Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effect on air quality of levels of emissions from motor vehicles.
Answered by Elizabeth Truss
We have been open about the difference between real world and laboratory testing for diesel cars and our modelling takes into account the gap between laboratory testing and real world emissions. The UK government is committed to taking action on emissions testing. We see real world testing as the ultimate solution and a vital step in tackling air pollution. The vote to introduce RDE in 2017 is an important milestone but we will continue to press at EU level for a comprehensive approach to emissions testing to restore consumer confidence and deliver our wider air quality and climate objectives.
Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answer of 23 June 2015 to Question 3146, how many staff working at her Department for contractors do not earn the living wage; what services such staff deliver; and whether her Department plans to become an accredited living wage employer.
Answered by George Eustice
As at December 2014, 253 outsourced staff, employed by contractors with the central Department to provide office and building services in the central Department and its agencies, were paid below the Living Wage.
Defra pays the living wage to all its permanent employees and I am working with my officials on plans to extend this to cover those staff who work for contractors.
Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what timetable she has set for her Department to become a living wage employer.
Answered by George Eustice
Defra is already a Living Wage employer in relation to our permanent members of staff who are paid above the Living Wage. I am working with my officials to examine ways to encourage our contractors to pay the Living Wage to their staff as soon as practically possible.