Asked by: Baroness Wheatcroft (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) the number, and (2) the cost, of (a) those directly employed by, and (b) those hired as consultants by, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to work on matters related to Brexit, has increased since the Brexit referendum; and if so, by how much.
Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble
Over 80% of Defra’s agenda is affected by the UK leaving the European Union and, as a result, many roles across the Defra group are now supporting related work, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, it is difficult to put an exact figure on the cost of work to prepare for exiting the EU. Discussions are continuing with HMT to secure additional funding and the amounts will be confirmed in the Supplementary Estimate when laid before Parliament.
As of 30th November Defra has recruited around 800 additional staff (including fixed term appointments and interims) to support our comprehensive programme of work for the UK’s departure from the EU, of whom around 650 have already taken up post with the remainder progressing through our pre-appointment processes.
We continue to keep our resourcing plans under review, focusing both on recruitment and increasing the capability of new and existing staff.
Asked by: Baroness Wheatcroft (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) the number, and (2) the cost, of (a) those directly employed by, and (b) those hired as consultants by, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to work on matters related to Brexit, has increased since the Brexit referendum; and if so, by how much.
Answered by Lord Henley
In common with other government departments, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is undertaking necessary preparatory work to make sure the department can continue to prepare effectively for EU exit. The Department has received £35.1m for 2017/18 from HMT which covers inter alia the staffing costs of 350 additional civil servants.
The Government will continue to ensure there is an appropriate level of resource to deliver its EU exit work.
Asked by: Baroness Wheatcroft (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the annual cost to the National Health Service of the customer satisfaction surveys conducted by text message; and to what use the results of such surveys are put.
Answered by Earl Howe - Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
A range of surveys are conducted to understand the views and experience of those using NHS services. The National Health Survey patient experience survey programme uses a postal methodology and does not currently involve text messaging.
The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) is not a traditional customer satisfaction survey, but provides continuous opportunities for near real-time feedback from patients about their experience of care and treatment. Healthcare providers can provide a feedback collection method that suits them. Most use low-cost paper feedback forms and collection boxes but some use text messaging. NHS England does not gather information on the cost of this.
FFT provides a rich source of patient views that has proved valuable in making improvements to local services.
Asked by: Baroness Wheatcroft (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking over the treatment of Raif Badawi.
Answered by Baroness Anelay of St Johns
We are seriously concerned by Raif Badawi’s case. The UK condemns the use of cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment in all circumstances. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has raised the matter with the Saudi Ambassador. We have previously raised the case at a senior level with the Saudi authorities.
The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of expression around the world. We believe that people must be allowed to freely discuss and debate issues, peacefully challenge their governments, exercise the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and speak out against violations of human rights wherever they occur.