David Amess Portrait

David Amess

Conservative - Former Member for Southend West

First elected: 9th June 1983

Left House: 15th October 2021 (Death)


Panel of Chairs
15th Jan 2020 - 15th Oct 2021
Administration Committee
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Panel of Chairs
22nd Jun 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Administration Committee
20th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Panel of Chairs
26th May 2010 - 3rd May 2017
Backbench Business Committee
30th Jun 2014 - 30th Mar 2015
Backbench Business Committee
10th Jun 2013 - 14th May 2014
Backbench Business Committee
12th Jun 2012 - 25th Apr 2013
Panel of Chairs
26th Jun 2001 - 6th May 2010
Health and Social Care Committee
20th Jul 1998 - 22nd Oct 2007
Broadcasting
1st Jun 1994 - 1st Jun 1997


Division Voting information

David Amess has voted in 2545 divisions, and 57 times against the majority of their Party.

22 Mar 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 29 Conservative Aye votes vs 318 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 300 Noes - 318
22 Mar 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative No votes vs 318 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 297
22 Mar 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 33 Conservative No votes vs 320 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 253
9 Feb 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 318 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 318 Noes - 303
19 Jan 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative No votes vs 319 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 308
4 Nov 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Conservative No votes vs 330 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 333 Noes - 264
19 Oct 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative No votes vs 324 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 327 Noes - 264
13 Oct 2020 - Public Health: Coronavirus Regulations - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 42 Conservative No votes vs 298 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 299 Noes - 82
1 Jul 2020 - Finance Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative Aye votes vs 316 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 254 Noes - 317
30 Jun 2020 - Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 331 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 255 Noes - 332
24 Jun 2020 - Demonstrations (Abortion Clinics) - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative No votes vs 56 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 47
17 Jun 2020 - Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 283 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 31 Noes - 400
8 Jun 2020 - Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative No votes vs 207 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 231 Noes - 16
18 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 57 Conservative No votes vs 65 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 328 Noes - 65
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 65 Conservative No votes vs 105 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 383 Noes - 73
9 Apr 2019 - Section 1 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2019 - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 97 Conservative No votes vs 131 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 420 Noes - 110
8 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 71 Conservative No votes vs 118 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 396 Noes - 83
8 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 74 Conservative Aye votes vs 112 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 85 Noes - 392
8 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 71 Conservative No votes vs 114 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 390 Noes - 81
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 91 Conservative No votes vs 212 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 220 Noes - 400
27 Mar 2019 - EU Exit Day Amendment - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 93 Conservative No votes vs 150 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 441 Noes - 105
15 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 282 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 24 Noes - 600
15 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 118 Conservative No votes vs 196 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 202 Noes - 432
24 Oct 2018 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative No votes vs 195 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 344 Noes - 26
25 Jun 2018 - National Policy Statement: Airports - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative No votes vs 286 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 415 Noes - 119
30 Nov 2016 - Chilcot Inquiry and Parliamentary Accountability - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 271 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 439
26 Mar 2015 - Elections for Positions in the House - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Conservative No votes vs 198 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 202 Noes - 228
11 Mar 2015 - Ark Pension Schemes - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 103 Conservative No votes vs 122 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 367 Noes - 113
5 Mar 2014 - Judgments - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 83 Conservative No votes vs 123 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 360 Noes - 104
5 Mar 2014 - Registration of Births, deaths and marriages etc - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 81 Conservative No votes vs 124 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 363 Noes - 100
5 Mar 2014 - Registration of births, deaths and marriages etc - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 83 Conservative No votes vs 123 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 103
5 Mar 2014 - Marriage - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 81 Conservative No votes vs 126 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 367 Noes - 100
5 Mar 2014 - Marriage - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 84 Conservative No votes vs 123 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 365 Noes - 103
5 Mar 2014 - Marriage - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 79 Conservative No votes vs 126 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 368 Noes - 98
10 Feb 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 99 Conservative No votes vs 127 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 376 Noes - 107
29 Aug 2013 - Syria and the Use of Chemical Weapons - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 240 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 272 Noes - 285
4 Jun 2013 - Energy Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative Aye votes vs 259 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 267 Noes - 290
5 Feb 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 28 Conservative No votes vs 207 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 464 Noes - 38
25 Oct 2012 - Badger Cull - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 24 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 147 Noes - 28
10 Jul 2012 - House of Lords Reform Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 89 Conservative No votes vs 192 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 462 Noes - 124
13 Oct 2011 - Procedure Committee Reports - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative Aye votes vs 124 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 63 Noes - 206
7 Sep 2011 - Health and Social Care (Re-committed) Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 94 Conservative Aye votes vs 115 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 118 Noes - 368
22 Jun 2011 - Smoking in Private Vehicles - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 13 Conservative Aye votes vs 53 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 78 Noes - 66
21 Jul 2010 - Use of the chamber (united kingdom youth parliament) - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Conservative No votes vs 242 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 499 Noes - 21
15 Jun 2010 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 75 Conservative Aye votes vs 188 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 263
6 Jan 2010 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 27 Conservative Aye votes vs 27 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 78 Noes - 254
30 Apr 2009 - Members’ Allowances - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 21 Conservative No votes vs 55 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 39
29 Oct 2008 - Manchester City Council Bill [Lords] (By Order) - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative No votes vs 52 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 317 Noes - 24
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] (Programme) (No. 2) - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 30 Conservative Aye votes vs 85 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 157
3 Jul 2008 - Members’ Expenses - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 21 Conservative Aye votes vs 53 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 172 Noes - 144
25 Oct 2007 - Modernisation of the House of Commons - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 21 Conservative Aye votes vs 22 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 36 Noes - 74
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 80 Conservative Aye votes vs 96 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 196 Noes - 375
1 Nov 2006 - Legislative Process - View Vote Context
David Amess voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 33 Conservative Aye votes vs 115 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 172
5 Jul 2006 - Ambulances (County Durham) - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Conservative No votes vs 122 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 53
27 Apr 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 320 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 320 Noes - 256
27 Apr 2021 - Delegated Legislation - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 77 Conservative No votes vs 222 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 431 Noes - 89
28 Apr 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
David Amess voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 32 Conservative No votes vs 321 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 256
View All David Amess Division Votes

All Debates

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
Andrea Leadsom (Conservative)
(86 debate interactions)
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(67 debate interactions)
Lord Grayling (Conservative)
(37 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Leader of the House
(159 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(141 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(85 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Fire Safety Bill 2019-21
(2,882 words contributed)
Ivory Act 2018
(1,822 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all David Amess's debates

Latest EDMs signed by David Amess

23rd September 2021
David Amess signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Thursday 23rd September 2021

Honour for Petula Clark

Tabled by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
That this House notes that Petula Clark is playing the Bird Lady in Mary Poppins, proving yet again what a remarkable actress and singer she is; further notes that she is one of the top selling British female recording artists of all time and transcends time; and believes that in …
1 signatures
(Most recent: 23 Sep 2021)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 1
8th July 2021
David Amess signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Thursday 8th July 2021

Access to safe and legal credit

Tabled by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
That this House recognises the serious harm caused by illegal money lending and a lack of access to safe and legal credit; notes the rise in vulnerable women becoming victims of sexual exploitation and being forced into prostitution by loan sharks; further notes that the demise of the home collected …
15 signatures
(Most recent: 24 Jan 2022)
Signatures by party:
Independent: 4
Scottish National Party: 3
Labour: 3
Liberal Democrat: 2
Conservative: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Plaid Cymru: 1
View All David Amess's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

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

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


David Amess has not been granted any Urgent Questions

23 Adjournment Debates led by David Amess

Tuesday 11th May 2021
Tuesday 19th January 2021
Friday 25th September 2020
Friday 20th December 2019
Thursday 2nd May 2019
Tuesday 5th December 2017
Thursday 6th July 2017
Tuesday 6th December 2016
Wednesday 11th May 2016
Friday 5th February 2016
Monday 8th June 2015
Friday 20th March 2015
Wednesday 15th October 2014
Tuesday 3rd September 2013
Wednesday 16th January 2013
Wednesday 5th September 2012
Wednesday 7th December 2011
Wednesday 7th September 2011
Tuesday 21st June 2011
Monday 14th February 2011
Tuesday 11th January 2011
Tuesday 26th October 2010
Thursday 27th May 2010

8 Bills introduced by David Amess


A Bill to make provision about the registration of driving instructors.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 12th May 2016 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision for an offence in respect of specialist printing equipment and related materials; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 26th March 2015 and was enacted into law.


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Secretary of State to ensure that domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Commons
Friday 15th June 2018

A Bill to prohibit the use of farrowing crates in pig farming; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 10th March 2021
(Read Debate)

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to ensure that domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate; to give the Secretary of State powers to require persons to take action in pursuance of that duty; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 14th July 2020

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about low carbon domestic heating systems.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 23rd July 2019

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Secretary of State to ensure that domestic properties have a minimum energy performance rating of C on an Energy Performance Certificate; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Thursday 28th March 2019

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 20th July 2010

22 Bills co-sponsored by David Amess

Dogs (DNA Databases) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Andrew Griffith (Con)

School Breakfast Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Emma Lewell-Buck (Lab)

Conveyancing Standards Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Marco Longhi (Con)

Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Andrew Rosindell (Con)

Children (Access to Treatment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Bambos Charalambous (Lab)

Jet Skis (Licensing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Domestic Energy Efficiency Plan Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Sarah Newton (Con)

Driving (Persons with Dementia) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Rachel Maclean (Con)

Unauthorised Encampments Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Toby Perkins (Lab)

Sky Lanterns (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Ruth George (Lab)

Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Voter Registration (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Dog Meat (Consumption) (Offences) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Bill Wiggin (Con)

Energy Consumption (Innovative Technologies) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Rebecca Pow (Con)

Gypsy and Traveller Communities (Housing, Planning and Education) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Andrew Selous (Con)

Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (England) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Fiona Bruce (Con)

Wild Animals in Circuses Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Trudy Harrison (Con)

Fetal Dopplers (Regulation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Antoinette Sandbach (LD)

June Bank Holiday (Creation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Unauthorised Overdrafts (Cost of Credit) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Rachel Reeves (Lab)

Guardianship (Missing Persons) Act 2017
Sponsor - Kevin Hollinrake (Con)

Financial Regulation of Funeral Services Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Neil Gray (SNP)


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
31 Other Department Questions
13th Apr 2018
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what estimate has been made of the total cost of the Tour Guides Project proposed to commence in October 2018.

The forecast cost of running the project’s selected new model to provide an estimated 8,850 guided tours of Parliament per year (comprising approximately 4,500 free ‘Democratic Access’ tours to constituents, 3,800 paid-for commercial tours on Saturdays and during recess, and 550 paid-for tours for attendees of banqueting events) is £3,159,745 over a five year period between 2018/19 and 2022/23. This includes an initial upfront investment of £180,000 in 2018/19 to set up the new model. By comparison, the cost of continuing to run the existing model (where the same number of tours would be provided by a mixture of outsourcing to a private provider and relying on a pool of casual workers with no guaranteed work) was forecast to cost £802,420 more over the same period.

In addition to delivering financial savings, the new model will also deliver significant improvements in Parliament’s control over the quality, consistency and diversity of our tours and visitor engagement services through in-sourcing and investing in the professional development of our guides.

13th Apr 2018
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what qualifications will be required of the staff responsible for training tour guides under the new Visitor Service Academy programme scheduled to commence in October 2018.

The Academy will be an internal accreditation developing the skills and expertise of the Visitor Engagement Assistants delivering tours from October. It will be a specialist and formally structured programme, and the trainers used will be both internal and external. There will be no mandatory qualifications formally required of the staff responsible for delivering training. They will be appointed based upon their ability to demonstrate the necessary skills and expertise required. The model has been benchmarked against a number of external organisations and its approach to training is in line with that provided at comparable organisations.

13th Apr 2018
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the total cost is of the proposed Visitor Services Academy programme scheduled to commence in October 2018.

The cost of the training programme for newly recruited guides is £11,265 with an ongoing training and development budget for 2018/19 of £7,000.

13th Apr 2018
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the timetable is for the delivery and operation of the (a) Tour Guides Project and (b) Visitors Services Academy Programme.

The delivery of the Tour Guides Project is already in progress and the implementation plan is on track; the new model for guided tours will be fully in operation in order to replace the current contract with an outsourced supplier which comes to an end on 17 October 2018. The new model consists of an insourced core team of guides taking the majority of guided tours, supported by a contract with a commercial provider for the provision of guided tours in foreign languages and Welsh.

The Visitor Services Academy is a training programme that will train a team of Visitor Engagement Assistants to deliver guided tours from October. The Academy will start in August 2018 for the Visitor Engagement Assistants, and from June 2018 for current Visitor Services team members and the four new Team Leaders who are currently being recruited. The academy will deliver a structured programme of support and training using both internal and external expertise and will include regular monitoring and assessment.

1st Feb 2018
To ask the right hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether there are any plans to alter the in-House guiding system offered to Members; and if he will make a statement.

During 2017 a review of the operating model for guided tours at Parliament was undertaken. This was because the contract with the current supplier of guides for paid-for tours (Blue Badge Guides) comes to an end in October 2018. Blue Badge Guides are not the only option on offer to the public, so therefore a holistic review of all guided tours at Parliament was undertaken. The review sought to make improvements to the current model, and to ensure Parliament gets value for taxpayers’ money across all its tour guiding activities. This includes democratic access (Member tours), currently delivered by in-house guides, and paid for tours on Saturdays and during recess periods.

The review recommended a change to the current model. At present, different types of tour are taken by separate guide pools, all on different rates of pay and with variable contractual relationships with Parliament. The new model will create a core team of House employed, full-time and part-time tour guides who are able to deliver all tours, including both income generating commercial tours and constituents’ tours booked through Members. These will be good quality jobs, and ensure that visitors have an excellent experience. Blue Badge Guides could apply for the posts in the new House Service.

This recommendation was approved by managers in both Houses and subsequently endorsed by the Administration Committee on 27 November 2017 and the House of Commons Commission on 18 December 2017. The House of Lords Services Committee endorsed the recommendation following their meeting on 23 November 2017.

The benefits that will be realised through the adoption of the new model are:

  • The opportunity to build a dedicated team of specialists who will be ambassadors for Parliament.
  • The operating model will provide substantive full and part time roles for new and existing staff who will be able to access the full employment benefits of working at the Houses of Parliament – rather than outsourcing at a significantly higher cost. Furthermore, the use of casual contracts will cease.
  • Visitor Services will introduce new recruitment strategies to increase the diversity of the guide pool. Visitor Services are looking into options such as apprenticeships to offer further employment opportunities.
  • The new model represents better value for money by both achieving efficiencies (cost and operational) and enabling opportunities for further public engagement through a richer programme of talks, tours and events with a dedicated Parliamentary team.
  • There will be more opportunity to quality assure all types of tour to the same high standard – commercial and democratic – with greater management control, ensuring content is distinct by tour type and audience in order to deepen public engagement with Parliament.
  • The above benefits will be realised whilst achieving a modest financial saving in comparison to the current model. This saving will be reinvested to increase Parliament’s public engagement in Westminster and in constituencies.


The new model operating model will come into effect by the end of October 2018.

The above applies to the operating model only, it does not affect the booking process for tours.

30th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate he has made of the proportion of medical research spending which is spent on eye disease.

The UK Clinical Health Research Analysis (2015) shows that, in 2014, the combined government spend on medical research into eye disease, development and function was £15.1m, or 1.2% of public funding on health research. The report is available at http://www.hrcsonline.net/pages/uk-health-research-analysis-2014 (page 95).

The Research Councils account for approximately half of this expenditure and support research in response to proposals from the academic community. They welcome high quality applications for support into any aspect of human health which are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will make it his policy to suspend collective responsibility on any division in the House on sex selective abortions; and if he will make a statement.

Issues on matters of conscience have, by tradition, been the subject of a free vote in the House of Commons.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will have discussions with the administrators of the Iraq Inquiry to ascertain a final date for publication of its report; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newport West (Mr Flynn) on 3 February 2015, UIN 222484.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, how much the Iraq Inquiry has cost to date; what estimate he has made of the final cost of that Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newport West (Mr Flynn) on 3 February 2015, UIN 222484.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, how much has been spent by the Iraq Inquiry in each year since its establishment on (a) inland travel, (b) overseas travel, (c) expenses claimed by each individual witness and (d) administration costs; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newport West (Mr Flynn) on 3 February 2015, UIN 222484.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, how much has been spent by the Iraq Inquiry in each year since its establishment on fees per diem paid to (a) the Chair and (b) each member of the Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newport West (Mr Flynn) on 3 February 2015, UIN 222484.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what recent discussions he has had with Tony Blair in his capacity as Quartet Representative; what was discussed at each such meeting; on what date each such meeting took place; what the location of each such meeting was; and if he will make a statement.

The Government works closely with Tony Blair in his capacity as the Quartet's Special Representative in our joint efforts to support the Middle East Peace Process. Both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development have regular engagement with Tony Blair including most recently our Ambassador to Bahrain during Tony Blair’s visit on 28 January to Bahrain. I have had discussions with Tony Blair in his capacity as Quartet Representative on a number of occasions, most recently by telephone on 25 May 2014.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership on devolving powers and responsibilities from Whitehall.

Last week I announced a £46.1 million extension to the South East LEPs Growth Deal, which brings total Growth Deal investment in the South East to over £488 million. This investment will have a direct and significant impact in Southend and provides for the further expansion of London Southend Airport onto a 55-acre site to create a high end Business Park, 858 homes and up to 2600 new jobs.

This expanded Growth Deal builds on the successes of the Southend City Deal which, is predicted to secure direct business support for over 1,000 businesses.

22nd Jan 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what recent discussions he has had with the Chair of the Iraq inquiry on the publication of the findings of that inquiry.

I refer my hon. Friend to my exchange of correspondence with Sir John Chilcot on 20 January 2015, copies of which are available on the Inquiry website. I have attached copies of the correspondence here and placed in the Library of the House.

22nd Jan 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to empower Ministers to compel public inquiries to publish reports by a given date.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) on 21 January 2015, Official Report, column 215.

7th Jul 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, what representations he has received about establishing a national cemetery; and if he will make a statement.

I have had no such representations. There are no plans to establish a national cemetery.

7th Jul 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to establish a national cemetery; and if he will make a statement.

I have had no such representations. There are no plans to establish a national cemetery.

6th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, how many hon. Members wrote to his Department on behalf of constituents about (a) steps taken to alleviate fuel poverty in the private rented sector, (b) the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 and (c) the disconnection of (i) gas and (ii) electricity supplies in the last 12 months; what the average time taken to reply was; if he will place in the Library a copy of each such reply; and if he will make a statement.

For the purpose of answering this question, various searches of the Departmental correspondence system have been conducted. In relation to fuel poverty in the private rented sector, it has been possible to search the records on correspondence received by DECC from hon. Members, with the case title ‘Fuel Poverty'. In the period since 10 June 2013, 13 pieces of correspondence were given this case title. On sifting through these individually, none specifically mentioned fuel poverty in the private rented sector. The average time taken to reply was 21 working days.

In relation to the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, it has been possible to search the records on correspondence received by DECC from hon. Members, with the case title ‘Warm Homes'. In the period since 10 June 2013, 13 pieces of correspondence were given this case title. On sifting through these individually, none specifically mentioned the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000. The average time taken to reply was 13 working days.

An initial search of the correspondence system relating to ‘disconnections' of electricity and/or gas has not yielded reliable results. A more detailed subject search would involve significant manual sifting of individual correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate cost.

Copies of the relevant correspondence will be placed in the Library of the House.

DECC do not log telephone representations centrally, and therefore, providing a response on the number of telephone representations to the Department on these subjects would also entail disproportionate cost.

6th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, how many (a) written, (b) email and (c) telephone representations he has received on (i) his plans to alleviate fuel poverty in the private rented sector, (ii) the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 and (iii) the disconnection of (A) gas and (B) electricity supplies in each month since May 2010; how many such representations were from (1) individuals and (2) organisations; if he will place in the Library copies of the responses sent to such representations; and if he will make a statement.

For the purpose of answering this question, various searches of the Departmental correspondence system have been conducted. In relation to fuel poverty in the private rented sector, it has been possible to search the records on correspondence received by DECC, with the case title ‘Fuel Poverty'. In the period since May 2010, 657 pieces of correspondence were given this case title. 264 of these were from individuals, and 77 were from organisations (the remaining items were either from hon. Members, or cases transferred from other Departments). Filtering down more specifically would involve significant manual sifting of individual correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate cost.

In relation to the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, it has been possible to search the records on correspondence received by DECC, with the case title ‘Warm Homes'. In the period since May 2010, 176 pieces of correspondence were given this case title. 33 of these were from individuals and 11 were from organisations (the remaining items were either from hon. Members, or cases transferred from other Departments). Filtering down more specifically would involve significant manual sifting of individual correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate cost.

An initial search of the correspondence system relating to ‘disconnections' of electricity and/or gas has not yielded reliable results. A more detailed subject search would involve significant manual sifting of individual correspondence items and thus entail a disproportionate cost.

DECC do not log telephone representations centrally, and therefore, providing a response on the number of telephone representations to the Department on these subjects would also entail disproportionate cost.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent assessment he has made of the operation of (a) section 1 and (b) section 2 of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000; what recent representations he has received on the operation of this Act; and what responses he gave to such representations.

The Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 has been amended through the Energy Act 2013. In line with the provisions of the amended Act, the Government will lay draft Regulations in Parliament setting out a new fuel poverty objective for England. Once the new objective has been made in Regulations, we will publish a strategy for meeting that objective.

Both my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and I receive representations and meet with stakeholders regularly to discuss a range of issues relating to fuel poverty. For example, we attend meetings of the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group when possible, most recently in April 2014.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent discussions (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) officials in his Department have had with their counterparts in HM Treasury on the operation of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000; and if he will make a statement.

My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, ministers and officials have regular contact with counterparts from other Government Departments, including HM Treasury, on a range of issues, including fuel poverty.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will discuss with the administrators of the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war a final date for publication; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the (a) Chairman and (b) Secretary of the Chilcot Inquiry on the publication of its report since March 2013; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, how many documents provided by the Government to the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war have been declassified; how many such documents he estimates will be declassified within the next six months; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, what recent representations (a) he, (b) other Ministers and (c) officials of (i) 10 Downing Street and (ii) the Cabinet Office have made to the (A) Chairman and (B) secretariat of the Chilcot Inquiry on delays in publication of its report due to responses from officials of the US administration; what response was received to these representations; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, when he expects the report of the Chilcot Inquiry into the war in Iraq to be published; what discussions Sir John Chilcot has had with those expected to be criticised in his report; if he will ensure that hon. Members are provided with a full paper copy of the report and all (a) oral and (b) written evidence that was presented to the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will seek the agreement of the US President to the publication of classified documents by the Chilcot Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, what recent discussions he has had with the US President on the publication by the Chilcot Inquiry of conversations between (a) Tony Blair and George W. Bush and (b) the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and George W. Bush in the period (i) leading up to the conflict in Iraq and (ii) after the invasion of Iraq; what response was received from the President; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

5th Jun 2014
To ask the Prime Minister, if it remains his policy to publish the report of the Chilcot Inquiry in full; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of government, and should be allowed to complete its work without interference.

Neither I nor Ministers have had any discussions with or made any representations to the Inquiry. Nor have I discussed the Inquiry with President Obama.

The Inquiry has sought the declassification of material for inclusion in its report from many thousands of documents, some of which have been or will be published. Government does not, as a rule, comment on any discussions between officials and the Inquiry.

The Maxwellisation process is a matter for the Inquiry.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Inquiry's final report will be able to disclose all but the most sensitive information which will be determined in accordance with the protocol governing the disclosure of documentary evidence which is available through the Inquiry website.

Timing of the delivery of the report to me is a matter for the Inquiry, but it is my hope that the Inquiry can complete its work before the end of the year. Upon publication, copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Prime Minister, if he will make it his policy to suspend collective responsibility on any vote in the House on assisted suicide legislation.

Issues on matters of conscience have, by tradition, been the subject of a free vote in the House of Commons.

8th Jan 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many death certificates cited covid-19 as a (a) primary cause and (b) contributory cause of death in each month since November 2020.

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

29th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of deaths caused by covid-19 among people without underlying health conditions aged (a)13 to 20, (b) 21 to 30, (c) 31 to 40, (d) 41 to 50, (e) 51 to 60, (f) 61 to 70, (g) 71 to 80, (h) 81 to 90 and (i) 91 or above years since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

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

9th Mar 2020
To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, for what reasons the subscription to Public Information Online for House of Lords Bills and Papers is not available beyond 1955; and if the Commission will extend this to the 2019 Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

The Commission has no plans to extend the subscription to Public Information Online for House of Lords Bills and Papers beyond 1955.

Access to the House of Lords Bills and Papers section of Public Information Online for the period 1901–1955 is provided free of charge via the Commons Library following agreement between the Library and the publishers of the database and in return for the Library having provided the publishers with printed volumes of the series for that period to be scanned to create the digital version.

Access to subsequent periods of the series is subject to a subscription fee which the Library has determined is not an effective use of resources on the grounds that the material is already held in the Library’s collection and is readily available to Members.

Pete Wishart
SNP Deputy Westminster Leader
13th Mar 2018
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the criteria are for a town to gain city status.

City status is a rare distinction conferred by the Queen acting on the advice of ministers. When a competition for city status is held, criteria are not specified as the qualities which towns possess are extremely varied and every application is judged on its merits.

6th Jul 2016
To ask the Prime Minister, if the Government will bring forward legislative proposals to give Parliament a veto on proposed future military action.

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Filton and Bradley Stoke (Mr Lopresti) during my Oral Statement on the Report of the Iraq Inquiry on 6 July 2016, Official Report, column 904.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many times the Chair and members of the Iraq Inquiry have met hon. Members since its establishment; when and for what purpose such meetings took place; where the location of each meeting was; what the duration of each meeting was; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many press officers at what grades have been employed by the Iraq Inquiry in each year since its establishment; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the Iraq Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with the Treasury about the cost to the public purse of the Iraq Inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much the Iraq Inquiry (a) budgeted and (b) spent on security in each year since its establishment; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what Directorate in his Department has policy responsibility for the Iraq Inquiry; how many officials at what grade are employed in this Directorate; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many computers have been (a) owned and (b) leased by the Iraq Inquiry in each year since its establishment; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much was spent on postage by the Iraq Inquiry in each year since its establishment; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions (a) he and (b) the Prime Minister has had with the US administration about the publication by the Iraq Inquiry of conversations between (i) Tony Blair and President Bush and (ii) the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and President Bush in the period before and after the invasion of Iraq; what response was received; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

4th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many officials at what grade have been employed by the Iraq Inquiry in each year; and if he will make a statement.

The Iraq Inquiry is independent of Government. Meetings held by the Inquiry, and the Maxwellisation process, are a matter for the Inquiry Committee.

A breakdown of costs incurred by the Inquiry, and information on the size and makeup of its Secretariat are published on the Inquiry’s website and updated after the end of each financial year. The Government has assured the Inquiry it would have the resources necessary to do its job properly.

The Iraq Inquiry has submitted requests to declassify material from government documents throughout the life of the Inquiry. Government considers each request once it has been received, under the terms of the Protocol between the Iraq Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Government regarding Documents and Other Written and Electronic Information, available through the Inquiry’s website.

In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much has been paid by his Department to Aspire to Change (A2C) since its formation; for what purpose each payment was made; what assessment he has made of the value for money of such payments; and if he will make a statement.

Since 2011, details of contracts above the value of £10,000 have been published on the Contracts Finder website (http://www.contractsfinder.co.uk).

In addition, this policy extends to Cabinet Office expenditure over £25,000, which is published at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-spend-data

14th Jan 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what (a) funding and (b) incentives are available to support businesses to recruit new members of staff.

The Government has set out a plan for recovery that focusses on backing business, improving skills, and creating jobs. For example, the £30 billion Plan for Jobs provides new funding to ensure more people will get tailored support to help them find work. This includes launching the £2 billion Kickstart Scheme fund and investing £2.9 billion in the Restart programme over 3 years to support and encourage the UK’s labour market. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is also doubling the number of jobcentre Work Coaches to provide intensive support for both young people and the newly unemployed.

Additional measures include committing £8 million for digital skills boot camps, increasing apprenticeship opportunities, expanding sector-based work academies programme (SWAPs), launching the Job Finding Support Service, and increasing the funding for the Flexible Support Fund by £150 million in Great Britain.

Businesses can also access tailored advice through our Freephone Business Support Helpline, online via the Business Support website or through their local Growth Hubs in England. Furthermore, the Recovery Advice for Business scheme, supported by the Government and hosted on the Enterprise Nation website, offers small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long-term recovery. Further information can be found at: https://www.enterprisenation.com/freesupport/.

13th Jul 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether businesses that are registered at a domestic residential address are eligible for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant; and what guidance has been issued to local authorities on the distribution of the Local Authority Discretionary Grant to businesses registered at a domestic residential address.

On?1 May,?the Government announced that up to £617 million has been made available to local authorities?in England to allow them to provide discretionary grants. The?Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LADGF) is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs that are not liable for business rates or rates reliefs.

We are asking local authorities to prioritise the following types of businesses for grants from within this funding pot:

  • Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces. Examples could include units in industrial parks, science parks, and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment.
  • Regular market traders with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have their own business rates assessment.
  • Bed & breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates.
  • Charity properties in receipt of Charitable Rate Relief, which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief.

Local authorities are responsible for defining the precise eligibility for this Fund?and?may choose to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need,?subject to those businesses meeting the specific eligibility criteria.?Guidance for Local Authorities was published 13 May: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding.

We appreciate that there?is substantial demand for the LADGF. Local Authorities will need to manage?their?scheme to stay within?their?funding?allocation?and?will have?to make choices about which businesses?to?prioritise.

Where businesses are registered at a domestic residential address, tax and insurance details should identify the separate costs of a home-based business. Local Authorities should take steps to understand the specific costs of the business.

Officials are keeping in close contact with Local Authorities?to understand how the scheme is rolling out and advising ministers on any additional support?which could?be offered to help businesses and support local economies.

Any enquiries or appeals?regarding?the provision of, or eligibility for, grant funding should be directed?in the first instance to the relevant?local authority.

The?grant?funding?schemes are?part of?the Government’s?wider?package of support for business.?For further information on what support you might be eligible for, please?visit: https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder.