Gerald Howarth

Conservative - Former Member for Aldershot

First elected: 1st May 1997

Left House: 3rd May 2017 (General Election)


Gerald Howarth is not a member of any APPGs
8 Former APPG memberships
Aerospace, Brass Bands, Defence and Security Issues, Egypt, General Aviation, Honour Based Abuse., Sixth Form Colleges, Ukraine
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
30th Nov 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
17th May 2010 - 6th Sep 2012
Shadow Minister (Defence)
23rd Jul 2002 - 6th May 2010
Armed Forces Bill Committee
19th Dec 2005 - 9th May 2006
Defence Committee
16th Jul 2001 - 17th Nov 2003
Home Affairs Committee
16th Jul 1997 - 11th May 2001


Division Voting information

Gerald Howarth has voted in 1700 divisions, and 33 times against the majority of their Party.

9 Mar 2016 - Enterprise Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 25 Conservative Aye votes vs 281 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 317 Noes - 286
8 Dec 2015 - Serious and Organised Crime: Prüm Convention - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative Aye votes vs 264 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 26 Noes - 503
7 Sep 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 37 Conservative No votes vs 276 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 285 Noes - 312
16 Jun 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 25 Conservative Aye votes vs 285 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 97 Noes - 288
11 Mar 2015 - Ark Pension Schemes - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth 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
24 Nov 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 63 Conservative No votes vs 79 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 236 Noes - 65
19 Nov 2014 - EU Justice and Home Affairs Measures - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative No votes vs 162 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 421 Noes - 29
3 Nov 2014 - International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill (Money) - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Conservative No votes vs 177 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 295 Noes - 7
12 Sep 2014 - International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Conservative No votes vs 60 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 166 Noes - 7
12 Sep 2014 - International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative No votes vs 58 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 164 Noes - 6
5 Mar 2014 - Judgments - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
10 Feb 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Conservative No votes vs 201 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 453 Noes - 24
27 Jan 2014 - European Union (Approvals) Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative Aye votes vs 202 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 37 Noes - 243
27 Jan 2014 - European Union (Approvals) Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative Aye votes vs 199 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 36 Noes - 240
27 Jan 2014 - European Union (Approvals) Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 25 Conservative No votes vs 202 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 246 Noes - 28
5 Feb 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative No votes vs 224 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 499 Noes - 55
5 Feb 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 23 Conservative No votes vs 215 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 481 Noes - 34
5 Feb 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth 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
7 Sep 2011 - Health and Social Care (Re-committed) Bill - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth 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
4 Mar 2010 - Chair (Terminology) - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative No votes vs 87 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 279 Noes - 31
3 Jul 2008 - Members’ Expenses - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth 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
14 May 2008 - Vehicle Excise Duty - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 3 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 0 Noes - 0
25 Feb 2008 - Treaty of Lisbon (No. 6) - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Conservative Aye votes vs 146 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 342 Noes - 154
25 Oct 2007 - Modernisation of the House of Commons - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth 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
Gerald Howarth 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
23 Feb 2007 - Prayers - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Conservative Aye votes vs 16 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 3 Noes - 35
1 Nov 2006 - Legislative Process - View Vote Context
Gerald Howarth voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 55 Conservative No votes vs 69 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 365 Noes - 62
View All Gerald Howarth 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.

Department Debates
Ministry of Defence
(223 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(59 debate contributions)
Home Office
(56 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Policing and Crime Act 2017
(1,344 words contributed)
Policing and Crime Act 2017
(1,344 words contributed)
Immigration Act 2016
(877 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Gerald Howarth's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Gerald Howarth

20th April 2017
Gerald Howarth signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 20th April 2017

HER MAJESTY'S OVERSEAS CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS

Tabled by: Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative - Mid Sussex)
That this House calls on Her Majesty's Government to make the necessary financial arrangements to enable the Government of Zimbabwe to pay the pension arrears owing to the former members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service who responded to the British Government's request that they stay at their posts after …
13 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Apr 2017)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 9
Non-affiliated: 1
Crossbench: 1
Labour: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
19th January 2017
Gerald Howarth signed this EDM on Monday 23rd January 2017

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

Tabled by: Stephen Pound (Labour - Ealing North)
That this House marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Republic of Armenia, and commends the choice made by the people of Armenia when they declared independence from the then Soviet Union; supports the government and people of Armenia in their promotion …
63 signatures
(Most recent: 30 Mar 2017)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 34
Scottish National Party: 14
Conservative: 9
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
The Independent Group for Change: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
View All Gerald Howarth's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Gerald Howarth, 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.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Gerald Howarth

Wednesday 18th November 2015

Gerald Howarth has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Gerald Howarth


Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Commons
Friday 23rd October 2015

Latest 43 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
3rd Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many convictions for illegal money lending resulted from prosecutions brought by the Illegal Money Lending Units of (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales in (i) 2012, (ii) 2013 and (iii) 2014.

The National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) and Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) have been responsible for tackling Illegal Money Lending since April 2012. They collect and report information on their work to the Department by financial year.

Convictions for Illegal Money Lending since April 2012:

Team

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15 (to 4/3/2015)

England

34

55

36

Wales

2

2

5

Scotland

1

0

3

10th Feb 2015
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will ensure that the change in definition of ambulance in Government Amendment 43 of the House of Lords Committee stage of the Deregulation Bill will continue to permit private ambulance and medical providers to operate (a) conventional ambulances and (b) fast response cars and motorbikes under blue lights.

The relevant clause now contained in the Deregulation Bill is not intended to have any effect on the existing legal status of ambulances, including those used by the private or voluntary sector. Conventional ambulances may continue to use blue lights and be exempt from certain road traffic provisions when responding to emergencies. The amendments in the Bill continue to allow vehicles dispatched by the NHS ambulance services (including vehicles that private ambulance and medical providers operate), that are not ambulances, by allowing them to use blue lights and extending the road traffic exemptions to them.

13th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of students enrolled at (a) sixth form colleges and (b) school and academy sixth forms in December 2016 were eligible for free school meals at the age of 15.

Eleven per cent of academic aged 16-18 year olds who studied their highest qualification in 2014/15 at a sixth form college, were eligible for free school meals at academic age 15. The equivalent figure for school and academy sixth forms was ten per cent. Data for December 2016 is unavailable.

Note: This proportion is based on those where the FSM status at 15 is known.

Source: Department for Education’s Young Person’s Matched Administrative Dataset.

13th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the average GCSE score is of students currently enrolled at (a) sixth form colleges and (b) school and academy sixth forms in England.

The requested information for pupils at the end of Key Stage 5 in the academic year 2014/15 is given in the following table:

Average GCSE Attainment[1],[2] of pupils at the end of key stage 5 in 2015 by school type

School type

Number of eligible pupils[3]

Average capped[4] GCSE and equivalents point score per pupil

Percentage of students achieving 5A*-C in English and mathematics GCSEs including equivalents

Sixth form colleges

64,579

381.2

81.7

All state-funded schools[5]

181,223

390.8

84.1

Source 16-18 attainment data

[1]In 2013/14, two major reforms were implemented which affect the calculation of key stage 4 performance measures data: 1) Professor Alison Wolf’s Review of Vocational Education recommendations which: restrict the qualifications counted; prevent any qualification from counting as larger than one GCSE; and cap the number of non-GCSEs included in performance measures at two per pupil, and 2) an early entry policy to only count a pupil’s first attempt at a qualification, in subjects counted in the English Baccalaureate. Consequently, the numbers supplied prior to 2013/14 are not comparable with those from 2013/14 onwards.

[2] In 2014/15, early entry policy, under which only a pupil’s first attempt at a qualification is counted in performance measures, was extended to all subjects.

[3] Covers students at the end of advanced level study who were entered for at least one substantial advanced level academic or vocational qualification in the 2014/15 academic year: substantial advanced level academic or vocational qualifications are defined as qualifications that are at least the size of an A level (180 guided learning hours per year), such as a BTEC subsidiary diploma level 3. If a vocational or academic qualification is similar in size to 2 A levels it will be counted as 2 substantial level 3 qualifications. In order to be included in this table, pupils also needed a valid end of key stage 4 record, therefore the number of eligible pupils is lower than that published in the key stage 5 SFR.

[4] Average capped point scores are calculated using the best 8 GCSE or equivalent results.

[5] Includes school and academy sixth-forms

10th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance she has given to Ofsted on (a) respecting the religious ethos of faith schools and the legal framewirk governing them, (b) exemptions for faith schools under the Equality Act 2010 and (c) the requirements of the law governing assemblies and religious education.

It is for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools to determine what advice or guidance inspectors need to inspect particular matters, drawing on relevant guidance that has been issued to schools by the Department for Education and on statutory requirements.

10th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance she has given to Ofsted about age-appropriate questioning of pupils regarding sexuality and transsexualism during inspections.

No guidance has been given by the Department for Education on this matter as the issuing of guidance to Ofsted inspectors is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw.

10th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will investigate reports by parents of pupils at Grindon Hall Christian School and Durham Free School that complaints to Ofsted about age-inappropriate and religiously hostile questioning of their children by inspectors were not investigated.

Any complaints about the conduct of Ofsted inspectors are a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector. I understand that Ofsted is investigating matters raised by the schools and by some parents and will respond to these in due course.

26th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the non-financial regulatory constraints are on research on the potential of insects as a sustainable source of livestock feed; and what steps her Department is taking to encourage such research.

Research on the potential use of insects in livestock feed is permitted under the provisions of the EU Animal by-Products Regulations 1069/2009 which require registration of operators by competent authorities under conditions which control risks to public and animal health. The Food and Environmental Research Agency of Defra is currently leading research on the use of insects as a protein source for livestock in the UK.

6th Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the network of 108 remaining licensed General Aviation airfields in the UK are maintained and enhanced.

The government is seeking to better define a strategic network of General Aviation airfields and is engaging with the General Aviation Strategic Forum to do this.

16th Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect on small retailers of the introduction of those bans on small and flavoured tobacco packs prescribed in the EU Tobacco Products Directive that was not part of the original impact assessment for that Directive.

The Impact Assessment published alongside the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 at:

www.legislation.gov.uk

sets out the Government’s view on the likely impact of the Directive, including an assessment of the removal of small and flavoured packs.

The Department is committed to a full statutory review of the functioning of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, which implement the European Union Tobacco Products Directive, within five years of entering into force. The statutory review must be accompanied by an Impact Assessment.

16th Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effects of the introduction of the EU Tobacco Products Directive; and whether he has made an assessment of the removal of small and flavoured packs that was not part of the original impact assessment for that Directive.

The Impact Assessment published alongside the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 at:

www.legislation.gov.uk

sets out the Government’s view on the likely impact of the Directive, including an assessment of the removal of small and flavoured packs.

The Department is committed to a full statutory review of the functioning of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, which implement the European Union Tobacco Products Directive, within five years of entering into force. The statutory review must be accompanied by an Impact Assessment.

16th Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the (a) process and (b) timetable is for reviewing the implementation of the EU Tobacco Products Directive in light of the UK's decision to leave the EU.

The Department is committed to a full statutory review of the functioning of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, which implement the European Union Tobacco Products Directive, within five years of entering into force. The statutory review must be accompanied by an Impact Assessment.

This is one of the many areas that the Government is considering carefully as part of the process of leaving the EU. Until exit negotiations are concluded, the United Kingdom remains a full member of the EU and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force.

14th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans NHS Improvement has to identify the cost of delivering good care in a multiple pregnancy; and whether that body intends to update the maternity tariff to reflect that cost.

In the maternity pathway payment system, a multiple pregnancy would automatically lead to a higher tariff at all points of the pathway.

NHS Improvement are currently working with the sector with a view to developing the policies to be included in the statutory consultation for the 2017/18 national tariff, including the maternity pathway system. NHS Improvement plans to publish the statutory consultation in the autumn.

14th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether there are plans for NICE guidance on multiple pregnancies to be updated and extended to include provisions on the level of care to be provided during labour and birth.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has advised that it is currently reviewing its clinical guideline on multiple pregnancy: antenatal care for twin and triplet pregnancies (CG129) to check whether an update is warranted. As part of this review, NICE will consider whether any extension of the existing scope is required. NICE expects the review decision to be published later this year.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he plans for his Department's Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund to be used to support efforts to reduce still births and neonatal deaths in multiple pregnancies.

There are no specific plans for the Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development (IESD) fund to support efforts to reduce still births and neonatal deaths in multiple pregnancies. The IESD fund provides for funding for voluntary sector projects that are able to demonstrate a clear focus on supporting and driving forward new ideas, excellence or the undertaking of strategic developments in voluntary sector capacity and capability in health and care.


The fund does not have a particular focus on reducing still births and neonatal deaths in multiple pregnancies, but aims to support projects with the potential to have national significance in any area of health and care, particularly where statutory services can be complemented and high quality health and care outcomes achieved.

26th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will delay implementation of standardised tobacco packaging until data on its effects on smoking prevalence in Australia is available.

The draft regulations laid in Parliament on 23 February have a coming-into-force date of May 2016.

Certain parts of the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations implement the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and are therefore required to be brought into force in May 2016. For those regulations that introduce further requirements, it is clear that there are benefits for business if the requirements of the TPD and standardised packaging requirements are implemented at the same time.

Australian Government figures, from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, show that smoking prevalence is at an all-time low since the implementation of standardised packaging. This change is likely to be attributable to cumulative effects of a range of policies, including standardised packaging.

26th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Impact Assessment for the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015, which derives key valuables in its cost benefit analysis from the work of Pechey et al, what account he has taken of the statements in that article that it relies on best guess estimates and that its authors have an economic or personal stake in the issue.

The Impact Assessment makes clear how this research was used on page 53. It also considers the uncertainty associated with the estimates in the “Sensitivity and Risk” analysis on page 69.

The published research paper includes a section on competing interests. The authors state that they have no connections to the tobacco industry, nor any financial or non-financial competing interests that relate to the area of this study.

A copy of the research paper is attached.

The Impact Assessment can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/standardised-packaging-of-tobacco-products-draft-regulations

8th Mar 2017
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the finding of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association report on the economic impact of changes to the vehicle excise duty, published in February 2017, that those changes will result in rental companies purchasing 24,800 fewer vehicles in 2017 compared with 2016.

The Government is fully committed to successful delivery of the VED reforms, which ensure that all cars other than ones which emit zero-emissions will contribute. At present, cars that emit less than 130g/km of carbon pay no VED in the first year. This is not sustainable at a time when the average new car emits 120g/km.

The Government appreciates this will affect car buyers such as rental companies who may sell vehicles in less than a year. The rules around VED refunds have not changed compared to the current system.

3rd Mar 2015
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the median net income of (a) online short term lending customers, (b) credit card holders and (c) an average UK citizen in full-time work.

Information is not available for points a or b, as the ONS do not publish earnings data split by use of financial services. The most recent ONS publication of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) indicates that median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees were £518 in April 2014.

3rd Mar 2015
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that staff in the new counter-avoidance directorate of HM Revenue and Customs have received adequate training to deal with challenges to accelerated payment notices.

With regards to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff training on Accelerated Payments Notices, I would refer the hon. member to the answer I gave to a written question on 26 February 2015 (HC Deb, 26 February 2015, cW).

The number of HMRC officials currently engaged in dealing with Accelerated Payments Notices is 270Full Time Equivalents.

With regards to HMRC’s plans to report the progress on Accelerated Payments, I would refer the hon. member to my answer of 10 February (HC Deb, 10 February 2015, cW)

3rd Mar 2015
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many officials in his Department are engaged in dealing with accelerated payment notices.

With regards to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff training on Accelerated Payments Notices, I would refer the hon. member to the answer I gave to a written question on 26 February 2015 (HC Deb, 26 February 2015, cW).

The number of HMRC officials currently engaged in dealing with Accelerated Payments Notices is 270Full Time Equivalents.

With regards to HMRC’s plans to report the progress on Accelerated Payments, I would refer the hon. member to my answer of 10 February (HC Deb, 10 February 2015, cW)

3rd Mar 2015
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when his Department plans to report publicly on the progress it has achieved using accelerated payment notices.

With regards to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff training on Accelerated Payments Notices, I would refer the hon. member to the answer I gave to a written question on 26 February 2015 (HC Deb, 26 February 2015, cW).

The number of HMRC officials currently engaged in dealing with Accelerated Payments Notices is 270Full Time Equivalents.

With regards to HMRC’s plans to report the progress on Accelerated Payments, I would refer the hon. member to my answer of 10 February (HC Deb, 10 February 2015, cW)

6th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to paragraph 113 of the Government's Counter-Extremism Strategy, published in October 2015, what definition her Department uses of extremism; and what steps she is taking to ensure that that definition does not close down debate or limit free speech.

The Government definition of extremism is 'vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.' We have been consistent on this since 2011 and have reaffirmed this definition in the Counter-Extremism Strategy.

The overwhelming majority of people in this country support these values and condemn those who try to undermine them.

The Government would not consider the ‘claim’ that an individual’s religion is ‘the only one true faith’ to be extremist.

We are clear that Government should not restrict anyone’s freedom of speech or right to practise a faith. These are core values that help to make our country great. However we shouldn’t allow the extremist voice to go unchallenged, causing harm to our society and promoting hatred and division.

The Government has engaged on the strategy, and will continue to engage with partners - including faith groups, communities and civic society groups on the new proposed powers to tackle the most dangerous extremists. This provides an opportunity to consult on the proposed powers further, and ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect our rights to free speech and debate.

6th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Government's Counter-Extremism Strategy, published in October 2015, what her definition is of non-violent expressions of religious belief which are (a) extreme and (b) not extreme.

The Government definition of extremism is 'vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.' We have been consistent on this since 2011 and have reaffirmed this definition in the Counter-Extremism Strategy.

The overwhelming majority of people in this country support these values and condemn those who try to undermine them.

The Government would not consider the ‘claim’ that an individual’s religion is ‘the only one true faith’ to be extremist.

We are clear that Government should not restrict anyone’s freedom of speech or right to practise a faith. These are core values that help to make our country great. However we shouldn’t allow the extremist voice to go unchallenged, causing harm to our society and promoting hatred and division.

The Government has engaged on the strategy, and will continue to engage with partners - including faith groups, communities and civic society groups on the new proposed powers to tackle the most dangerous extremists. This provides an opportunity to consult on the proposed powers further, and ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect our rights to free speech and debate.

6th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Government's Counter-Extremism Strategy, published in October 2015, what constitutes non-violent extremism.

The Government definition of extremism is 'vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.' We have been consistent on this since 2011 and have reaffirmed this definition in the Counter-Extremism Strategy.

The overwhelming majority of people in this country support these values and condemn those who try to undermine them.

The Government would not consider the ‘claim’ that an individual’s religion is ‘the only one true faith’ to be extremist.

We are clear that Government should not restrict anyone’s freedom of speech or right to practise a faith. These are core values that help to make our country great. However we shouldn’t allow the extremist voice to go unchallenged, causing harm to our society and promoting hatred and division.

The Government has engaged on the strategy, and will continue to engage with partners - including faith groups, communities and civic society groups on the new proposed powers to tackle the most dangerous extremists. This provides an opportunity to consult on the proposed powers further, and ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect our rights to free speech and debate.

6th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Government's Counter-Extremism Strategy, published in October 2015, what plans the Government has to consult with faith groups on its definition of extremism.

The Government definition of extremism is 'vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.' We have been consistent on this since 2011 and have reaffirmed this definition in the Counter-Extremism Strategy.

The overwhelming majority of people in this country support these values and condemn those who try to undermine them.

The Government would not consider the ‘claim’ that an individual’s religion is ‘the only one true faith’ to be extremist.

We are clear that Government should not restrict anyone’s freedom of speech or right to practise a faith. These are core values that help to make our country great. However we shouldn’t allow the extremist voice to go unchallenged, causing harm to our society and promoting hatred and division.

The Government has engaged on the strategy, and will continue to engage with partners - including faith groups, communities and civic society groups on the new proposed powers to tackle the most dangerous extremists. This provides an opportunity to consult on the proposed powers further, and ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect our rights to free speech and debate.

6th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Government's Counter-Extremism Strategy, published in October 2015, whether a religious group or individual which claims that their religion is the only one true faith is included in its definition of extremism.

The Government definition of extremism is 'vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.' We have been consistent on this since 2011 and have reaffirmed this definition in the Counter-Extremism Strategy.

The overwhelming majority of people in this country support these values and condemn those who try to undermine them.

The Government would not consider the ‘claim’ that an individual’s religion is ‘the only one true faith’ to be extremist.

We are clear that Government should not restrict anyone’s freedom of speech or right to practise a faith. These are core values that help to make our country great. However we shouldn’t allow the extremist voice to go unchallenged, causing harm to our society and promoting hatred and division.

The Government has engaged on the strategy, and will continue to engage with partners - including faith groups, communities and civic society groups on the new proposed powers to tackle the most dangerous extremists. This provides an opportunity to consult on the proposed powers further, and ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect our rights to free speech and debate.

24th Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF crews have been embedded in the Canadian military on maritime patrol duties in each year since 2010; and how many of those crew members no longer serve in the UK armed forces.

The information is not held in the format requested.

However, the number of RAF personnel embedded with each nation’s military on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) duties as part of the Seedcorn Initiative and Exchange Officer programme, on 1 April each year, is set out in the table below:

Year

Number of Personnel Embedded

US

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

2010

1

1

2

1

2011

1

7

2

1

2012

1

7

4

6

2013

21

7

4

6

2014

21

7

3

5

2015

21

5

3

5

2016

20

5

3

5

The number of RAF personnel who were embedded in each nation’s military on MPAs from 2010 to 2016, who no longer serve in the British Armed Forces, is set out below:

US 1

Canada 1

Australia 0

New Zealand 1

23rd Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF crews there are embedded in the New Zealand military on maritime patrol aircraft duties; how many such crews were so embedded in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013, (e) 2014 and (f) 2015; and how many members of those crews no longer serve in the British Armed Forces.

The information is not held in the format requested.

However, the number of RAF personnel embedded with each nation’s military on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) duties as part of the Seedcorn Initiative and Exchange Officer programme, on 1 April each year, is set out in the table below:

Year

Number of Personnel Embedded

US

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

2010

1

1

2

1

2011

1

7

2

1

2012

1

7

4

6

2013

21

7

4

6

2014

21

7

3

5

2015

21

5

3

5

2016

20

5

3

5

The number of RAF personnel who were embedded in each nation’s military on MPAs from 2010 to 2016, who no longer serve in the British Armed Forces, is set out below:

US 1

Canada 1

Australia 0

New Zealand 1

23rd Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF crews there are embedded in the Australian military on maritime patrol aircraft duties; how many such crews were so embedded in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013, (e) 2014 and (f) 2015; and how many members of those crews no longer serve in the British Armed Forces.

The information is not held in the format requested.

However, the number of RAF personnel embedded with each nation’s military on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) duties as part of the Seedcorn Initiative and Exchange Officer programme, on 1 April each year, is set out in the table below:

Year

Number of Personnel Embedded

US

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

2010

1

1

2

1

2011

1

7

2

1

2012

1

7

4

6

2013

21

7

4

6

2014

21

7

3

5

2015

21

5

3

5

2016

20

5

3

5

The number of RAF personnel who were embedded in each nation’s military on MPAs from 2010 to 2016, who no longer serve in the British Armed Forces, is set out below:

US 1

Canada 1

Australia 0

New Zealand 1

23rd Nov 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many RAF crews there are embedded in the US military on maritime patrol aircraft duties; how many such crews were so embedded in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013, (e) 2014 and (f) 2015; and how many members of those crews no longer serve in the British Armed Forces.

The information is not held in the format requested.

However, the number of RAF personnel embedded with each nation’s military on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) duties as part of the Seedcorn Initiative and Exchange Officer programme, on 1 April each year, is set out in the table below:

Year

Number of Personnel Embedded

US

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

2010

1

1

2

1

2011

1

7

2

1

2012

1

7

4

6

2013

21

7

4

6

2014

21

7

3

5

2015

21

5

3

5

2016

20

5

3

5

The number of RAF personnel who were embedded in each nation’s military on MPAs from 2010 to 2016, who no longer serve in the British Armed Forces, is set out below:

US 1

Canada 1

Australia 0

New Zealand 1

12th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his priorities are for the acquisition of defence equipment over the next two years.

The Strategic Defence and Security Review provided clarity of the Government’s defence equipment priorities not just for the next two years, but for the rest of this Parliament. We have committed to an additional £12 billion for the Equipment Plan to £178 billion over the next 10 years. This includes finalising investment proposals for the next stage of the Successor nuclear deterrent programme and the procurement of a new fleet of nine Boeing P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as we build towards Joint Force 2025.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department took to ensure British companies were made aware of the tendering process for the contract to return British military equipment from Afghanistan; and how many British companies tendered for that contract.

The Ministry of Defence is bound by European Union (EU) public procurement directives which demand fair and open competition across the EU for all contracts involving the expenditure of public funds.

Defence Equipment and Support is currently seeking proposals from Industry (under an existing Framework advertised in 2011) to provide an air transport service to move cargo between the UK and Afghanistan in support of Operation Herrick. Within that framework, there are seven companies, which are either UK companies or have offices within the UK, competing for this work.

2nd Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what measures his Department has put in place to tackle fraud and abuse related to the Right to Buy scheme.

This Government takes fraud extremely seriously. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 increased the deterrent to tenants considering cheating the system, ensuring those who do cheat are detected more easily and punished more severely, and encourages social landlords to take a more proactive approach to tackling tenancy fraud.

We also provided £19 million funding to help councils tackle tenancy fraud as part of over £35 million government funding to tackle fraud across local government.

The findings and recommendations of the Government’s Right to Buy fraud working group will be published in due course.

2nd Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what additional safeguards the Government's Right to Buy working group has identified to tackle fraud and abuse of that scheme.

This Government takes fraud extremely seriously. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 increased the deterrent to tenants considering cheating the system, ensuring those who do cheat are detected more easily and punished more severely, and encourages social landlords to take a more proactive approach to tackling tenancy fraud.

We also provided £19 million funding to help councils tackle tenancy fraud as part of over £35 million government funding to tackle fraud across local government.

The findings and recommendations of the Government’s Right to Buy fraud working group will be published in due course.

11th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many tenants who receive social security benefits have paid cash for properties sold under the Right to Buy scheme to date.

The information requested is not held centrally.

11th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many tenants who receive social security benefits have been granted the Right to Buy.

The information requested is not held centrally.

11th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps (a) local authorities, (b) housing associations, (c) his Department and (d) the National Audit Office have taken to investigate the extent of fraud relating to the Right to Buy scheme.

This Government takes fraud extremely seriously. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 increased the deterrent to tenants considering cheating the system, ensuring those who do cheat are detected more easily and punished more severely, and encourages social landlords to take a more proactive approach to tackling tenancy fraud.

We also provided £19 million funding to help councils tackle tenancy fraud as part of over £35 million government funding to tackle fraud across local government.

We have recently set up a Right to Buy Working Group with representative of housing associations, local authorities and lenders to identify additional safeguards to curb fraud when the Voluntary Right to Buy scheme is rolled out to 1.3 million housing association tenants. Work is underway developing the detailed design of the scheme in collaboration with the housing association sector, specifically looking at how fraud and opportunistic practice prevention measures can, as far as possible, be designed into the sales process.

11th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether there has been any evidence of fraud relating to the Right to Buy scheme; and what steps the Government has taken to prevent such fraud.

This Government takes fraud extremely seriously. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 increased the deterrent to tenants considering cheating the system, ensuring those who do cheat are detected more easily and punished more severely, and encourages social landlords to take a more proactive approach to tackling tenancy fraud.

We also provided £19 million funding to help councils tackle tenancy fraud as part of over £35 million government funding to tackle fraud across local government.

We have recently set up a Right to Buy Working Group with representative of housing associations, local authorities and lenders to identify additional safeguards to curb fraud when the Voluntary Right to Buy scheme is rolled out to 1.3 million housing association tenants. Work is underway developing the detailed design of the scheme in collaboration with the housing association sector, specifically looking at how fraud and opportunistic practice prevention measures can, as far as possible, be designed into the sales process.