First elected: 9th April 1992
Left House: 3rd May 2017 (General Election)
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
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).
These initiatives were driven by Jim Dowd, 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.
Jim Dowd has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Jim Dowd has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Stalking (Sentencing) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Alex Chalk (Con)
Adult skills funding allocations to further education providers are published on the Skills Funding Agency website:
Funding to further education providers for learners aged 16-18 is provided by the Department for Education.
Information on the number of learners participating in English and maths courses by geography from 2005/06 onwards is published in a supplementary table (first link) to a Statistical First Release at the FE Data Library (second link). Information on the number of learners participating in further education and skills by geography from 2005/06 onwards is published in a second supplementary table (third link).
Adult skills funding allocations to further education providers are published on the Skills Funding Agency website:
Funding to further education providers for learners aged 16-18 is provided by the Department for Education.
Information on the number of learners participating in English and maths courses by geography from 2005/06 onwards is published in a supplementary table (first link) to a Statistical First Release at the FE Data Library (second link). Information on the number of learners participating in further education and skills by geography from 2005/06 onwards is published in a second supplementary table (third link).
Adult skills funding allocations to further education providers are published on the Skills Funding Agency website:
Funding to further education providers for learners aged 16-18 is provided by the Department for Education.
Information on the number of learners participating in English and maths courses by geography from 2005/06 onwards is published in a supplementary table (first link) to a Statistical First Release at the FE Data Library (second link). Information on the number of learners participating in further education and skills by geography from 2005/06 onwards is published in a second supplementary table (third link).
The Government supports the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled.
As indicated by its signature of the Marrakesh Treaty on 28 June 2013, the Government intends to ratify the Treaty and hopes to see its entry into force at the earliest opportunity. The Government is currently in preliminary discussions with other European countries regarding the extent to which common action is required to ensure a coherent ratification of the Treaty across Europe. Following these discussions, the Government intends to take the necessary steps towards rapid implementation of the Treaty.
I refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement made by the Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal, my noble Friend the right hon. Baroness Stowell of Beeston on 29 July 2014, Official Report, column WS147.
The Cabinet Office currently coordinates the purchase of a cross-Government copyright licence on behalf of Departments and is considering a proposal from the Copyright Licence Agency.
The Cabinet Office currently coordinates the purchase of a cross-Government copyright licence on behalf of Departments and is considering a proposal from the Copyright Licence Agency.
Staff in government departments are covered by copyright licences related to the scanning and photocopying of documents where secondary royalties may be due to the author or creator of such documents.
Details of Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are available via the Department’s transparency returns, which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=DCMS+ministerial+meetings.
Details of Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are available via the Department’s transparency returns, which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=DCMS+ministerial+meetings.
The Cabinet Office currently coordinates the purchase of a cross-Government licence on behalf of Departments, however each department is responsible for its own licensing adherence.
The Cabinet Office currently coordinates the purchase of a cross-Government licence on behalf of Departments, however each department is responsible for its own licensing adherence.
Details of Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are available via the Department’s transparency returns, which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=DCMS+ministerial+meetings.
Details of Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are available via the Department’s transparency returns, which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=DCMS+ministerial+meetings.
Details of Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are available via the Department’s transparency returns, which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/search?q=DCMS+ministerial+meetings.
The previous Secretary of State, the Rt. Hon Maria Miller MP announced in October last year a commitment of £10million of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for projects marking some of the UK's most important anniversaries and commemorative events including Agincourt 600. This will ensure that those moments which form a central part of our national history are commemorated and understood by people today.
The Department for Education does not make any financial contribution to the Academies Show. The cost of venue hire, catering, promotion and advertising is covered by GovNet Communications, a private sector publisher and events organisation.
A Minister and a director from the Department make keynote speeches to open each Academies Show, and between five and ten other senior staff give up to three one hour presentations each, during the day.
One member of staff from the Department works with GovNet Communications, for approximately one hour a week, to put together the events programme and to coordinate and manage the department’s stand at the show. This stand is provided free of charge by GovNet. Up to 40 members of staff operate the Department’s stand on a shift basis, to answer questions that delegates have about the academies programme.
The Academies Show brings together headteachers, teachers, governors, school business managers and others involved in the world of education. The show provides an opportunity for delegates to increase their understanding of the academies programme and to hear presentations and case studies from a wide range of education experts. The last Academies Show, held in London in April 2014 attracted almost 2,400 visitors.
Defra is reviewing the Pet Animals Act 1951 as part of a wider review of some of the animal related licensing schemes. We are looking to consult on a set of proposals shortly.
Many plants, flowers and seeds pose a risk to cats and dogs and I am very supportive of measures to increase awareness among the public of the dangers, including through voluntary labelling of products by producers and retailers.
Many animal welfare charities also produce advice for pet owners on the risks and help spread the message of the dangers. Pet owners should consult their vet if they suspect their pet has consumed any dangerous or toxic plant product. Vets have access to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service ( http://vpisglobal.com/common-poisons/ ).
The figure for the number of London boroughs who have implemented 20mph speed limits is not held by the Department for Transport.
The Ministry of Justice do not hold data breakdown by local authority or the number of attempted prosecutions. However, they do hold data on the number of defendants proceeded against at court, prosecuted and sentenced for speeding offences; this data can be viewed on the Ministry of Justice website, at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/criminal-justice-system-statistics-quarterly-december-2014
In the link to “Motoring data tool with criminal justice area” – you will find a pivot table which contains data on court proceedings for motoring offences, including speed limit offences, in England and Wales for the 12 months ending December 2004 to 12 months ending December 2014.
There are four oxygen suppliers covering England. They have never been contracted to supply oxygen for people travelling outside of the United Kingdom (UK). Oxygen for use on holiday is only available free of charge for trips in the UK, and can be arranged through the patients current oxygen provider or a general practitioner. Oxygen suppliers in the UK have leaflets that are available to patients setting out the arrangements for people wishing to go on holiday. If a patient is holidaying in Europe oxygen can be arranged through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme with a valid EHIC. The Department’s Call Centre can supply the relevant contact details of officials in European countries. The person travelling will need to contact the authorised oxygen company for the country they are travelling to in order to make the necessary arrangements required to book state-funded Oxygen Therapy equipment. If they are travelling outside Europe, they will need to contact an oxygen company that supplies the country they will be visiting. To find an oxygen provider outside the UK, the individual can contact the British consulate in the country they are travelling to, an oxygen supplier in the UK, or the British Lung Foundation.
Government departments buy copyright licences according to their needs from their departmental budgets. Funds are not allocated by HM Treasury specifically for licensing and departmental procurement. This type of procurement is a matter for individual departments.
Government departments are required to comply with the law including the law of copyright. To this end they enter into licensing arrangements and monitor compliance locally. The Accounting Officer within each department is responsible for ensuring legal compliance.
Government departments buy copyright licences according to their needs from their departmental budgets. This includes any contributions made to shared licensing arrangements across government.
Since 2005, there have been no prosecutions, and therefore no convictions, under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
The National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) primarily receives Government funding through the Department for Business Innovation and Skills via the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
The NC3Rs is currently undergoing its quinquennial review to which the Home Office provided evidence recognising the exceptional achievements of the Centre. As part of the outcome of the review, decisions regarding core funding for the NC3Rs will be made by the MRC and BBSRC, the core funders. The current core funding level for 2015/16 from the MRC and BBSRC is £7.62 million.
The main meeting of the Review Panel took place on 19 March 2015 and the Review Panel’s recommendations will be considered by the MRC and BBSRC. The outcome of the review will be known by the summer.
The Home Office allocated funding of £250,000 to the NC3Rs for 2014/15. Funding for 2015/16 from the Home Office is yet to be allocated.
The Government has a continuing commitment to safeguard animal welfare and advance the use of the 3Rs principles (replacement, refinement and reduction) in research and development. The UK remains at the forefront of global work to develop alternatives to animal testing.
Recommendation 11 of the HMIC report relates to a multi-agency inspection on domestic abuse. The Home Secretary wrote to Ministerial colleagues seeking support to multi-agency inspections in January.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary will continue to inspect the police response to domestic abuse as part of their annual all-force PEEL (Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy) inspection programme.
The Government has no plans to conduct an inquiry into domestic abuse. The cross-government Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan sets out a comprehensive approach to improve the response of all agencies to domestic abuse.
The Home Secretary commissioned Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to review the police response to domestic abuse in September 2013. In response to HMIC’s report published in March 2014, which exposed significant failings, the Home Secretary is driving a package of measures to improve the police response. This includes the establishment of a National Oversight Group to drive delivery against all of HMIC’s recommendations. The Home Secretary also wrote to all Chief Constables making it clear that every police force must have an action plan in place. All forces have submitted plans which are now being reviewed by HMIC. In addition, the Inter-Ministerial Group on VAWG is securing cross-government support to establish a multi-agency inspection into domestic abuse.
The Government has no plans to conduct an inquiry into domestic abuse. The cross-government Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan sets out a comprehensive approach to improve the response of all agencies to domestic abuse.
The Home Secretary commissioned Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to review the police response to domestic abuse in September 2013. In response to HMIC’s report published in March 2014, which exposed significant failings, the Home Secretary is driving a package of measures to improve the police response. This includes the establishment of a National Oversight Group to drive delivery against all of HMIC’s recommendations. The Home Secretary also wrote to all Chief Constables making it clear that every police force must have an action plan in place. All forces have submitted plans which are now being reviewed by HMIC. In addition, the Inter-Ministerial Group on VAWG is securing cross-government support to establish a multi-agency inspection into domestic abuse.
We have made a commitment to ban the testing of household products on animals.
Although superficially straightforward, the details have not been easy to
resolve. Any solution has to be legally viable since we cannot ban testing
which may be required under UK or EU law.
The key issue is around ingredients. I am looking to develop a solution that
is workable and sensible, but does not have a chain of unforeseen circumstances.
We are looking to publish progress on the commitment later in the year.
In our best practice document, “50 ways to save”, we listed improving council tax collection rates and reducing arrears as a key way of making sensible savings to help keep overall council tax bills down and protect frontline services. Every penny of council tax that is not collected means a higher council tax for the law-abiding citizen who does pay on time.
It is important that councils are sympathetic to those in genuine hardship, are proportionate in enforcement and do not overuse bailiffs; indeed, my Department published best guidance on this aspect in 2013.
The cumulative level of council tax arrears in each London Borough is listed in the Table, ranked by amount. Whilst total levels of arrears in London have fallen since 2010, these figures show that there is still a significant source of income for councils, which they could use to support frontline service or further freeze council tax bills.
The number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody for fraud offences, in England and Wales, from 2009 to 2013 (the latest data available), can be viewed in the attached table. Average custodial sentence lengths have increased from 12.2 months to 14.9 months over the last 5 years.
The maximum penalty for fraud is a 10 year custodial sentence. There are no immediate plans to increase the maximum sentences for fraud, but we keep all maximum sentences under review.
Under this Government, if convicted of fraud, you are more likely to go to prison and for longer.