Asked by: Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat - Ceredigion)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of the need to provide access to his Department's services in Welsh.
Answered by Steve Webb
This Government is fully committed to the Welsh language and fully committed to providing Government services in the Welsh language where there is demand for them.
The Department for Work and Pensions has a Welsh Language Scheme which was approved by the former Welsh Language Board on 25th March 2010.
The Department has a dedicated Welsh Language Unit to oversee the requirements of the scheme. The scheme is kept under constant review and the Department has reported annually each June to the Welsh Language Commissioner on progress against its objectives when delivering services in Wales.
Asked by: Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat - Ceredigion)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reasons the UK Government voted against the establishment of a Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived.
Answered by Esther McVey - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
The UK did not refuse any money, it simply voted against adopting the regulation establishing the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived on the basis that we think MemberStates, and not the European Union, should decide how the money is spent. This was in line with the reasoned opinions adopted by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Asked by: Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat - Ceredigion)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of a Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived on deprived communities in the UK.
Answered by Esther McVey - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
The Government is currently considering the best use of the money. It is therefore too early to assess what impact it might have.
Asked by: Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat - Ceredigion)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for how many and what proportion of employment and support allowance claimants in the Work Related Activity Group Atos has sought further medical evidence and opinion from the person's nominated professional.
Answered by Mike Penning
The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.