Wera Hobhouse MP: written questions 2024
71 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Fossil Fuels: ProductionDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 8 Oct 2024AnsweredUIN 7834More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take legislative steps to ban the routine (a) flaring and (b) venting of oil and gas by 2030.
Answer: The UK has committed to the World Bank’s ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030’ Initiative, and has additionally committed to end routine venting by 2030. In the North Sea Transition Deal the UK industry committed to accelerate compliance ahead of 2030. With supp...
Answered 16 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordRenewable Energy: LandfillDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 8 Oct 2024AnsweredUIN 7833More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to extend support for landfill gas to energy operators beyond 2027.
Answer: Government is aware that support under the Renewables Obligation Scheme, including some that landfill gas generators hold, concludes from 2027 onwards. We are speaking with a variety of generators to understand the impact that the conclusion of support wi...
Answered 16 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordPlastic Packaging Tax: Public ConsultationDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 7 Oct 2024AnsweredUIN 7520More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had discussions with His Majesty's Treasury on the Government's response to the consultation on Plastic Packaging Tax - c
Answer: Yes. Officials in Defra work closely with HM Treasury colleagues. We are aware that the Treasury has committed to publishing a response to the consultation before the end of this year.
Answered 15 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordPlastic Packaging TaxTreasuryTabled 7 Oct 2024AnsweredUIN 7519More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will include in the forthcoming Budget proposals relating to the plastic packaging tax - chemical recycling and adoption of a mass balance approach consultation, published on 18 July 2023.
Answer: The government has confirmed its intent to publish a response to this consultation by the end of the year. Further details of the government’s response will be set out in due course.
Answered 15 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordFurniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) RegulationsDepartment for Business and TradeTabled 7 Oct 2024AnsweredUIN 7518More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the paragraph 52 of the Second Special Report of the Environmental Audit Committee of Session 2019 on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life: Government Response to the Committee’s Twentiet
Answer: Following the formation of the Government in July, the Department for Business and Trade is considering next steps for this important issue, including reviewing the evidence gathered from the 2023 consultation, Smarter Regulation: Fire safety of domestic ...
Answered 14 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordSizewell C Power Station: FinanceDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 4 Oct 2024AnsweredUIN 6413More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much and what proportion of the funding that his Department has allocated to the proposed new nuclear plant at Sizewell C has been allocated for (a) land clearance, (b) other site prepara
Answer: Specific details of the project’s spending plans are commercially sensitive – and budget allocations for different elements of work are set by the company, Sizewell C Limited. As majority shareholders in the project, government has previously committed to...
Answered 14 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordEnergy: ConsumersDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 12 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5820More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of flexible energy systems on consumers.
Answer: The transition to a smarter energy system can bring benefits for many consumers. This was a key factor in a call for evidence carried out earlier this year on the future of default tariffs in a more flexible market https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-...
Answered 11 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordNational Energy System OperatorDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 11 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5350More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the National Energy System Operator (NESO) integrates demand side flexibility into its market design.
Answer: NESO's role is set out in legislation and licences and is regulated by Ofgem. It has a statutory duty to have regard to the Strategy and Policy Statement, which was issued earlier this year and sets out the government’s intention for NESO to consider ‘opp...
Answered 11 Oct 2024
Original Parliament recordFood: WasteDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5095More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that food waste reporting requirements on businesses are (a) effective and (b) not overly burdensome.
Answer: The previous Government held a consultation wherein stakeholders were asked about their views on the scope of any reporting requirements. It can be found at Improved food waste reporting by large food businesses in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The Waste ...
Answered 24 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordFood: WasteDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5094More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to take steps to ensure that mandatory food waste reporting will take into account companies who (a) are aligned with existing reporting requirements under
Answer: The previous Government held a consultation wherein stakeholders were asked about their views on the scope of any reporting requirements. It can be found at Improved food waste reporting by large food businesses in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The Waste ...
Answered 24 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordFood: WasteDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5093More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to support the application of the food and drink waste hierarchy for surplus food.
Answer: The Department will hold discussion with the supply chain on a range of issues including how to prevent waste. We remain committed to the programme of work led by The Waste and Resources Programme (WRAP) to drive down surplus and waste across the supply c...
Answered 25 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordFood: WasteDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5092More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce food waste; and what discussions he has had with industry representatives on the best way to tackle the issue.
Answer: The Department will hold discussion with the supply chain on a range of issues including how to prevent waste. We remain committed to the programme of work led by The Waste and Resources Programme (WRAP) to drive down surplus and waste across the supply c...
Answered 25 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordFood: WasteDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5091More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the merits of introducing mandatory food waste reporting.
Answer: The previous Government held a consultation wherein stakeholders were asked about their views on the scope of any reporting requirements. It can be found at Improved food waste reporting by large food businesses in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The Waste ...
Answered 24 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordSizewell C Power StationDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5090More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for public expenditure of the provision of a further £5.5 billion for additional development support for the proposed new nuclear pow
Answer: While working towards a final investment decision on Sizewell C, we have established a new subsidy scheme of up to £5.5 billion to ensure the government can provide the project with the necessary financial support to remain on track. Decisions about provi...
Answered 18 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordGreat British Nuclear: RecruitmentDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 10 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 5089More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to his Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2122 on Great British Nuclear: Recruitment, if he will list (a) the organisations from which personnel have been seconded to Great Briti
Answer: GBN has grown rapidly as an organisation to deliver on its mission and now has over 100 personnel working for it, including those seconded from a range of organisations. Permanent recruitment for the Executive Team is actively underway and this will be fo...
Answered 18 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordEnergy: Business Premises and Private Rented HousingDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled 2 Sept 2024AnsweredUIN 3764More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to respond to the consultation entitled Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes in England and Wales, which closed on 8 January 2021; and wheth
Answer: We will require private landlords to make improvements to their properties by 2030. Ensuring warmer, healthier private rented homes will lift many families out of fuel poverty and reduce energy bills. We will consider the evidence gathered as part of the ...
Answered 10 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordWales Office: Redundancy PayWales OfficeTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3048More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment in that period; and how much each Minister recei
Answer: In accordance with the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, paid Ministers below the age of 65 are entitled to a loss of office payment of one quarter of their claimed annual ministerial salary when they cease to hold office.Details of mi...
Answered 6 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordScotland Office: Redundancy PayScotland OfficeTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3047More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
Answer: In accordance with the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, paid Ministers below the age of 65 are entitled to a loss of office payment of one quarter of their claimed annual ministerial salary when they cease to hold office.Details of mi...
Answered 9 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordLeader of the House: Redundancy PayLeader of the HouseTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3046More
Question: To ask the Leader of the House, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
Answer: The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. member to the response to be provided by the Cabinet Office (3029).
Answered 9 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordNorthern Ireland Office: Redundancy PayNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3045More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
Answer: The provision of severance payments for Ministers is set out in legislation. Details of the severance payments made to ministers when leaving office are published in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts available at https://www.gov.uk/. The amounts...
Answered 6 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordMinistry of Justice: Redundancy PayMinistry of JusticeTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3044More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
Answer: In accordance with the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, paid Ministers below the age of 65 are entitled to a loss of office payment of one quarter of their claimed annual ministerial salary when they cease to hold office.Departments a...
Answered 5 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Redundancy PayMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3043More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how muc
Answer: Ministerial severance payments are reported annually in the Annual Report and Accounts produced by the department.Any severance payments post 31 March 2024 will be reported in the Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25 when it is laid in Parliament next y...
Answered 23 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordMinistry of Defence: Redundancy PayMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3042More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to his Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment; and how much each Minister received.
Answer: Ministerial severance payments in each year from December 2019 to May 2024 are published as part of the annual reportand accounts for the Department. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024
Answered 9 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordHome Office: Redundancy PayHome OfficeTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3041More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment in that period; and how much each
Answer: The details of any ministerial severance payments can be found in our Annual Report & Accounts”., there were no severance payments made between December 2019 and 6th July 2022.Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Answered 9 Sept 2024
Original Parliament recordTreasury: Redundancy PayTreasuryTabled 30 Aug 2024AnsweredUIN 3040More
Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to her Department was of ministerial severance payments in each year from 19 December 2019 to 30 May 2024; which Ministers received a severance payment in that period; and how much each Minister receiv
Answer: Any severance payments made to former Ministers of HM Treasury are recorded in the Departmental Annual Report and Accounts.
Answered 9 Sept 2024
Original Parliament record
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