John Denham

Labour - Former Member for Southampton, Itchen

First elected: 9th April 1992

Left House: 30th March 2015 (Retired)


John Denham is not a member of any APPGs
Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
8th Oct 2010 - 7th Oct 2011
Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
12th May 2010 - 8th Oct 2010
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
6th Jun 2009 - 6th May 2010
Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills
28th Jun 2007 - 5th Jun 2009
Liaison Committee (Commons)
11th Jul 2005 - 25th Jul 2007
Home Affairs Committee
15th Jul 2003 - 25th Jul 2007
Home Affairs Committee
14th Jul 2003 - 28th Jun 2007
Minister (Home Office) (Police and Crime Reduction)
11th Jun 2001 - 18th Mar 2003
Minister of State (Department of Health)
30th Dec 1998 - 7th Jun 2001
Minister of State (Department of Social Security)
1st Jun 1998 - 30th Dec 1998
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Social Security)
1st May 1997 - 1st Jun 1998


Division Voting information

John Denham has voted in 1489 divisions, and 12 times against the majority of their Party.

11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
John Denham voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 69 Labour Aye votes vs 138 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 256
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 66 Labour No votes vs 139 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 267 Noes - 233
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 51 Labour No votes vs 141 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 184
24 Nov 2010 - Bookmakers and Planning (Haringey) - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Labour No votes vs 204 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 520 Noes - 27
24 Nov 2010 - Bookmakers and Planning (Haringey) - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Labour No votes vs 204 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 517 Noes - 26
2 Mar 2009 - Political Parties and Elections Bill - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 93 Labour No votes vs 155 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 235 Noes - 176
2 Mar 2009 - Political Parties and Elections Bill - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 83 Labour No votes vs 157 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 223 Noes - 158
2 Mar 2009 - Political Parties and Elections Bill - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 77 Labour No votes vs 156 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 153
3 Jul 2008 - Members’ Expenses - View Vote Context
John Denham voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 50 Labour No votes vs 144 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 172 Noes - 144
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
John Denham voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 132 Labour Aye votes vs 177 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 392
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
John Denham voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 156 Labour Aye votes vs 157 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 267
14 Jun 2006 - Parliamentary and Local Elections (Choice of Electoral Systems) - View Vote Context
John Denham voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Labour Aye votes vs 68 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 72 Noes - 168
View All John Denham 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
Vince Cable (Liberal Democrat)
(31 debate interactions)
Lord Willetts (Conservative)
(10 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Education
(57 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(23 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(19 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
John Denham has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all John Denham's debates

Latest EDMs signed by John Denham

John Denham has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by John Denham, 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.


John Denham has not been granted any Urgent Questions

2 Adjournment Debates led by John Denham

Wednesday 6th November 2013
Monday 4th February 2013

1 Bill introduced by John Denham


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 supermarkets to publish pricing data on all the goods they sell in a standardised, accessible, online format suitable to enable comprehensive comparison of the price of supermarket goods by retailer, store and product, and to enable independent analysis of pricing; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 15th January 2013

John Denham has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
27 Other Department Questions
11th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change of 3 February 2015, Official Report, column 22WH, on cavity wall insulation, when he plans to report progress on (a) discussions with Ofgem, (b) obtaining a summary of the number of complaints received by Ofgem and that body's views on those complaints, (c) consideration of a review of complaints, (d) consideration of the case for introducing independent oversight for all guarantees, (e) consideration of introduction of independent assessments two years after installation and (f) consideration of regulation of initial sales conversations.

At the recent Westminster debate on 3 February I made a commitment to write to all interested members to update on the actions my officials are taking to review these issues before the dissolution of Parliament.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the debate on Cavity Wall Insulation of 3 February 2015, Official Report, columns 3-6WH, what steps he has taken to identify information held on householders whose cavity wall installations were carried out under the Carbon Emission Reduction Target and the Community Energy Saving Programme.

I have instructed DECC officials to explore the proposals raised at the Westminster Hall debate on 3 February 2015 with Ofgem (who administer ECO) and the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA), who provide commercial guarantees for Cavity Wall Insulation.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what information is held by Ofgem on (a) the location of households who have had cavity wall installations under the Energy Company Obligation Scheme and (b) which companies have funded each such installation.

Ofgem holds information relating to a) the address at which a measure is installed, and b) the energy company that funded a measure, for all measures notified to it under the Energy Companies Obligation. The following document lists all the information provided by energy companies to Ofgem for each notified ECO measure:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/eco-notification-data-dictionary-v1.3.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment his Department has made of the accuracy of estimates provided to his Department by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency of the number of cavity wall installations that result in complaints.

I have instructed DECC officials to explore the proposals raised at the Westminster Hall debate on 3 February 2015 with Ofgem (who administer ECO) and the Cavity Wall Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA), who provide commercial guarantees for Cavity Wall Insulation. I also met with CIGA on 24 February to discuss this important issue.

9th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the debate on cavity wall insulation of 3 February 2015, Official Report, columns 3-6WH, what representations he has received from the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency in response to questions raised in that debate; and if he will publish those representations.

DECC officials and I met with CIGA, on 24 February, to discuss this and other issues raised at the recent Westminster Debate on 3 February.

4th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the contribution of 3 February 2015 from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in his Department, Official Report, columns 18-23WH, on cavity wall insulation, what discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on the independence of the directors of CIGA.

This issue does not fall within the remit of Ofgem. However, to understand this issue more fully, I met with the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) on 24 February, and DECC officials are currently considering the information that they supplied.

4th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the contribution of 3 February 2015 from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in his Department, Official Report, column 22WH, on cavity wall insulation, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of the proposal to introduce independent oversight for all cavity wall insulation guarantees.

I have instructed DECC officials to gather further evidence to better understand the need for an independent oversight body for Cavity Wall Insulation (CWI) guarantees.

I met with Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) on 24 February to discuss this issue further, and they have committed to preparing a paper regarding this proposal.

I have also written to the Chief Executive of Ofgem, regarding this issue on 9 February. DECC officials are currently reviewing the response.

4th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the contribution of 3 February 2015 from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in his Department, Official Report, column 21WH, on cavity wall insulation, what assessment his Department has made of the proposal to extend the required number of independent inspections of ECO cavity wall installations beyond five per cent.

I wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofgem on 9 February, regarding this issue. I requested that Ofgem provide information on whether the 5% technical monitoring rate under ECO should be increased.

DECC officials are currently reviewing Ofgem’s response.

4th Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the contribution of 3 February 2015 from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in his Department, Official Report, column 22WH, on cavity wall insulation, what assessment his Department has made of the benefits of putting in place an independent assessment of properties two years after cavity wall insulation is installed.

DECC officials are exploring the proposals raised at the Westminster Hall debate on 3 February 2015, including putting in place an independent assessment with Ofgem (who administer ECO) and the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA), who provide commercial guarantees for Cavity Wall Insulation.

13th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students started a level 4 apprenticeship in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2011-12 in each parliamentary constituency.

Information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts in England by Level and Parliamentary Constituency is attached.

Although level 4 and 5 apprenticeships were available in all three years, level 6 and 7 apprenticeships were only enabled by legislation from April 2013. Official apprenticeship data provides complete information for government-funded apprenticeships and this shows that there were no starts on the four available level 6 apprenticeships during the 2013/14 academic year.

13th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students started a level 5 apprenticeship in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2011-12 in each parliamentary constituency.

Information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts in England by Level and Parliamentary Constituency is attached.

Although level 4 and 5 apprenticeships were available in all three years, level 6 and 7 apprenticeships were only enabled by legislation from April 2013. Official apprenticeship data provides complete information for government-funded apprenticeships and this shows that there were no starts on the four available level 6 apprenticeships during the 2013/14 academic year.

13th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students started a level 6 apprenticeship in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2011-12 in each parliamentary constituency.

Information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts in England by Level and Parliamentary Constituency is attached.

Although level 4 and 5 apprenticeships were available in all three years, level 6 and 7 apprenticeships were only enabled by legislation from April 2013. Official apprenticeship data provides complete information for government-funded apprenticeships and this shows that there were no starts on the four available level 6 apprenticeships during the 2013/14 academic year.

12th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent estimate he has made of the average unit costs of (a) the face value of student loans, (b) the resource costs of student loans, (c) teaching grants through the Higher Education Funding Council for England, (d) maintenance grant and (e) access spending by institutions in respect of additional students entering higher education in 2014-15.

Additional entrants to higher education in 2014-15 are funded on the same basis as other students. A summary of the average unit costs for students on the 2012 funding arrangements can be found in the Fiscal Sustainability Report published by the Office for Budget Responsibility in July 2014 (Table B.1, page 170).

7th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time (i) UK and (ii) other EU students started undergraduate higher education courses in England in (A) 2013-14 and (B) 2014-15.

Statistics on the number of students starting higher education courses in academic year 2013/14 are published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. The data can be secured at the following link. https://www.hesa.ac.uk

The Higher Education Statistics Agency will publish data on Higher Education entrants and enrolments for 2014/15 in January 2016.

7th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent estimate he has made of the additional costs of (a) the face value of student loans, (b) the resource costs of student loans, (c) teaching grant through the Higher Education Funding Council for England, (d) maintenance grant that will arise from the removal of the cap on student numbers.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

7th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent estimate he has made of the number of additional students that will enter higher education in (a) 2015-16, (b) 2016-17 and (c) 2017-18 as a result of the removal of the cap on student numbers.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

7th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many additional students entered higher education in 2014-15 as a result of the increase in the cap on student numbers announced in the 2014 Autumn Statement.

Statistics on the number of students starting higher education courses in academic year 2013/14 are published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. The data can be secured at the following link. https://www.hesa.ac.uk

The Higher Education Statistics Agency will publish data on Higher Education entrants and enrolments for 2014/15 in January 2016.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students started a higher level apprenticeship at levels 4, 5 and 6 in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2011-12 in each parliamentary constituency.

As the requested table is large, information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by each further education provider in England has been placed in the libraries of the house. The information is not available for Higher Education Institutions.

Table 1 shows the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by provider type.

Information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by geography is published in a supplementary table to a Statistical First Release:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382956/apprenticeships-starts-by-geography-level-and-age.xls

Table 1: Higher Apprenticeship Starts by Provider Type, 2011/12 to 2013/14

Provider Type

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

General FE and Tertiary College

1,300

4,000

3,100

Other Public Funded

100

200

100

Private Sector Public Funded

2,300

5,500

5,800

Sixth Form College

-

100

100

Specialist College

-

-

100

Higher Apprenticeship Total

3,700

9,800

9,200

Notes:

1) The source is the Individualised Learner Record (ILR).

2) Volumes are rounded to the nearest 10 except for Totals, which are rounded to the nearest 100 ; “-“ represents a base value of less than 5.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students started a higher level apprenticeship at levels 4, 5 and 6 in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2011-12 by each type of provider.

As the requested table is large, information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by each further education provider in England has been placed in the libraries of the house. The information is not available for Higher Education Institutions.

Table 1 shows the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by provider type.

Information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by geography is published in a supplementary table to a Statistical First Release:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382956/apprenticeships-starts-by-geography-level-and-age.xls

Table 1: Higher Apprenticeship Starts by Provider Type, 2011/12 to 2013/14

Provider Type

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

General FE and Tertiary College

1,300

4,000

3,100

Other Public Funded

100

200

100

Private Sector Public Funded

2,300

5,500

5,800

Sixth Form College

-

100

100

Specialist College

-

-

100

Higher Apprenticeship Total

3,700

9,800

9,200

Notes:

1) The source is the Individualised Learner Record (ILR).

2) Volumes are rounded to the nearest 10 except for Totals, which are rounded to the nearest 100 ; “-“ represents a base value of less than 5.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many students started a higher level apprenticeship at levels 4, 5 and 6 in (a) 2013-14, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2011-12 in each further education and higher education institution in England.

As the requested table is large, information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by each further education provider in England has been placed in the libraries of the house. The information is not available for Higher Education Institutions.

Table 1 shows the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by provider type.

Information on the number of Higher Apprenticeship starts by geography is published in a supplementary table to a Statistical First Release:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382956/apprenticeships-starts-by-geography-level-and-age.xls

Table 1: Higher Apprenticeship Starts by Provider Type, 2011/12 to 2013/14

Provider Type

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

General FE and Tertiary College

1,300

4,000

3,100

Other Public Funded

100

200

100

Private Sector Public Funded

2,300

5,500

5,800

Sixth Form College

-

100

100

Specialist College

-

-

100

Higher Apprenticeship Total

3,700

9,800

9,200

Notes:

1) The source is the Individualised Learner Record (ILR).

2) Volumes are rounded to the nearest 10 except for Totals, which are rounded to the nearest 100 ; “-“ represents a base value of less than 5.

17th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many degree students were supported by employers in the most recent year for which figures are available; and in how many such cases tax relief was granted on the employer's costs.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects data on students enrolled at UK Higher Education Providers. In academic year 2012/13, there were 18,780 students enrolled on First Degrees in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the UK whose main source of tuition fees was their employer. Information on tax relief granted on employers’ costs should be requested from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

15th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether his Department has made compensation payments to householders whose homes have suffered damage from work under the Affordable Warmth Obligation.

Consumer protection is an important aspect of any energy efficiency scheme. ECO is an obligation on the largest energy suppliers, and suppliers use in-house operation teams or contract third party installation companies to promote and install energy efficiency improvements in households. Compensation payments would therefore be provided through the energy suppliers or their contractors, not by Government.

However, we have recently consulted on additional warranty provisions under ECO Affordable Warmth. We will announce the outcome of that consultation shortly.

Consumers can also access the usual consumer protection routes such as Citizens Advice (08454 04 05 06) and Trading Standards.

10th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he has taken to prevent contractors offering insulation under the Affordable Warmth Obligation presenting this as a Government scheme.

Government has set up the Energy Saving Advice Service (0300 123 1234) so people can receive independent advice about energy efficiency schemes. This service can also check eligibility for Affordable Warmth assistance and make a referral directly to an obligated energy supplier. ESAS agents explain the customer journey, making it clear to customers that ECO Affordable Warmth is an obligation that requires the largest energy suppliers to help households install energy saving improvements.

Energy suppliers and their partners may also contact people directly to identify eligible customers, including those who may benefit from insulation (and other measures) under Affordable Warmth. Businesses must adhere to the relevant regulations and codes of practice when promoting their services.

9th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of measures to compensate householders who suffer faulty work under the Affordable Warmth Obligation.

ECO has a range of consumer protection mechanisms in place. Where applicable, installers must be registered gas safe and adhere to industry standards, including PAS2030 and building regulations.

The scheme administrator, Ofgem, requires 5% of measures to undergo independent technical monitoring. Where failures are found, suppliers are required to remedy this and correct faulty work. Technical monitoring results are published online at:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/energy-companies-obligation-eco-technical-monitoring-report-%E2%80%93-june-2014

In addition, consumers can of course access the usual consumer protection routes such as Trading Standards.

Consumer protection is an important aspect of any energy efficiency scheme and we continue to assess the controls that are in place. For example, we have recently consulted on the warranty provisions under ECO Affordable Warmth. We will announce the outcome of that consultation shortly.

17th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate he has made of the number of former BAE staff at the Portsmouth shipyard who have been recruited by overseas ship-builders.

The local taskforce is working to secure positive outcomes for all staff leaving BAE in Portsmouth. It is too early to draw conclusions.

We recognise the importance of manufacturing and engineering skills to the economy: these will be vital to building the Solent area's strengths in marine and maritime. BIS is working closely with industry, Job Centre Plus, and Portsmouth Council to support those employees impacted by BAE's decision to close its shipyard in Portsmouth.

The Southampton & Portsmouth City Deal announced a £1 million DWP Rapid Response Service that will support those recently made redundant. Government and local industry will invest £3m in a Marine and Maritime Employer Ownership for skills Programme, responding to the immediate skills needs in small and medium sized enterprises in the advanced manufacturing sector.

Additionally the existing UK wide Talent Retention Solution is available to help match skilled workers to engineering jobs in the UK and is currently advertising 693vacancies in the south of England on its website[1].


[1] Active TRS vacancies listed on 18 June 2014.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the availability of training in manufacturing and engineering skills in Hampshire subsequent to the closure of the BAE shipyard in Portsmouth.

We recognise the importance of manufacturing and engineering skills to the economy : these will be vital to building the Solent area's strengths in marine and maritime. BIS is working closely with industry, Job Centre Plus, and Portsmouth Council to support those employees impacted by BAE's decision to close its shipyard in Portsmouth, including providing upskilling and reskilling opportunities.

In the Southampton & Portsmouth City Deal, we announced a £1 million DWP Rapid Response Service that will support those recently made redundant and that Government and local industry will invest £3m in a Marine and Maritime Employer Ownership for skills Programme, responding to the immediate skills needs in small and medium sized enterprises in the advance manufacturing sector. Alongside the City Deal, £5m from the ‘Solent Future' Regional Growth Fund programme is available to support the up-skilling and re-skilling of BAE staff facing redundancy.

The Skills Funding Agency is also working with colleges and training providers in the Solent area to ensure that support is available to any employees at risk of redundancy to update/reskill - supported by £2.5m of Skills Support for Redundancy European Social Fund money. Additionally the existing UK wide Talent Retention Solution is available to help match skilled workers to engineering jobs in the local area (currently advertising 692vacancies in the south of England on its website[1]) and the National Careers Service is available to offer free impartial careers advice to those impacted on updating skills or retraining for alternative employment.

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership are involved in detailed negotiations with Government for Growth Deals that will see powers and funding devolved from Whitehall to local partners to drive growth in their area – which covers Hampshire. Solent and EM3 have both put forward proposals to grow the skills – particularly STEM and engineering skills – in their areas. We expect to make announcements on Growth Deals shortly.


[1] Active TRS vacancies listed on 11 June 2014.

19th Nov 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number and proportion of (a) men and (b) women in (i) full-time and (ii) part-time work in each (A) local authority area and (B) parliamentary constituency earning less than the living wage.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

27th Jun 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which organisations funded by his Department restrict employment to members of particular faiths.

All organisations funded by the Cabinet Office have to adhere to relevant employment legislation including the Equal Opportunities Act and Sex Discrimination Act.

27th Jun 2014
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his Department's policy is on funding organisations that restrict their employment to members of particular faiths.

All organisations funded by the Cabinet Office have to adhere to relevant employment legislation including the Equal Opportunities Act and Sex Discrimination Act.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the annual survey of hours and earnings published on 12 December 2013, if he will estimate the number and proportion of (a) men and (b) women in (i) full-time and (ii) part-time work in each (A) local authority area and (B) parliamentary constituency earning the national minimum wage in April 2013 defined as (1) adults aged 21 years and over earning less than £6.24, (2) youths (aged 18 to 20) earning less than £5.03 and (3) 16 to 17 year olds earning less than £3.73.

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.

17th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many teachers have had action taken against them under Teachers' Standards for (a) undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and (b) failing to ensure that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils' vulnerability or might lead them to break the law in the last two years.

The National College for Teaching and Leadership has prohibited two teachers following professional conduct hearings where the allegations relate to behaviours outlined in the question.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of UK aid in countering terrorism in Pakistan and strengthening the Pakistani judiciary.

UK aid to Pakistan addresses the conditions that might engender violent extremism by reducing poverty, meeting basic needs, increasing economic opportunities and promoting inclusion. It supports the government to build an effective state which is more able to respond to violent extremism through strengthening democratic processes and institutions, delivering better services and improving access to justice.

9th Jul 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2014, Official Report, column 592W, on developing countries, which organisations based (a) in the UK and (b) overseas, with which her Department has contracts, restrict employment in certain posts because they require a particular understanding of the faith-based values and beliefs of that organisation; and what proportion of such posts are so restricted in each such organisation.

DFID works to ensure that organisations delivering contracts on its behalf do not discriminate. DFID is not aware of contracting any organisation that restricts employment to members of particular faiths.

26th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, which overseas organisations funded by her Department restrict employment to members of particular faiths.

DFID does not fund any organisation that state they specifically restrict employment to members of particular faiths. However, we acknowledge that certain posts require a particular understanding of the faith-based values and beliefs of individual organisations.

26th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what her Department's policy in funding overseas organisations that restict their employment to members of particular faiths.

DFID works to ensure that organisations supported do not discriminate. All DFID funding is subject to pre funding Due Diligence, which includes an analysis of the robustness of the organisation's operational and commercial systems, processes and procedures, including compliance with relevant policies, legislation and regulations on discrimination.

24th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many drivers who have provided the necessary medical evidence are waiting to have their driving licence restored following temporary suspension for medical reasons.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not temporarily suspend driving licences. Drivers may have their licence revoked or choose to surrender their licence voluntarily if their medical condition affects their fitness to drive.

Customers applying in these circumstances are not easily identifiable. An estimate based on information available suggests around 9,000 applicants who have produced the necessary medical evidence are awaiting assessment. Once a decision has been made to re-issue the licence this is done immediately.

24th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how long drivers who have produced the necessary medical evidence have waitied before their licence is restored following suspension for medical reasons.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not temporarily suspend driving licences. Drivers may have their licence revoked or choose to surrender their licence voluntarily if their medical condition affects their fitness to drive.

On average, drivers who have produced the necessary medical evidence following revocation wait eight weeks before their licence is restored.

24th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the longest period waited was on the receipt of the necessary medical evidence, to restore a driving licence for those drivers who have temporarily had their licence suspended for medical reasons in the latest period for which figures are available.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency does not temporarily suspend driving licences. Drivers may have their licence revoked or choose to surrender their licence voluntarily if their medical condition affects their fitness to drive.

Each case must be fully assessed before determining whether sufficient medical evidence has been supplied. More information is needed in some cases and may involve detailed consultation with medical professionals.

Figures are not routinely kept of the amount of time an applicant may wait in these circumstances. An exercise in February 2014 suggested some customers may have waited up to 20 weeks. Once a decision has been made to re-issue the licence this is done immediately.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the government of Pakistan on that country's strategy to prevent further attacks by Lashkar-e-Janghevi.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism and we will stand together to tackle terrorism and the extremism that sustains it.

The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron) and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) have discussed with Prime Minister Sharif on a number of occasions the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to tackle terrorism.

Prime Minister Sharif has pledged that his Government’s counter terrorism activity is directed against all militant groups. The Pakistan authorities have publicly stated that that they intend to tackle terrorists of all hues without any discrimination. We continue to encourage Pakistan to ensure that it takes a comprehensive approach to dealing with terrorists.

The UK effort on counter-terrorism is supported by intensive diplomatic work, both bilaterally and multilaterally in concert with key partners such as the United States and the European Union. Collectively, we are working to support the development of strong institutions and machinery of Government in Pakistan to deliver a sustainable approach to countering terrorism and tackling all forms of terrorism.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to multilateral institutions to encourage the government of Pakistan to extend its recent military action against militants to include Lashkar-e-Janghevi.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism and we will stand together to tackle terrorism and the extremism that sustains it.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has discussed with Prime Minister Sharif on a number of occasions the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to tackle terrorism.

Prime Minister Sharif has pledged that his Government’s counter terrorism activity is directed against all militant groups. The Pakistan authorities have publicly stated that that they intend to tackle terrorists of all hues without any discrimination. We continue to encourage Pakistan to ensure that it takes a comprehensive approach to dealing with terrorists.

The UK effort on counter-terrorism is supported by intensive diplomatic work, both bilaterally and multilaterally in concert with key partners such as the United States and the European Union. Collectively, we are working to support the development of strong institutions and machinery of Government in Pakistan to deliver a sustainable approach to countering terrorism and tackling all forms of terrorism.

6th Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the government of Pakistan to encourage it to extend its recent military action against militants to include Lashkar-e-Janghevi.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism and we will stand together to tackle terrorism and the extremism that sustains it. The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has discussed with Prime Minister Sharif on a number of occasions the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to tackle terrorism. Prime Minister Sharif has pledged that his Government’s counter terrorism activity is directed against all militant groups. The Pakistan authorities have publicly stated that that they intend to tackle terrorists of all hues without any discrimination. We continue to encourage Pakistan to ensure that it takes a comprehensive approach to dealing with terrorists. The UK effort on counter-terrorism is supported by intensive diplomatic work, both bilaterally and multilaterally in concert with key partners such as the United States and the European Union. Collectively, we are working to support the development of strong institutions and machinery of Government in Pakistan to deliver a sustainable approach to countering terrorism and tackling all forms of terrorism.

10th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in Pakistan on the activities of ISIS in Pakistan.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism. We are playing an active role internationally to combat ISIL, cooperating with our closest allies and partners, including the Gulf states.

The UK Government remains fully committed to working in partnership with Pakistan to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. We regularly discuss counter-terrorism issues with Pakistani officials.

There are media reports of limited rhetorical support for ISIL in some parts of Pakistan in the form of leaflets and graffiti. A statement in early October by the Pakistani Taliban, an umbrella group, expressing support for ISIL was followed shortly afterwards by a second expressing the group’s loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar. In mid-October, some media reported that a small group of Pakistani Taliban leaders had pledged personal allegiance to ISIL.

10th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other states taking military action in Iraq and Syria on possible ISIS influence in Pakistan.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism. We are playing an active role internationally to combat ISIL, cooperating with our closest allies and partners, including the Gulf states.

The UK Government remains fully committed to working in partnership with Pakistan to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. We regularly discuss counter-terrorism issues with Pakistani officials.

There are media reports of limited rhetorical support for ISIL in some parts of Pakistan in the form of leaflets and graffiti. A statement in early October by the Pakistani Taliban, an umbrella group, expressing support for ISIL was followed shortly afterwards by a second expressing the group’s loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar. In mid-October, some media reported that a small group of Pakistani Taliban leaders had pledged personal allegiance to ISIL.

10th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Gulf States on the funding of Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated groups in Pakistan by such states and private sources based in those states.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism. We are playing an active role internationally to combat ISIL, cooperating with our closest allies and partners, including the Gulf states.

The UK Government remains fully committed to working in partnership with Pakistan to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. We regularly discuss counter-terrorism issues with Pakistani officials.

There are media reports of limited rhetorical support for ISIL in some parts of Pakistan in the form of leaflets and graffiti. A statement in early October by the Pakistani Taliban, an umbrella group, expressing support for ISIL was followed shortly afterwards by a second expressing the group’s loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar. In mid-October, some media reported that a small group of Pakistani Taliban leaders had pledged personal allegiance to ISIL.

10th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of recruitment of new members to ISIS in Pakistan.

The UK and Pakistan have a shared interest in the battle against terrorism. We are playing an active role internationally to combat ISIL, cooperating with our closest allies and partners, including the Gulf states.

The UK Government remains fully committed to working in partnership with Pakistan to tackle terrorism and violent extremism. We regularly discuss counter-terrorism issues with Pakistani officials.

There are media reports of limited rhetorical support for ISIL in some parts of Pakistan in the form of leaflets and graffiti. A statement in early October by the Pakistani Taliban, an umbrella group, expressing support for ISIL was followed shortly afterwards by a second expressing the group’s loyalty to Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar. In mid-October, some media reported that a small group of Pakistani Taliban leaders had pledged personal allegiance to ISIL.

17th Dec 2014
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many employers were granted tax relief on expenditure on training to degree level in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what the total value was of that tax relief.

The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

17th Dec 2014
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what definition of training his Department uses for the purposes of allowing tax relief on employer spending on training.

In calculating taxable business profits, employers can deduct revenue expenditure on any kind of employee training providing the expenditure is incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the business.

More detail on tax deductions for expenditure on staff training and development is available in HMRC’s Business Income Manual

(http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/BIM47080.htm

17th Dec 2014
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much tax relief was claimed by employers on expenditure on training in the most recent year for which figures are available.

The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.