Guto Bebb Portrait

Guto Bebb

Independent - Former Member for Aberconwy

First elected: 6th May 2010


Welsh Affairs Committee
22nd Oct 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
9th Jan 2018 - 16th Jul 2018
Lord Commissioner (HM Treasury) (Whip)
19th Mar 2016 - 9th Jan 2018
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
19th Mar 2016 - 9th Jan 2018
Public Accounts Committee
12th Nov 2012 - 30th Mar 2015
Members' Expenses Committee
18th Jul 2011 - 30th Mar 2015
Welsh Affairs Committee
12th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015


Division Voting information

Guto Bebb has voted in 1761 divisions, and 58 times against the majority of their Party.

3 Sep 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 20 Conservative Aye votes vs 286 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 328 Noes - 301
18 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 315 Noes - 274
18 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 16 Conservative No votes vs 262 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 273 Noes - 315
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 72 Conservative Aye votes vs 84 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 99
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 7 Conservative Aye votes vs 280 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 294 Noes - 293
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 279 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 289 Noes - 292
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 281 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 289 Noes - 293
12 Jun 2019 - Leaving the EU: Business of the House - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Conservative Aye votes vs 289 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 298 Noes - 309
3 Apr 2019 - Business of the House - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative Aye votes vs 289 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 310 Noes - 310
3 Apr 2019 - Business of the House - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 14 Conservative Aye votes vs 291 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 311
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 14 Conservative Aye votes vs 291 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 315 Noes - 310
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Conservative No votes vs 287 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 304 Noes - 313
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 91 Conservative No votes vs 212 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 220 Noes - 400
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 14 Conservative Aye votes vs 290 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 313 Noes - 312
1 Apr 2019 - Business of the House - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 28 Conservative Aye votes vs 264 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 277
1 Apr 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 32 Conservative Aye votes vs 228 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 261 Noes - 282
1 Apr 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative Aye votes vs 253 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 292
1 Apr 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 260 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 191 Noes - 292
29 Mar 2019 - United Kingdom’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 34 Conservative No votes vs 277 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 286 Noes - 344
27 Mar 2019 - Business of the House - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 33 Conservative Aye votes vs 272 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 331 Noes - 287
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 94 Conservative No votes vs 157 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 160 Noes - 400
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 59 Conservative Aye votes vs 200 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 377
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative Aye votes vs 234 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 264 Noes - 272
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Conservative Aye votes vs 259 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 184 Noes - 293
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative Aye votes vs 254 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 295
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 122 Conservative No votes vs 126 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 139 Noes - 422
25 Mar 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 30 Conservative Aye votes vs 281 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 329 Noes - 302
25 Mar 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 294 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 311 Noes - 314
25 Mar 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 28 Conservative Aye votes vs 280 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 327 Noes - 300
14 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Conservative Aye votes vs 294 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 311 Noes - 314
14 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 294 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 314
13 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 291 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 312 Noes - 308
13 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 66 Conservative No votes vs 149 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 164 Noes - 374
13 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Conservative Aye votes vs 265 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 321 Noes - 278
12 Mar 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 75 Conservative No votes vs 235 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 391
29 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 294 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 301 Noes - 321
29 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Conservative Aye votes vs 294 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 298 Noes - 321
29 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative Aye votes vs 296 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 290 Noes - 322
29 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 17 Conservative Aye votes vs 295 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 318 Noes - 310
29 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative No votes vs 297 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 317 Noes - 301
15 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 118 Conservative No votes vs 196 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 202 Noes - 432
8 Jan 2019 - Finance (No. 3) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 20 Conservative Aye votes vs 282 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 303 Noes - 296
8 Jan 2019 - Finance (No. 3) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Conservative Aye votes vs 289 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 292 Noes - 303
4 Dec 2018 - Business of the House (European Union (Withdrawal) Act) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 25 Conservative Aye votes vs 282 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 321 Noes - 299
17 Jul 2018 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative Aye votes vs 291 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 301 Noes - 307
16 Jul 2018 - Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative No votes vs 288 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 302
7 Sep 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 37 Conservative No votes vs 276 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 285 Noes - 312
11 Mar 2015 - Ark Pension Schemes - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 103 Conservative No votes vs 122 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 367 Noes - 113
23 Feb 2015 - Serious Crime Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative Aye votes vs 253 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 233 Noes - 296
27 Oct 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 110 Conservative Aye votes vs 135 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 166 Noes - 340
10 Feb 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 99 Conservative No votes vs 127 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 376 Noes - 107
10 Feb 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Conservative No votes vs 201 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 453 Noes - 24
10 Jul 2012 - House of Lords Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 89 Conservative No votes vs 192 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 462 Noes - 124
24 Apr 2012 - Food Labelling (Halal and Kosher Meat) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 20 Conservative No votes vs 49 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 73
13 Oct 2011 - Procedure Committee Reports - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Conservative Aye votes vs 124 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 63 Noes - 206
10 Oct 2011 - Protection of Freedoms Bill (Programme) (No. 3) - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 40 Conservative Aye votes vs 198 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 62 Noes - 243
17 May 2011 - Localism Bill - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Conservative Aye votes vs 230 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 29 Noes - 279
13 Oct 2010 - Draft EU Budget 2011 - View Vote Context
Guto Bebb voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 35 Conservative Aye votes vs 204 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 42 Noes - 252
View All Guto Bebb Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Chris Ruane (Labour)
(39 debate interactions)
Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru)
Shadow PC Chief Whip
(38 debate interactions)
Jonathan Edwards (Independent)
(37 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Wales Office
(403 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(203 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(139 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(87 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Wales Act 2017
(965 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Guto Bebb's debates

Aberconwy Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Guto Bebb has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Guto Bebb

Guto Bebb has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Guto Bebb, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Guto Bebb has not been granted any Urgent Questions

2 Adjournment Debates led by Guto Bebb

Tuesday 12th January 2016
Tuesday 9th September 2014

Guto Bebb has not introduced any legislation before Parliament


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
19 Other Department Questions
4th Sep 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate his Department has made of the number of small businesses that will begin to operate over the VAT threshold as a result of complying with the new minimum wage.

The Department has not made an assessment of the interaction between VAT thresholds and the minimum wage.

Businesses are only required to register for VAT when the total value of their taxable supplies of goods and services in the preceding 12 months exceeds the current VAT registration threshold, which was increased to £82,000 with effect from 1 April 2015.

4th Sep 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what representations have been made to his Department on the effect of the increase in the minimum wage on small businesses.

This Department has regular and frequent discussions with businesses of all sizes and across all sectors on a wide range of issues including the National Minimum Wage (NMW). In addition, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) will continue to play a key role in recommending the NMW and National Living Wage (NLW) rates going forward. In their report to Government the LPC consults widely and considers and reflects the views and representations from a wide range of businesses and sectors of the economy.

4th Sep 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what representations have been made to his Department on the effect of the increase in minimum wage on small businesses.

This Department has regular and frequent discussions with businesses of all sizes and across all sectors on a wide range of issues including the National Minimum Wage (NMW). In addition, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) will continue to play a key role in recommending the NMW and National Living Wage (NLW) rates going forward. In their report to Government the LPC consults widely and considers and reflects the views and representations from a wide range of businesses and sectors of the economy.

4th Sep 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the increase of the minimum wage on small businesses which as a result of that increase will begin to operate above the VAT threshold.

The Department has not made an assessment of the interaction between VAT thresholds and the minimum wage.

Businesses are only required to register for VAT when the total value of their taxable supplies of goods and services in the preceding 12 months exceeds the current VAT registration threshold, which was increased to £82,000 with effect from 1 April 2015.

4th Sep 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the increase in the minimum wage on small businesses operating under the VAT threshold.

The Department has not made an assessment of the interaction between VAT thresholds and the minimum wage.

Businesses are only required to register for VAT when the total value of their taxable supplies of goods and services in the preceding 12 months exceeds the current VAT registration threshold, which was increased to £82,000 with effect from 1 April 2015.

1st Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent representations his Department has received in relation to the proposed Wylfa Newydd power station.

The Department holds regular discussions about the proposed Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant with the developer Horizon Nuclear Power, the Welsh and local governments and other interested parties including members of the local community.

1st Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate his Department has made of the contribution the proposed power station at Wylfa Newydd will make to the economy of (a) North Wales, (b) Wales and (c) the UK.

The Government expects the Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant to bring massive economic benefit to the region, Wales and the UK as a whole. The project is still in the planning phase, so it is too early to estimate its value. However, the developer, Horizon Nuclear Power, has stated that it expects hundreds of millions of pounds to be invested in the local economy. Horizon also expects that the plant will create 1000 permanent jobs and up to 8,500 jobs during the construction phase.

24th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on the NHS of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

There is no threat to the UK’s National Health Service from TTIP. This was confirmed again by the European Commission’s chief negotiator Ignacio Garcia Bercero at a meeting organised to the All Party Parliamentary Group on TTIP this week.

The chief negotiator outlined that EU public services are automatically excluded from all EU trade in service market liberalisation agreements. Publicly funded health services are specifically excluded. Member states decide how to deliver their public services and can change the delivery model at any time. TTIP will not change the fact that it is up to UK Government alone to decide how UK public services, including the NHS, are run.

7th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what guidance his Department offers to recipients of EU structural funds.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is responsible for EU structural funds policy and regulations. The United Kingdom’s Managing Authorities have responsibility for issuing guidance to recipients of the funds.

In England, the Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the European Social Fund (ESF).

In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Devolved Administrations are responsible for the management of the ERDF and ESF programmes.

All the Managing Authorities have websites which give guidance to potential applicants for funding, as well as reports and publicity about their programmes.

The links to the structural funds websites are as follows:-

England

Department for Communities and local Government:

https://www.gov.uk/erdf-national-guidance

Department for Work and Pensions:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/european-social-fund-2007-to-2013#guidance-and-regulations

Northern Ireland

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (ERDF):

http://www.eucompni.gov.uk/

Department of Education and Learning (ESF):

http://www.delni.gov.uk/esf

Scotland

Scottish Government:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/support/17404

Wales

Welsh European Funding Office:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/publications/guidance/?lang=en

3rd Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what plans his Department has to develop tidal power technology around the UK; and what investment he plans to allocate for such projects.

In August this year, the Department confirmed a grant award under the Marine Energy Array Deployment fund of up to £10m for the development of the world’s first tidal stream array project in the Pentland Firth.

Tidal energy projects may also receive support under the Renewables Obligation and through applying for a Contract for Difference.

In October 2010, the Government published the conclusions of a 2-year feasibility study into tidal power on the Severn estuary, including a regional economic impact assessment. While the Government concluded it did not see a strategic case for public investment in a tidal energy scheme in the Severn estuary, the outcome of the feasibility study does not preclude a privately financed scheme. The document can be downloaded at the following web-link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/1-severn-tidal-power-feasibility-study-conclusions-and-summary-report.

27th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what representations he has received about (a) Gold Crest Finance and (b) Hertford Solutions LLP.

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills has received no representations about (a) Gold Crest Finance and (b) Hertford Solutions LLP.

24th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress he has made on the recent round of discussions on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

The seventh round of negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) took place between 29 September and 3 October in Chevy Chase, Maryland. As expected, negotiations were largely focused on regulatory issues. Discussions also covered energy, intellectual property, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and services.

There was good technical progress, particularly on regulatory coherence, for example in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. This progress is crucial and prepares the ground for an ambitious and comprehensive agreement.

24th Oct 2014
Pay
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the cost of paying a one-off payment to the staff of his Department in lieu of their entitlement to annual increments was.

The cost of paying a one-off payment to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills staff in lieu of their entitlement to annual increments was £3.2m. This cost is offset against a reduction in overall pay bill costs over the longer term.

The non-consolidated payments were staggered by grade in line with contractual step values.

AA

£1008

AO

£1168

EO

£1360

HEO

£1656

SEO

£1880

G7

£2528

G6

£3060

24th Oct 2014
Pay
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the payback period is in relation to the one-off payment to staff in his Department who have opted to forego their entitlement to annual increment payments.

The payback period in relation to the one-off payment to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills staff who opted to forego their entitlement to annual increment payment was estimated to be 6 years. This is based upon an assumption of 1% paybill increases year on year until 2020.

20th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent discussions he has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the interest rate swap redress scheme.

We have asked the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for an assurance that redress offers which take the form of a substitute hedging product are only being offered where it is fair and reasonable to do so. In response, the FCA has said that robust oversight and challenge processes are in place to ensure that this is the case and that a replacement product offer can only be made if an independent reviewer is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to support the decision.

In addition, my officials liaise regularly with the FCA to draw the regulator’s attention to swaps redress cases that have been raised with the department where we think this is justified.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund on people who live in rural areas and rely on oil fired central heating.

The Government wants to encourage all householders to invest in energy efficiency, whether rural or urban. The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is designed to incentivise householders in England and Wales to install a wide range of energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and better glazing. Many rural properties have solid walls, making them well placed to take maximum advantage of the scheme - such households could be eligible to receive up to £6000 for installing solid wall insulation, or up to £7000 for installing solid wall insulation and two other eligible measures.

However DECC does consider it appropriate to exclude oil and LPG fired boilers from the GDHIF scheme. The Government fully recognises that LPG and oil, like other fossil fuels, will continue to play a part in the UK's energy mix, but we must begin to revolutionise the way we heat our homes to make the transition to a low carbon economy. To this end, DECC has introduced the domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme to support renewable heating systems; this support aims to compensate householders for the additional costs they face when installing a renewable heating system compared to an oil heating system. The domestic RHI is targeted at, but not limited to, homes off the gas grid. Incentivising oil and LPG boilers in this context would undermine the balance struck in the design of the RHI, and potentially cause confusion for consumers. For low income and vulnerable customers, support is available through the Affordable Warmth element of the Energy Company Obligation. Through this, energy suppliers deliver heating cost reductions in eligible off gas and on gas grid households through the provision of any measures which will reduce costs. We have proposed changes to ECO which will actively incentivise suppliers to deliver measures to non-gas fuelled households.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he has taken to incentivise off-gas homes to install modern condensing boilers.

The Government fully recognises that LPG and oil, like other fossil fuels, will continue to play a part in the UK's energy mix, but we must begin to revolutionise the way we heat our homes to make the transition to a low carbon economy. To this end, DECC has introduced the domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI) scheme to support renewable heating systems. The domestic RHI is targeted predominately at off gas-grid households, by compensating for the additional costs faced when replacing an oil boiler with a renewable heating system. New incentives for oil and LPG boilers would undermine the balance struck in the design of the RHI, and potentially cause confusion for consumers.

For more vulnerable customers, support for condensing boilers will remain available through the Energy Company Obligation. DECC has proposed changes that will strengthen the support for off-grid properties.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of a potential link between wind farms and tidal patterns in North Wales; and if he will make a statement.

The Department has not carried out a specific assessment on the potential link between offshore wind farms and tidal patterns in North Wales.

The Department does undertake a programme of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for offshore energy technologies which identifies and addresses relevant environmental issues at a strategic level. At a project level, developers are required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments through the planning system and development consent will not be granted if significant effects on the environment cannot be mitigated.

3rd Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make a comparative assessment of the effects of (a) judicial review standard and (b) merits-based appeals on the ability of Ofcom to carry out its functions.

The Government has already assessed the impacts of both standards of review. This was done as part of its analysis prior to consulting on options for reforming Regulatory and Competition Appeals in 2013.
3rd Mar 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make a comparative assessment of the cost of (a) legal fees and (b) legal advice relating to appeals of regulatory decisions to (i) Ofcom and (ii) other regulators in (A) 2013-14, (B) 2012-13 and (C) 2011-12.

There are no plans to make a comparative assessment. Information about legal costs relating to appeals of regulatory decisions can be sought directly from Ofcom and other economic regulators, who are independent from Government.
10th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what representations his Department has received on extending the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red poppy installation at the Tower of London beyond 11 November 2014.

Five public petitions on this subject have come to DCMS. We have been pleased to help some of the most striking sections of this poignant memorial, by purchasing them for the nation. The Government is pleased to have helped make it possible for these to be seen in different parts of the country before finding a permanent home in the Imperial War Museums.

7th Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2014 to Question 200020, what reports he has received of political bias in the prioritisation of the broadband rollout programme in Wales; if he will hold discussions with the Welsh Government on this matter; and if he will ensure that all areas in Wales benefit equally from the broadband rollout programme.

World class broadband coverage across the UK is a priority for this Government. Funding for all local projects, including the Wales project has been allocated to achieve maximum coverage and value for money from the public investment.

At the end of September 2014 276,320 premises had been reached.

The Superfast Cymru project is set to achieve 93% superfast broadband coverage by the end of 2017.

20th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with Ofcom on the merits of passive infrastructure sharing in partial not-spots; and what information he has on the changes that would be required to the upgrade and sharing elements of the electronic communications code to enable this.

The Government is committed to improving mobile coverage for all consumers, and is currently in discussions with Ofcom and relevant Mobile Network Operators. We have been looking at a number of options for improving coverage in partial not-spot areas, including passive infrastructure sharing and national roaming. We are also considering the impact of reforms to the Electronic Communications Code, in the broader context of supporting communications infrastructure in an effort to improve mobile network coverage. The Government is aware that reforms will need to balance the interests of all stakeholders involved.

The Secretary of State is considering his position on Code reform and will outline plans shortly. The Government is committed to ensuring the UK has world-class mobile coverage.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Welsh Assembly Government on the broadband rollout programme in Wales.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has not discussed broadband rollout with his counterpart in the Welsh Assembly Government, since being appointed on 9 April 2014. However, DCMS officials have weekly discussions with Welsh Assembly officials on this subject.

24th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will take steps to ensure that more young people are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Schools can choose whether to cover this topic as part of their curriculum. The non-statutory framework for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education produced by the PSHE Association provides a context for teaching young people about emergency lifesaving skills (ELS) and resuscitation.

At primary level, pupils can learn about basic emergency procedures and where to get help, and at secondary level they can develop the skills to cope with emergency situations that require basic first aid procedures, including resuscitation techniques.

The Department for Education is encouraging schools to purchase defibrillators as part of their first aid equipment, and is currently working in partnership with the Department of Health and stakeholders to identify a supplier of defibrillators at a competitive price. An announcement is expected in early December.

26th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department takes to promote the teaching of water safety in schools.

In the new national curriculum, which comes into force from September 2014, swimming and water safety remain compulsory in the programme of study for physical education (PE) at primary level. We are sending a clear message to schools that swimming and water safety are essential: no other activities are specified requirements in the PE curriculum. The programme of study for PE is available online here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-physical-education-programmes-of-study

The Department for Education is providing over £450million of ring-fenced funding across the academic years 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 to go directly to primary schools, to be spent on the improvement of PE and sport. Headteachers are best placed to decide how the funding should be used and, using the funding, they can provide additional training and instruction in swimming and water safety (over and above the requirements of the national curriculum) if they choose.

There are a range of resources to help schools provide high-quality teaching, including from organisations such as the Amateur Swimming Association and from the Royal Lifesaving Society.

3rd Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she next plans to meet farming organisations in Wales.

The Secretary of State met with a number of Welsh farming organisations when she visited the Royal Welsh Show on 21 July. We work closely with farming organisations across the UK and look forward to meeting representatives in due course.

3rd Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with farming organisations in Wales about changes in the price of milk.

I chair regular meetings of the Dairy Supply Chain Forum which includes key representatives from the whole of the supply chain, including colleagues from Wales and from the farming industry. The next meeting is on 19 November. It will focus on the key issues and opportunities that the dairy sector is facing, including the latest market situation.

In addition, Defra officials maintain regular contact with their counterparts in Wales on a range of dairy issues.

3rd Nov 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the causes of recent changes in the price of milk.

Milk prices are falling as a result of the ban on dairy imports to Russia and falling returns from global commodity markets. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for UK dairying remains positive. Over the next decade, the UK dairy industry estimates global demand to rise by 2.5% a year with growing world incomes and an expanding population. UK dairy exports are already at record levels and we will continue to encourage and support our domestic farmers and processors to develop their businesses.

24th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will bring forward legislative proposals to ban puppy farming.

Dog breeding is already regulated. If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of dogs in a dog breeding establishment they should report it to the relevant local authority who have powers to investigate and take appropriate action.

7th Mar 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether she has held discussions with Palestinian officials on recent reports that the Palestinian Authority will reduce the salaries of its public sector workers but continue paying salaries for the families of martyrs, wounded or prisoners.

DFID officials are aware of the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) plans to make partial salary payments to public sector officials earning 2,000 NIS (£425) or above a month. We are in the process of assessing the implications for PEGASE beneficiaries (who are vetted health and education public servants) including through discussions with the PA. The UK continues to support a stable PA which can act as an effective partner for peace with Israel, through financial assistance that exclusively supports the salaries of vetted public servants in the West Bank in the health and education sectors. This move does not affect the robust financial safeguards that ensure UK financial aid only reaches intended beneficiaries, meaning aid is not allocated to Prisoner or Martyr payments. The UK government continues to press the PA to reform the prisoner payments system to become more needs-based, transparent and affordable.

15th Dec 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department provides financial assistance to Al-Quds University in the West Bank.

DFID does not provide financial assistance to Al-Quds University in the West Bank.

20th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what reports she has received of the potential effects of the Plant Breeders Bill in Ghana on small-scale farmers in that country.

The Department has not, to date, received any reports.

20th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the recent National Contingency Plan exercise in Conwy Morfa.

The National Contingency Plan exercise in Conwy Morfa on 10 and 11 September 2014 was coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and involved 39 organisations and 180 participants.

The MCA, along with a number of other organisations, will assess how the exercise tested the response to an oil spill incident of national significance.

A formal report on the exercise, detailing lessons identified and recommendations, will be published within the first quarter of 2015. This timescale is necessary because of the complexity and scale of the exercise.

14th Mar 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make it his Department's policy to accept data protection forms relating to queries arising from hon. Members' casework by email.

DWP current email policy states “this policy does not change existing rules on communications with Members of Parliament (MPs) and when responding to customer complaints (handled by the Independent Case Examiner) where the MP or complainant has requested a response by email”.

A Member is the data controller for all personal data handled by their own office and must be registered with the Information Commissioners Office in accordance with the following guidance.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/advice-for-members-offices.pdf

4th Jun 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason personal independence payment claimants resident in North Wales who require a Capita assessment are given the option of attending clinics only in Cardiff and Swansea.

Capita offer all claimants in North Wales the opportunity to have the assessment conducted within their own home. Those claimants who wish to attend a clinic appointment are offered the nearest centre, which may include Cardiff and/or Swansea. Claimants are reimbursed their travel expenses.

24th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned unused discretionary housing payment to his Department in 2013-14.

In 2013-14, 240 local authorities in Great Britain spent less than 100% of their total Government contribution in DHP, of which 5 were in Wales. Thirteen local authorities, of which two were in Wales, reported expenditure which exactly matched their Government contribution.

In June, the Government published an analysis of local authority DHP expenditure in 2013-14, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/322455/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-june-2014.pdf

24th Oct 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much each local authority in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned to his Department in unused discretionary housing payment funding in 2013-14.

Five local authorities in Wales spent less than their 2013-14 Government contribution in Discretionary Housing Payments. These were:

Local Authority Government Contribution Amount Unspent

Ceredigion

£324,933

£290

Conwy

£267,700

£1,498

Gwynedd

£605,141

£20,072

Newport

£343,870

£1

Pembrokeshire

£193,940

£4,176

Details for all 240 local authorities in Great Britain which spent less than their 2013-14 Government contribution in DHP are provided in the attached annex.

For the remaining 140 local authorities across Great Britain, of which 17 were in Wales, DHP expenditure in 2013-14 either matched or exceeded the Government contribution.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many companies (a) expressed an interest in and (b) tendered for the Help to Work scheme in Wales.

DWP received expressions of interest from three organisations and three organisations tendered for the Community Work Placement (Help to Work) contract in Wales.

Esther McVey
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much each local authority in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned to his Department in unused discretionary housing payment funding in 2013-14.

The information requested is due to be published shortly as part of wider analysis on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) in 2013/14.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned unused discretionary housing payment to his Department in 2013-14.

The information requested is due to be published shortly as part of wider analysis on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) in 2013/14.

10th Jun 2014
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in Wales applied for additional financial assistance to cover discretionary housing payments in 2013-14; and what assistance such local authorities received.

The three local authorities in Wales that applied for additional Discretionary Housing Payments from the additional £20 million reserve fund provided by the Government are detailed on the table below:

Local Authority

Amount Awarded

Caerphilly

£63,000

Cardiff

£150,000

Conwy

£25,000

This information was published on 24 March 2014 in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) subsidy circular S3/2014. Please find attached a link where the information can be found.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295291/s3-2014.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned unused discretionary housing payment to his Department in 2013-14.

The information requested is due to be published shortly as part of wider analysis on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) in 2013/14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much each local authority in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned to his Department in unused discretionary housing payment funding in 2013-14.

The information requested is due to be published shortly as part of wider analysis on the use of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) in 2013/14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in Wales applied for additional financial assistance to cover discretionary housing payments in 2013-14; and what assistance such local authorities received.

The three local authorities in Wales that applied for additional Discretionary Housing Payments from the additional £20 million reserve fund provided by the Government are detailed on the table below:

Local Authority

Amount Awarded

Caerphilly

£63,000

Cardiff

£150,000

Conwy

£25,000

This information was published on 24 March 2014 in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) subsidy circular S3/2014. Please find attached a link where the information can be found.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295291/s3-2014.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many local authorities in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned unused discretionary housing payment to his Department in 2013-14.

In 2013-14, 240 local authorities in Great Britain spent less than 100% of their total Government contribution in DHP, of which 5 were in Wales. Thirteen local authorities, of which two were in Wales, reported expenditure which exactly matched their Government contribution.

In June, the Government published an analysis of local authority DHP expenditure in 2013-14, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/322455/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-june-2014.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much each local authority in (a) Wales and (b) the UK returned to his Department in unused discretionary housing payment funding in 2013-14.

Five local authorities in Wales spent less than their 2013-14 Government contribution in Discretionary Housing Payments. These were:

Local Authority Government Contribution Amount Unspent

Ceredigion

£324,933

£290

Conwy

£267,700

£1,498

Gwynedd

£605,141

£20,072

Newport

£343,870

£1

Pembrokeshire

£193,940

£4,176

Details for all 240 local authorities in Great Britain which spent less than their 2013-14 Government contribution in DHP are provided in the attached annex.

For the remaining 140 local authorities across Great Britain, of which 17 were in Wales, DHP expenditure in 2013-14 either matched or exceeded the Government contribution.