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2006-07 (1,388)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, what measures he is taking to encourage migrant workers to report instances of forced labour and exploitation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, what measures he is taking to encourage migrant workers to report instances of forced labour and exploitation.
Asked by
Jon Cruddas
(Labour)
Answered by
Pat McFadden
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 October 2007
For answer on
22 October 2007
Answered on
29 October 2007
Steps have been taken to raise migrant workers' awareness of their workplace rights and how to report instances of abuse. All accession country (A8 and A2) workers required to register under the Home Office's Worker Registration Scheme now receive a one page 'Know Your Rights' leaflet alongside their registration documents. The leaflet—available in six languages—includes telephone numbers and website addresses for the workplace enforcement bodies and other advice bodies. 'Know Before You Go' leaflets are also available to Lithuanian, Polish and Portuguese nationals before they leave for the UK.It is now easier for migrant workers, whose main language is not English, to report instances of abuse to the workplace enforcement bodies. Translation services are available for those who wish to use the various enforcement helplines, and complaints can be submitted by e-mail. Reports about abuses of the National Minimum Wage regulations, for example, can be made to the helpline on 0845 6000 678 or via e mail using the complaint form at www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/complaint.htm. Where migrant workers work through an employment agency, and they have concerns about mistreatment, they can contact the Employment Agency Standards helpline on 0845 955 5105, or send an email to eas@berr.gsi. gov.uk.This year's enhanced National Minimum Wage publicity work includes a campaign targeted at migrant workers, including publicity for the NMW helpline. Other enforcement bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive and the Gangmasters Licensing Authority also have publicity and awareness-raising work in train aimed at migrant workers.The Department's Vulnerable Worker Enforcement Forum, set up to look at employment rights abuses, and identify ways of improving the enforcement framework is considering, as part of its work, whether more can be done to encourage vulnerable workers, including vulnerable migrant workers, to report problems.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Abuse; Migrant workers
Date
29 October 2007
Reference
160117; 465 c701-2W
House
House of Commons
That this House notes that on average women earn 17.2 per cent. less than men; further notes that this pay gap has many causes including ongoing discriminatory practices at work, rigid 9 to 5 working practices, lack of affordable childcare, low levels of paternal involvement in childhood upbringing and administrative burdens on employers in relation to women employees who become pregnant; calls for an urgent, robust and comprehensive equal pay strategy from the Government tackling every facet of the pay gap; and recommends that such a strategy should include requirements on all employers to conduct equal pay audits in exchange for a protected period to put things right, extension of the right to request flexible working to all employees, greater access to childcare that is high quality and affordable, enhanced rights to paternity leave and arrangements for payments to be made directly from HM Revenue and Customs to remove administrative burdens on businesses.
That this House notes that on average women earn 17.2 per cent. less than men; further notes that this pay gap has many causes including ongoing discriminatory practices at work, rigid 9 to 5 working practices, lack of affordable childcare, low levels of paternal involvement in childhood upbringing and administrative...
Primary sponsor
Jo Swinson
(Liberal Democrat)
Type
Early day motions
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Women; Equal pay
Date
29 October 2007
Reference
2195
House
House of Commons
That this House notes the 17 per cent. pay gap between women and men, which is equivalent to men being paid all year and women only being paid until 30th October; further notes that, more than 30 years after the Equal Pay Act coming into force, women are still being short-changed by the pay gap; and supports Women's No Pay Day, led by the Fawcett Society and UNISON, which calls for new and stronger government action on the pay gap including mandatory equal pay checks of all organisations funded by central government and of all pay deals agreed in the public sector, statutory equality representatives in workplaces, further action to tackle long working hours, the extension to all of the right to request flexible working and reform of pay legislation including allowing representative actions supported by trade unions.
That this House notes the 17 per cent. pay gap between women and men, which is equivalent to men being paid all year and women only being paid until 30th October; further notes that, more than 30 years after the Equal Pay Act coming into force, women are still being...
Primary sponsor
Joan Walley
(Labour)
Type
Early day motions
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Women; Equal pay
Date
29 October 2007
Reference
2196
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps he plans to take to raise awareness among employers and employees of the extension of statutory leave entitlement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps he plans to take to raise awareness among employers and employees of the extension of statutory leave entitlement.
Asked by
Andrew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Pat McFadden
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 October 2007
For answer on
29 October 2007
Answered on
29 October 2007
The Government undertook two full consultations on the proposals to increase the holiday entitlement, holding a number of regional meetings and working closely with unions and employer organisations. Specific efforts were made to engage small businesses and employers in key sectors likely to be particularly affected. The ability to receive email updates on the proposals was offered and over 8,000 people requested updates on progress. The proposals also attracted considerable media coverage on a number of occasions.Detailed guidance for employers and workers, including an interactive calculator for holiday entitlements, has been placed on the Business Link and Direct.gov websites respectively, with supporting material on BERR's own website.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Holiday leave
Date
29 October 2007
Reference
161394; 465 c689-90W
House
House of Commons
asked Her Majesty's Government:What terms and conditions, including pay, will apply to the chairman and the non-executive directors appointed to the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority.
asked Her Majesty's Government:What terms and conditions, including pay, will apply to the chairman and the non-executive directors appointed to the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority.
Asked by
Baroness Noakes
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord McKenzie of Luton
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
29 October 2007
Terms and conditions for the chairman and non-executive directors of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority are based on the model in the Cabinet Office's Making and Managing Public Appointments—A Guide for Departments.
The chairman of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority will receive remuneration of £150,000 per annum for a time commitment of two days work per week.
The first non-executive director of the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority will receive fees of £20,000 for an overall time commitment of 15 days per year.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Pay; Public appointments; Personal Accounts Delivery Authority
Date
29 October 2007
Reference
5735; 695 c162WA
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from Royal British Legion members on the military covenant.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from Royal British Legion members on the military covenant.
Asked by
Philip Hollobone
(Conservative)
Answered by
Derek Twigg
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 October 2007
For answer on
25 October 2007
Answered on
25 October 2007
The Secretary of State and I both received letters dated 12 September, from Frances Done, then director general of the Royal British Legion, formally notifying the Ministry of Defence of the public launch of the 'Honour the Covenant' campaign on 13 September and setting out its principal concerns.Since the launch of the campaign, Ministers have received in excess of 200 representations from members of the public concerning the Military Covenant. A majority of these have used the proforma generated by the Royal British Legion or state that they are writing on its behalf but we do not know the exact number of the correspondents who are members.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces; War pensions; Royal British Legion
Date
25 October 2007
Reference
160645; 465 c473W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 5th July 2007, Official Report, column 1183W, on general practitioners: conditions of employment, what his Department's (a) highest and (b) lowest estimate was of the effect the new contract for general practitioners would have on (i) average...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 5th July 2007, Official Report, column 1183W, on general practitioners: conditions of employment, what his Department's (a) highest and (b) lowest estimate was of the effect the new contract for general practitioners would have on (i) average...
Asked by
Mark Hoban
(Conservative)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 October 2007
For answer on
19 October 2007
Answered on
24 October 2007
The majority of general practitioners are independent contractors and do not receive salaries as such. Instead, they take a share of the net profit their practice makes in a year, after taking into account all earnings and expenses of the practice. The new contract determines a significant proportion of the earnings a practice receives. In agreeing the new contract, the Government guaranteed to increase investment in primary medical care services by 36 per cent. or £1.8 billion, in England, over three years ending 2005-06.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Contracts; General practitioners
Date
24 October 2007
Reference
465 c385W; 159840
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend knows, because he visited Portsmouth naval base a couple of weeks ago, that we have made an excellent investment in single living accommodation in Portsmouth. Will he confirm that this Government did not sell off MOD housing stock at a knock-down price, or leave the MOD to pick up the maintenance costs?
My right hon. Friend knows, because he visited Portsmouth naval base a couple of weeks ago, that we have made an excellent investment in single living accommodation in Portsmouth. Will he confirm that this Government did not sell off MOD housing stock at a knock-down price, or leave the MOD to pick up the maintenance costs?
Asked by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
Part of the problem is that we are living with the Annington Homes contract to this date. That adds complexity to dealing with family living accommodation. We are getting on with the rebuilding programme for single living accommodation and making improvements in service family accommodation, but the Annington contract has been a big part of the problem.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces; Housing
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c13
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I congratulate the Royal British Legion on its campaign, because there is always more that can be done to support our veterans. I thank the Minister for the increased funding for Combat Stress, and especially for Hollybush house in my constituency. Will he join me in congratulating Hollybush house on the opening of its new wing last week? Along with the extra funding, that will greatly increase its capacity to support veterans who have mental health problems as a result of serving their country.
I congratulate the Royal British Legion on its campaign, because there is always more that can be done to support our veterans. I thank the Minister for the increased funding for Combat Stress, and especially for Hollybush house in my constituency. Will he join me in congratulating Hollybush house on the opening of its new wing last week? Along with the extra funding, that will greatly increase its capacity to support veterans who have mental health problems as a result of serving their country.
Asked by
Sandra Osborne
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
I thank my hon. Friend for the support she gives to Combat Stress, which I know is based in her constituency. I welcome her comments on the Legion's campaign. We, too, welcome it; we have no problem with the Legion using its power and influence to raise such issues throughout the country. It is sad, however, if people want to use its campaign for party political purposes. We ought to be working together to raise such issues, which are perfectly legitimate, in the country as a whole.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces; Mental health services
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c10-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
One of the areas where there is significant scope for improvement in honouring the covenant is mental health services. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that that happens?
One of the areas where there is significant scope for improvement in honouring the covenant is mental health services. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that that happens?
Asked by
Linda Gilroy
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
We have increased the funding that we offer to Combat Stress, which is an organisation that helps us in this respect. We have introduced assessments for all people who go into and out of theatre to try to ensure that we improve the assessment of the mental health of those who are faced with these circumstances. We are also introducing, through pilots in the first instance, across-the-board mental health facilities to cover all the regions of the United Kingdom to ensure that we pick up mental health issues as and when they arise and that we know exactly what problems face our ex-military personnel in the years to come.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces; Mental health services
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
In Iraq 7.4 Americans are wounded for each fatality, whereas the official UK figure is 1.6. What explanation of that gross disparity can the Minister offer other than the obvious one, which is a failure by the Ministry fully to reflect the casualty burden that our armed forces sustain?
In Iraq 7.4 Americans are wounded for each fatality, whereas the official UK figure is 1.6. What explanation of that gross disparity can the Minister offer other than the obvious one, which is a failure by the Ministry fully to reflect the casualty burden that our armed forces sustain?
Asked by
Andrew Murrison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
Since I have been in this post, I have heard repeated allegations that somehow injured service personnel are not adequately reflected in the figures. I have heard all sorts of scurrilous things, such as that we are deliberately trying to hide the extent of our injured service personnel. I have seen no evidence of that. I continue to be prepared to examine anything that anyone has said. If anyone can provide evidence that we are under-reporting—[Interruption.] I heard the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) make scurrilous claims last time he was at the Dispatch Box, and I do not know whether he wants to do that again—
I will try to do that, Mr. Speaker, at your direction.
I say to the hon. Gentleman in all seriousness that if he or anyone else has evidence that there is a problem with the reporting mechanism, let us have it. We will look at that evidence and see whether we can put the problem right. Looking at what is needed for the purpose of treating our injured service personnel must be the priority. I see no evidence for the many claims that are made—indeed, continuing right up to this morning—and which have been quite adequately dealt with by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c13
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend recognises that the covenant is between the armed forces and the people of our countries. The Government are a part of that contract. Does he believe it is enhanced by politicians in this House and outside using the military as a political football by misquoting military leaders to score cheap party political points?
My right hon. Friend recognises that the covenant is between the armed forces and the people of our countries. The Government are a part of that contract. Does he believe it is enhanced by politicians in this House and outside using the military as a political football by misquoting military leaders to score cheap party political points?
Asked by
Brian Jenkins
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
No, I do not. If people begin to use this debate in that way, they will detract from what we ought to be doing. All Members of this House, irrespective of party, should join this debate and help to facilitate what is needed: the maximum connection between our armed forces personnel, who are doing a tremendous job on behalf of this country, and the nation as a whole, many of whom do not understand and appreciate the full extent of the sacrifice and the service that is being given.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c11-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
A disproportionately large number of our homeless on the streets of London and other cities in the United Kingdom are former servicemen and women. I commend the work of the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation and Veterans Aid—two marvellous charities that are helping with that. Is the Minister aware of the growing campaign for a national veterans centre in London to act as a one-stop shop, whether simply for veterans to make links with their old regiments or for the homeless to go and try to find somewhere to stay for the night? Is he prepared to meet representatives of the charities to push forward the campaign?
A disproportionately large number of our homeless on the streets of London and other cities in the United Kingdom are former servicemen and women. I commend the work of the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation and Veterans Aid—two marvellous charities that are helping with that. Is the Minister aware of the growing campaign for a national veterans centre in London to act as a one-stop shop, whether simply for veterans to make links with their old regiments or for the homeless to go and try to find somewhere to stay for the night? Is he prepared to meet representatives of the charities to push forward the campaign?
Asked by
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
Lots of charities are working on the matter and doing a fantastic job, and we should do everything we can to encourage them in their work. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary meets them regularly. I am more than happy not only to meet the people concerned but to consider any ideas. We are prepared to consider any suggestions for assisting our former service personnel.
Does the Minister agree that one of the obligations that we owe our servicemen is confidence that when they serve on the front line, their families are being adequately housed and looked after at home? Does he recall that in 2001 the defence housing executive was aiming to get all family accommodation up to standard 1 by November 2005? That date has been and gone, and we now have a 10-year programme, which, according to the Secretary of State, would necessitate £50 million a year being spent on family accommodation. Does the Minister realise that in the 12 months to April this year, only £16 million was spent? At the rate that things are happening, rather than being talked about, it could take 50 years to bring service family accommodation up to scratch. Given that the Government have sold £2.2 billion of assets since 1999, would not it be an idea for a guaranteed proportion of those capital asset sales to be ring-fenced in future for reinvesting in the Ministry's estate of houses?
The hon. Gentleman is right that a big job continues to be necessary on the estate for service family accommodation and single living accommodation. However, he should not undervalue the amount of work being done, the amount of money being spent and the size of the continuing building programme. In the past year alone, £700 million was spent. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said, there is a plan for £5 billion to be spent in the next 10 years. However, we will not put right decades of neglect overnight. The hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell) points at Conservative Members, and during their reign, practically no investment was made in service living accommodation. The matter is being addressed, but it will not be sorted out overnight.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces; Homelessness
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Does the Minister regard looking after the bereaved families of fallen servicemen and women as part of the military covenant? If he does, can he explain why it is still the case that no payment is made to bereaved families to enable them to be legally represented at inquests?
Does the Minister regard looking after the bereaved families of fallen servicemen and women as part of the military covenant? If he does, can he explain why it is still the case that no payment is made to bereaved families to enable them to be legally represented at inquests?
Asked by
Roger Gale
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
I accept that that is part of the military covenant. We must ensure that we give all appropriate support to the bereaved relatives of our service personnel, and we do. However, coroner's court appearances are not of such a nature that people should expect to be represented legally. The system is an inquisitorial one designed to get to the facts. It is not a system in which people automatically clash with the views of the Ministry of Defence at the hearings.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c11
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Does the Minister agree that one of the obligations that we owe our servicemen is confidence that when they serve on the front line, their families are being adequately housed and looked after at home? Does he recall that in 2001 the defence housing executive was aiming to get all family accommodation up to standard 1 by November 2005? That date has been and gone, and we now have a 10-year programme, which, according to the Secretary of State, would necessitate £50 million a year being spent on family accommodation. Does the Minister realise that in the 12 months to April this year, only £16 million was spent? At the rate that things are happening, rather than being talked about, it could take 50 years to bring service family accommodation up to scratch. Given that the Government have sold £2.2 billion of assets since 1999, would not it be an idea for a guaranteed proportion of those capital asset sales to be ring-fenced in future for reinvesting in the Ministry's estate of houses?
Does the Minister agree that one of the obligations that we owe our servicemen is confidence that when they serve on the front line, their families are being adequately housed and looked after at home? Does he recall that in 2001 the defence housing executive was aiming to get all family accommodation up to standard 1 by November 2005? That date has been and gone, and we now have a 10-year programme, which, according to the Secretary of State, would necessitate £50 million a year being spent on family accommodation. Does the Minister realise that in the 12 months to April this year, only £16 million was spent? At the rate that things are happening, rather than being talked about, it could take 50 years to bring service family accommodation up to scratch. Given that the Government have sold £2.2 billion of assets since 1999, would not it be an idea for a guaranteed proportion of those capital asset sales to be ring-fenced in future for reinvesting in the Ministry's estate of houses?
Asked by
Nick Harvey
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 October 2007
The hon. Gentleman is right that a big job continues to be necessary on the estate for service family accommodation and single living accommodation. However, he should not undervalue the amount of work being done, the amount of money being spent and the size of the continuing building programme. In the past year alone, £700 million was spent. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said, there is a plan for £5 billion to be spent in the next 10 years. However, we will not put right decades of neglect overnight. The hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell) points at Conservative Members, and during their reign, practically no investment was made in service living accommodation. The matter is being addressed, but it will not be sorted out overnight.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces; Housing
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Since I have been in this post, I have heard repeated allegations that somehow injured service personnel are not adequately reflected in the figures. I have heard all sorts of scurrilous things, such as that we are deliberately trying to hide the extent of our injured service personnel. I have seen no evidence of that. I continue to be prepared to examine anything that anyone has said. If anyone can provide evidence that we are under-reporting—[Interruption.] I heard the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) make scurrilous claims last time he was at the Dispatch Box, and I do not know whether he wants to do that again—
I will try to do that, Mr. Speaker, at your direction.
I say to the hon. Gentleman in all seriousness that if he or anyone else has evidence that there is a problem with the reporting mechanism, let us have it. We will look at that evidence and see whether we can put the problem right. Looking at what is needed for the purpose of treating our injured service personnel must be the priority. I see no evidence for the many claims that are made—indeed, continuing right up to this morning—and which have been quite adequately dealt with by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary.
Since I have been in this post, I have heard repeated allegations that somehow injured service personnel are not adequately reflected in the figures. I have heard all sorts of scurrilous things, such as that we are deliberately trying to hide the extent of our injured service personnel. I have seen no evidence of that. I continue to be prepared to examine anything that anyone has said. If anyone can provide evidence that we are under-reporting—[Interruption.] I heard the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) make scurrilous claims last time he was at the Dispatch Box, and I do not know whether he wants to do that again—
I will try to do that, Mr. Speaker, at your direction.
I say to the hon. Gentleman in all seriousness that if he or anyone else has evidence that there is a problem with the reporting mechanism, let us have it. We will look at that evidence and see whether we can put the problem right. Looking at what is needed for the purpose of treating our injured service personnel must be the priority. I see no evidence for the many claims that are made—indeed, continuing right up to this morning—and which have been quite adequately dealt with by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary.
Answered by
Bob Ainsworth
(Labour)
Asked by
Andrew Murrison
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
In Iraq 7.4 Americans are wounded for each fatality, whereas the official UK figure is 1.6. What explanation of that gross disparity can the Minister offer other than the obvious one, which is a failure by the Ministry fully to reflect the casualty burden that our armed forces sustain?
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c13
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I do not agree. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary has had several meetings with the legion and has asked it to provide instances of where claiming compensation has been made difficult so that we can consider them. The burden of proof is at an acceptable level, and there is no evidence that there are difficulties. The level of compensation has been increased and improved by the introduction of the up-front payment to supplement the pension, which was not available at all until a year or so ago.
I do not agree. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary has had several meetings with the legion and has asked it to provide instances of where claiming compensation has been made difficult so that we can consider them. The burden of proof is at an acceptable level, and there is no evidence that there are difficulties. The level of compensation has been increased and improved by the introduction of the up-front payment to supplement the pension, which was not available at all until a year or so ago.
Answered by
Bob Ainsworth
(Labour)
Asked by
Greg Hands
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
The Royal British Legion says:"““we believe that certain aspects of the Military Covenant are not being delivered and that the Nation must now bring about change to ensure that our Service people and their families get the support they deserve.””"
One of the things that it pinpoints is the armed forces compensation scheme, which it says will make"““receiving compensation for death, injury or illness caused by Service significantly more difficult.””"
Does the Minister agree?
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c9-10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Part of the problem is that we are living with the Annington Homes contract to this date. That adds complexity to dealing with family living accommodation. We are getting on with the rebuilding programme for single living accommodation and making improvements in service family accommodation, but the Annington contract has been a big part of the problem.
Part of the problem is that we are living with the Annington Homes contract to this date. That adds complexity to dealing with family living accommodation. We are getting on with the rebuilding programme for single living accommodation and making improvements in service family accommodation, but the Annington contract has been a big part of the problem.
Answered by
Bob Ainsworth
(Labour)
Asked by
Sarah McCarthy-Fry
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
My right hon. Friend knows, because he visited Portsmouth naval base a couple of weeks ago, that we have made an excellent investment in single living accommodation in Portsmouth. Will he confirm that this Government did not sell off MOD housing stock at a knock-down price, or leave the MOD to pick up the maintenance costs?
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c13
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We have increased the funding that we offer to Combat Stress, which is an organisation that helps us in this respect. We have introduced assessments for all people who go into and out of theatre to try to ensure that we improve the assessment of the mental health of those who are faced with these circumstances. We are also introducing, through pilots in the first instance, across-the-board mental health facilities to cover all the regions of the United Kingdom to ensure that we pick up mental health issues as and when they arise and that we know exactly what problems face our ex-military personnel in the years to come.
We have increased the funding that we offer to Combat Stress, which is an organisation that helps us in this respect. We have introduced assessments for all people who go into and out of theatre to try to ensure that we improve the assessment of the mental health of those who are faced with these circumstances. We are also introducing, through pilots in the first instance, across-the-board mental health facilities to cover all the regions of the United Kingdom to ensure that we pick up mental health issues as and when they arise and that we know exactly what problems face our ex-military personnel in the years to come.
Answered by
Bob Ainsworth
(Labour)
Asked by
Linda Gilroy
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
One of the areas where there is significant scope for improvement in honouring the covenant is mental health services. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that that happens?
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c10
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I thank my hon. Friend for the support she gives to Combat Stress, which I know is based in her constituency. I welcome her comments on the Legion's campaign. We, too, welcome it; we have no problem with the Legion using its power and influence to raise such issues throughout the country. It is sad, however, if people want to use its campaign for party political purposes. We ought to be working together to raise such issues, which are perfectly legitimate, in the country as a whole.
I thank my hon. Friend for the support she gives to Combat Stress, which I know is based in her constituency. I welcome her comments on the Legion's campaign. We, too, welcome it; we have no problem with the Legion using its power and influence to raise such issues throughout the country. It is sad, however, if people want to use its campaign for party political purposes. We ought to be working together to raise such issues, which are perfectly legitimate, in the country as a whole.
Answered by
Bob Ainsworth
(Labour)
Asked by
Sandra Osborne
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I congratulate the Royal British Legion on its campaign, because there is always more that can be done to support our veterans. I thank the Minister for the increased funding for Combat Stress, and especially for Hollybush house in my constituency. Will he join me in congratulating Hollybush house on the opening of its new wing last week? Along with the extra funding, that will greatly increase its capacity to support veterans who have mental health problems as a result of serving their country.
Subjects
Conditions of employment; Armed forces
Date
22 October 2007
Reference
465 c10-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons