Speeches by Baker.

“The structures which are in place are fairly new because they were reviewed in 2022. In terms of your experience thus far, do you think they are the right ones to effectively help that reset of relations that we have talked about, certainly with the devolved Administrations? I know it is something which you have talked…”

“With GB Energy headquartered in Scotland and the Methil yard in my constituency—a fantastic facility to build the renewables infrastructure we will need—how is my right hon. Friend ensuring collaboration across Government and with the Scottish Government, to deliver the mission for growth through investment in renewabl…”

“9. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to implement the Government’s five missions.”

“Clearly, there is a huge investment in, for example, the UK Statistics Authority and improving availability of data. To realise the full value of that, I imagine it is important for that remaining 30% investment required in addressing the remediation and the legacy data issues you mentioned. Are plans in place to compl…”

“The Government have big plans around data and a National Data Library is being proposed. Our predecessor committee recommended the Government should take a joined-up approach to our public evidence base within government, and the Lievesley Review said there were, “Systemic and cultural barriers to responsible data shar…”

“It was worth a go, Chair.”

“Okay, fair enough.”

“What advice would you give them in making that kind of structural change?”

“As you say, it was not only Lord Maude who came forward with these recommendations. The IfG found that institutions like the Cabinet Office are bloated, unfocused and poorly co-ordinated, while No. 10 is underpowered, yet overly involved in operational details. It suggested structural change as well but you are pushing…”

“Lord Maude has made specific recommendations along these lines in his Independent Review of Governance and Accountability in the Civil Service, which was published last year. In terms of the accountability of Departments around spending, he suggested the creation of an Office of Budget and Management to integrate cross…”

“I have a couple of questions related to some points that you have just been making. I am interested to hear about the business planning process, because you have previously suggested that the Cabinet Office should attempt to exert less control over the Department than has been the case and focus only on those things th…”

“Does the Prime Minister share my concern at a report by Audit Scotland, which has found that the Scottish Government have no clear plan for the NHS in Scotland? As a Scottish Labour MP, I am delighted that this Government are providing £4.9 billion extra for public services in Scotland. Is it not time for SNP Ministers…”

“You mentioned the importance of sharing data standards across Departments, and presumably trying as best as possible to ensure the alignment of data systems as well. I imagine that is a huge task within government, as well as for public bodies and devolved Administrations, and our predecessor committee identified some …”

“Does my hon. Friend agree that it is unacceptable that only 7% of people with a disability in our country are in paid employment when so many more want to work? Does she also agree that it is vital that, as the Government look to get more people into work, we have equal opportunities and equal access to the workplace f…”

“I associate myself with the tributes to Lord Prescott. As a sponsor of the Aviation (Accessibility) Bill, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Daniel Francis), I welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement of the new expert group to break down the barriers to air travel that are still…”

“2. What steps she is taking to improve the accessibility of aviation for disabled people.”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Huq. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova) not only on securing this debate on such an important topic, but on her skill and commitment in leading the all-party parliamentary group on eye health and visual impairment. The APPG is su…”

“The hon. Member has rightly mentioned the importance of Access to Work and how it can make a real difference in supporting disabled people, including blind and partially sighted people, to secure and retain employment. One of the challenges is ensuring that there is enough provision and that enough employers are aware …”

“18. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dentists.”

“Does the Minister agree that it is unacceptable that more than 40,000 people in Fife are not registered with an NHS dentist? Will he share any learning from this Government’s action to increase access to dentistry with his colleagues in the Scottish Government, and urge them to fulfil their responsibilities so that peo…”