Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Attorney General:
To ask the Attorney General, whether the Government plans to extend the scope of the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
Answered by Robert Buckland
The Government re-committed in our manifesto that we will extend the scope of the unduly lenient sentence scheme. We will shortly be extending the scheme so that it applies to terrorism offences sentenced in the Crown Court.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to fill the vacancy of Chief Scientific Adviser to his Department; and what the timetable is for advertising and filling that vacancy.
Answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
The Ministry of Defence's Chief Scientific Adviser post was advertised in 2016. After an extensive recruitment and selection process, a preferred candidate was identified. The appointment will be announced shortly.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether there is a vacancy for a Chief Scientific Adviser in her Department.
Answered by Matt Hancock
Due to its small size DCMS does not employ a Chief Scientific Adviser, using its Science Advisory Council to ensure officials have access to high level, independent, scientific and technical advice. While there is currently no plan to recruit a CSA this position is regularly reviewed.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, for how long the post of Chief Scientific Adviser to her Department has been vacant; and what plans she has to advertise for and fill that vacancy.
Answered by Phillip Lee
The Ministry of Justice does not have a vacancy for the post of Chief Scientific Adviser. Osama Rahman, Director of Analysis and Chief Economist, is the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Ministry of Justice.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether there is a vacancy for a Chief Scientific Advisor to the Treasury.
Answered by David Gauke
Following the departure of the previous Chief Scientific Adviser to the Treasury in November 2016, the Treasury expects to appoint a new Chief Scientific Adviser in due course.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether he plans to fill the vacancy at the post of Chief Scientific Advisor to his Department.
Answered by Greg Hands - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Officials in the Department for International trade are working with Sir Mark Walport, the Government Chief Scientific Advisor, and the Government Office for Science to provide advice on the specification for any such role.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the term of office of the current Chief Scientific Adviser to her Department ends; and what the timescale will be for filling that vacancy when it arises.
Answered by Sarah Newton
The Home Office is in the process of recruiting a new Chief Scientific Advisor at the moment. A suitable candidate will be appointed as soon as is practicable. As with any recruitment process the timescale for filling the vacancy is dependent upon attracting and selecting a suitable candidate, notice periods, and completion of pre-employment and security checks.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Northern Ireland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, for how long the post of Chief Scientific Adviser to his Department has been vacant; and what plans he has to advertise for and fill that vacancy.
Answered by Kris Hopkins
The Northern Ireland Office does not have a post of Chief Scientific Adviser.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with local authorities on the creation of new garden villages.
Answered by Lord Barwell
We have recently announced our support for 14 new garden villages, with the potential to deliver more than 48,000 homes across England, alongside new jobs, new facilities and a real boost to local economies. We will continue to engage with local authorities to deliver locally-led proposals for high quality new communities.
Asked by: Stephen Metcalfe (Conservative - South Basildon and East Thurrock)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage innovation by defence suppliers.
Answered by Harriett Baldwin
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire (Nigel Huddleston).