Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it is his policy to negotiate mutual recognition of pilot licenses between the Civil Aviation Authority and European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
Answered by Anthony Browne - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The UK continues to have a productive relationship with EASA in many areas and have already agreed a high-level Aviation Safety Agreement. We hope to be able to expand this in appropriate areas that support our industry in the future, including in relation to pilot licensing. However, this may well take some time, and it would require willingness from the EU as well. We are continuing to work to ensure an effective licensing regime supports UK aviation and delivering effective implementation of the existing agreement with the EU.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Government Response Report of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing, published in February 2019, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to introduce mandatory disability equality training for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.
Answered by Richard Holden - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
In the 2019 response to the report of the Chair of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing, the government committed to require the completion of disability awareness training by drivers when Parliamentary time allowed. This remains our position.
In the meantime, in 2022 we consulted on updated best practice guidance for taxi and PHV licensing authorities, including a recommendation that drivers are required to complete such training. The consultation response and substantive guidance will be published in due course.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) regulatory and (b) safety implications of UK-based airlines utilising non-UK-based sub-contractors on (i) aircraft, (ii) crew, (iii) maintenance and (iv) insurance basis for passenger flights originating in the UK.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
All foreign carriers operating to the UK, through leasing arrangements or otherwise, are reviewed through the UK’s third country operator approval system and are monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that they meet international safety standards. The ability to lease from non-UK operators provides UK airlines with flexibility and additional temporary capacity during peak periods, helping to reduce delays and cancellations for passengers.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he plans to take steps to apply lessons learned from his Department's review of the maritime sector following the actions of P&O Ferries to air transport.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
Following P&O Ferries’ disgraceful actions, the Secretary of State announced a nine-point plan to improve seafarers protections. Legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows that intends to ensure that seafarers working on vessels that regularly use UK ports are paid at least an equivalent rate to the UK National Minimum Wage, irrespective of the nationality or the seafarer or flag of the vessel.
On 30 June, the Secretary of State set out the 22 measures the Government is taking to support the aviation industry, including to help recruit and train staff, ensure the delivery of a realistic summer schedule, minimise disruption, and support passengers when delays and cancellations are unavoidable. The Government recognised that while the issues was one for industry to solve, a series of targeted measures could support their efforts.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of potential change in the (a) number and (b) average earnings of (i) CAA licensed pilots and (ii) UK-resident aircrew as a result of UK-based airlines utilising non UK-based sub-contractors on an aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) basis for passenger flights originating in the UK.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
UK airlines lease aircraft and crew from foreign airlines to provide additional capacity, often during the summer holiday peak. The flexibility to bring in additional capacity for limited periods is welcomed by the UK’s largest carriers to manage seasonal peaks or when aircraft and crew are otherwise unavailable. This summer has seen an increase in this type of activity for several reasons including shortage of aircraft and of cabin crew. How the leasing of foreign aircraft and crew develops is something we will keep under review as the market recovers and evolves following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the impact on the economy of UK-based airlines using non-UK-based sub-contractors for passenger flights originating in the UK.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
UK airlines lease aircraft and crew from foreign airlines to provide additional capacity, often during the summer holiday peak. The flexibility to bring in additional capacity for limited periods is welcomed by the UK’s largest carriers to manage seasonal peaks or when aircraft and crew are otherwise unavailable. This summer has seen an increase in this type of activity for several reasons including shortage of aircraft and of cabin crew. How the leasing of foreign aircraft and crew develops is something we will keep under review as the market recovers and evolves following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to consult on the introduction of a limitation on UK-based airlines using non UK-based sub-contractors for passenger flights originating in the UK.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
UK airlines lease aircraft and crew from foreign airlines to provide additional capacity, often during the summer holiday peak. The flexibility to bring in additional capacity for limited periods is welcomed by the UK’s largest carriers to manage seasonal peaks or when aircraft and crew are otherwise unavailable. This summer has seen an increase in this type of activity for several reasons including shortage of aircraft and of cabin crew. How the leasing of foreign aircraft and crew develops is something we will keep under review as the market recovers and evolves following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 February 2022 to Question 119637, what recent assessment he has made of the road safety implications of HGV driver conditions of employment.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
The Department has been looking at ways to improve road safety where it concerns anyone driving or riding for work, including drivers of HGVs. Officials have been working closely with the Health and Safety Executive on new guidance published in September 2021 titled ‘Driving and Riding Safely for Work’ which applies to any organisation employing those who drive or ride for work and to the drivers and riders themselves.
The guidance is designed to highlight the responsibilities of these organisations and the responsibilities of individual drivers and riders under both Road Safety and Health and Safety regulations and ensure their compliance with those regulations.
HGV drivers are required to undergo periodic medical examinations, including eyesight tests to ensure they are fit to drive. HGV drivers are also subject to the retained drivers hours and working time regulations to ensure that driver safety is not compromised. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his statement on 10 September 2021, Transport update, HCWS282, what discussions he has had with (a) companies and (b) trade unions regarding differences in terms of employment offered to administrative and management staff in the logistics sector as compared to those offered to HGV drivers employed by the same companies.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
The Government has put in place 32 interventions to tackle the acute shortage of HGV drivers. However, the Government does not intervene in the levels of pay in private businesses, with the exception of setting the rates for the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. In addition, the relevant employment legislation sets minimum standards for workers’ rights and the government regulates HGV drivers’ hours.
We are aware that levels of HGV driver pay are rising and more options are being made available for flexible working, fixed hours, fixed days, full-time and part-time.
Ministers and officials meet periodically with industry bodies, companies and trade unions to discuss a wide range of issues relating to HGV driver recruitment and retention.
Asked by: Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party - East Renfrewshire)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his statement on 10 September 2021, Transport update, HC WS 282, what progress the cross-Government ministerial group has made on securing improvements in the working conditions and employment contract arrangements for HGV drivers.
Answered by Trudy Harrison
The Government recognises the need to ensure hauliers have access to appropriate services and facilities. We are aware of the concerns expressed by many HGV drivers about the provision, quality and value of lorry parking in the UK.
We have announced £32.5 million in new funding to improve roadside facilities for hauliers and are undertaking a new National Lorry Parking Survey supported by direct industry engagement to help identify where improvements are most needed. We continue to engage with key stakeholders to encourage the development of safe, secure and high-quality lorry parking.
The Department published a joint letter with the Health and Safety Executive to remind businesses of their legal obligation to provide toilet and handwashing facilities to drivers visiting their premises as part of their work.
The Government has confirmed its support for an industry-led “Year of Logistics” as well as the promotion of good practice in the sector as endorsed by unions and trade representatives. The Government does not intervene in the levels of pay in private businesses, with the exception of setting the rates for the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.