their company in the interests of its members, to have regard to a number of matters, including the interests of employees and the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment. The legislation is flexible and permissive, allowing companies to identify a purpose for the company other than to benefit its members. Many companies have made successful use of this flexibility.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Apr 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of who was originally responsible for the prosecution of Post Office subpostmasters.

The Government understands the serious impact that issues arising from faults with the Horizon IT system, and the Post Office’s management of these issues, have had on affected postmasters’ lives and livelihoods.

Justice Fraser has considered what happened over this period and has set out his findings in considerable detail. The findings outlined an extensive insight as to what went wrong at the Post Office, including an independent judicial view of the facts that all sides have been looking for.

The Government has also launched the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry on 29 September 2020. The purpose of the Inquiry is to understand and acknowledge what went wrong in relation to Horizon, establish a clear account of the implementation and failings of Horizon over its lifecycle and identify what key lessons must be learned for the future. The Inquiry is chaired by Sir Wyn Williams FLSW. Sir Wyn Williams is independent of both the Post Office and the Government, so he can draw conclusions based on the evidence submitted and produce recommendations and actions that may, in his view, be appropriate as a result of his findings. It would not be appropriate to draw conclusions on responsibility before the work of the Inquiry is complete.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Nov 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential of the use of (1) biomimicry, and (2) design processes and technology based on natural behaviour models, in the UK economy.

The Government has funded research through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in a number of areas. This includes investment by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in the Centre for Nature-Based Engineering (CNIE). Launched in 2013, as one of five EPSRC “Frontier Engineering” Centres, the CNIE draws lessons from nature to engineer innovative solutions to our grand challenges in energy, water, materials, health, and living space. In 2017, the Centre was awarded an EPSRC Progression Grant, to enable the Centre to continue to explore novel, transformative, multi-disciplinary solutions to key engineering challenges, where mechanisms found in nature systems can deliver superior performance over traditional approaches. In addition, the Centre accelerates translation of its findings into practice, through a wide range of industrial collaborations and entrepreneurship. The Frontier Engineering Progression Grant extends underpinning EPSRC investment in the CNIE until at least the end of 2021.

Biomimicry is also one of the potential features of the National Engineering Biology Programme being developed by UKRI partners and the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory. As part of the proposed programme, Engineering Biology aims to draw upon discovery-inspired advanced research themes in Bioinspired Design (e.g. biomimicry, biocomputing), Bioengineered Cells & Systems (e.g. artificial life, protocells, genome engineering) and Novel Materials (e.g. smart materials, new chemistry).

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Oct 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have made (1) of, aside from the Crown and the UK Government, which (a) person, (b) family, (c) organisation, or (d) charity, is the largest landowner in England and Wales; and (2) of how many acres are held by that landowner.

None. HM Land Registry holds the database that records the legal ownership of registered land in England and Wales. While the register currently holds some 87% of the freehold surface area by individual land owner, the data is not structured in a way that makes it practical to assess the largest single landowner.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Jul 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of compensation available to the providers of electricity, gas and water when the supply of such services has been affected as a result of damage caused by third parties, such as interruptions caused by road works or agricultural machinery.

A specific assessment of this sort has not been carried out by Government, as far as can be established. Compensation in this type of circumstance is likely to be a civil matter between the relevant parties.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Jun 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the delays to, and (2) the costs of, the South Somerset District Council and Opium Power Limited energy storage plant project.

The Government has not made any such assessment. This is a matter for the parties involved.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Dec 2019
To ask Her Majesty's Government what analysis, if any, they have conducted into whether there is any relationship between increases in the number of university students in the UK and levels of productivity over the last 20 years; and what were the results of any such analysis.

The Office of National Statistics estimates that around a fifth of the rise in productivity between 1994 and 2019 can be attributed to improvements in the quality of the workforce. This is largely as a result of an increase in the share of overall hours worked by people with higher education qualifications. That is to say: more graduates in the labour market has led to an increase in productivity. This is consistent with other studies

Productivity is the main driver of long-run economic growth, and a key determinant of standards of living; in the long-run, the UK’s ability to improve living standards is almost entirely dependent on its ability to raise productivity. The Government’s Industrial Strategy sets out a long-term plan to boost productivity by backing businesses to create good jobs and increase the earning power of people throughout the UK with investment in skills, industries and infrastructure. The Government recently published the Business Productivity Review in response to the Industrial Strategy’s core priority of addressing the UK’s productivity issue.

The Government is investing £406 million in STEM and technical education and an additional £400 million in further education; the Government is also considering the recommendations of the Post 18 education funding review panel chaired by Sir Phillip Augar. This looked at how the post 18 education system can help deliver the skills the economy needs and improve UK productivity.

20th Sep 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the calls by UNESCO to either amend or not proceed with plans for a road tunnel by Stonehenge.

We have been engaging closely with UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre regarding the proposed A303 scheme, and I attended the World Heritage Committee meeting earlier this month where it was considered.

The A303 scheme aims to improve the experience for visitors to Stonehenge and to preserve this important historic site for future generations. The proposed tunnel – which is supported by Historic England, English Heritage and the National Trust, in addition to Wiltshire Council’s Archaeology Service – will reunite and restore tranquillity to this world-renowned landscape by removing the vast majority of the modern road from view. This will significantly improve the area around the World Heritage Site and ensure that it continues to fulfil UNESCO's Outstanding Universal Value criteria.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the economic benefits, if any, of astro-tourism in places awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status.

The Government has not made any specific assessment of the economic benefits of astro-tourism in places awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status.

Across the UK's 15 National Parks there are a number of locations that have been awarded International Dark Sky Reserve or Dark Sky Discovery Site status. In 2017, VisitEngland published a Discover England Fund Research Summary Report titled ‘Making Great memories in England’s National Parks and countryside’. While it did not specifically mention dark sky reserves, this report highlighted some of the key trends in visitor trips to National Parks in England.

Across the UK's 15 National Parks there are a number of locations that have been awarded International Dark Sky Reserve or Dark Sky Discovery Site status. The Government has no formal role in the Dark Sky designation process as it is non-governmental and non-statutory.

The Independent Review of Landscapes recommended, ‘A night under the stars in a national landscape for every child.’ The Government has welcomed the Review and will respond in due course. We are committed to increasing opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of spending meaningful time in our national landscapes in England.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
18th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the work of the Heritage Lottery Fund in administering grants under the Culture Recovery Fund, and (2) whether that organisation has sufficient staffing capacity to ensure timely decisions for grant applicants.

The Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage is being administered by both the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

Leaders from these arms-length-bodies are in constant communication with DCMS and we work collaboratively to ensure that deadlines and workload are appropriate for the resource in each team. We are confident that decisions will be communicated to grant applicants in a timely way.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
18th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many listed historic houses and gardens have been supported with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund for recovery and business continuity purposes.

The Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage has been jointly coordinated by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Heritage England. In the first round of funding, 277 awards were made to historic areas, buildings and monuments, totalling £49,486,500.

At least 15% of these awards were made directly to historic houses and gardens, including Blenheim Palace, which received £1,896,000.

The second round of funding is now live. Listed historic houses and gardens can apply for grants that will support reopening to the public in the late spring.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
19th Oct 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the contribution to national health and wellbeing of the re-opening to the public in May of gardens owned by (1) members of Historic Houses, and (2) other private individuals.

Although no specific assessment has been made, the government recognised that increasing the green amenity space available to the public was important for both physical health and mental wellbeing, especially as one in eight households in Britain has no garden.

The Government was keen that sites and organisations could freely reopen to the public, once it was safe to do so. These included the likes of National Trust gardens and parkland (not houses), the grounds and gardens of privately owned historic houses, Kew Gardens and the outdoor spaces of Royal Horticultural Society properties. Only those outdoor spaces that could be opened safely and in compliance with wider social distancing guidelines reopened. Opening these sites provided a wider range of safe opportunities for the public to engage in outdoor recreation, helping to reduce pressure on pinch points and hotspots such as urban public parks, beaches and areas of natural beauty.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
2nd Jun 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to sign the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003; and if not, why not.

The Government fully recognises the contribution that the UK’s crafts, oral traditions and wider intangible cultural heritage make to the country’s cultural life. We encourage communities and cultural practitioners to celebrate these practices and to continue them for future generations. However, we have not seen any compelling business case for ratifying the UNESCO Convention, nor is it clear that the benefits of doing so would outweigh the costs. It is essential that we carefully prioritise resources towards those UNESCO conventions which will have the most impact on the safeguarding of heritage, such as the 1972 World Heritage Convention and 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. We therefore have no intention at present of ratifying the Intangible Heritage Convention, but will continue to keep the matter under review.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
20th May 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the practical outcomes of the maintenance of the at risk register of listed buildings in England.

Historic England’s Heritage at Risk programme identifies designated heritage assets – including Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments and Protected Wreck Sites – that are deemed to be at risk of damage or destruction (whether by human interventions or natural processes). It also helps to focus efforts to find creative solutions, and provides opportunities to celebrate successful outcomes.

The last five years have seen a steady net decline in the number of entries in the Heritage at Risk Register, from 5,478 in 2015 to 5,073 in 2019. Notable successes from the last 12 months include the Grade II* listed former School of Art (Moseley Road, Birmingham), now a community hub and studio space; and the Grade II* listed Holy Trinity Church (Bristol), now a thriving arts centre.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
12th May 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government which three local authority areas in England have the (1) fastest, and (2) slowest, current rates of broadband connectivity.

According to Thinkbroadband as of 1 June, the three local authority areas with the fastest median download speed are as follows:

  1. The London Borough of Southwark - 52.2Mbps

  2. City of Kingston-upon-Hull - 49.6Mbps

  3. Stevenage Borough Council - 42.7Mbps

The three local authority areas with the slowest median download speed are as follows:

  1. West Devon Borough Council - 16Mbps

  2. Forest of Dean District Council - 16.5Mbps

  3. Braintree District Council - 17.6Mbps

In regard to superfast broadband coverage, the highest performing local authority areas are as follows:

  1. Watford Borough Council - 99.9% superfast coverage

  2. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council - 99.8% superfast coverage

  3. Worthing Borough Council - 99.7% superfast coverage

The lowest performing local authority areas in terms of superfast broadband coverage are as follows:

  1. City of London Corporation - 57.2% superfast coverage

  2. Eden District Council - 82.9% superfast coverage

  3. Richmondshire District Council - 84.1% superfast coverage

Further details of speed and coverage statistics for local authorities across the UK can be found here: http://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/councils.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
31st Jan 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of barriers for young white males from poorer backgrounds in securing places at university.

Access to higher education (HE) should be based on a student’s attainment and their ability to succeed, rather than background.

In November 2021, the department issued guidance to the Office for Students (OfS), asking it to refocus the access and participation regime to create a system that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds throughout their education. This includes white working-class boys who continue to see lower entry rates than students from other ethnic groups, and from higher income households.

The OfS is working closely with providers to ensure a focus on delivering social justice by making getting on at university as important as getting in, and specifically on activities which have a direct impact on student attainment. Providers are also being encouraged to offer a greater array of pathways into HE, including more vocational and technical courses, and degree apprenticeships, so that more students can identify opportunities that match career ambitions, and so that employers can access the skills they need.

A large number of HE providers have drafted variations to their current access and participation plans to be implemented from September 2023. This will be followed by a full rewrite of their plans in line with these new priorities.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
15th Dec 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they have issued to (1) universities, and (2) colleges, on what help they provide to Ukrainian students in their studies.

The department is grateful to the higher and further education sectors for their extremely positive response in offering significant support to Ukrainian students and universities.

The Office for Students, the higher education regulator in England, has published information for providers on the crisis in Ukraine, which can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/regulation/information-for-providers-on-the-crisis-in-ukraine. The department has also published guidance for colleges, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/helping-ukrainian-students-in-schools.

The department continues to work closely with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science, and universities and colleges in England to ensure that students who are affected by the war in Ukraine are supported, and have a range of options available to them during this difficult time.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
13th Oct 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the standards of degree apprenticeships being provided for students in the service industries.

This is a matter for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. I have asked its Chief Executive, Jennifer Coupland, to write to my noble Friend and a copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses when it is available.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
11th Oct 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the tables published by different UK organisations ranking universities, and (2) the availability of independent oversight or verification of the accuracy of such tables.

There is a variety of ranking systems and information sources which are published independently of government which are not verified. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (the designated data body for England), collects and makes openly available standardised data about UK higher education providers, so that it can be re-used by third parties.

The government’s focus is on ensuring all higher education providers deliver a high-quality academic experience. ‘Discover Uni’ is owned and operated by the UK higher education funding and regulatory bodies and is an official, reliable source of information to guide student choices. The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework is the Office for Student’s scheme for rating the quality of higher education in England, as part of its wider quality regime to help ensure all students benefit from high-quality provision.

Baroness Barran
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
11th Jan 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment, if any, they have made of new religious teachers across different faith groups in England and Wales being assessed and trained through internal monitoring; and whether they consider this self-regulation adequate.

Providing the best possible initial teacher training (ITT) is at the heart of the government’s drive to improve teaching standards. In order to be awarded qualified teacher status (QTS) for all subjects and phases, including Religious Education, trainees must demonstrate that they have met the Teachers’ Standards (2011), which include a requirement that they demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge, and do not undermine fundamental British values, such as tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

It is for accredited ITT providers who deliver teacher training to use their professional judgement to design and deliver the courses, but they must ensure that the content, structure, and assessment of programmes are designed to enable trainee teachers to meet all the Teachers’ Standards for QTS across the age range of training. This includes Religious Education. The mandatory ITT criteria sets out the requirements that ITT providers must adhere to in order to remain compliant, this can be accessed here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-criteria/initial-teacher-training-itt-criteria-and-supporting-advice#c21-programmes.

Accredited ITT providers have full discretion in assessing trainee ability to meet the Teachers’ Standards and recommending QTS. ITT providers must ensure that no trainee teacher is recommended for the award of QTS until they have met all the standards. Furthermore, Ofsted is responsible for testing the quality of teacher training and currently 100% of ITT providers are rated good or outstanding.

In addition, the performance of Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) is assessed frequently throughout their induction period. The Appropriate Body (AB) has the main quality assurance role within the induction process and makes the final decision as to whether an NQT continues to meet the Teachers’ Standards (based on the headteacher / principal’s recommendation). Further information about ABs and the induction period for NQTs is set out at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/923070/Statutory_Induction_Guidance_2019.pdf.

26th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made since the year 2000 of the need for new reservoirs in England and Wales.

Defra published its Plan for Water which set out the importance of ensuring a clean and plentiful water supply in England. The Plan sets out our commitment to a twin track approach to improving water supply resilience, with action to reduce water company leaks alongside investing in new supply infrastructure.

It is a duty on water companies to maintain, improve and extend their water supply networks, to account for future water needs, such as those for domestic and industrial users. Last year, regional water resources groups and water companies, consulted on their draft water resources plans. These statutory plans set out how each company will secure water supplies sustainably for at least the next 25 years. The draft water resources management plans contain proposals for multiple new water resources schemes by 2050, including nine new reservoirs.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
26th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of reservoirs in England and Wales in ensuring continuous water supplies to meet (1) domestic, and (2) industrial, demand.

Defra published its Plan for Water which set out the importance of ensuring a clean and plentiful water supply in England. The Plan sets out our commitment to a twin track approach to improving water supply resilience, with action to reduce water company leaks alongside investing in new supply infrastructure.

It is a duty on water companies to maintain, improve and extend their water supply networks, to account for future water needs, such as those for domestic and industrial users. Last year, regional water resources groups and water companies, consulted on their draft water resources plans. These statutory plans set out how each company will secure water supplies sustainably for at least the next 25 years. The draft water resources management plans contain proposals for multiple new water resources schemes by 2050, including nine new reservoirs.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
30th Jan 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many households in England are supplied with metered water; and what percentage of all households this represents.

There was a total of 24,009,150 household properties based on data reported by companies in England through their annual review of the Water Resources Management Plan for the year 2022/23.

Of this, the total number of metered household properties was 14,299,320 and a further 374,860 were metered household void properties.

As a result, for 2022/23 59.6% of household properties across English water companies were metered excluding void properties or 61.1% household properties were metered including void properties.

Note - a void household property is a household property that is connected to public water supply but not currently being billed by the water company as they have been classified as empty.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
30th Jan 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how many households in England are supplied with private sources of water; and what percentage of all households this represents.

In England, in 2022, local authorities reported 34,904 private water supplies serving 956,429 people, approximately 1.7% of the population. These figures include commercial premises such as farms, bed and breakfast accommodation, hotels, sporting clubs, manufacturers and other businesses as well as shared supplies which could supply 2 properties or a hamlet. We do not have separate figures for domestic supplies to households and the figures only include private water supplies that local authorities are aware or have been made aware of. There is no requirement for private water supply owners or occupiers to report themselves to their local authority.

Lord Douglas-Miller
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
18th Dec 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the otter population is growing or declining; and what assessment they have made of the current otter population level.

The results from the 2023 national otter surveys are expected to be published mid-2024.The results from the 2010 surveys show a varied picture: in England, the otter population was estimated at 2800 and probably increasing; in Scotland, the population was estimated at 8000 and possibly declining. Survey results from Wales in 2018 showed the population is in decline.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)