Al Pinkerton MP: written questions 2024
36 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Consumer Goods: SafetyNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 19 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 21504More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to support small businesses in Great Britain with the new General Product Safety Regulation requirements to maintain market access to Northern Ireland.
Answer: The updated GPSR largely formalises how businesses are already operating in the UK. Where businesses need to make changes, we expect that they will be adapting anyway to be compliant with the new Regulation to continue trading with the EU.On 3 December, t...
Answered 8 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordBroadband: Surrey HeathDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled 19 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 21494More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to broadband services in Surrey Heath constituency.
Answer: The government recognises that access to the internet is increasingly essential for full participation in society and has taken steps to ensure households across the UK are able to access fast, reliable mobile and broadband services.More than 25 providers...
Answered 13 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordGeneral Practitioners: SurreyDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 19 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 21491More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of standardising the GP appointment application process in Surrey.
Answer: The GP Contract requires all practices to offer patients an assessment of need, or signposting to an appropriate service, on the day they contact the practice, or the next day if they contact the practice in the afternoon. They will not be asked to phone ...
Answered 7 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordDigital Technology: CurriculumDepartment for EducationTabled 19 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 21476More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the current integration of digital literacy into school curriculums.
Answer: Digital literacy is currently taught through the compulsory curriculum subjects of computing, relationships, sex and health education and, at key stage 3 and 4, citizenship.Last summer, the government established an independent Curriculum and Assessment R...
Answered 8 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordBritish Nationals Abroad: Carbon MonoxideForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20903More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of integrating carbon monoxide risks into country-based travel advisories.
Answer: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) travel advice remains under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. The risks of carbon monoxide poisoning is currently covered in our Travel Advice pages for C...
Answered 30 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordBritish Nationals Abroad: Carbon MonoxideForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20900More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve the awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning risks among British tourists overseas.
Answer: We provide information and guidance in our Travel Advice on the issues most likely to be of relevance to British nationals visiting or living in each country/territory. In determining what we include in our Travel Advice we assess a range of factors, incl...
Answered 3 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordCoronavirus: Surrey HeathTreasuryTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20811More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she has taken to support people who have experienced long-term (a) financial difficulties and (b) mental health challenges as a result of not qualifying for financial support schemes during the COVID-19 p
Answer: The Government is working to support people and improve living standards for everyone across the country. As part of this, the Government committed to making no increase in employee National Insurance, Income Tax or VAT as we want to keep taxes as low as ...
Answered 20 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordNeurodiversity: SurreyDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20807More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to (a) tackle discrimination and (b) enhance inclusion policies for neurodiverse people in the workforce in Surrey.
Answer: Neurodivergent people bring many positive benefits to businesses but can face stigma and disadvantage. We understand the importance of tackling discrimination and encouraging employers to adopt neuro-inclusive working practices so that everyone can thrive...
Answered 23 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordSewage: PollutionDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20776More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what specific steps he is taking to (a) monitor and (b) mitigate the environmental impact of sewage spills on (i) waterways and (ii) broader ecosystems.
Answer: From 1 January 2025, water companies will be required to publish data related to discharges from all storm overflows within one hour of the discharge beginning (under section 141DA of the Water Industry Act 1991 as inserted by section 81 of the Environmen...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordRoads: South EastDepartment for TransportTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20772More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to enhance strategic road networks before the development of new housing projects in the South East.
Answer: National Highways play a key role in the planning process to determine the necessary strategic road requirements of new major housing projects, and new major developments are a key consideration in future network investment planning as part of the Road In...
Answered 19 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordMental Illness: DrugsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 17 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 20768More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of(a) the utilisation of psilocybin-based treatments for mental health conditions and (b) commissioning further research into the therapeu
Answer: The Department recognises that the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, such as psilocybin, to treat mental illness is gaining attention both within the medical and scientific communities, as well as across the public more broadly. However, there ...
Answered 3 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordTax Avoidance: ReviewsTreasuryTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17433More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the review into the loan charge will include examining the roles of (a) scheme promoters, (b) umbrella companies and (c) tax advisers.
Answer: At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. Further details about the review will be set out in due course.
Answered 10 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordTax Avoidance: ReviewsTreasuryTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17432More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure the independence of the new review on the loan charge.
Answer: The Government is committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. Further details will be set out in due course.
Answered 10 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordHoliday Accommodation: TaxationTreasuryTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17431More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of abolishing the furnished holiday let tax regime on local (a) economies and (b) jobs.
Answer: The Government will abolish the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHLs) tax regime from April 2025. This will equalise the tax treatment of FHL and non-FHL landlords’ income and gains.The Government wants to support the visitor economy alongside housing for longer-...
Answered 10 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordCommunity EnergyDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17430More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of cooperative energy models.
Answer: The Government recognises the role community groups and cooperatives play in our efforts to tackle climate change. Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan will enhance existing support Community Energy Groups to roll out renewable energy projects and deve...
Answered 9 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDriving TestsDepartment for TransportTabled 2 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 17429More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to (a) tackle the use of (i) bots and (ii) third-party resellers on the DVSA booking system and (b) ensure equitable access to driving tests.
Answer: To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests, very often at significant profit. DVSA deploys enhanced...
Answered 5 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDriving: HealthDepartment for TransportTabled 29 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 17055More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure that medically unfit drivers are (a) identified and (b) reported effectively.
Answer: The law requires all driving licence holders to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any medical condition that could affect their fitness to drive and failure to do so is an offence. When a driver declares a medical condition to the D...
Answered 5 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordRoads: SafetyDepartment for TransportTabled 29 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 17051More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of measures to (a) educate drivers on sharing roads with cyclists and (b) foster a safe environment for all road users.
Answer: In January 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. The changes aim to initiate a positive shift in road user behaviour by making road users aware of their responsibility to use roads safely ...
Answered 5 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordAnti-social Behaviour and Theft: SurreyHome OfficeTabled 28 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16888More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle (a) anti-social behaviour and (b) theft in market towns across Surrey.
Answer: Tackling anti-social behaviour, theft and other crimes affecting local communities are a top priorities for this Government, and represent a key part of our Safter Streets Mission.The Government recently announced Respect Orders, which will be introduced ...
Answered 6 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordBicycles: VATTreasuryTabled 27 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16648More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact on bicycle sales of the removal of VAT on (a) pedal and (b) electric bicycle.
Answer: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. One of the key considerat...
Answered 5 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordAccident and Emergency Departments: StandardsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 26 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16443More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of reduced access to GP services on waiting times in Accident and Emergency departments.
Answer: The Department recognises that where the capacity of general practice (GP) services is not meeting patient demand, this can lead to some patients seeking advice and care in alternative settings, such as accident and emergency. We have already committed to...
Answered 3 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordCharities: Employers' ContributionsDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled 26 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16436More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase in employers' National Insurance contributions on not-for-profit organisations.
Answer: At the recent Budget, the government took a number of difficult decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the foundations on public finances, fund public services, and restore economic stability.Ministers have met with representatives from the volunt...
Answered 5 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023Northern Ireland OfficeTabled 26 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16419More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the judgment in Summary of judgment - In re Dillon and others - NI Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 - CA, whether he plans to repeal Section 44 of the Northern Ireland Trou
Answer: The Government remains committed to repealing and replacing the Legacy Act. In my statement to the House on 29 July, I made clear my commitment to propose measures to allow inquests previously halted under Section 44 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Lega...
Answered 2 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordNorthern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023Northern Ireland OfficeTabled 26 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 16413More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the Written Statement of 29 July 2024 on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, HCWS30, what steps he plans to take to consult stakeholders on proposals rel
Answer: As part of my commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, I am undertaking a wide range of engagements, consulting with interested parties, including victims and survivors, veterans, statutory bodies, Northern Ireland political parties, and wider civ...
Answered 2 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDevelopment Aid: Climate ChangeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 19 Nov 2024AnsweredUIN 15127More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help ensure international climate finance reaches the (a) children and (b) communities most vulnerable to climate change.
Answer: Our international climate finance continues to prioritise support to the most vulnerable communities who are experiencing the worst impacts of climate change, including children. For example, we will triple our funding for adaptation from £500 million in ...
Answered 27 Nov 2024
Original Parliament record
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