Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his planned timeframe is for establishing the arms-length body that will manage the compensation payments stemming from the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Answered by John Glen
The Government has committed to update Parliament through an oral statement on next steps within 25 sitting days following the publication of the final report on 20 May, and it is our intention to make this statement as soon as possible. Additionally, we will bring forward amendments at Report Stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the Other Place with the intention of speeding up the implementation of the Government’s response to the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who has been appointed to the Infected Blood Inquiry expert group.
Answered by John Glen
Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery has been appointed as the chair of the expert group to advise on the Government’s response to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s recommendations on compensation. The names of the other members of the expert group have not been disclosed to safeguard the privacy and ability of experts to continue their frontline clinical roles whilst advising on Government policy.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his planned timetable is for announcing full compensation payments relating to the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Answered by John Glen
The Government will respond in full to Sir Brian Langstaff’s recommendations on compensation following the publication of the Inquiry’s final report on 20th May, and we will provide an update to Parliament on next steps within 25 sitting days following this date. Additionally, we will bring forward amendments at Report Stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the Other Place with the intention of speeding up the implementation of the Government’s response to the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on how the Infected Blood Inquiry calculated its estimate that 30,000 NHS patients were exposed to hepatitis B or C.
Answered by John Glen
The Cabinet Office holds no information in relation to the Inquiry's methodology. The process and findings of the independent inquiry are a matter for the Chair, Sir Brian Langstaff.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2016 to Question 44840, on honours: males, if he will take steps to ensure that all future press releases on honours nominations include men when appealing for nominations of people who deserve an honour.
Answered by Ben Gummer
Anyone can nominate anyone for an honour. The Cabinet Office outreach includes this message in all public communications, including press releases.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department has taken to prepare for the UK to leave the EU since 23 June 2016; and what further such steps his Department plans to take in the remainder of 2016.
Answered by Chris Skidmore
The Department for Exiting the European Union has responsibility for overseeing preparations for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and conducting these withdrawal negotiations in support of the Prime Minister. In doing this it is working very closely with other government departments, including a wide range of other interested parties.
I also refer my Hon. Friend to my answers of 7 September 2016, Official Report, Cols. 317-318, on cross-government departmental resourcing.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Prime Minister, what steps 10 Downing Street has taken to prepare for the UK to leave the EU since 23 June 2016; and what further such steps 10 Downing Street plans to take in the remainder of 2016.
Answered by Baroness May of Maidenhead
I refer the hon. Member to the Oral Statement I gave to the House on 7 September 2016, Official Report, column 336.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what polling and research his Department has conducted into public opinion on the EU and the EU referendum since 1 January 2015.
Answered by John Penrose
Cabinet Office asked independent polling company TNS to carry out a survey in March (2016). This poll found showed that 85% of the public wanted more information on the EU referendum from the Government. TNS published this poll on their website.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 21 April 2016 to Question 33531 and of 14 April 2016 to Question 33450, what further government activities are planned to promote the Government's position on the EU Referendum prior to 23 June 2016.
Answered by John Penrose
The Government will comply fully with the statutory restrictions that will be in place from 27 May. The Government will continue to set out its position that the UK will be stronger, safer and better off remaining in a reformed EU.
Asked by: Karl McCartney (Conservative - Lincoln)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 14 April 2016 to Questions 33531 and 33450, what total budget has been set aside by the Government to promote its position on the EU Referendum; how much of that budget has been spent; and how much future spending is planned until 23 June 2016.
Answered by John Penrose
The Government published details of the cost of the production, distribution and publication of its EU Referendum leaflet and associated website on 6th April 2016. The Government continues to take forward its policy on the full range of European business, including the Referendum, as part of the normal work of Departments. Departments will account for expenditure in the normal way, through Annual Report and Accounts.