Robert Flello

Labour - Former Member for Stoke-on-Trent South

First elected: 5th May 2005


Panel of Chairs
11th Oct 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Transport Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Finance and Services Committee
26th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow Minister (Justice)
8th Oct 2010 - 2nd Oct 2013
Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
17th Jul 2005 - 30th Oct 2007
Science and Technology Committee
17th Jul 2005 - 30th Oct 2007
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
17th Jul 2005 - 30th Oct 2007


Division Voting information

Robert Flello has voted in 1935 divisions, and 20 times against the majority of their Party.

13 Mar 2017 - Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Labour No votes vs 145 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 172 Noes - 142
8 Feb 2017 - Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 68 Labour No votes vs 85 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 126
23 Feb 2015 - Serious Crime Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 28 Labour Aye votes vs 178 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 201 Noes - 292
15 Jul 2014 - Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill (Business of the House) - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 21 Labour No votes vs 181 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 436 Noes - 49
15 Jul 2014 - Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Labour Aye votes vs 185 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 56 Noes - 454
21 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Labour No votes vs 194 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 161
20 May 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 18 Labour Aye votes vs 190 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 163 Noes - 321
5 Feb 2013 - Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Labour No votes vs 216 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 400 Noes - 175
28 Jan 2013 - Succession to the Crown Bill - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Labour Aye votes vs 154 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 38 Noes - 371
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Robert Flello 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
Robert Flello 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
23 Nov 2011 - Schengen Governance - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Labour No votes vs 171 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 461 Noes - 23
7 Sep 2011 - Health and Social Care (Re-committed) Bill - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Labour Aye votes vs 208 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 118 Noes - 368
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 48 Labour Aye votes vs 230 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 299
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 49 Labour Aye votes vs 227 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - 298
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 47 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 194 Noes - 306
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 45 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 183 Noes - 308
22 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Labour No votes vs 261 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 355 Noes - 129
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Robert Flello voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 152 Labour No votes vs 162 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 416 Noes - 163
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Robert Flello 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
View All Robert Flello 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
John Bercow (Speaker)
(29 debate interactions)
Chris Grayling (Conservative)
(23 debate interactions)
Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton (Conservative)
Foreign Secretary
(22 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Ministry of Justice
(93 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(73 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(67 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Robert Flello's debates

Stoke-on-Trent South Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Robert Flello has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Robert Flello

20th March 2017
Robert Flello signed this EDM on Tuesday 25th April 2017

PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL TIME LIMIT

Tabled by: Caroline Lucas (Green Party - Brighton, Pavilion)
That this House notes the key findings of research funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and undertaken by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that some 54,000 women a year are forced out of work by pregnancy or maternity discrimination, and that 77 per cent of …
71 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Apr 2017)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 30
Scottish National Party: 25
Liberal Democrat: 6
Independent: 5
Plaid Cymru: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
1st March 2017
Robert Flello signed this EDM on Tuesday 25th April 2017

OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Tabled by: Mark Durkan (Social Democratic & Labour Party - Foyle)
That this House supports Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month which takes place in March 2017; notes that over 7,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer across the UK each year; is concerned that just one in five women are able to name the lead symptom of bloating; recognises that early diagnosis …
53 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Apr 2017)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 19
Labour: 17
Democratic Unionist Party: 5
Independent: 4
Conservative: 4
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Liberal Democrat: 2
Ulster Unionist Party: 1
Plaid Cymru: 1
View All Robert Flello's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Robert Flello, 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.


Robert Flello has not been granted any Urgent Questions

5 Adjournment Debates led by Robert Flello

Thursday 5th November 2015
Tuesday 18th November 2014
Thursday 12th September 2013
Monday 30th January 2012

1 Bill introduced by Robert Flello


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

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Commons
Friday 12th November 2010

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
7 Other Department Questions
26th Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of the disruption at Calais to the economy in the last three months.

Understanding the full cost to the economy would require a detailed analysis of business supply chains. This information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

21st Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he took the decision not to provide funding to trainees to support the cost of gaining a large goods vehicle licence.

There is a longstanding principle, dating back to 2005, which was communicated to the sector in the 2007/08 funding year, that, in general, we do not provide funding for provision that is either an employer or a statutory requirement. Instead, we believe that these costs should be met by employers or individuals themselves.

15th Jul 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, for what reasons a person registering title to a property is not required to provide proof of the applicant's identity; and whether he plans to review the requirements for proving identity when registering title to a property.

Land Registry is the land registration authority for England and Wales. It requires confirmation of a person’s identity (including when the person is a corporate body, for example a company) when an application is made to register:

· a transfer of a property or a transfer of a mortgage, both for value and not for value, for example, by way of gift;

· a lease of property, both for value and not for value,

· a surrender of a registered lease,

· a mortgage

· a discharge or release of a mortgage when the discharge or release is in paper form.

Confirmation of identity is also required on:

· the first registration of a freehold or leasehold estate following an event which induces registration, for example a sale or mortgage,

· the voluntary first registration of a freehold or leasehold estate where the title deeds have been lost or destroyed.

The confirmation of identity is required for both the person disposing or granting the interest, for example, the seller, and also for the person acquiring the interest, for example, the buyer.

Land Registry also requires confirmation of identity when a person changes their name and the change is evidenced by deed poll, a statutory declaration or statement of truth, and when a citizen applies to change their address in the land register.

Land Registry does not routinely require confirmation of identity in other situations but may ask for this before completing a registration if it considers it prudent to do so.

Confirmation of identity is also not required where the value of the land involved in a disposal does not exceed £6,000.

Land Registry’s requirements are based on the most significant fraud risks which are where an application is made to change the registered owner of a registered estate or a mortgage or their details in the register. It keeps its counter-fraud requirements under regular review and has from time-to-time introduced additional requirements to deal with identified threats.

9th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to ensure that employees working on zero-hours contracts, who are in practice working regular hours over an extended period, have the right to a fixed-term contract.

All employees on zero hours contracts can already, after 26 weeks, request a move to fixed hours contracts under flexible working legislation, brought in on 30 June 2014. We are also currently banning exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts and the employment status review currently taking place is looking further at the employment rights zero hours workers have.

21st Jan 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if the Government will consider extending the student loans system to cover training and apprenticeships for the freight industry.

Adult learners undertaking full Level 3 or Level 4 qualifications approved for public funding may be eligible for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. These include A Levels, Access to HE Diplomas and other Certificates and Diplomas, many of which will be appropriate to the freight industry.

Apprenticeships are jobs with training. Funding for the training element of an apprenticeship is provided by the Government and the employer – not the apprentice. Student loans are therefore not appropriate for apprenticeships.

15th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he is taking to help households with energy bills.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to Questions 906709, 906716, 906719, 906724 and 906725:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm141218/debtext/141218-0001.htm#14121837000006

11th Nov 2016
To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions she has had on Kashmir with the Prime Minister of India and Indian officials during her recent visit to that country.

During my visit I discussed a variety of issues with Prime Minister Modi, including Kashmir.

The UK's long-standing position, held by successive Governments, is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

1st Nov 2016
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which government departments allow professional drivers making deliveries to departmental premises to use employee toilet facilities.

It is for individual departments to determine their own access arrangements. The Cabinet Office's own protective security arrangements apply to staff, contractors and all visitors. It is not the policy of the department to publish what those arrangements are.

9th Jun 2016
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people are resident in the areas covered by each clinical commissioning group in England; and how many births were recorded in each such area in each of the last three years.

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

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of civil contingencies processes in his Department.

The Cabinet Office works with other government departments, devolved administrations, emergency responders and other organisations to enhance the UK’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. The effectiveness of these arrangements is reviewed regularly to ensure lessons arising from emergencies are identified and actioned.

13th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate his Department has made of the amount of sustainable, renewable energy which can be generated from a water mill.

The level of electricity generation is dependent on the flow rate of the water and the difference in elevation between the intake and the outlet. Capacities for run of river plants tend to be below 2 Megawatts and more typically below 500 Kilowatts. Current UK hydro capacity is estimated at 1,750 Megawatts with further potential of around 1,000 Megawatts, mostly at small scale in remote locations.

13th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many water mills there are in the UK in (a) total, (b) fully working condition, (c) need of repair and (d) need of full rebuilding.

The Government does not keep data on water mills.

The majority of hydro capacity in Great Britain was installed in Scotland in the first hydro revolution in the 1950s, with a smaller amount installed in Wales. The majority of these installations are still operating. In 2015, it was estimated that there were 1,065 operational plants with a capacity of 1,750 Megawatts, generating 6 Terawatt hours (equivalent to 1.8% of UK electricity supply)[1].

The Government does not monitor the condition of existing hydro power plants in the UK. It is a business decision for companies to determine when to carry out repairs and refurbishments.

[1] www.gov.uk/government/statistics/regional-renewable-statistics

19th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what legal powers TV Licensing have to compel an occupier who does not have television receiving equipment to notify TV Licensing that no television licence is required.

There are no legal powers to compel an occupier to notify TV licensing that no TV licence is required. All TV Licensing letters ask people who don’t need a licence to get in touch in order to update their records.

19th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has received any representations about the tone of letters sent by TV Licensing to occupiers who do not have television receiving equipment but who choose not to notify TV Licensing of that fact.

We have received one representation about the tone of letters sent by TV Licensing to an occupier who did ​not have television receiving equipment but who chose not to notify TV Licensing of that fact.

7th Oct 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make representations to the BBC as part of the Charter renewal process on the level of coverage of (a) World Youth Day 2016 and (b) the canonisation of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Under the terms of the BBC’s Charter and Agreement, the BBC is operationally and editorially independent of Government and there is no provision for the Government to intervene in the Corporation’s day-to-day operations

14th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many new entrants there were for religious education initial teacher training courses in each of the last five years.

The numbers of new entrants to religious education initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England, and the target levels, for each of the last five years are as shown in Table 1 below.

The numbers of people achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) in religious studies in each of the last five years are as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 1: New entrants to Religious Education ITT courses.

Year

Postgraduate ITT new entrants

Postgraduate ITT target

Percentage of the postgraduate target achieved

Undergraduate ITT new entrants

2011/12

463

446

104%

15

2012/13

471

439

107%

12

2013/14

367

450

82%

12

2014/15

386

537

72%

8

2015/16

411

650

63%

14


Table 2: Final year religious education trainees obtaining QTS awards.

Year

Postgraduate

Undergraduate

Number awarded QTS

Number not awarded QTS

Total

Percentage awarded QTS

Number awarded QTS

Number not awarded QTS

Total

Percentage awarded QTS

2009/10

755

96

851

89%

12

2

14

86%

2010/11

762

78

840

91%

19

2

21

90%

2011/12

464

71

535

87%

17

7

24

71%

2012/13

419

65

484

87%

25

5

30

83%

2013/14

321

23

344

93%

12

0

12

100%


Further information is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-teacher-training

14th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the target was for new entrants on to Religious Education initial teacher training courses in each of the last five years.

The numbers of new entrants to religious education initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England, and the target levels, for each of the last five years are as shown in Table 1 below.

The numbers of people achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) in religious studies in each of the last five years are as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 1: New entrants to Religious Education ITT courses.

Year

Postgraduate ITT new entrants

Postgraduate ITT target

Percentage of the postgraduate target achieved

Undergraduate ITT new entrants

2011/12

463

446

104%

15

2012/13

471

439

107%

12

2013/14

367

450

82%

12

2014/15

386

537

72%

8

2015/16

411

650

63%

14


Table 2: Final year religious education trainees obtaining QTS awards.

Year

Postgraduate

Undergraduate

Number awarded QTS

Number not awarded QTS

Total

Percentage awarded QTS

Number awarded QTS

Number not awarded QTS

Total

Percentage awarded QTS

2009/10

755

96

851

89%

12

2

14

86%

2010/11

762

78

840

91%

19

2

21

90%

2011/12

464

71

535

87%

17

7

24

71%

2012/13

419

65

484

87%

25

5

30

83%

2013/14

321

23

344

93%

12

0

12

100%


Further information is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-teacher-training

14th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many people achieved qualified teacher status in religious studies in each of the last five years.

The numbers of new entrants to religious education initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England, and the target levels, for each of the last five years are as shown in Table 1 below.

The numbers of people achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) in religious studies in each of the last five years are as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 1: New entrants to Religious Education ITT courses.

Year

Postgraduate ITT new entrants

Postgraduate ITT target

Percentage of the postgraduate target achieved

Undergraduate ITT new entrants

2011/12

463

446

104%

15

2012/13

471

439

107%

12

2013/14

367

450

82%

12

2014/15

386

537

72%

8

2015/16

411

650

63%

14


Table 2: Final year religious education trainees obtaining QTS awards.

Year

Postgraduate

Undergraduate

Number awarded QTS

Number not awarded QTS

Total

Percentage awarded QTS

Number awarded QTS

Number not awarded QTS

Total

Percentage awarded QTS

2009/10

755

96

851

89%

12

2

14

86%

2010/11

762

78

840

91%

19

2

21

90%

2011/12

464

71

535

87%

17

7

24

71%

2012/13

419

65

484

87%

25

5

30

83%

2013/14

321

23

344

93%

12

0

12

100%


Further information is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-teacher-training

13th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the use of water mills to generate electricity.

No specific discussions have occurred at Ministerial level on the use of water mills to generate electricity. However officials from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Environment Agency cooperate closely to ensure that small-scale hydropower is exploited in a sustainable way so as to minimise environmental and other impacts.

20th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information her Department holds on who took the decision to request the use of a helicopter to winch passengers off the bus in Dailley, Ayrshire, during the floods of December 2015.

These decisions would have been taken by the Scottish Government, as flooding is a devolved matter.

20th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information her Department holds on who took the decision not to use a professional heavy vehicle recovery operator to recover the bus which was trapped in floodwater in Dailley, Ayrshire, in December 2015.

These decisions would have been taken by the Scottish Government, as flooding is a devolved matter.

7th Sep 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the animal carcass rendering industry on transportation of carcasses to rendering sites.

Defra officials held constructive discussions with the rendering industry on this issue on 26 August 2015.

12th Feb 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what analysis and research her Department has undertaken into the potential risk to human health of the transportation of animal carcasses and animal products in unsealed and unrefrigerated vehicles to rendering facilities.

Defra has not undertaken research into the potential risk to human health of the transportation of animal carcasses and animal products in unsealed and unrefrigerated vehicles to rendering facilities.

EU animal by-products (ABP) legislation, which is in force to protect public and animal health, requires animal carcasses and other ABP material to be collected and transported in sealed new packaging or covered leak-proof containers or vehicles at an appropriate temperature. Non-compliance with this requirement is a criminal offence under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013. In addition, the Government has been urging the rendering industry to consider what improvements can be made to current practice when transporting ABPs and on the issue of cooling carcasse material.

The Department understands that the rendering industry is currently undertaking and funding its own research into the costs and benefits of chilling ABPs during storage and transport.

2nd Mar 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) financial and (b) other assistance her Department has contributed to international support for children with microcephaly and their families.

The Department for International Development (DFID) has worked with the Department for Heath (who are leading the UK government’s response), Public Health England and the Foreign Commonwealth Office to help develop the UK strategy on Zika and support the World Health Organisation (WHO) galvanise an effective international response. There are four strands of this strategy which are: (a) galvanising effective leadership and international coordination; (b) ensuring a risk-based approach to identify priority regions/countries and likely impact of further spread; (c) shaping and contributing to country and regional responses and (d) playing a lead role in the international research response.

DFID has programmes in a number of countries which will support the Zika response. To date, countries in currently affected regions of Latin America and the Caribbean have not made specific requests for financial and/or other assistance from us to support children with microcephaly. We will continue to carefully assess any requests, offer additional assistance where needed and adapt any existing programmes to the needs required. We have already committed £200,000 of bilateral aid in support of Haiti’s Ministry of Health community mobilisation activities. DFID and Wellcome Trust will contribute £10 million (DFID up to £5million) for Zika research. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with other government departments and WHO.

4th Jun 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department takes to ensure that UK aid is not provided to coercive family-planning schemes or to organisations that are complicit in such schemes.

The UK Government supports the work of various international organisations and agencies to promote informed choice, universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights and women’s empowerment. All UK support to improve sexual and reproductive health – including for family planning – must be provided in the context of informed choice.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
4th Jun 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2015 to Question 20, whether any UK funding is provided to multinational organisations that assist organisations that are closely involved with China's one-child policy.

No organisations the UK funds, who work in China, promote the one-child policy. The UK Government supports the work of various international organisations and agencies to promote informed choice, universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights and women’s empowerment, including voluntary family planning.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
4th Jun 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2015 to Question 20, what the evidential basis is for the statement that sex selection is not caused by the availability of abortion services or technologies; whether her Department considers that antenatal scanning equipment facilitates sex-selective abortion; and if she will make a statement.

The World Health Organisation document “Preventing gender-biased sex selection. An interagency statement”, available online, includes more information and extensive references on these issues.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
27th May 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of sex-selective abortion on the gender balance in China and India; what assessment her Department has made of whether UK-funded equipment is not used to carry out sex-selective abortions in countries which receive UK aid; and on what evidence her Department has made that assessment.

The UK Government does not promote or support abortion on the grounds of gender. The practice of sex selection is not caused by the availability of abortion services or technologies but is a consequence of deep rooted discrimination against women, poverty and cultural preference for sons. Our work on girls' education, women's empowerment, skills and jobs aims to increase the ‘value’ of girls and women in society and therefore tackle the pressures and incentives that drive preferences for male children.

The UK has never supported or funded the one child policy and closed its bilateral aid programme to China in March 2011. In India, our partners are strongly committed to implementing India’s 1994 National Pre-Conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Regulation Act, which bans the use of medical technologies for sex selection purposes.

Grant Shapps
Secretary of State for Defence
20th Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the reduction in the rail freight grant on the volume of freight that will be carried by (a) rail and (b) road.

Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) awards made so far will help to remove about 140,000 fewer lorry journeys from road and onto rail in 2017/18 than the current year end forecast for 2016/17. For 2018/19, it is about 160,000 fewer.

This assessment is based on the first bid round for 2017/18 and 2018/19 funding which was held in December 2016.

Paul Maynard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
20th Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2017 to Question 64112, if he will publish details of Mark Thurston's previous experience, which was used to inform the decision to appoint him to the role of Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd.

Mark Thurston brings a huge array of varied experience across 30 years in the infrastructure sector around Europe, and in UK rail especially. This includes starting out as an apprentice at TfL, to major international engineering and infrastructure companies The Nichols Group and CH2M. At CH2M, he was the lead for the Programme Partner joint venture on the Olympics and Crossrail as well as overseeing all of CH2M’s European operations. He has held roles at Metronet, Railtrack and Brown and Root Engineering and Construction.

20th Mar 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria were used to set the £535,000 per annum base salary of the new chief executive officer of HS2.

HS2 Ltd conducted an extensive global search for the right candidate to take forward one of the largest and most exciting infrastructure programmes in the world.

The salary was identified as the level necessary to attract and then secure the right candidate to lead the HS2 Project. It has been bench-marked against the salaries for similar senior positions in comparable industry roles. It is a competitive salary for the demands of the role and the skills required.

The job specification which set out the skills and experience criteria were published on the HS2 Ltd website.

Skills

► Information analysis - An ability to assimilate complex, ambiguous and often incomplete information, in order to take action providing clear direction and purpose to the organisation and its stakeholders.

► An ability to understand and focus on detail as needed whilst maintaining the strategic vision and overview to keep the project focused.

► Public speaking & Ambassadorial skills - to lead innovation within the broader industry, working with technical bodies, trade associations, the supply chain and government.

► Ability to build, lead and motivate top executive teams and consensus within these teams and the board.

Knowledge

► An ability to assimilate complex, ambiguous and often incomplete information, in order to take action providing clear direction and purpose to the organisation and its stakeholders.

► Knowledge of best practice approaches to embedding continuous improvement culture as the organisation shifts from concept to delivery and adapts accordingly.

► Knowledge of inclusive leadership techniques and approaches.

Qualifications: Applicants will most likely have a strong academic or professional training and have experience of dealing with complex engineering and business issues.

Experience

► Experience of leading a successful transformation of a large complex commercially-focused delivery organisation, achieving significant improvements in efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.

► Experience of leading an ingrained Health and Safety culture through personal leadership and commitment.

► Experience of effective strategic risk management, change control processes and capital allocation on large scale capital intensive projects or within organisations delivering in this environment.

► Experience of dealing with the procurement of a complex supply chain.

17th Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria his Department set out in recruiting the new Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd on a record of successful delivery.

HS2 Ltd conducted an extensive global search for the right candidate to take forward one of the largest and most exciting infrastructure programmes in the world. The process was led by Sir David Higgins, supported by Heidrick and Struggles (an international executive search firm) that identified 20 candidates from four continents (including America, Australia, Asia, as well as Europe).

The job specification which set out the skills and experience criteria were published on the HS2 Ltd website.

Skills

► Information analysis - An ability to assimilate complex, ambiguous and often incomplete information, in order to take action providing clear direction and purpose to the organisation and its stakeholders.

► An ability to understand and focus on detail as needed whilst maintaining the strategic vision and overview to keep the project focused.

► Public speaking & Ambassadorial skills - to lead innovation within the broader industry, working with technical bodies, trade associations, the supply chain and government.

► Ability to build, lead and motivate top executive teams and consensus within these teams and the board.

Knowledge

► An ability to assimilate complex, ambiguous and often incomplete information, in order to take action providing clear direction and purpose to the organisation and its stakeholders.

► Knowledge of best practice approaches to embedding continuous improvement culture as the organisation shifts from concept to delivery and adapts accordingly.

► Knowledge of inclusive leadership techniques and approaches.

Qualifications: Applicants will most likely have a strong academic or professional training and have experience of dealing with complex engineering and business issues.

Experience

► Experience of leading a successful transformation of a large complex commercially-focused delivery organisation, achieving significant improvements in efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.

► Experience of leading an ingrained Health and Safety culture through personal leadership and commitment.

► Experience of effective strategic risk management, change control processes and capital allocation on large scale capital intensive projects or within organisations delivering in this environment.

► Experience of dealing with the procurement of a complex supply chain.

17th Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what due diligence processes his Department and HS2 Ltd carried out on the suitability of the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HS2 Ltd; and what that CEO's experience is of leading a major UK infrastructure project.

HS2 Ltd’s search consultants, Heidrick and Struggles, conducted a worldwide search and an advertisement was placed in the Sunday Times. Candidates were interviewed initially by Heidrick and Struggles and a shortlist was developed. The final interview was conducted by a panel of 7, which included the Chair of HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport (DfT) Permanent Secretary, the Director General for High Speed 2, a senior Treasury Official and non-Executive Directors of HS2 Ltd and DfT. References were taken and the appointment was approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Mark Thurston brings a huge array of varied experience across 30 years in the infrastructure sector around Europe, and in UK rail especially. This includes starting out as an apprentice at Transport for London, to major international engineering and infrastructure companies The Nichols Group and CH2M. At CH2M, he was the lead for the Programme Partner joint venture on the Olympics and Crossrail as well as overseeing all of CH2M’s European operations.

17th Feb 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what work will be undertaken by the new chief executive of HS2 Ltd on Crossrail and the Olympic Delivery Authority at CH2M; and what his (a) role, (b) job specification and (c) job title is for those two projects.

The new CEO Mark Thurston has left CH2M and will not be working on, Crossrail, the Olympic Delivery Authority or any other projects on behalf of CH2M. He will solely be working for HS2 Ltd.

14th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to ensure that future franchises which incorporate reforms to the structure of the railways integrating Network Rail will incentivise new freight terminals and services.

Rail Freight is a crucial part of our rail network. We published a Rail Freight Strategy in September 2016 which reaffirms our commitment to the rail freight industry and explains how we will work to advance its interests.

The Strategy commits to ensuring that the Government, in developing its strategy for new franchise competitions, will consider how rail freight can be more systemically considered in this process.

We want to ensure any proposals for rail reform work for everyone on the network, and we will be engaging with stakeholders as any new proposals develop.

Alongside this, progress has already been made with Network Rail creating a virtual freight and national passenger operator route to ensure the interests of freight operators are represented.

Paul Maynard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
7th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2016, HCWS 322, Rail update, what discussions he has had with the Rail Delivery Group on his proposals to change the operation of Network Rail.

We engage with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) on a regular basis to inform our thinking on a range on matters. We will work closely with stakeholders across industry, including the RDG, as we develop these specific proposals.

Paul Maynard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
7th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 6 December 2016, HCWS 322, Rail update, what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposals in that Statement.

We follow the standard business case process to inform proposals and ensure value for money.

Paul Maynard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
7th Dec 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to ensure that after changes to Network Rail are made the national rail network is maintained in a suitable condition for rail freight.

Rail freight is an integral part of the railway and will continue to be as we consider how greater alignment between track and train can help deliver a better service for users of the rail network.

The Shaw Report very much recognised the importance of rail freight, and I welcome the reforms Network Rail has already undertaken in response, including the Freight and National Passenger Operators route to ensure the interests of freight are represented.

I believe it is important that we make sure any future reforms to the rail system work for all users of the network. There are a number of potential models for how greater alignment might be achieved, and I want to reassure you that the Department will be consulting with all stakeholders, including the rail freight industry, as thinking on these proposals develops.

Paul Maynard
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
24th Oct 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which organisations and individuals have been invited to attend the logistics industry round table to discuss driver shortage and future recruitment on 17 November 2016.

The invitation list for the round table is yet to be finalised. People from a number of organisations have been asked to keep the time on 17th November available. The organisations (other than Government) involved are Abbey Logistics Group, the British International Freight Association, British Ports, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Freight Transport Association, Freightlink Europe, Labyrinth Solutions, the Rail Delivery Group, Rail Freight Group, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the Road Haulage Association, Unite the Union, the UK Major Ports Group and the UK Warehousing Association.

19th Oct 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what system is available to the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency to ensure compliance with cabotage regulations.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) ensures compliance with the cabotage regulations by carrying out roadside checks, which are conducted by DVSA enforcement examiners.

13th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to address non-payment of tolls, charges, penalties and fees by non-UK drivers.

The Government takes the recovery of non-payment of tolls, charges, penalties and fees very seriously by UK and non UK drivers. The following sets out the steps used by the different organisations responsible in addressing the non-payment of UK charges and penalties.

When a non-UK vehicle uses the Dartford Crossing without paying the Dart Charge, Highways England uses a European debt recovery agency to issue a Penalty Charge Notice. Highways England also runs seasonal compliance campaigns, providing translated material at ports, airports and poster sites in the Calais area to build broader awareness for foreign drivers heading to the UK.

For the HGV levy, the Government has effective enforcement procedures that are delivering 95% compliance rates in Great Britain. The Driver and Vehicle and Licencing Agency (DVLA) has the powers to target non-compliant vehicles, and hold them until a penalty is paid.

Enforcement of road traffic legislation is an operational matter for the police. They are able to issue penalties for speeding, and those who cannot provide a verified UK address can be required to make an on-the-spot roadside payment, known as a fixed penalty deposit.

Local authorities have powers to clamp or remove foreign vehicles to ensure drivers comply with parking restrictions and pay any penalties.

The Government will continue to look at the ways we collect tolls, charges, penalties and fees by non-UK drivers and ensure improvements are made where necessary.

13th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate his Department has made of the amount in tolls, charges, penalties and fees which remain unpaid by (a) commercial and (b) domestic drivers from outside the UK in each of the last five years.

The Government takes recovery of non-payment of tolls, charges, penalties and fees very seriously both by UK and non UK drivers. When it is non-payment from a non UK driver a European debt recovery agency is used to support recovery of outstanding charges.

It is not possible to identify the amount in tolls, charges, penalties and fees which remain unpaid by (a) commercial and (b) domestic drivers from outside the UK in each of the last five years without incurring disproportionate cost as this information could only be obtained by a search of all tolling, charging, penalty charging and fee systems.

7th Jul 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many Highways England vehicles there are available for motorway patrol; how many such vehicles are deployed at any one time; and how many such vehicles deployed carry defibrillators.

Highways England’s traffic officer service has 198 vehicles. On a typical weekday, there are approximately 90 vehicles deployed during the day shifts and around 49 for night times. Where there are major events or severe weather warnings, with likely impacts on the strategic road network, additional vehicles will be used.

None of the vehicles carry defibrillators.

13th Jun 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will place in the Library a copy of the training syllabus, training manuals and associated materials on training for Highways England traffic officers for moving vehicles from live lanes to emergency refuge areas.

The training of carriageway clearance for new Traffic Officers is within a 5 week training programme and supported by an additional 6 week coaching period. For existing experienced Traffic Officers a 1 day practical course in Enhanced Carriageway Clearance is mandated.

The courses are delivered by experienced Traffic Officers and are regularly reviewed. A significant proportion of the learning experience is practical and scenario based. Because of the nature of the training, it would not be appropriate to place any written material, out of context, in the Library. However, Highways England have offered Honourable Members of the Transport Select Committee a visit to one of their Regional Control Centres to observe their Traffic Officers in action.

7th Jun 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with trades unions officials representing Highways England traffic officers on the potential danger of serious injury or death arising from trying to move a heavy goods vehicle from a live lane using a Highways England traffic officer 4 by 4 vehicle.

The Trade Union that represents Highways England Traffic Officers was consulted throughout the life of the enhanced carriageway clearance project, which focused on carriageway clearance of vehicles of all types. Trade Union representatives attended a number of meetings and specific workshops.

7th Jun 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much compensation has been paid from the public purse to owners of heavy goods vehicles damaged as a result of being moved by Highways England traffic officers from live lanes to (a) hard shoulders and (b) emergency refuge areas in the last 12 months.

Highways England has not received any claims relating to heavy goods vehicles damaged as a result of being moved by Highways England traffic officers in the last 12 months. Hence, no compensation has been paid.

7th Jun 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many Highways England traffic officers have been (a) trained to move heavy goods vehicles from live motorway lanes on Smart motorways to emergency refuge areas and (b) not so trained but issued with an instruction manual to move such vehicles.

As at 6 June 2016, 910 Highways England Traffic Officers have been trained in the activity of carriageway clearance. This training is appropriate for all vehicle types as it is designed to provide specific criteria which Traffic Officers must follow to determine whether it is safe to remove any vehicle from a carriageway to a place of relative safety.

In addition, all Traffic Officers who work on smart motorway sections are trained in the specifics of that operational environment before they are designated as safe to operate. No operational activity is undertaken by Highways England Traffic Officers without appropriate training and supporting safe systems of work.