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That this House notes that Birmingham - city of Tolkien and Sir Simon Rattle, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and UB40 - is and always has been a great city of culture; and believes that it should be recognised as such when the UK's first official City of Culture is announced later this year.
That this House notes that Birmingham - city of Tolkien and Sir Simon Rattle, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and UB40 - is and always has been a great city of culture; and believes that it should be recognised as such when the UK's first official City of Culture is announced...
Primary sponsor
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Type
Early day motions
Subjects
Cultural heritage; Arts
Date
24 March 2010
Reference
1182
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the effect on revenues of grass-roots cricket clubs of the inclusion of the Ashes in the list of group A and B sporting events to be covered on terrestrial television.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the effect on revenues of grass-roots cricket clubs of the inclusion of the Ashes in the list of group A and B sporting events to be covered on terrestrial television.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Ben Bradshaw
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2010
For answer on
4 March 2010
Answered on
9 March 2010
Any decision about which sporting events should be listed will take account of the possible impact on the finance of sporting bodies, including grassroots community sports, and on affected broadcasters.I will consider this matter fully in light of all the material and views that will be generated by the consultation process which ends on 19 March.
Subjects
Finance; Cricket
Date
9 March 2010
Reference
507 c174W; 320950
House
House of Commons
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the effects on the economy of global food prices.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the effects on the economy of global food prices.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
7 July 2008
For answer on
10 July 2008
Answered on
10 July 2008
Treasury Ministers and officials hold a wide range of discussions with international counterparts. The Treasury published analysis of the recent increases in energy and agricultural prices on 12 June, and the Government are working to deal with both the short and long-term issues relating to global food prices. For example, the June European Council agreed that it is important to continue to improve the market orientation of agriculture and thus enable EU farmers to respond better to market signals, while the Government continue to work for a balanced WTO deal.
Subjects
Food; Prices
Date
10 July 2008
Reference
478 c1781W; 217468
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what reports he has received on the operation of the single judge model at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what reports he has received on the operation of the single judge model at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 June 2008
For answer on
10 June 2008
Answered on
10 June 2008
The qualitative evaluation of the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre published in October 2007 found strong judicial case management has improved efficient court operation.In addition to the project at North Liverpool, and the Community Justice Initiative at Salford, community justice has now been extended to eleven further areas around the country. The problem solving approach with judicial continuity in case handling has great potential to tackle the causes of crime and reduce re-offending by those subject to its rigours.
Subjects
Community justice centres
Date
10 June 2008
Reference
477 c222W; 209565
House
House of Commons
Will the Chancellor consider liberalising the regulation of non-standard forms of consumer credit? In the current climate, it is impossible for low-income families to secure mainstream consumer credit. We do not want them to go to loan sharks or dodgy credit providers, but the current regulatory framework makes it difficult for non-standard providers to offer consumer credit to families.
Will the Chancellor consider liberalising the regulation of non-standard forms of consumer credit? In the current climate, it is impossible for low-income families to secure mainstream consumer credit. We do not want them to go to loan sharks or dodgy credit providers, but the current regulatory framework makes it difficult for non-standard providers to offer consumer credit to families.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Topical questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
5 June 2008
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. He will have heard in earlier exchanges this morning about the important role that institutions such as credit unions can provide in, I hope, one day crowding out the legal but extortionate credit providers. Obviously loan sharks operate in the illegal sphere. My colleagues in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform have already made significant progress in tightening up the regulations in that area. If there are other issues that my hon. Friend feels that we should look into, I should be happy to discuss them with him personally.
Subjects
Consumers; Credit; Low incomes; Protection; Loans; Regulation
Date
5 June 2008
Reference
476 c918-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on support for credit unions.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on support for credit unions.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Ussher
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 June 2008
For answer on
5 June 2008
Answered on
5 June 2008
Support for credit unions continues to be at the heart of the Government's financial inclusion strategy. The Government will invest £80 million over five years (2006-11) in a growth fund for credit unions and other not-for-profit lenders. More than 100 lenders have already been supported, and more than 70,000 affordable loans made to financially excluded clients since 2006. More recently we have been looking at ways of updating credit union legislation to remove impediments to their growth and development.
Subjects
Credit unions
Date
5 June 2008
Reference
476 c1079W; 208611
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the number of consumers of working age experiencing difficulties gaining access to consumer credit, excluding mortgages, from mainstream providers as a result of the state of the credit market.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the number of consumers of working age experiencing difficulties gaining access to consumer credit, excluding mortgages, from mainstream providers as a result of the state of the credit market.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Gareth Thomas
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answering body
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 May 2008
For answer on
19 May 2008
Answered on
3 June 2008
We do not have specific statistics relating to estimates of working age consumers experiencing consumer credit difficulties.However, the Bank of England report total debt write-off for 2007 of £6,807 million, a small increase on 2006 (£6,749 million). In the last quarter of 2007 (latest data available), a total of £1,616 million debt was written off compared to £1,986 million in quarter 4 2006.We remain very concerned to help those suffering from debt problems. In the last spending period, over £50 million was spent on face-to-face debt advice, for those experiencing difficulties with consumer credit, by BERR and MOJ. This will increase to £90 million in the period April 2005 to March 2011. Help is aimed at the financially excluded, of whatever age, and so far around 120,000 over-indebted clients have been helped, up until the end of March. BERR and MOJ will also support the National Debtline this year with grants of £1.75 million.
Subjects
Consumers; Credit
Date
3 June 2008
Reference
476 c813W;476 c813W; 206699
House
House of Commons
Do people want the right to see their doctors in the evenings and at weekends, or are the Tories right to scrap that right to choice and turn the clock back?
Do people want the right to see their doctors in the evenings and at weekends, or are the Tories right to scrap that right to choice and turn the clock back?
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
7 May 2008
The vast majority of British people want more access to their GPs in the evenings and at weekends, and the vast majority of British people welcome the vote by the British Medical Association to give an extra three hours of medical services either on an evening or at the weekend in half the areas of the United Kingdom. I am pleased that that service is now starting. That is why it is surprising that the Conservative health spokesman said in Pulse magazine on 29 April that he wants to restore to GPs the power to make that decision, and presumably also the power to block the extension of primary care to new providers. I do not believe that the Conservative party is acting in the interests of the national health service, and that is the tradition of the Conservative party.
Subjects
General practitioners; Working hours
Date
7 May 2008
Reference
475 c702
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's policy is on blogging by prisoners.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what his Department's policy is on blogging by prisoners.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 April 2008
For answer on
7 May 2008
Answered on
7 May 2008
There is no policy on prisoners contributing to blogs. Prisoners do not have direct access to the internet, other than under controlled circumstances or for specific educational purposes, which is via controlled connectivity to secure NOMS accredited sites. NOMS policy on prisoner communications does, however, set out restrictions on material that prisoners may send if it is intended for publication.
Subjects
Internet; Prisoners; Prisons
Date
7 May 2008
Reference
475 c985-6W; 203938
House
House of Commons
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 May.
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 May.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Gordon Brown
(Labour)
Answering body
Prime Minister
Prime Minister's questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 April 2008
For answer on
7 May 2008
Answered on
7 May 2008
Before I list my engagements, I am sure the whole House will wish to join me in sending our profound condolences to the family and friends of Trooper Ratu Sakeasi Babakobau of the Household Cavalry Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday. We owe him and all others who have lost their lives a great debt of gratitude.
This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House, I shall have further meetings later today.
Notes
Question not printed.
Subjects
Prime Minister; Official engagements
Date
7 May 2008
Reference
475 c702; 203746
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has made to the government of Egypt on the trafficking of people and weapons into Gaza from Egypt via under-border tunnels.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has made to the government of Egypt on the trafficking of people and weapons into Gaza from Egypt via under-border tunnels.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 April 2008
For answer on
22 April 2008
Answered on
28 April 2008
Arms and people smuggling into Gaza remain a great concern. The Quadrilateral Committee, which consists of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and the US, has been working closely to address the issue of smuggling and border control. The EU commends and supports efforts by the Government of Egypt to contribute in finding a peaceful and orderly solution. Our embassy in Cairo regularly meet with Egyptian interlocutors to discuss various issues, including the situation in Gaza.
Subjects
Weapons; Smuggling; Egypt; Gaza; People smuggling
Date
28 April 2008
Reference
475 c18-9W; 200350
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the recent increase in rocket attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad on the security situation in Israel; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the recent increase in rocket attacks by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad on the security situation in Israel; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 April 2008
For answer on
22 April 2008
Answered on
28 April 2008
The UK is deeply concerned by rocket attacks from Gaza against Israeli citizens. The launching of rockets against Israeli civilian targets and all forms of violence must stop. Violence serves only to undermine the prospects for peace and security in the region.The Government continue to call on all Palestinian factions to stop attacks, including rocket attacks, which target civilians and only escalate an already tense situation. At the same time, Israel must ensure its actions are in accordance with international law. It is important for both sides to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from the use of force.My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has regular discussions on the security situation in Gaza including most recently with Israeli Defence Minister Barak and with Israeli Foreign Minister Livni on 17 April. Our embassy in Tel Aviv and our consulate in Jerusalem regularly meet with Israeli and Palestinian interlocutors to discuss various issues, including the situation in Gaza.
Subjects
Armed conflict; Middle East
Date
28 April 2008
Reference
475 c19-20W; 200352
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the use of longer-range Katyusha rockets in attacks on Israel on the political situation in that country; and what representations he has received on options for the prevention of the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of the use of longer-range Katyusha rockets in attacks on Israel on the political situation in that country; and what representations he has received on options for the prevention of the...
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 April 2008
For answer on
22 April 2008
Answered on
28 April 2008
In recent months Katyusha rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip at Israel. These rockets have a longer range, which brings more Israeli towns, citizens and infrastructure facilities within striking distance. The Government continue to call on all Palestinian factions in Gaza to stop attacks, including rocket attacks. They aim to target civilians and to undermine the Annapolis process and escalate an already tense situation.At the same time, Israel must ensure its actions are in accordance with international law. It is important that all parties find a way to restore calm for the sake of the populations on both sides.
Subjects
Armed conflict; Middle East
Date
28 April 2008
Reference
200351; 475 c19W
House
House of Commons
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his answer and I am glad that everything is going so well with adult non-custodial sentences, but when I visited the Erdington youth offending service team last week I was struck by the wide variety of strategies and programmes existing under the overall umbrella of non-custodial sentences. Will the Secretary of State tell us a little about how the Department assesses programmes, and how it decides what works and what does not? It is important to be able to explain that to people. Perhaps the Secretary of State would like to meet me for a little chat about it.
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his answer and I am glad that everything is going so well with adult non-custodial sentences, but when I visited the Erdington youth offending service team last week I was struck by the wide variety of strategies and programmes existing under the overall umbrella of non-custodial sentences. Will the Secretary of State tell us a little about how the Department assesses programmes, and how it decides what works and what does not? It is important to be able to explain that to people. Perhaps the Secretary of State would like to meet me for a little chat about it.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
11 March 2008
Yes to the little chat, or even a long chat.
It is fundamental to the effectiveness of and public confidence in community sentences, whether they are imposed on juveniles or adults, that they work and are rigorously assessed. My Department and the Home Office spend a considerable amount of public money on research and statistics to ensure that that happens. The new chair of the Youth Justice Board—[Interruption.] She is a woman, which is why I am not calling her the chairman. She is well aware of the importance of ensuring the effectiveness of community sentences.
Subjects
Sentencing; Young offenders; Community orders; Reoffenders
Date
11 March 2008
Reference
473 c136
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of non-custodial community sentences in preventing reoffending.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of non-custodial community sentences in preventing reoffending.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 March 2008
For answer on
11 March 2008
Answered on
11 March 2008
Not all the data that I am about to give can be explained by the sentences imposed. That said, the latest available data for the 2004 cohort of adult offenders show that reoffending by those serving community sentences decreased by 6.7 per cent. between 2000 and 2004. Among the 2004 cohort of offenders the proven rate of adult reoffending within two years of custodial sentences was 64.7 per cent., compared to 50.5 per cent. in the case of community sentences.
Subjects
Sentencing; Reoffenders; Community orders
Date
11 March 2008
Reference
473 c135; 192759
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research his Department has commissioned on the effects of non-ionising radiation on health.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research his Department has commissioned on the effects of non-ionising radiation on health.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Baroness Primarolo
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Health
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
31 January 2008
For answer on
4 February 2008
Answered on
6 February 2008
The Department has commissioned, either directly or through the Health Protection Agency, research on the effects of non-ionising radiation in the following areas:"exposure to radiofrequency fields including mobile telephones, terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) and WiFi;""studies to examine the potential cellular and behavioural effects of radio frequency fields;""measurement of exposures to power frequency fields for population studies of the health effects of power frequency exposures including the United Kingdom childhood cancer study and UK adult brain tumour study;""laboratory studies of the effects of power frequency fields on cells;""development of realistic three dimensional (voxel) models for male, female, and pregnant female, to allow assessment of exposures from electromagnetic field sources at various frequencies;""real-time measurement of ambient levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the UK;""studies to examine the effects of different frequencies of UV light on melanocytes and melanoma cells;""measurement of the protection afforded by clothing, shade structures, and UV protective gloves;""assessment of emissions and safety of products such as lasers, compact fluorescent light bulbs, projects for interactive whiteboards and other consumer products;""the Department's Radiation Protection Research (RPR) programme includes both ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation research at power frequencies and intermediate frequencies. Information on the current RPR programme research strategy and research projects can be found on the Department's website at:""www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_082096;""the independently managed Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) programme, jointly funded by Government and industry, was set up in 2001 in response to a recommendation in the Stewart report (the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (www.iegmp.org.uk). MTHR has supported a number of studies into the possible health effects of radiofrequency technology relating both to base stations and hand-held mobile telephones. The MTHR programme published its first report in September 2007 www.mthr.org.uk. None of the 23 individual studies funded under this programme to date demonstrates that biological or adverse health effects are produced by radiofrequency exposure from mobile phones or base stations; and""the Department additionally has provided an annual contribution to the World Health Organisation International (WHO) Electromagnetic Fields Project since its inception in 1996. Information on this project can be found on the WHO website at:""www.who.int/peh-emf/project/en/"
Subjects
Health hazards; Non-ionizing radiation
Date
6 February 2008
Reference
471 c1263-4W;471 c1259-60W; 184892
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether there are plans to increase the numbers of community justice courts across the country.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether there are plans to increase the numbers of community justice courts across the country.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 January 2008
For answer on
29 January 2008
Answered on
29 January 2008
The Government want to work towards making community justice the way in which local justice is provided in all our courts. Therefore, we have set up 13 community justice courts across England and Wales, one of which is in Birmingham, with a view to test the concept fully. The problem solving approach to tackling the causes of offending has shown promise in boosting community confidence in the Criminal Justice System and reducing re-offending.We are taking the lessons learned from these projects and will be working during 2008 to help the magistrates courts improve engagement and involvement with the communities they serve.
Subjects
Community justice centres
Date
29 January 2008
Reference
471 c294W; 182490
House
House of Commons
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the Leitch report and on the skills base in the UK economy.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the Leitch report and on the skills base in the UK economy.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Angela Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Treasury
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 January 2008
For answer on
24 January 2008
Answered on
24 January 2008
Discussions about the Leitch report and the importance of skills to economic growth are held at ministerial and official level on a regular basis.Investing in education and skills is vital to ensuring our continued success in today's global economy.That is why the Government are increasing their investment in improving education and the skills. UK education spending as proportion of GDP projected to increase from 4.7 per cent. in 1996-97 to 5.6 per cent. by 2010-11. Expenditure on higher education and adult skills in England will grow by over £2 billion over the next three years.
Subjects
Training
Date
24 January 2008
Reference
470 c2130W; 181426
House
House of Commons
How could such a definition be used to help combat the growth, such as it is, of extremism on university campuses, where surely, of all places, intolerance of any kind, particularly intellectual intolerance, should not be allowed to flourish?
How could such a definition be used to help combat the growth, such as it is, of extremism on university campuses, where surely, of all places, intolerance of any kind, particularly intellectual intolerance, should not be allowed to flourish?
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
10 January 2008
I very much agree with the thrust of my hon. Friend's question. I recently gave a major lecture on the importance of academic freedom; I argued that within such freedom lies one of the most powerful means at our disposal to refute violent extremist views on campus and promote a cohesive community. I strongly believe that academics must use the tools of their trade to expose the faulty logic and flawed arguments of those in favour of violent, extremist solutions.
Subjects
Universities; Academic freedom; Radicalism; Higher education
Date
10 January 2008
Reference
470 c502
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What definition of academic freedom his Department uses; and if he will make a statement.
What definition of academic freedom his Department uses; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Sion Simon
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
7 January 2008
For answer on
10 January 2008
Answered on
10 January 2008
Academic freedom is a fundamental principle of our higher education system. It is vital that academic staff have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and voice controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy. A definition of academic freedom setting out this principle is included in the model articles of government for higher education institutions. We expect all institutions to include such a provision, protecting academic freedom, in their governing documents.
Subjects
Higher education; Academic freedom
Date
10 January 2008
Reference
470 c502; 177247
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons