Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department has taken to communicate to the fishing community the (a) requirements to hold a medical certificate and (b) deadlines for applications for such certificates.
Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The requirement to hold a medical certificate has formed part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) ongoing communication and engagement with the fishing community since the regulations were made in 2018. Over the last year, as the deadline approached, the MCA has intensified its communication to raise awareness of the requirements and the deadlines for applications for medical certificates. This included MCA officials attending 36 roadshows in locations around the UK coast to engage with individual fishers. The MCA has also utilised social media, the fishing press, local and national radio to ensure the message was put out to a wide audience. Additionally, the MCA has met regularly with fishing industry representatives to discuss the medical certification requirements and update them on the progress of implementation.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had discussions with his Irish counterpart on that country's decision to exempt fishermen who go out to sea for less than 72 hours from medical certificate requirements; and if he will consider alignment with this policy.
Answered by Guy Opperman - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Secretary of State for Transport has not had discussions with his Irish counterpart about their approach to medical standards for fishermen. The UK’s requirements have been subject to careful consideration, and public consultation, to ensure that they support the safety and wellbeing of those working on our UK fishing fleet.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of funding for transport infrastructure in Scotland.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on funding for transport infrastructure in Scotland, as well as with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders.
In addition to the block grant, the UK Government provides funding for Scottish transport schemes through a variety of sources, including the recently announced Levelling Up Fund, and has announced further funding in our Network North plan and our response to Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill’s Union Connectivity Review.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found within their Department's estate.
Answered by Jesse Norman
Survey work is underway and for now, the Government’s focus is on bringing together the information it holds about its estate in one place. This work is being coordinated by the Office of Government Property.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on how many occasions a request for a meeting by an hon. Member was not agreed to by (a) a Minister and (b) their office on behalf of a Minister in the last 12 months.
Answered by Jesse Norman
This information is not centrally collated and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Ministers will regularly seek to engage with hon. Members, whilst balancing wider Ministerial and Parliamentary responsibilities.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many sewage leaks have been recorded within their Department's estate in the last twelve months.
Answered by Jesse Norman
There were five minor sewage leaks recorded within the Department for Transport estate during the last 12 months.
For one instance, the leak was identified and resolved quickly by the facilities management team.
For the four other instances, these were contained within the building or within the property demise and did not enter the surface water drainage system.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timeline is for (a) announcing the outcome of Access for All applications for 2024-26 and (b) applying for future funding under the Access for All scheme.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Department is currently assessing over 300 stations nominated for Access for All funding beyond 2024. I hope to be in a position to announce successful projects later this year. Funding on any subsequent funding for Access for All will be announced in due course.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether Personal Independence Payment appeals found in favour of the claimant that confirm mobility restrictions are accepted as evidence for blue badge applications.
Answered by Richard Holden - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
The Department for Transport has issued clear non-statutory guidance to local authorities who are solely responsible for administering the scheme at a local level. It is for each local authority to assess on a case-by-case basis to decide whether applicants meet the conditions of eligibility. Local authorities must determine and implement assessment procedures which they believe are in accordance with the governing legislation.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how much his Department spent on external consultants in each of the last five years.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Expenditure figures are available from the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts, which are available online at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dft-annual-reports-and-accounts.
We are in the process of producing the Department’s Annual Report which will be published in July, this will include our audited consultancy spend for 2021-22.
Asked by: Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat - North East Fife)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the waiting period is for (a) a PCV theory test and (b) the granting of a PCV licence.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency offers a six-month window for people to book theory tests so people can book appointments at the time they choose. There is no backlog for theory tests as capacity is available for more people to book.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has focused extra resource on vocational driving licence applications. Routine applications and renewals of vocational licences, including passenger carrying vehicles, are being processed within normal turnaround times of five working days. Applications where medical investigations are needed will take longer.