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Session
X
2000-01
Type
House
Session
More
2000-01 (15)
Year
Department
Member
More
Primary member
Answering member
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
Type
House of Commons papers
Author
Met Office
Laid on
11 May 2001
Subjects
Executive agencies; ICT; Environmental impact assessment; Forecasts; Weather; Standards; Met Office; Meteorology
Commons Library location
CS 921
Date
11 May 2001
Reference
HC 484 2000/01
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what research his Department has carried out into the links between fuel poverty and excess winter deaths; and if he will make a statement on links between the level of winter deaths and the number of households in fuel poverty since 1997....
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what research his Department has carried out into the links between fuel poverty and excess winter deaths; and if he will make a statement on links between the level of winter deaths and the number of households in fuel poverty since 1997....
Asked by
Lord Foster of Bath
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Yvette Cooper
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 April 2001
For answer on
23 April 2001
Answered on
23 April 2001
Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out into the links between fuel
poverty and excess winter deaths; and if he will make a statement on links between the level of winter deaths and the number of
households in fuel poverty since 1997. [157453]
Yvette Cooper: It is estimated there were some 5.5 million fuel poor households in the United Kingdom in 1996. Further analysis
suggests this may have fallen to around 4.5 million by 1999. In 2000 every pensioner household received £200 winter fuel allowance
providing further help to cut fuel poverty. In the UK from December to March, there are on average between 20,000-50,000 excess
deaths compared to the rest of the year. We are committed to ending the blight of fuel poverty for vulnerable households by 2010 and
launched our fuel poverty strategy as a consultation document on 23 February 2001.
Links have been established between cold, damp housing and increased ill-health. However, the relative contributions of cold homes,
outdoor temperatures and other factors to excess winter deaths are complex and not fully understood.
The Department has commissioned a systematic review of the effect of cold on otherwise healthy individuals, particularly older
people. It will address: 1) the effect of cold exposure on mortality and morbidity; and 2) the effect of cold exposure on
physiological changes and risk factors associated with coronary heart disease.
Additionally, the Department, together with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, has funded a pilot project
to look at the impact of cold homes on health. This will help determine what further research may be considered.
The Department of Health has already initiated a number of measures to help combat excess winter deaths. The "Keep Warm, Keep Well"
campaign, which runs from October to March each year, gives advice to the public and health professionals on staying warm in winter.
Additionally, this winter the `flu vaccine on the National Health Service was extended to include everyone aged 65 and over. The
vaccine can prevent complications from influenza. There is also a vaccine against pneumococcal disease which can be given at the
same time as the `flu vaccine to people in high-risk groups which can help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia among other conditions.
Subjects
Death; Housing; Fuel poverty; Weather; Vaccination; Influenza
Date
23 April 2001
Reference
157453; 367 c169W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement on the (a) number of and (b) trends in excess winter deaths in Scotland since May 1997. - Including figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement on the (a) number of and (b) trends in excess winter deaths in Scotland since May 1997. - Including figures.
Asked by
Dominic Grieve
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke
(Labour)
Answering body
Scotland Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 January 2001
For answer on
9 April 2001
Answered on
9 April 2001
Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the (a) number of and (b) trends in excess
winter deaths in Scotland since May 1997. [145663]
Mrs. Liddell: The collection of statistics on excess winter deaths in Scotland is a devolved matter.
Fuel poverty contributes to the number of excess winter deaths among pensioners. The UK Government and the Scottish Executive have
been working together to tackle fuel poverty and the Government and the devolved Administrations recently published a UK Fuel
Poverty Strategy. The Government have taken direct action to help older households with their fuel bills by increasing the Winter
Fuel Allowance to £200. The Allowance is paid to over 700,000 eligible households in Scotland. We have also taken other action, such
as reducing the level of VAT on domestic fuel to 5 per cent.
Subjects
Death; Fuels; Poverty; Older people; Scotland; Weather
Date
9 April 2001
Reference
366 c425W; 145663
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will list the occasions on which schools have (a) closed and (b) sent children home early due to (i) foot and mouth disease, (ii) teacher sickness, (iii) adverse weather conditions and (iv) teacher shortages, in the last year...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will list the occasions on which schools have (a) closed and (b) sent children home early due to (i) foot and mouth disease, (ii) teacher sickness, (iii) adverse weather conditions and (iv) teacher shortages, in the last year...
Asked by
Lord Brady of Altrincham
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Morris of Yardley
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Employment
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 April 2001
For answer on
5 April 2001
Answered on
5 April 2001
Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the occasions on which schools have (a) closed
and (b) sent children home early due to (i) foot and mouth disease, (ii) teacher sickness, (iii) adverse weather conditions and (iv)
teacher shortages, in the last year for which figures are available. [156918]
Ms Estelle Morris: This information is not collected centrally. Schools may decide to close or to send pupils home early for a
number of reasons, especially where they judge the health and safety of pupils to be at risk. Neither schools nor local education
authorities are required to report such decisions.
Subjects
Closures; Disease control; Foot and mouth disease; Staff; Weather; Schools; Teachers; Sick leave
Date
5 April 2001
Reference
366 c275W; 156918
House
House of Commons
What is their evaluation of the climate, economic, social and agricultural implications of the reported forecast by NASA of a "sub El Nino" occurrence in 2002; what contingency plans they are themselves preparing and what contingency plans they are advocating in the European Union and the United Nations. [HL 1315].
What is their evaluation of the climate, economic, social and agricultural implications of the reported forecast by NASA of a "sub El Nino" occurrence in 2002; what contingency plans they are themselves preparing and what contingency plans they are advocating in the European Union and the United Nations. [HL 1315].
Asked by
Lord Judd
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Whitty
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
28 March 2001
Answered on
28 March 2001
Subjects
Climate; Floods; Weather; El Niño
Date
28 March 2001
Reference
HL 1315; 624 c32WA
House
House of Lords
Statement on if he will publish the Environment Agency's report on the serious flooding in autumn and winter 2000; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to today publishing this report, copies to be placed in Library, copies of the regional reports will be placed in Library...
Statement on if he will publish the Environment Agency's report on the serious flooding in autumn and winter 2000; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to today publishing this report, copies to be placed in Library, copies of the regional reports will be placed in Library...
Asked by
John Grogan
(Labour)
Answered by
Elliot Morley
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 March 2001
For answer on
20 March 2001
Answered on
20 March 2001
Mr. Grogan: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the Environment Agency's report on the serious
flooding in autumn and winter 2000; and if he will make a statement. [154898]
Mr. Morley: I am today publishing this report, copies of which are being placed in the House Libraries. Copies of the regional
reports will be placed in the Libraries by 30 March. I welcome publication of this report which I commissioned the Environment
Agency to produce, in partnership with the other bodies responsible for responding to the flooding, particularly local authorities
and the emergency services.
The report shows that since last October we have seen the worst flooding for half a century, following the wettest autumn on record.
Thankfully no loss of life was directly associated with the floods, though 10,000 properties suffered flooding--some repeatedly--and
I again extend the Government's sympathies to all those who were affected.
I endorse the key finding that the Agency, and those responsible for the emergency response, performed well. I am particularly
pleased to note that the seamless and integrated service of flood forecasting, warning and response, for which I called after the
Easter 1998 floods, was delivered in most if not all areas. I am also pleased to note that in a number of localities the emergency
response arrangements benefited from exercises conducted last summer between the Environment Agency, local authorities and the
emergency services. The new flood warning codes, introduced by the Agency within weeks of the floods, also worked well.
I want to thank the Agency, and all the other organisations and individuals involved, for their efforts in response to the flooding.
This involved many hours of long, hard work, rapid decisions which needed to be made, and also individual acts of bravery, for which
the country must express its gratitude. The effects of the flooding would almost certainly have been much worse were it not for
their efforts.
Nevertheless, the report identifies some further lessons to be learned, the key ones being: The flood warning arrangements worked
well but there are some detailed lessons for further improvement. I have asked the Agency to provide me with their proposals for
implementing changes by September 2001. Also, the report notes some deficiencies in the weather forecasts received by the Agency. A
review will be taken forward by the Environment Agency in conjunction with the Met Office, to report by September 2001. There is a
need for the current Home Office review of local authority emergency planning arrangements to take account of the lessons learned
from the floods. There remains some confusion in the minds of the public about responsibility for measures to prevent flooding, and
for responding to it. The key to sound action is planning, partnership and provision of information. Through the Ministry's High
Level Targets, operating authorities are required to provide policy statement which will indicate flood risk locally and how it will
be managed, and to describe local partnerships. Such statements are due to be completed soon. These statements will provide
information on "assumed" responsibility which will provide a useful basis for determining if further action on attribution is
necessary in specific instances and developing a sound local partnership. Provision of a "one stop shop" may then be possible by
local agreement. We have a High Level Target in place for the Environment Agency to organise a programme of local and regional
emergency exercises and should also conduct a national emergency exercise during the course of 2001. While local and regional
exercises should continue, I have accepted the Agency's recommendation that it is unnecessary to conduct a national exercise this
year. I shall consider with the Agency the timetable for a future national exercise. We need to determine the appropriate level of
investment in flood and coastal defence. Substantial increases were made in the Comprehensive Spending Review and the 2000 Spending
Review. An additional £51 million was announced in November, and we have also put together an £11.6 million package to fund the
exceptional costs of the Environment Agency in responding to the flooding and in undertaking emergency repairs. However, I recognise
that we need to be ready to consider whether further expenditure may be justified. We have already instituted additional research to
identify in broad terms what future investment may be required so that this can be considered in future spending reviews. Other
developments such as strategic catchment studies should assist in the future production of more realistic needs-based expenditure
programmes. We have established a series of High Level Targets to ensure Government policy for flood and coastal defence is
delivered by the operating authorities and others. One group of targets requires the Environment Agency to establish a database of
flood and coastal defences and to record information on their condition, based on inspections undertaken by the operating
authorities. The database is an important development, for which MAFF is currently contributing towards the cost; we will consider
whether additional funding is needed. It is also necessary to ensure that inspections of defences are completed by the operating
authorities accurately and to time. I am asking the Environment Agency to report on this, as part of their report on the inspections
and assessment of flood risk required under the High Level Targets. The Environment Agency's report raises questions about the
process for making investment decisions. I have asked the Agency to provide me with supporting evidence by September 2001 and I will
consider with them, and the other operating authorities, whether changes are required. This issue will be relevant to the review,
already under way, of the priority scoring arrangements for consideration of MAFF financial support for flood and coastal defence
schemes. Also under way is a review of the current funding arrangements for flood and coastal defence. I shall ensure that relevant
recommendations in the report are considered by the Review Steering Group. The Agency has also undertaken to carry forward further
reviews and studies which I anticipate receiving with interest.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister was right when, on 31 October 2000, Official Report, column 607, he referred to the
effects of the earlier violent storm as a "wake up call". We can certainly expect climate change to mean that events of this type
will occur more frequently in future. Another inevitable fact is that Governments--past, present and future--cannot prevent all
flooding; but where it is sensible and sustainable to do so, we can take further action to reduce the risk.
We can also take action to ensure that as a nation we are prepared to deal with the effects of severe weather, including but not
limited to flooding, and that our key national infrastructure can withstand these effects. This is a matter on which we are working
closely with local authorities and other key players through the Central Local Partnership.
In summary, if it had not been for the effective response of the Agency and others, the flooding would have had much more serious
effects than it did. There are still lessons to be learned, but we have all come a long way since the flooding three years ago.
Subjects
Climate; Databases; Costs; Coastal areas; Climate change; Finance; Flood control; Inspections; Investment; Emergencies; Emergency services; Environment Agency; Floods; Forecasts; Local government; Powers; Planning; Publications; Partnerships; Weather; Standards; Research; Rivers
Date
20 March 2001
Reference
365 c186-8W; 154898
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations her Department has received from Mongolia for assistance arising from the impact of severe winter conditions; what response has been made; and if she will make a statement. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations her Department has received from Mongolia for assistance arising from the impact of severe winter conditions; what response has been made; and if she will make a statement. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Peter L Pike
(Labour)
Answered by
Chris Mullin
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 February 2001
For answer on
6 March 2001
Answered on
6 March 2001
Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received from Mongolia
for assistance arising from the impact of severe winter conditions; what response has been made; and if she will make a statement.
[152265]
Mr. Mullin: Mongolia has been hit by two consecutive winter disasters or `dzuds' (1999-2000 and 2000-01) caused by severe and
widespread drought in the summer, unusually cold temperatures in the autumn and heavy snow fall in winter. These conditions are
seriously affecting both animal and human welfare. Last year's dzud affected 450,000 herders and killed approximately three million
livestock. Compared with the same period last year the current situation is much more severe in terms of the impact of the disaster
on people and livestock and on the national capacity to respond. Over 300,000 herders are affected in 20 out of 21 provinces and
600,000 livestock have already died.
The Government of Mongolia have been active in disaster preparedness and relief assistance in dzud affected areas. However the two
consecutive dzud have overstretched national capacity. The Government have therefore requested international relief assistance
following a needs assessment, in which my Department was involved. An appeal for $11.8 million has been launched by the Government
of Mongolia through the United Nations.
The appeal aims to target vulnerable groups in the most severely affected provinces and seeks to fulfil unmet relief needs. It
focuses on building the disaster management of the Mongolian State Emergency Commission and other relevant national partners to
enhance preparedness and future response.
We have offered US $1 million for the provision of emergency relief under the framework of the UN appeal to be channelled through
humanitarian agencies working in Mongolia.
Subjects
Development aid; Disaster relief; International assistance; Weather; Mongolia
Date
6 March 2001
Reference
152265; 364 c133-4W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the impact of the severe weather in Mongolia this winter on the country's economy; and what steps her Department is taking to assist those adversely affected. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the impact of the severe weather in Mongolia this winter on the country's economy; and what steps her Department is taking to assist those adversely affected. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Peter Luff
(Conservative)
Answered by
Clare Short
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for International Development
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 February 2001
For answer on
26 February 2001
Answered on
26 February 2001
Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of the severe
weather in Mongolia this winter on the country's economy; and what steps her Department is taking to assist those adversely
affected. [151315]
Clare Short: Mongolia has been hit by two consecutive winter disasters or "Dzuds" (1990-2000 and 2000-01) caused by widespread
drought in the summer, unusually cold temperatures in the autumn and heavy snow fall in winter. These conditions are seriously
affecting both animal and human welfare. Last year's dzud affected 450,000 herders and killed approximately 3 million livestock.
This year's dzud is more serious. Over 300,000 herders are affected in 20 our of 21 provinces and 600,000 livestock have already
died.
The Government of Mongolia have been active in disaster preparedness and relief assistance in dzud- affected areas. However, the two
consecutive dzud have overstretched national capacity. The Government have therefore requested international relief assistance
following a needs assessment, in which my Department was involved. An Appeal for $11.8 million has been launched by the Government
through the United Nations.
The Appeal aims to target vulnerable groups on the most severely affected provinces and seeks to fulfil unmet relief needs. It
focuses on building the disaster management of the Mongolian State Emergency Commission and other relevant national partners to
enhance preparedness and future response.
We have provided US $1 million for the provision of emergency relief under the framework of the UN appeal to be channelled through
humanitarian agencies working in Mongolia.
Subjects
Development aid; International assistance; Humanitarian aid; Economic situation; Weather; Mongolia
Date
26 February 2001
Reference
151315; 363 c530-1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what plans he has to implement a compensation package for farmers whose harvests have been destroyed by recent severe weather conditions; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to 24 January 2001, 361 c594-5W.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what plans he has to implement a compensation package for farmers whose harvests have been destroyed by recent severe weather conditions; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to 24 January 2001, 361 c594-5W.
Asked by
Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Quin
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 January 2001
For answer on
30 January 2001
Answered on
30 January 2001
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to implement a compensation package for
farmers whose harvests have been destroyed by recent severe weather conditions; and if he will make a statement. [146235]
Ms Quin: We are helping farmers who have lost harvests as a result of recent severe weather, through measures agreed with the
European Commission to protect payments under the Arable Area Payments Scheme to which the answer given to the right hon. Member for
Skipton and Ripon (Mr. Curry) on 24 January 2001, Official Report, columns 594-95W refers. No separate compensation package is
envisaged at this time.
Subjects
Compensation; Floods; Farmers; Weather
Date
30 January 2001
Reference
146235; 362 c137W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the programme of closures of meterological outstation observing offices at civil airports; when he expects this to be complete; and what arrangements are being made to continue the provision of the information which these offices...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the programme of closures of meterological outstation observing offices at civil airports; when he expects this to be complete; and what arrangements are being made to continue the provision of the information which these offices...
Asked by
David Atkinson
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Moonie
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 January 2001
For answer on
26 January 2001
Answered on
26 January 2001
Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the programme of closures of
meterological outstation observing offices at civil airports; when he expects this to be complete; and what arrangements are being
made to continue the provision of the information which these offices previously provided to their internal and external customers.
[146644]
Dr. Moonie: This is a matter for the chief executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the chief executive to write to the
hon. Member. Letter from Peter Ewins to Mr. David Atkinson, dated 26 January 2001:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the closure of meteorological outstation observing
offices at civil airports. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Met Office.
The Met Office has been pursuing a policy of increasing automation of observing for a number of years now. We are currently
conducting trials to assess the feasibility of extending the automation process into areas where, up to now, manual observations
have been the only means of meeting our operational requirements. The trials are due to finish in April this year. Subject to a
successful outcome we will, over the following twelve months, withdraw our observing staff from eleven of our observing sites
throughout the UK, three of which are located at civil airports, namely Tiree, Stornoway and Kirkwall. In addition, we have recently
withdrawn our observers from Bournemouth airport following the installation of automatic observing equipment. The functionality of
this equipment, however, is not as high as that in prospect at Tiree, Stornoway and Kirkwall since some of the data we need
continues to be collected manually. However, following a network review, we found that this could be done more cost-effectively from
our nearby observing sites at Yeovilton and Lee-on-Solent, rather than from Bournemouth.
It is important to note that observations will continue from all the affected sites, with the exception of Hemsby in Norfolk, where
our network review has shown that the observations we need can be collected more cost-effectively from a neighbouring site, without
compromising data coverage. Moreover the technical developments required to enable and support our programme of automation will also
allow us to exploit other existing locations from where automated data may be gathered much more frequently at little extra cost,
further improving the observations network and raising service quality. The loss of manual observations will not, therefore,
compromise the availability or quality of our forecasts. On the contrary, ultimately we believe our plans will further improve
forecasting accuracy.
At civil airports, manual observations are also carried out for the provision of Aerodrome Meteorological Reports (METARs). METARs
are necessary for airport operations and it is important to note that responsibility for producing them rests entirely with the
airport operator not the Met Office. Prior to the automation of our site at Bournemouth, the airport operator, Bournemouth
International Airport (BIA), Limited, fulfilled this responsibility by asking our observers to make the observations in return for
providing us with accommodation free of charge. Since the handover of observing services at Bournemouth, BIA's own Air Traffic
Control (ATC) staff have been making the observations. Our observers are also currently carrying out the necessary observations at
Tiree, Stornoway and Kirkwall on behalf of the Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL). We are working with HIAL to help them
ensure that their staff are suitably prepared in terms of both training and equipment to enable them to take over the observing
task. This is not a new arrangement. Observations are already carried out by ATC staff for the provision of METARs at many other
civil airports throughout the UK.
We will continue to keep our own requirements under constant review and look for further opportunities for automation in order to
ensure that the observations network is being run in the most cost-effective manner possible, without compromise to quality.
Subjects
Closures; Airports; Weather; Met Office; Meteorology
Date
26 January 2001
Reference
146644; 361 c725-6W;361 c727-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what representations he has received on the impact of recent severe weather conditions on potato and sugar beet crops. - Inc dates.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what representations he has received on the impact of recent severe weather conditions on potato and sugar beet crops. - Inc dates.
Asked by
Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
(Conservative)
Answered by
Baroness Quin
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 January 2001
For answer on
24 January 2001
Answered on
24 January 2001
Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the impact of recent
severe weather conditions on potato and sugar beet crops. [146234]
Ms Quin: There have been a small number of representations specifically addressing the impact of the recent severe weather on potato
crops although none specifically in relation to sugar beet. The National Farmers Union has also made representations about these
crops where they are on land which is to be set aside under the Arable Area Payments Scheme in 2001. Under EU rules, these crops
have to be harvested by 15 January to allow the land to be set aside. However, as the bad weather has seriously delayed the harvest,
my right hon. Friend the Minister wrote to Commissioner Fischler. As a result, the Commission has made a regulation which, where the
adverse weather has prevented an earlier harvest, permits any crop to be harvested up to 28 February and potatoes and sugar beet to
be harvested up to 31 March on land which is to be set aside in 2001. As required by the EU regulation, any farmer who wishes to
take advantage of this should contact his/her MAFF Regional Service Centre.
Subjects
Crops; Agriculture; EU law; Land use; EU action; Potatoes; Weather; Common agricultural policy; Set-aside schemes; Sugar beet; Arable area payments scheme; Vegetables
Date
24 January 2001
Reference
361 c595W;361 c597W; 146234
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to include in the standard spending allowance an additional dedicated sum for gritting and treatment to roads and paths.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to include in the standard spending allowance an additional dedicated sum for gritting and treatment to roads and paths.
Asked by
Lord Fearn
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Baroness Hughes of Stretford
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 January 2001
For answer on
16 January 2001
Answered on
16 January 2001
Mr. Fearn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to include in the standard
spending allowance an additional dedicated sum for gritting and treatment to roads and paths. [144913]
Ms Beverley Hughes: There is already a `winter maintenance' element within the existing Highway Maintenance Standard Spending
Assessment (SSA) calculation. Since SSAs are not ring-fenced Sefton may choose to spend more or less on winter maintenance depending
on local decisions on priorities. We have no plans to add any additional element or to ring fence the existing amount.
Subjects
Weather; Safety; Roads; Repairs and maintenance; Standard spending assessments
Date
16 January 2001
Reference
361 c191W; 144913
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what action he proposes to take following the judgement of the House of Lords in the case of Goodes v East Sussex; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what action he proposes to take following the judgement of the House of Lords in the case of Goodes v East Sussex; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Andrew Dismore
(Labour)
Answered by
Keith Hill
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 January 2001
For answer on
15 January 2001
Answered on
15 January 2001
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take following
the judgment of the House of Lords in the case of Goodes v. East Sussex; and if he will make a statement. [145719]
Mr. Hill: The judgment was that there was no duty on local highway authorities under the Highways Act 1980 to remove ice from
highways. Nevertheless, we expect authorities to continue to salt their roads in icy conditions in accordance with their Code of
Good Practice on Highway Maintenance, which has been in place since 1989. All our soundings with local highway authorities have
confirmed that it is their intention to maintain existing practices.
We have instructed the Highways Agency to continue its usual practice of keeping motorways and trunk roads free of ice and snow.
Road users should follow the advice in the Highway Code that they should drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy.
Subjects
Local government; Weather; Safety; Roads; Repairs and maintenance; Salt; Snow and ice
Date
15 January 2001
Reference
361 c18-9W; 145719
House
House of Commons
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the contribution of influenza and related conditions to the (a) 1998-99 and (b) 1999-2000 excess winter deaths for each region in England and for Wales. - Refs to 356 c269-71W and 351 c248-9W. (Holding answer 13 December...
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the contribution of influenza and related conditions to the (a) 1998-99 and (b) 1999-2000 excess winter deaths for each region in England and for Wales. - Refs to 356 c269-71W and 351 c248-9W. (Holding answer 13 December...
Asked by
Paul Burstow
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Melanie Johnson
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 December 2000
For answer on
8 January 2001
Answered on
8 January 2001
Mr. Burstow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the contribution of influenza and related
conditions to the (a) 1998-99 and (b) 1999-2000 excess winter deaths for each region in England and for Wales. [141560]
Miss Melanie Johnson: [holding answer 13 December 2000]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given to the hon. Member for
Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 8 November 2000, Official Report, columns 269-71W and to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby (Mr.
Mitchell) on 22 November 2000, Official Report, columns 248-49W.
Subjects
Death; Weather; Influenza; Mortality rates
Date
8 January 2001
Reference
360 c460W; 141560
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what contigency plans have been made since October by each ambulance trust to ensure that attendance times are maintained. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what contigency plans have been made since October by each ambulance trust to ensure that attendance times are maintained. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Paul Burstow
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 December 2000
For answer on
15 December 2000
Answered on
15 December 2000
Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contingency plans have been made since October by each ambulance trust to
ensure that attendance times are maintained. [142886]
Ms Stuart: National Health Service ambulance trusts have a good track record of managing winter pressures and assessment of NHS
ambulance trusts' winter plans demonstrates that they are well prepared for the winter and have effective escalation and contingency
plans in place.
We have set national ambulance response time targets for the ambulance service in England. By 31 March 2001, conditions which may be
immediately life-threatening should be responded to within eight minutes irrespective of location in 75 per cent. of cases. Four NHS
ambulance trusts are already meeting the 75 per cent. target and most NHS ambulance trusts are expected to reach the target early
next year. We have invested an extra £21 million in NHS ambulance trusts in England in 2000-01 to help them to continue making
progress on their response times. This money has been invested in extra vehicles and extra front line staff. Evidence suggests that
in achieving the 75 per cent. target, 1,800 lives each year will be saved in people under 75 years of age suffering acute heart
attacks.
Subjects
Ambulance services; Planning; NHS trusts; Weather; Standards
Date
15 December 2000
Reference
359 c302W;359 c300W; 142886
House
House of Commons